It's clear the GOP did lose the base. Even if they did vote they split. There were several gay marriage amendment bans on the ballot that won big like here in Tennessee but it didn't help the GOP. Corker didn't get all those votes.
In 2004 and 2002 those cultural issued pushed the GOP over the top. Not this election. People of both parties and so-called independents just can't focus long term any longer and have become tired and just wanted "change" regardless of what that meant.
It looks like we are in for a complete flip in the House from 232-203 GOP to the same numbers with the Dems in charge. And I'm pretty sure the Dems won't treat the minority as well as the GOP did (to their detriment I might add - the GOP should have treated them like they got treated for 40 years; like crap).
It does look like Iraq is going to be the "conventional wisdom" for why the GOP lost. I hope Bush doesn't read that as a reason to change for change sakes and do things not in our interest. But frankly, I've thought he lost interest in really winning the war on terror for months now since we don't slap down Syria and Iran and pulled Israel back against Hezzbollah.
Twelve years and the GOP blew what it took the Dems to blow in 40 years. Sad. So much to accomplish.
I also think this was a sign when a lot of GOP members were afraid to touch Social Security when Bush tried to make it an issue. But he also failed because he didn't lead and just waited on Congress to move on the issue. Rove was wrong on that one.
It's going to an interesting two years.
And that is the problem. Bush has led us militarily, but he has not led domestically, leaving it to the congress to get things done, something that it is incapable of doing no matter who is running the show. The only time congress accomplishing anything is when there is a president twisting arms in the backroom, and imposing his will. This is why LBJ was able to get things done.
"I also think this was a sign when a lot of GOP members were afraid to touch Social Security when Bush tried to make it an issue."
The beating we took over Social Security reform should have told us all what was coming.
Rhetoric matters far more than substance when you're dealing with a Media society, and the vast majority of them are not on your side.
There was no single idea, no "Slogan" that we could get behind, tell our friends about, and push forward in a way that the sheeple would understand.
Instead, we were ALWAYS on the Defensive, as the Lib/Dems, Communists, and thier willing allies in the media, pushed slgan and lie, after slogan and lie down our throats...