[cgk]

Charen ping!

Please FReepmail me if you would like to be added to, or removed from, the Mona Charen ping list...

[HotTubDave]

Mona is the mom hottie who knows all and speaks it!!

Jefferson is done, even many rank and file Democraps hate his guts.

[1234]

"...When Foley, a champion of protecting kids from Internet porn, was revealed as an instant-messaging degenerate, and it was bruited that members of the leadership had known of his proclivities and remained silent, the corruption needle headed into red territory.

@ the time of the foley outrage, i remember postin: DOWN W/HASTERT, as a critical indicator to the voters, that republicans 'care' 'bout corruption; i believe and agree w/Mona, that this foley 'thing' was a BIG DEAL!

[JCEccles]

Excellent analysis. Take away the scandals and the Republicans might have added to their numbers in Congress--despite Iraq and having championed some unpopular (to conservatives) legislation.

This was a one-off win for the Democrats. They barely managed to pull off an ordinary sixth-year change in seats by running self-professed conservatives in competetive seats.

[benjaminjjones]

Good read, thanks. I'm a Charen fan, but corruption had zero affect on my vote. That some politicians are corrupt is a given, on both sides of the aisle. I wonder how the percentage of corrupt politicians compares to the general populace.

I'm one of those "ninety two percenter", War on Terror voters. Keeping enemies from killing us is a lot more important than some corruption. If you're taking the long dirt nap, you're not going to be worrying about corruption, DOH!

I also wonder what the concession was on the interpretation of sKerry's loss. I thought Swift Boaters played a hugh part.

[moonhawk]

A big part of this problem is the media's incessant harping on Republicans' moral shortcomings, while sweeping those of the Dems under the rug.

Perception is everything, and the Dems have powerful allies in the media to create a one-sided picture.

If we want to have an image of higher standards, we need to live up to those standards, including policing our own, because any shortcomings on our side will be trumpeted to the heavens.

I guess, also, that nobody really EXPECTS the
Dems to live up to high standards of ethics or morality.

[goldstategop]

Its The Corruption, Stupid! And I will no more tolerate it from Republicans than I will from Democrats.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus

[blitzgig]

The Republican leaders were so stupid on this issue. They couldn't even agree to pass earmark reform, even with the shadow of Jack Abramoff looming over them. Failing to tackle the roots of corruption in the middle of a scandal-ridden political environment was an inexcusable blunder. It just added to their image as out of touch and obsessed with congressional perks.

[FastCoyote]

There was a legitimate Democrat scandal - Harry Reid. I know, I was providing some of the background material. But it got buried. Big coverup. But also more stupidity by Republicans, I was never once contacted by Repubs. The Dems would have run to victory with the same material.