Absolutely, right to the point. I know many folk who could not stomach some of the Republican candidates in 2006, but none of whom were focused on teaching anyone a lesson. When you do not vote for someone who is not palatable, or actively work against someone who is not palatable, your primary purpose is serving your conscience. Your one vote is hardly seen as a teaching tool.
I realize that some career politicos see everything through very subjective eyes, and do not understand those who vote principle over job seeking. Yet, if they would look a bit closer, they might actually draw some more realistic conclusions. But that would be self-education!
Cheers!
Bill Flax
Perhaps I chose the title poorly. Whether it's "teaching the GOP" or "what the GOP learned" the intent is to figure out what the intentional or unintentional lessons learned are.
I think you're right about introspection, and that they will do it....except....that being creatures of incumbency...all they want to do is get reelected.....even the bright-eyed "Mr Smith goes to Washington types" have to contend with getting enough votes to get there and stay there.
And by that measure, what they are learning is that the Iraq war, social security, border security and tort reform are all high voltage do-not-touch issues.