Reasons to be fearful: Democrats face triple whammy for elections

The London Times ^ | December 26, 2009 | Charlie Cook

[2ndDivisionVet]

One might expect Democrats to be euphoric during this holiday season. After recapturing control of Congress in 2006, and last year taking back the White House by electing America's first African-American president, Democrats are now on the verge of passing a historic health care reform law. But instead of celebrating, they are bitterly divided. Former Democratic Party chairman Howard Dean and liberal bloggers are urging the Senate to defeat the health care bill. Many are criticizing President Barack Obama for compromising too much, saying the proposal doesn't go far enough, while more moderate and conservative Democrats are petrified the bill and the President's agenda are too ambitious and will cost them re-election next year. Polls show that while a majority of Americans favour some form of health care reform, most oppose the current Democratic proposals.

The controversy over health care reform isn't the beginning or the end of the problems facing President Obama and Democrats who increasingly fear that in next November's midterm elections their 60-40 advantage in the Senate could be significantly diminished and they could lose outright control of the House of Representatives. In the last six weeks, four Democratic House members in swing districts have announced their retirements, putting their seats in grave danger. A fifth, newly-elected last year with $1,000,000 of party support, just announced he is changing parties, becoming a Republican. This honeymoon cruise with Barack Obama as President has hardly been smooth sailing.

While President Obama's overall poll numbers aren't good, they aren't terrible either. More ominous for Democrats is the beating their party in Congress has taken this year.(continued)

[MsLady]

Exactly, arrogance beyond belief.

[Cacique]

btt