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For Democrats, it seems, the bad news just keeps on coming:

Item 1) New Year celebrations went peaceful -- no terrorist attack on U.S. soil, depriving Dems of grist for the 'Bush-Isn't-Doing-Enough-ON-Homeland-Defense' mill. The newsies were, till 12:01 New Year's morning, almost giddy over prospects a group of as many as 19 Muslim extremists, who reportedly entered the country illegally through Canada, were poised to strike on New Year's day, handing Democrats a major issue.

Item 2) Tom Daschle has decided, and it's a go -- he's running for president. "Daschle," writes Adam Nagourney in this morning's New York Times, "has told associates that he is likely to run for president in 2004 and will create a presidential exploratory committee sometime this month." This, according to "Democrats close to Mr. Daschle."

Daschle, for those who might not be familiar with the name, is the outgoing Democrat Senate "Majority" Leader who led his party to overwhelming defeat in November's midterm elections, costing the Bush-haters control of the Senate. That, if my history is correct, is a first for first midterm elections. Republicans, I assure you, are 'bring-it-on' chortling this New Year's Day.

You may not remember 20+ years ago when a completely unknown governor from a relatively insignificant Southern state threw his hat into the ring. The press said, "Jimmy who?" in response. No one took his candidacy seriously. But "Jimmy Who?" Carter was elected and showed the world what an idiot he truly is while trying to single-handedly destroy the country.

Then, in 1992, a completely unknown governor from a relatively insignificant Southern state threw his hat into the ring. For the first few months of the campaign it looked as if there were no way that he could win because he had such high negatives. No one took his candidacy seriously. But slick willie went on to win and then get re-elected.

Never underestimate someone with charisma and the backing of the press. Conservatives are only in office until they lose sight of what's important, which happens soon after they get in office, usually.