The Tea Party made lots of noise and woke the neighbors, but precious few in-roads into the political system. True, Marc Rubio and Rand Paul were big winners but each benefited from some peculiar circumstances. Rubio won in a three way race punctuated by former spurned Repub Governor Crist’s independent bid along with a Democratic challenger who won just enough to split the vote of the rational and give Rubio the nod. Rand benefited from the strong conservative sentiment in Kentucky and what Mark Twain best described this way: “When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Kentucky because it’s always twenty years behind the times.”
Other Party guests did not fair so well — even in a time of popular disenchantment with government and a bad economy. Unpopular Senator Harry Reid survived a bid from Sharon Angle of “there is no separation of church and state” fame. First Amendment scholar, former Wiccan, and Angle devotee, Christine O’Donnell, sank against Chris Coons by 18 points. Even in far off Alaska, Palin-approved candidate Joe Miller looks to be a loser in a three way race to a write-in candidate and incumbent, Lisa Murkowski.
How did that poster child for The Movement and likely 2012 Presidential candidate, Sarah Plain, do with her endorsements? Well, that sprinkling of Alaskan tea resulted in 33 loses and 27 wins. Not exactly the “Golden Touch.” All in all, the Tea Party can claim some measure of victory, but the win is less than satisfying. After the Party’s hangover, the realization will set in that “winning” requires “fixing” else-wise the fickle electorate will turn you out like yesterday’s newspaper. And that, my revolutionary friends, is the hardest tea to swallow of all.
–Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger
Addiction Analyst What difference would it make now? The republicans have such an overwhelming majority in the house that progressive legislation would be blocked in that chamber in any case. The best we can hope for is a stand-off. At least insurance companies can no longer deny you coverage if you have a pre-existing condition. What we got in the last two years is it for the time being. It might be depressing but that’s reality.
AA, FF LEO,
So do I.
AA,
I agree.
The Tea Party didn’t do what they wanted because there is still some sanity left in our society, but if the dems don’t show some strength and be willing to tackle the right on their bid to take it all, 2012 will be even more depressing. It is time for the dems to demonstrate that they have the courage to demand action. It is time, NOW, to change the Senate rules so that a simple majority can pass legislation. Let’s see if it is even addressed. Otherwise, I am suspicious that someone above all of these politicians is giving the marching orders. Why wouldn’t you change those rules now?
Yes. Welcome back, Mike S. (Elaine M. said it as well as anyone could. Two hearts beating as one, in a sense… — the old and the new, to be clear.)
Gyges You did well in Colorado. The tea party candidates and Tancredo proved to be too extreme. My son is in Argentina for a few weeks but the fire was a block away from his house last Friday.
Mike,
Welcome back, you were missed.
Byron,
It’s the largest since 1948, when the Dems took 75 seats. It’s big, but still a good 10 seats smaller than the record.
I also think you should look at the votes on local and state referendums before crowing too loudly. I know in Colorado we soundly rejected all the forced austerity constitutional amendments.
People in the middle might be pissed at the Democratic party but that doesn’t mean they automatically become conservatives.
Mespo,
After many years of marriage I would guess that “Cougar Max” still feels this way about her guy Mike.
Byron:
“But spin it however you want if it will allow you to sleep at night.”
************************
Not really spin there, Byron. The Repubs remind me of the chihuahua who dung up the dinosaur bone. Now that you have your heart’s desire, just what are you going to do with it? You’re a minority party in the Senate. You don’t have the White House and your likely candidate, Sarah Palin, doesn’t bode well the next time that issue is in doubt. You’re saddled with foolish policies derived your most vocal arm, the Tea Partiers, and you are charged with fixing an economy created by the master of all screw-ups Geo. Bush. Revenues are down, you’re in the midst of a two front war gobbling up dollars and you’ve sold your soul to a group of folks who won’t even let you consider raising taxes on your buddies in industry to pay for it. You’ve set up a titanic class between the “Tea Party” gang of crazies and the “Tee Party” country clubbers who just want their pensions left alone and their bond portfolios to rise. In short, you’ve mortgaged the House to the hilt to buy it and are just hoping the Tea Partiers won’t come looking for payment. They will and it might be the biggest, baddest foreclosure in history given the gun-crazed, government-hating Frankenstein you’ve created.
“… I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you,….”
~Mary Shelley (“Frankenstein”)
Nighty-night.
Ms. EM,
As you know, good, decent, steady persons such as Mike Spindell rarely have a deep-seated/elemental *change of heart* regarding substantive life issues.
Mike, a special thanks to Max for giving us your progress updates since we all understood the pressure and stress she endured. Welcome Back!
Congratulations Mike S.
Dance like no one is watching.
(unless you’re really good at it)
Welcome back Mike. I (probably like most around here) had been thinking of you a lot recently. I haven’t posted on here too often recently so wasn’t sure how things were with you. Glad to hear your on the up.
Regarding the election results. A bit of bad and good for Obama as far as I can see.
Good because he didn’t take as big a hit as Clinton in 94, so you could say that there is a greaterconfidence in him.
Bad because the republican party is a different beastie than it was in 94. Then they were willing to seek compromise and work with Clinton to some extent. The past 2 years has shown that they no longer have any interest in being anything other than completely obstructive.
I remain convinced that Obama should have behaved more like Bush – he had a small majority both times (in fact he lost the first time, it was just that Gore threw in the towel) but ran the country like he had won by a landslide. Obama seemed to do pretty much the opposite. What do you guys think?
Mike S:
Great to hear from you! Now this really is an earthquake.
Mike S.,
“What does one do when given a new chance at living? In my case I hope to continue working for social justice and civil rights freedom.”
Evidently your new heart is much like your old one.
http://www.openleft.com/diary/20735/the-empire-struck-back-with-a-vengeance
Congratulations Mike; great to hear you’re taking the turn for the better. Whatever you choose to do with your new lease on life, just take it slow; you’ve earned the luxury.
I want to thank everyone for their warm thoughts kind words, especially Jonathan’s. I am indeed back having had the exceptional good fortune of receiving a heart transplant and therefore a second chance on a life that was spiraling downward physically. I am now home and hope to be posting again soon. Unfortunately there are some problems with my hands and so my typing is far below it;s usual nadir. This should recover shortly.
What does one do when given a new chance at living? In my case I hope to continue working for social justice and civil rights freedom.
Thank you all again, your responses bring tears to my eyes and warmth to my chest.
“winning requires fixing”
HUH? On what planet do you live? The Republican take over in ’94 did not mandate fixing, the complete control gained in ’00 not only did not lead to fixing – it led to destruction.
Expect more of the same as the Masters of Chaos line their pockets while the nations needs go unaddressed.
Mike S:
You have made my day.