There is every reason to believe that despite its “shellacking,” as President Obama called it, the Democratic Party will recover from its 2010 Elections debacle. Historically, the pendulum has continued to swing back and forth between our major political parties and their control of the government. That being said, Democrats do not appear to be in recovery mode yet.
Nancy Pelosi certainly has some strengths as far as Democrats are concerned. As a liberal, her political outlook is quite attractive to the Democratic base, especially in her home district, which includes San Francisco. As the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives, her personal story resonates with some Democrats. She has been good in the House at counting votes and pursuing her agenda. And she has been an able fundraiser for her party. However, her decision to fight to hold onto power over Dems in the House after the voters have rebelled against her Democratic agenda doesn’t seem to be doing her party any favors. Critics would say congressional Democrats need a different agenda; supporters would say they at least need a different spin on it. Pelosi’s continued grasp of power sends the message that neither seems likely.
Meanwhile, in the Senate, Republicans are making noise about spending their (our) money more wisely. An end to pork barrel politics is what they are demanding. A “curtailment of earmarks” might sound more politically correct. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has decided to try and sell the public on the idea that some earmarks represent “responsible” spending. Maybe some of them do, but it will take a skillful communicator (or a willing media) to convince the public of that. Is Reid the man to make this argument?
What are moderate Democrats and independents to do?
Republicans have a suggestion.