Dems Have Reason to Be Afraid, Very Afraid
Peter Wehner, Commentary
1. The outcome of the New Jersey governor's race and the magnitude of the victory by Bob McDonnell and other Virginia Republicans will have unusually far-reaching ramifications for an off-year election, including on the health-care debate. I have said before that while politicians follow polls carefully, they really follow election results carefully. And the results in New Jersey and Virginia will send a message to many Democrats: Obamaism in general "“ and ObamaCare in particular "“ can be hazardous to your political health. That is, I think, the…
Last Night’s Results Were Bad for Obama
John Dickerson, Slate
President Obama's message of change was so powerful in 2008 that voters held on to it for an extra year. In Virginia and New Jersey they dropped the incumbent Democratic Party and went with the Republican candidates. In New Jersey, voters said change was the quality that mattered most in their vote for governor, and those voters picked Chris Christie by a margin of more than two to one. (The closely watched special election in New York's 23rd congressional district, where independent Douglas Hoffman ran as an agent of change, was too close to call.)It was a good evening for…
WH Sees Little National Meaning in ’09 Results
Michael Shear, Wash Post
President Obama's top advisers closed ranks around their boss Wednesday, declaring themselves unconcerned by Tuesday night's Democratic losses as they attempted to insulate the president from any political damage to his reputation and his legislative agenda.White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that the president viewed the Republican victories in New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races as referenda on local issues that reflect little on his policies in Washington.”People went to the polls and voted on local issues not to either register support for or…
Judge the Person, Not the Resume
Michael Medved, USA Today
A weekly series explores the issues of faith that are shaping our world.In Washington today, politicians too often just stand their ground. Liberal strategist Bob Beckel and conservative columnist Cal Thomas provide a better model.An at-a-glance look at online conversations selected for the newspaper.Readers discuss their personal experiences.Readers share the impact Hurricane Katrina has had on their lives.What people are saying about the news of the week. Editorials, Debates | Columns | Letters Editorials,…
Last Night’s Big Lesson for Democrats
Markos Moulitsas, Daily Kos
There will be much number-crunching tomorrow, but preliminary numbers (at least in Virginia) show that GOP turnout remained the same as last year, but Democratic turnout collapsed. This is a base problem, and this is what Democrats better take from tonight:Tonight proved conclusively that we're not going to turn out just because you have a (D) next to your name, or because Obama tells us to. We'll turn out if we feel it's worth our time and effort to vote, and we'll work hard to make sure others turn out if you inspire us with bold and decisive action.The choice is yours….
