(Via Charging
RINO) BullMoose ponders whether
2006 will be another 1994:
The events of the last couple of weeks are beginning to have
a ‘94 feel to them. The Moose has always been somewhat skeptical that the
Republicans could actually lose Congress. That doesn’t mean that there is
any guarantee that there is a wave building that will sweep the Democrats
into power. But, its getting close.
BullMoose goes on to draw some comparisons between 2006 and 1994 which are
interesting…but I think he’s being a bit pessimistic towards the GOP.
Yes, I would agree that there does seem to be a growing level of discomfort
towards the White House among the masses. However, I’m not sure that
necessarily translates to a loss of support for GOP’ers in Congress. After
all, consider that even Republicans will publicly disagree with the White
House on issues that ignite punditry and a rash of posts within the
blogosphere.
Also, the Democrats lack one thing that the GOP had in 1994 — a clear,
consistent message. The Contract With America, even if it didn’t amount to
much, was a powerful political tool. I don’t have much faith in Democrats
being able to converge on a common theme (other than the hate-Bush plank
that was oh-so-successful in 2004). Indeed, criticism by some on the left
for the right’s tendency to manage the Message of the Day, and keep members
in line with the MotD suggests that there isn’t enough desire to focus, and
work together to cross the hurdles of 6 net new Senate seats, and 15 net new
House seats.
As uncomfortable as I am with the current administration and the tone of the
GOP, I remind others to not underestimate the Democrats’ uncanny ability to
snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory.