The Observation Deck

From Battleground Poll:

http://www.tarrance.com/082008/Battlegr ... charts.pdf

It seemed strange that congressional Democrats are ahead of Republicans in the generic ballot when the Democrats control congress. The fact that 44% of registered voters think Republicans are still in control or don't know who is in control explains part of that lead.

The lead can also be explained by what some call the "damaged brand" of the party. Broadly speaking the Republicans had the reputation of being competent and the Democrats had the reputation of being compassionate. Eight years of George Bush did great damage to the competent label and did nothing to increase the reputation of Republicans as compassionate people.

Of course the brand was damaged far more by Republican congressional action and lack of action than by President Bush.

Republicans were elected to the majority promising change, competence and conservative governance. At the end of their 12 years in control they managed to forget why they were elected and who elected them. A substantial portion of the population feels a sense of betrayal that will not be easy heal. Even if the Republicans campaign again on those issues many will think "Why should I believe you?â€

You don't have to sell me Bill, I'm mad at both of them. But you are right, I was mad at the Republicans who have a spine, but use it for the wrong things and the Democrats who often say the right thing but don't stand up for what they believe in or at least should believe in.

I'm ready for a third party. I think that is what made Ron Paul so attractive to many of us - he didn't sound like either a Republican or a Democrat - but you see how far that got him. Nader too.

the republicans took congress on a combination of promises they couldn't keep and appealing to feelings of white apprehension at african american youth oriented popular culture.

Although the Reagan tax policies had created unprecedented deficits, it seemed possible that trying them more would yield completely opposite results.

Although de-industrialization and outsourcing led to falling wages, greater education expenses, and greater natural resource dependency, it seemed like a good idea to continue with them. It made stereos and tvs cheaper and increased the quantity and quality of gently used merchandise people throw out every year.

Republican control of congress yielded exactly the results that version of the Republican Platform was capable of delivering.