Now that the smoke's clearing from the crashing and burning of the Dem's on Tuesday, analysts and pundits of all types are busily trying to explain what actually took place. Virtually all of them -with the exception of extremists on either side who have their own spin on the events- agree that the vote was much more a statement that folks are fed up with all political parties, not an endorsement of Republicans or their agenda.
It seems that independents who make up about 40% of those who voted swung heavily to the Republican side. Yet, last time, these same folks went the other way, significantly contributing to the president's landslide. Thus, they're confirming what this blog's been saying for a very long time now. People are voting the issues, and the things that affect them directly, and don't really care which party's in power so long as that party delivers for them. If not, they're gone in a heartbeat.
Furthermore, this wasn't a robotic vote by the public where they blindly pulled anti-incumbent levers. That was evidenced by the rejection of key Tea Party candidates who lost, and the survival of incumbents in Delaware, Connecticut, and Massachusetts in particular.
There's also been a lot of post-election discussion on what will happen in the next few months as the revised Congress takes over. There seems to be little doubt that the primary focus has to be on jobs. Because, if the unemployment rate isn't greatly reduced by putting folks back to work, the incoming class in the House is going to be quickly booted out. Beyond that, most seem to feel that, issue by issue, attempts will be made to unravel the laws enacted in the last two years. Particularly, health care.
I remember typing several times over the past months about where the real issues were in health reform that were never properly addressed, and will likely keep on significantly increasing medical costs. And Dick Armey, former Texas U.S. Representative from 1985–2003 and House Majority Leader 1995–2003, seemed to agree on those thoughts. He said that what needs to be done immediately to start driving down costs is tort reform.
One out of every four procedures is unnecessary, he says, but done purely because doctors are concerned about malpractice lawyers sitting on the sidelines ready to sue them.
In summary, the pundits biggest questions concerned how the president will react to the message sent to him by the voting public, and whether or not he'll attempt to soften his heavy-handed approach. The consensus seems to feel that he won't because of his principles and his strong belief in his cause. I too think that he'll remain rigid, but principle's not the reason.
It's been my contention for a very long while that the president was bought and paid for before he ever ran for office. And in return for the support of George Soros and moveon.org, among others, he's rammed their agenda through everywhere he's been able to. So, if there's one thing where I do have to give the president credit, it's his steadfast adherence to the deal he made, and his willingness to throw himself under his master's bus. Because the voters have made it as clear as crystal that if he remains on the same track, he has no prayer of re-election. And neither does anyone else who refuses to represent them.
That's it for folks.
Adios.
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