On Tue, 23 Mar 2010, Doug Henwood wrote:
> After the Mass election, it looked like the Reps were on the run. Did they
> peak too early? Now the pundits are all declaring the GOP to be in serious
> trouble.
It's astonishing how a big unexpected victory changes the entire frame of reference in politics. The Dr. No strategy of the Repugs was seen as a loser until Mass: "What are they offering? The extremists are wagging the party." After Mass, it was seen as genius: they had all the enthusiasm, the Dems had nothing to show. Now that Obama has won healthcare, the whole frame looks like it might just reverse again. It's like a seesaw. Obama's do-nothingness now looks like steadiness and fortitude. What a difference success makes in politics. It's the true kernal in Rahm Emanuel's thinking. Success makes people see you as successful and makes them expect more success.
Michael