Joe, from the article you posted:
The Democrats sorely lacked two things -- their own issues and someone to advance them. That does not add up to an ideological drubbing but rather to missed opportunities. ...
But the GOP won with money and tactics -- a great get-out-the-vote effort and, yes, the lift provided by Bush's personal popularity. The victory, though, was no knockout -- just a match won on points.
These liberals still don't get it. They still think it's all about politics and personality, not about character and ideals.
The Democrats chose to follow polls instead of issues for a very good reason. Most people aren't fans of liberal ideals like tax hikes, universal health care, "Give peace a chance," etc. Not to say these people are fans of conservative ideals, either, but at least conservatives aren't afraid to stand for what they believe in.
Poll-driven politics works in times of prosperity, such as during the Clinton years. But in times of distress, people will go back to character and ideals, and Bush has that in spades.
Tenchusatsu |
