Legal Commentary

When Governance Dictates Politics

By Big Tent Democrat

One of the bizarre strains of thought that has emerged in the blogs is the view that President Obama and Democrats will now be judged by the direction the opposition from the GOP takes. Here is Nate Silver:

[S]urely the phrase "ZERO Republicans voted for the Recovery Package" is more likely to escape Democratic lips on the campaign trail in 2010 than Republican ones.

Certainly that depends on whether the stimulus works no? More . . .

Silver writes that "It is not clear why they would want this: the Republican brand, even under the best of circumstances, is not likely to be significantly rehabilitated by 2010. . . " I think that is why the GOP is taking this tack actually. Elections are, by and large, referendums on the governing party. Does anyone think Dems won in 2006 and 2008 because of their compelling message, or was it because the Bush Administration was the worst in history? It is this simple, Obama and Democrats will be judged on their governing performance (particularly in Congressional elections.) If that performance is found wanting, Republicans will make major gains. And if the economy does not turn around by 2012, Obama will lose reelection. Governing well, with efficacious policies, is the politics Democrats should adopt now. The post-partisan unity schtick won't be worth a hill of beans if the country is still a mess in 4 years.

Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on January 30, 2009 (boomark / email).