It’s apparent two primary issues tilted the recently-held elections in the favor of the Democrats–first and foremost, the war in Iraq and also congressional behavior.
It’s impossible to quantify but here’s my theory, one that tempers my elation at the Dems getting back into power in both houses of Congress: that being if the Bush-aholics had been able to continue ‘spinning’ a majority of voters in this country on Iraq and/or had somehow been able to install Chalabi or put a Pinochet-type strongman in place as the leader of Iraq and the chaos, tragedy and quagmire been abated or even somehow tamped down, then the Republicans would easily still be in charge of Congress.
My theory surfaced because the recent election was not a plebiscite that turned over the morality of invading Iraq, over the lies that led up to the invasion and have continued or over the growing numbers of Iraqi dead and wounded, etc.
A majority of Americans simply do not vote based on such concerns.
It’s simplistic, but Americans–make that human beings–want a winner and will provide a great deal of latitude especially to an individual who is top-gun personified. That’s what it boils down to–Bush was unable to keep the horrific news coming out of Iraq to a level ‘acceptable’ to the public. He was unable to corral the killing down to a degree that would make it go un-noticed or produce a yawn from a majority of the American people.
Simply put, the election turned over not winning in Iraq. The early visceral excitement and giddiness, the so-called shock and awe, has dissipated to such a waning degree that even no new country songs, regaling listeners that the good ol’ U.S.A was going to kick major butt, have been released.
It’s reminicent of President Jimmy Carter’s fall from grace. Right after Iran seized U.S. hostages, Carter was praised for his steady approach at resolving the deadlock. For a few months, his poll numbers actually went up dramatically. But, with no public progress visible and with the damning evidence of a failed rescue effort in the desert of Iran, the American public turned on Carter with a vengeance and elected Ronald Reagan.
Reagan was soon hailed as a hero, a victor, for getting the American captives freed, regardless of the messiness or the illegality of the ‘arms for hostages’ reality.
Win and people want to embrace you and soak up your presence. Win and your coattails are huge.
Losers have no company but misery.
At the risk of coming off as elitist, yes, do enjoy the wonderful shift in power but do not think the impetus was that the American electorate thoughtfully ‘came to their senses.’
