Charlie Cook: The Coming Challenge

[babylonsister]

The Coming Challenge

By Charlie Cook, NationalJournal.com
© National Journal Group Inc.
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007

Just a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in August 2005, a veteran Republican strategist remarked to me, "I am really worried about whether we can hold our majorities next year."

He was the first person to suggest such a thing to me during the last election cycle.

"We're supposed to be the party of competence," this Republican professional explained. "When we look incompetent, it's a real problem."

If one was to say what the core value is for each party, it might be compassion for Democrats and competence for Republicans. Democrats are expected to really care about people, and Republicans are supposed to be able to manage things well. When a party strays from its core value, it is in trouble. Republicans learned this from Hurricane Katrina, the war in Iraq, federal budget deficits and runaway spending.

Beyond November's election results, the early signs for 2008 aren't promising for Republicans.

Recent independent polling has shown a generic preference for Democrats in presidential and congressional races, and a weakening of Republicans' traditional dominance on national security issues.

It is not that Democrats look good, just that Republicans look bad.

more...

http://nationaljournal.com/cook.htm

[OHdem10]

1. "I t is not that Democrats look good, just that Republicans look

bad."

This exactly why the Dems on the Hill need work hard and
take steps to get their messages and accomplishments out.