Stickin’ My Neck Out
Prognosticators right and left are predicting a Republican sweep in November. The Left is depressed, the far Right is jubilant.
So let me stick my neck w-a-a-ay out and say I do not think there will be a huge change in Congress. I see numerous signs the Tea Party has peaked. Their national convention was recently cancelled, Sharron Angle has lost her early substantial lead over Harry Reid and Christine O’Donnell is facing accusations of misuse of campaign funds.
Both Right and Left lately remind me of the scene in Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’ where a crack suicide squad appears to rescue some condemned prisoners. But instead of saving the prisoners, the squad draws swords and stabs themselves. “That showed ‘em, eh?” gasps the leader as he falls down. The Right is doing everything they can think of to alienate rational voters, while the Left is in deep denial that the Tea Party might actually be driven by legitimate grievances.
There may be some Republican gains, but not enough for them to enact any Tea Party agenda. At worst they will obstruct Obama’s plans. I don’t even think it’s out of the question for the Dems to gain. Some Tea Baggers may get disillusioned and stay home. Many RINO’s will sit this one out, others may grit their teeth and vote Democratic. And if progressives get over their sulk that Obama hasn’t created a dictatorship of the proletariat yet and vote, we could see Democratic gains.