David Brooks and Mark Shields Say Dems Will Take Both Houses

By: Lowell
Published On: 10/13/2006 9:18:10 PM

On tonight's NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, both Democrat Mark Shields and Republican David Brooks came to the same conclusion, that Democrats will take over both the House AND the Senate on November 7. 

Brooks: "...at this point I think the Republicans could lose both houses."

Shields: "...as of tonight -- it could all change tomorrow -- the Democrats would pick up 30 seats...And I think they'll win the Senate."

Very interesting predictions, but I found the following analysis even more intriguing (bolding added for emphasis):

MARK SHIELDS: ...For the first time, the confidence is gone from the Republicans, and you're starting to hear them say, "You know, it might not be the worst thing in the world for us to lose." And, boy, I've heard Democrats say that for a generation, as they were prepared to lose.

[...]

DAVID BROOKS: I mean, a lot of conservatives want conservatives to lose, Republicans to lose, because they think the party has lost its way. And so they're almost rooting for it, as Mark said. There are still partisans out there who are working, and they have this faith in their micro-targeting, which is their get-out-the-vote methodology. But the last week has really seen a change in mood, a big change in mood.

This doesn't sound good for Republicans, but as far as I'm concerned, it ain't over 'til it's over.  We need to work our butts off between now and Election Day, fight like hell, and get out every single vote.  Then - and ONLY then - we can party.

Lowell Feld is Netroots Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign.  The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.

Comments



Get Out the Vote (Teddy - 10/13/2006 10:10:44 PM)
Works only if they count all the votes. I'm in agreement: it ain't over 'til it's over, and we all know the only tally that counts is the tally on election day. But keep an eagle eye out for the usual tricks, and maybe some new ones. The general Republican voters may be discouraged, but remember, the leadership has very compelling reasons to fear facing a Democratic House (much less the Senate), and with these sleazebags we've already seen the name of the game is Power.


I wonder if the October surprise is how to rig elections in Ohio, (walkabout - 10/14/2006 2:41:19 AM)
Virginia, Colorado, Michigan etc.  If all votes are counted, we know that Dems would take both houses, but a lot of citizens are not going to get to vote and others will not have their votes counted.