Could a Democratic Win in '06 Set Us Up for Defeat in '08 ?

[liberalpragmatist]

First off, let me state that I am hoping for big Democratic gains in '06 and retaking Congress. But I believe we should also be aware of the possible pitfalls and prepare for them.

If the '06 elections go disastrously, the person that helps the most on the Republican side is John McCain. Despite his strong conservatism, there's this (wrong) perception of McCain that he's "above politics" and a moderate. Plenty of Democrats and independents will vote for McCain and it's going to be very difficult to beat him.

I think the '08 Republican primary may well become a battle between John McCain and some other figure - probably George Allen, but maybe somebody else. McCain, of course, is distrusted by the fundies, but he's been making nice with conservative leaders the past few years and if the Republicans suffer sharp losses in '06, thoroughly discrediting Bush and painting a bleak prospect for an '08 win, the Republicans may get pragmatic and swallow McCain, as they will see him as their only hope. Especially if James Webb defeats George Allen in Virginia, McCain's going to have a VERY clear shot at the nomination.

Just a warning. McCain may be beatable in the GE, but it'll be hard. Something to keep in mind.

[LeftCoast]

1. I'll take a win in '06 and worry about '08 after

I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. :)

[Road Scholar]

5. AMEN Leftcoast! I totally agree!!

:toast:

[Salviati]

14. Exactly,

I don't want to hear any bushwa about losing stratigically. Lets get out there and win in a landslide. Plus, If I had to choose one, I'd rather have the congress with a solid majority than the presidency.

[napi21]

2. I don't think a win in 06 will hurt 08 UNLESS

the Dems fall into the power grab like the Pubs did.

Don't tell me that can't happen! I realize it took a lot longer, but Dems in charge for 40+ years gave them the same false sense of security the Pubs have now, and $$$$$$ is SOOOOO tempting! I hope they are paying close attention to the mistakes the Pubs have made, and the trouble they're in because of it.

[FormerDittoHead]

3. Bring on McCain - he's an accident waiting to happen...

He's our fucking wet dream Republican candidate. Don't worry about McCain...

[AtomicKitten]

4. Hardly. A Dem win in 2006 spells IMPEACHMENT

All it will take is ONE house of Congress and let the investigations begin!

[LeftCoast]

6. I'd rather not start impeachment unless we were fairly sure we could

actually follow through. Still, it sure is nice to dream! :D

[AtomicKitten]

12. He just so deserves it.

And it would be righteous retribution after what they did to Clinton.

[noahmijo]

7. McCain wouldn't survive the puke primaries

He's Irish Catholic.

Two words that make a typical repuke turn red. Period.

[Name removed]

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[Tiggeroshii]

11. Which John McCain?

the one before the 2004 that was critical of President Bush? Or the one that began slobberin all over him shortly before the elections? Since McCain has nearly ignored every serious issue since Bolton, spying and has not at all been worried about really holding anybody accountable for any crimes, he's clearly part of what helps the gop to roll all over us. It's guys like Specter and Voinovich that help us out when we need em....

[Old and In the Way]

9. If we don't take back Congress in 06, it won't really matter.

I don't think we can take another 2 years of total Republican control of this country. They are in so deep, crime-wise, that it will be impossible for them to allow Democrats to regain Congress in my lifetime.

[electropop]

10. We will not win in '08 without a win in '06.

It will not be possible to repair our election system without a Dem majority in Congress. It will be difficult (but not impossible) to impeach Bush without a Dem majority.

Of course, there is the conundrum that taking Congress will be very dificult given the current state of our election system.

[Donna Zen]

13. 2008 depends on 2006 win

We must hold at least one house to 1) investigate anything, without that option nothing comes to light 2) propose legislation that a candidate can run on rather than be stuck in the opposition position 3) assume a stature as a with the ability to run government.

[bbinacan]

15. A loss in 08 could happen

if, thanks to the current policy in place, the economy tanks after 06. The pubs will blame the new congress, etc. People vote with their pocketbooks and most don't follow things closely enough to know who to blame. Frustrating.:banghead: