Barring any new wars, the only thing that will determine 2010 and 2012 will be jobs and the economy

[still_one]

If people start hiring and the economy picks up, whoever is in power will win the election

However, if the economy doesn't pick up, it will be a flip of the coin. In fact, if the second scenario took place, I would not be surprised to see a third party candidate win some significant races

[shadowknows69]

1. I'm beginning to think the rethugs threw the election for that very reason.

I mean when you really think about it McCain/Palin? Are you kidding me? I could have thrown a dart at a bunch of names on a wall and come up with a better ticket. They know that Obama owns the bad economy now and this health care mess that will make people's personal economy worse even if it cuts the deficit. They could win huge in 2010 and 2012 because there's no way President Obama cal pull us out of recession on his current course.

[still_one]

3. I thought about that also, though I think the reason mccain choosing palin was a clear demonstration

of how mentally unstable he is, and his lack of poor judgment

I have no idea if the economy will get better, but if the trend reverses significantly in a positive direction, I do not see people changing horses.

[AnOhioan]

2. I think the economy will play a major role, but...

other issues will come into play as well, if this disaster of so-called HCR becomes law, that will be on mnay voters minds.

[still_one]

4. Not if they have jobs, everything else doesn't matter until later. Of course if things don't get

better economically, that just adds more fuel to the fire

[GreenStormCloud]

5. 2010 is an off year election.

Wedge issues rise in importance during the off-year congressional races.

While the economy and jobs will be important, health care will also be important as people will still be adjusting to the provisions of the HCB.

Democrats need stay away from any gun-control measures.

2012 is a political lifetime away.