November 5, 2002

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

That was a sucky day. Still mourning the loss of Paul Wellstone, we had to sit there and watch his seat go to the prick Norm Coleman.

We know how that story ended. It took six years, but we made it right.

This time, our seat is up for re-election in 2012.

Scott Brown, don't get too comfortable. You've got less than three years to be a United States Senator, then its back to posing nude for lunch money.

Bet on it.

[Bumblebee]

1. I was thinking of that too. Long-term is what matters now, and making sure

we ALL learn the lesson and right the boat by November.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

2. What we learned....

1) Never take ANYTHING for granted. The simple fact is that Coakley and her people assumed this seat was theirs for the taking. If you're going to run for office, you have to run hard from the beginning to the end. There are no mulligans.

2) It's Still The Economy, Stupid. For all the talk about healthcare, we're still dealing with an economy that's not creating jobs and forcing people out of their homes. More people are suffering from economic distress than from health issues. They're pissed at the economy and now they're pissed at the Democrats, who don't appear to be doing anything about it.

3) As Molly Ivins always said, "You got to dance with them what brung you." The Obama Administration has spent more time trying to compromise with Republicans (who have no intention on EVER compromising) than with pursuing those policies that interest his base and swing voters. Obama didn't get the vote of Olympia Snowe and has now lost the vote of Ted Kennedy. Enough with the bi-partisanship already!

4) Pick a Narrative. One year into the Obama Administration, and we still don't know what he's about. Progressive are pissed because he's not progressive enough, but he never claimed to be the most progressive guy in the room. OK, then, who the hell is Barack Obama? On the plus side, people like him personally, so they'll probably support his Administration once it settles on the big picture themes.