We needed that kick in the a$$ we got and here's why:

[monmouth]

We seem to be a group of people who thrive on being either threatened, the underdog or second. It seems we are comfortable with that position and function so much better when there's a threat over our heads. It's easy to understand, our guy became POTUS and we had/have, for the most part a majority in the House and Senate. We're cool...Then, out of the blue, a non-starter like bikini boy who we thought didn't have a chance in hell, wins the lottery. I think that's what Coakley was thinking. She had it made, no threats until the last week and a half or so. She was ill-prepared and not the right candidate for this seat. Complacency is a lot like the flu. We don't think we're going to get it but boyo, when it hits it hits hard.

Okay, so I'm thinking we did get the flu, we will recover. What's a small (he's only going to be there for the rest of Kennedy's term) kick in the rear if it manages to get ours and mostly the administration's act(s) together. It is imperative we let the powers that be in DC know we are not to be taken for granted nor "counted on" for whatever they're depending on us for. Rahm, Geitner, Summers, Kaine...need to go. Shake up the troops and let the country know we are in it for the win. Weed out the guys who collect the paycheck but walk all over and ignore you. I doubt Reid will survive his election. We could make some real progress in the next few weeks but housecleaning is essential. I'd think a lot more of the administration if it showed me they listened and are acting pro-actively. If things are still the same come July,personally I will re-evaluate.

[RBInMaine]

1. It largely hinges on the economy. COAKLEY is to blame for this. NO ONE else. Bad campaign.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. This is my take as well.

Do you think there's a snowball's chance in hell that Obama etc will hear us?

[notadmblnd]

3. I think the Dems in congress who are bought and paid for by corporate America

better take a lesson from this. If real change for the PEOPLE doesn't occur soon, pukes will win by a landslide in 2012.

[monmouth]

4. Yes they will. My fear is that the people really don't matter except

for six weeks or so prior to an election. I'm sick of it. I love POTUS but to be honest, I don't recognize him from a year ago on the campaign trail. How many students came out to vote yesterday? They weren't even mentioned, did Coakley even visit any of those schools? Perhaps he is depending on guys like Grayson, Wexler, Franken and so on to do the dirty work. It's not their job, I want Obama to do his...

[abelenkpe]

5. And we all know

that the Republicans with their "deregulate, outsource, offshore, kill unions, demoralize workers, kiss corporate butt" shenanigans will help.

Really, you're right if they don't do something to show they are fighting for the people asap republicans and their same old crap will regain power to the detriment of everyone who isn't economically in the top .1 percent.

Currently Democrats health care plan is a confusing mess that appears to not lower costs for anyone. That's how it appears. That is not a good selling point. Cash strapped disillusioned workers need a break. They don't see one. They do however see wall street handing out big bonuses. Homes still falling in price, work still going overseas or disappearing entirely, cost of education going up while University presidents get raises. What the hell?

All democrats need to do is be seen championing the working class. They need to deal a blow to corporate power. Break up big banks, or start the consumer protection agency, or put a freaking cap on fees and interest charged by bailed out banks, something! First politician to do something seen as benefiting the middle class and dampening the power of corporations will be seen as a hero. C'mon democrats....do the right thing. Fight corporate power, win one for the working class.

And never stop reminding the public that deregulation, privatization, tax cuts to the rich those are republican policies the policies that brought about this mess. More of the same will never help.