So Now What?

As expected, the Democrats took control of both the House and the Senate. For all the criticism heaped upon the Republicans, at least they had a plan. That plan may have been to over-spend, roll-back taxes willy-nilly, demonize gays, and generally piss-off the rest of the world; but at least the party seemed united in their effort. They all called the same hot-line to get the days talking-points, again at the very least uniform.

It has gotten so bad for the Republicans that even Rush Limbaugh is jumping on the ousted-Republican-bashing-bandwagon. Everyone’s favorite “the obese drug-addled gasbag”* said that he feels “almost relieved” that the Democrats have taken control of the legislature. Rush is glad that he no longer has to defend the terrible legislation that his ideological cronies had been producing. OUCH! As a conservative, you know you are in trouble when Rush Limbaugh flips on you.

But now what?

Will the Democrats be able to form a cohesive and rational platform? Or will they squander their new found political gains by failing into their old habit of in-fighting? Will power and the desire to keep it cloud their judgment, like their Republican colleagues?

Forgive me if I am less than confident with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid in charge. I’m afraid that they will not reach-out and build the consensus that a split of control between the legislature and executive demands. I hope it will not (but am afraid it will) turn into pissing contest between Congress and Bush.

Here’s to hoping for good governance for a change.

* On Election night, CNN Democratic pundit Paul Begala spoke these very words on the air. I laughed. Thanks Cristy for preserving that moment of pure punditry perfection.