There's a lot of crap going on right now, Foleygate, Corruptiongate, Abramoffgate, and probably a couple of other gates that I forgot.
As it stands, one month before the election, the Republicans seem to be down for the count. Their base is disgusted, the middle is annoyed, and the left...we'll you know how you feel right now. Seems like a big win in November for the Democrats, right? Maybe, maybe not.
Behind the fold are some things to think about on the road to election day.
1. We can't necessarily win on Republican Screw-ups
Just because the Republicans are stinking things up, doesn't mean that ensures a Democratic victory. The Republicans have been very successful at demonizing the Democratic Party. Even though that perception seems to be fading, that's no reason to allow Republicans to "prove themselves wrong". We have to continue to take hold of our destiny and define ourselves. Just being "less corrupt" than the Republicans is not good enough. We need to come across squeaky clean (as much as you can in politics) and fight to define ourselves on our terms instead of allowing the Republicans to define us to Joe Six Pack.
2. Don't believe the fundies on their pullback from the Republican Party.
This whole thing is a red herring designed to slow Democratic efforts on GOTV and other people powered devices. I've heard fundie after fundie on TV claiming that they are not going to mobilize their people to support Republicans this year. Bullshit. These guys already have their people working. Their out there, perhaps in smaller numbers, but their out there. If we let our guard down we lose.
3. Don't count out the Rove
Rove hasn't kicked it in yet. He's sitting back, waiting for something. What? I don't know, but rest assured that he is just waiting for his moment. We won't know until it comes, but when it does, don't think it won't knock us down a couple of notches. Be prepared. If we build well between now and then we can be prepared for whatever happens.
4. The real October surprise still has 34 days to materialize
Yeah, this whole thing seems like it, but with 34 days to the election, don't think there isn't something else that can bite us in the ass. Again, I don't know what it is, and it may be Rove related, but the more we let our guard down, the more likely that it will hurt us.
5. Use this opportuntiy, but don't revel (too much) in the Republican Party's misfortune
This is an opportunity for us to differedtiate ourselves from the picture that the Republicans have painted of us. We have largely allowed this picture to become the popular opinion. We have to seize this moment of weakness to help define our destiny. Hopefully in November we can all take a breath and get ready for the Democratic Majority in January.
One last thing
I know this is nothing new, but it bears repeating. I'm not a big blogger, I have my opinions and I largely keep them off the tubes. That said, this is about fundamentals, and be best not forget them, lest we take this turn of events for granted. Most importantly, while this moment of weakness in the Republican Party may be an opportunity, we cannot forget the people that have been hurt throughout these scandals. They are the victims, and deserve our thoughts, prayers, and guarantees that this will not be allowed to happen under a Democratic Majority.
Play hard, fight hard, but don't exploit. If we do these things, we can expect to see a Democratic Majority in January.
-Steve