I was perusing the news on Yahoo when this headline caught my eye "Democrats Seeking Voice as Bush Struggles".
It was on top of a piece written by Ron Fournier, AP Political Writer.
The lead goes:
"The dip in President Bush's popularity has Democrats dreaming of brighter days for their out-of-power party, but only if they show voters clear leadership and a fresh message
Right now, they have neither."
After the break...
Fournier goes on to put the opportunity Katrina handed the Dums and Dumbers in a nutshell:
"Already worried about their jobs, their financial security and the nation's future, many Americans watched in horror as relief came slowly to Katrina -- and chalked it up to across-the-board government failure. If their anxiety and cynicism translates into a throw-the-bums-out mood, Republicans could suffer in next year's elections."
Go to www.news.yahoo.com and you'll find the full text.
He gets to the point pretty quickly... the Dumocrats message is muddled...
""No congressional party is ever going to speak with one voice. It's not possible. And I'm not worried about that," said Democratic strategist Steve Elmendorf, who has worked for congressional and presidential campaigns.
"We're not in power. We don't run anything. So the standard by which voters hold us to is lower than the president's party."
(LET'S FIRE THAT GUY)
While polls show Bush's job approval is at the lowest of his presidency, more than eight in 10 Republicans still back him. An AP-Ipsos poll suggests there is a significantly higher percentage of people who call themselves "strong Republicans" than those who consider themselves "strong Democrats."
Those are good signs for Republicans because midterm election cycles, like the one next year, are usually dominated by loyal voters."
Then Fournier comments on how our advisors tell us we need to play nice...
"On Katrina, Democrats concede they need to be careful about attacking Bush.
"In politics, tone and modulation matter," said Democratic strategist Jim Jordan, a veteran of congressional and presidential campaigns.
(This idiot then goes on to say how if we appease Hitler, er I mean Shrub)
"A lot of Democrats feel cross-pressured," Jordan said. "They're uneasy about Roberts' record. They're more uneasy about his refusal to answer questions about it. But they instinctively feel some measure of deference to the president on these appointments and, let's face it, Roberts was a good pick for Bush."
(I wonder how much the Repugs pay him under the table)
Fournier saves the best shot for last..
Republicans may be worried, but at least they have a leader.