The GOP is weak, without message, out of ideas, and steeped in corruption. It is a party adrift, so it's not surprising many are wondering if Democrats will be able to capitalize on the party's disarray like the Republicans did in 1994. Back in 1994, I was more concerned with pajama parties than politics, so I've been spending some time brushing up on the political climate of that era. Obviously, gerrymandering, the War on Terrorism, and countless other factors make this election much different than that of 1994. Still, reading through some of the old articles, I can see why so many are making the 1994/2006 comparison. From the June 27, 1994 issue of National Review (sorry, no link, from a subscription database):
The 1994 election year is reminiscent of 1952. Republicans have excellent chances of making gains in state houses and congressional seats. The Democrats need to pass health care reform. Rep Dick Gephardt has inherited that political challenge from the disgraced Dan Rostenkowski.
For the GOP, it must seem like 1952 all over again. Ike's back on the cover of Time and, thanks to the 17-count indictment of Dan Rostenkowski, "corruption" is back as a Republican campaign issue. The big question for this fall's elections is, What will the out-of-power party be able to make of this partisan windfall?
If the Eisenhower - Nixon experience of '52 is any guide, the Republican chances are spectacular. Murray Chotiner, the California political guru who guided the vice-presidential candidate in that race, knew the trick to any election is recognizing that voters can keep only three or four issues in their heads at any given time.
Four decades ago, the Republicans spent the campaign season hitting four buttons: Korea, Crime, Communism, Corruption. This time, assuming that the United States avoids war over North Korea's nuclear enterprises and that the Berlin Wall remains atomized into a million desk-top souvenirs, GOP candidates are left with "crime" and "corruption." Add "Clinton" and "character" and you've got your quota.
"Clinton! Character! Crime! Corruption!" How can it miss? I can already hear that C-SPAN drill sergeant Bob Dornan shouting out the cadence.
The KISS approach to politics--keep it simple, stupid. Are Democrats keeping it simple? A targeted focus on corruption is a great start, though whether voters get that both parties are not the same when it comes to corruption remains to be seen.
So what are the four issues you think Democrats should hammer home this election season?