When Dems were in the minority in Congress (before 2006) they capitulated on Supreme court nominees, war profiteering, and NSA surveillance, bankruptcy, and more.
At the time I suggested that a weak minority will not overnight turn into a strong majority, esp. since the power brokers of the Dems in Congress have not changed much between 2004 and now. I was told that the time that this was negative and that, just wait, things will change when the dDems have the majority. Kvetching about them is not helpful, and will hurt 2006 chances. Just wait, you'll see I was told.
So what happened after 2006?
We well know what has happened in the last 1.5 years. I am not going go over all the frustrations step by step we have had and have had renewed with this Congress over the last few weeks and moths. Subpoenas are still be refused with no consequence, law breakers in the executive branch are still not charged, the war is going ever onward with perhaps a new one on the horizons, a 20-something percent favorable president has still not been checked, the blue dogs still punch above their weight, and the Dems are as split as ever on vital issues.
The point of all this is a reality check:
Do not expect a weak majority Dem Congress to become a great strong-willed super majority Dem Congress.
If you want a great Dem Congress, the Blue Dogs have to go. Lieberman has to go. Stoyer need to become a back bencher, if not sent home. Rockefeller (D-AT&T) need to be put on a back bench. Senate and House Democratic leadership has to change. Fine work Harry, good job Nancy. Take a rest. Get some lawn care and move those DFH off yer lawns.
Yes, having a Democratic president will help. But we're not in FDR/New Deal territory, not even close, as long as we have this current sitting Congress. Yes, we can support Obama, and try to give him cover to be bold, but until we change Congress, I think we will not see a truly bold Democratic president.
We will have more FISA moments. We will have more AIPAC conference moments. We will hesitate on Iraq. We might chip away a bit at health care. We might correct a bit of this abominable FISA change. But nothing long term. Dem Supreme Court nominees will (mark my words) face fights far more difficult than Roberts or Alito. We probably won't fix the egregious bankruptcy legislation. And if Bush attacks Iran, I think we see that 16 month milepost moved a lot farther back on Iraq.
So, work to elect a Democratic President in 2008. But also work to do some housecleaning in Congress to help Obama out when he gets there.
Addendum: For those far more knowledgeable than I, links to sites or books on challenging incumbents would be very welcome in the comments.