My earliest Presidential election memory was in 1972. I was just about 11 years old and I remember how excited I was to watch as the returns came in. I was so sure that McGovern was going to win and the war in Vietnam would come to an end. I wouldn't have to worry about my brother being drafted anymore!
Of course, everyone reading this diary knows the results of that election: McGovern won only one state, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia. I was crushed. I didn't understand how it could have happened. Reading about it when I was older I realized how dreadful that campaign was. We haven't seen a campaign so badly bungled.....until now.
The Romney campaign is a well documented shambles, but on top of that, the Republican message seems to have completely lost mainstream appeal. I don't know a word that conveys the opposite of resonate and couldn't find one on the interwebs, but the Republican message does anything but resonate with voters who were loyalists just 4 and 8 years ago. There have been numerous diaries here recently about conversations with republicans for Obama.
The thing is, I'm not sure that anyone really foresaw the scope of the wave experienced in 1972. Can anyone foresee what will happen this year? Polling science is more advanced today, but could something more transformational be happening today?
I'm not suggesting a 49 state landslide, but,
* Could we possibly take back the House?
* Could we possibly get 60 senate seats?
* Could we turn the tide in governor's seats and state houses around the country?
* Can we turn some solidly red states pink or purple?
* Can we turn some pink states blue?
I'm not 11 any longer and I'm not naive, but I can't help but think something fundamental and profound is happening here.
Is it? Maybe? Anyone else out there feeling it? Are we at a turning point in group consciousness?
I hope so!