In 2008 I read far to much here on Daily Kos and elsewhere proclaiming that Progressives were moving into an age of a permanent majority. That was nothing more than hubris. The wake up call came quickly and harshly in 2010 with the loss of control of the House and a majority we kept in the Senate only by the mistakes of our opponents.
We and Barack Obama just won an historic election. In some ways, this election was a bigger deal and more improbable than the first time. We probably have a few more days where we can unabashedly celebrate. Let's enjoy these day, but remember we have hard work ahead. This election does not mean we have a permanent majority. Don't fall into the trap of a self-defeating overreach with boasts and bluster of our ruling permanence.
Four specific points below the fold.
1. The opposition has not given up. The Conservative movement has faced set backs before. They have never let losses stop them. They often come back stronger. They are as determined as ever to work on their agenda. Check out this video created after the election by the Heritage Foundation if you have any doubts about the determination of the oppostion.
http://www.youtube.com/...
2. The opposition will come around on immigration issues. They already are. In the same way the left largely abandoned gun control, Republicans are ripe to abandon opposition to immigration. If you don't think that's true, listen of Hannity's back flip on immigration.
http://www.mediamatters.org/...
The immigration issue will likely be resolved this cycle. When that happens, Republican's will have new opportunities to win Latino votes. We will not get 70% of the Latino vote the next time around.
3. Voters are more fluid than in times past. We have captured new voters in the last two or three election cycles. There is some evidence that new voters will keep their allegiance to the party where they first voted. I don't think in the age of twitter, the continuous news cycle and generally instant reactions, that maxim will hold true.
4. Most importantly, we have to govern well. If we fail to deliver peace, prosperity, jobs and growth we will lose. Period.