I know, I know.......we just got this one done and my god, today could have been a horrible aftermath. I recall most recently my disraught state in 2004. But as a political junkie who lives and breathes politics 24/7 I am already salivating at our current demographics and DEM prospects for 2016. Moreover, the discussion of the filibuster today and a tweet from Markos about likely sad DEM prospects for the Senate in 2014 got me to thinking about 2016 - knowing that the DEMS got a shelacking in 2010 when all those Republicans won and who have to campaign for re-election in 4 years. More below....
While 2008 was a banner year with the election of Obama and Democratic Senators elected everywhere - these Senators are going to face the electorate in 2014 when our Demographic base just doesn't come out like it does in Presidential years. Ok. So maybe 2014 sucks but then I thought about 2016 - when I predict Hillary will indeed run (why else was Bill crisscrossing the country but to help Barack AND want a return favor from him to support Hilary and not Biden) and select some young gun vice-presidential running mate (to take over after her 8 years perhaps).
My eye is first on two term Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland. He has been awfully great on the stump for Obama this election season. And if we thought the gender gap of 11 points with women was a winner for Obama in 12, think about the gender gap with women with Hilary on the ticket? Even my Republican Romney voting mom from SC has indicated she will vote for Hillary if she runs in 16.
So what about the Senate and what about her coat tails.......well if THIS YEAR was the Year of the Woman in the Senate think about going from 20 to maybe 30? There will be 23 REPUBLICANS and only 11 DEMS up for relection in 2016 since 2010 was a deadly year for us. So if there is ever a time for woman to run for the Senate with some likely amazing gender related coattails with Hillary at the top of the ticket - it will be 2016!
So change the filibuster rules NOW. If we are dumped in 2014 (or at best just lose some seats without control) we are likey to retake (or gain) with even bigger margins in 2016. Just some futuristic thoughts for all you junkies who need something to think about with this fabulous amazing election under our belt......now if we could only solve the redistricting/gerrymandering problem in the House in my lifetime.....
http://en.wikipedia.org/...