Perhaps the most important thing I got from this
WaPo article was that voters still believe Republicans have stronger leaders, even though they would favor Democrats in the next election. The margin for the first topic was 51-36, while for the second it was 52-37. By identical margins, people think Republicans have stronger leaders, but would vote for Democrats.
That's not an encouraging sign, people. If I were at the DNC, I'd be raising the profile of one Harry Reid right now, showing his strength and character nationally. I'd be highlighting Barack Obama, displaying his superior intellect, his magnificent speaking skills, and his engaging personality (think Bill Clinton without the sex). I'd have John Edwards filming 30-second spots on what Democrats believe. Those sorts of things can fix that leadership number, and I believe that leadership number is crucial to taking back Congress.
Issues and leadership will win 2006, and we need to keep a united front on issues, and we need a public face, someone to be a honest, good counterpart to the Bush/Frist/DeLay sleaze. Remember those "Gingrich-Dole" ads the DNC ran in 1995 and 1996? Time to bust out "DeLay-Frist" and hammer them with it. Let's plant the idea now in their heads.
Kossacks, the floor is yours.