Time to pick a fight

The Washington Post is reporting that American’s confidence in the GOP’s leadership is at an all-time low. According to their polling, 69% say that the country is headed in the wrong direction. I have thought that since I woke up on the couch in a cold sweat Election Night 2000 to the sound of CNN moving Florida from the Gore column back to ‘Too Close to Call”. The real reason I am writing about this, however, is not to gloat or pretend I know better. The research has two big points the Democrats need to internalize before the election. First, the mood in the nation may be more “Thrown the bums out” rather than focused more directly on Republicans. That means incumbents on both sides may be in danger. The other point of note is that while folks generally seem to prefer a Democratic Congress, it is not because the D’s are inspiring people across the country. Republican arrogance and incompetence have turned voters off. So if the Democrats want to make hay out of the opportunity, they sure a hell need to start putting out their message more effectively and stridently. We need the leadership to start saying more clearly what we are for and make damn sure that the policy differences drawn between our team and theirs are unambiguous and distinct. Most importantly, we need to think big and be tough.

So I beg you, Dem leadership, let’s pick a couple of big issues and start pounding them. Quit trying to please everyone. And for God’s sake, don’t be afraid to kick the Republicans while they are down. Strap on your steel toes and make some damn waffles. Karma demands it.