Some members of the left and the Democratic Party are quite pleased with things after last night's special election win in Mississippi (example here). Understandable, but a bit of perspective has been lost.
So much so that even Josh Feit at the Stranger has weighed in, noting the hypocrisy of poo-pooing results in West Virginia while cheering events in Mississippi:
But it's funny to read breathless accounts about Mississippi's "Conservative Democrat" strategy this morning on the D blogs--or "Mississippi Democrat" as Childers called himself on the trail--side-by-side (that's you DailyKos) with dismissals of W. Va voters as a racist dunderheads.
An even more important take-away is that Democrats are winning in red districts by running conservative candidates. The kind of culturally conservative, fiscally concerned, economically populist folks that advertise a good grade from the NRA with pride but who would rather not have NARAL anywhere near them.
That was a lesson of 2006, when the Heath Shuler's and Brad Ellsworth's of the world won in seats that voted for President Bush in 2004. Notice one word that doesn't exactly jump out from their campaign websites: Democrat.
So, celebrate away, Democratic friends. Just don't pretend this is some great advance for liberalism. It's a reminder that the GOP brand name is in sorry shape, not that these red district Democrats are simpatico with urban liberals.
UPDATE: typos noted and duly left in place out of spite for commenter #3, who is keeping it classy.
Posted by Eric Earling at May 14, 2008 09:38 PM | Email ThisI think it is deeper than that...
Posted by: BA on May 14, 2008 10:03 PMThe voters like a Democrat who holds conservative ideals rather than a Republican. They are more comfortable with Heath Schuler than with Tom Delay.
They had better heed that warning and don't come back and ask what went wrong - when it's as plain as the nose on their faces !
Posted by: KS on May 14, 2008 10:10 PMFirst it took a conservative Democrat to win the seat. This shows that the far left's ideals cannot beat the ideals of conservatism in Mississippi.
Secondly, I hope that this conservative Democrat truly is conservative otherwise this will be a short lived victory for him.
Posted by: TrueSoldier on May 15, 2008 03:35 AM
....I think you meant Grammar Check...
Kevin Phillips has some valid points in his criticisms of the Republican Party today. However, Phillips is not an advocate of the Democrat Party leadership, either. If McCain can bring less polarization and a better mood in DC, I am all for it - as long as will of the people is not ignored.
Re: Amnesty for illegals is going against the will of the people and the people will have to speak up again because Congress - including McCain are not getting the message yet, which is killing this country. Unfortunately, there is no candidate who will vow to significantly enforce existing illegal immigration laws. That is the one area I have an issue with McCain and it is an important area. He will still do more than either Clinton or Obama, but far from enough.
Posted by: KS on May 15, 2008 08:41 PMWhen the GOP holds congress, the senate & pres. we behave like democrats!
I send all of my RNC asking for $$ lit back with a simple note "Where's the fence?"!
Can McCain be the solution? He's wrong on the borders, global warming, etc, but he is right about spending, The war on terror, etc!
Here's my take, McCain gets in, he ends the Iraq war the right way, he veto's earmarks, he does what he says about controlling the border, etc.etc.etc!
Maybe just maybe, conservatives get some backbone and start standing up for what they believe in! In other words if you are in the GOP and in congress; no more earmarks! This energy crisis is because of our no drill no refinery liberals, it is about time it is taken to them! You can go down the line about any issue, education, health care, transportation, etc. and the problems have been made by liberals but conservative aren't calling them on it because they are scare but maybe when they have nothing to fear but fear itself because they are going down anyway, maybe when their backs are against the wall, now, true conservative just might start saying the truth, then what will happen? Can't be any worst then now when the GOP is just another degree of the democratic party! If the GOP had real solutions to offer, maybe someone might listen to them!
There is a silver lining in this cloud!
You see the difference between a conservative and a liberal is that we believe right will win out in the end, one way or another!
AFY!!
Posted by: AFY on May 15, 2008 09:30 PM
Yes, what is clear to all keen observers is:
a. Republicans lose when they act like Democrats
b. Democrats win when they act like Republicans
This is not really a positive message for the left wing of the Democratic Party.
Posted by: pudge on May 16, 2008 07:45 AM