CNN

Pass Health Care!!! It's not going to be a perfect bill, but we can refine it next year. For this year, we need the bill to pass. Just do it.

Dear Jack,
The Democrats can retain the confidence of the voters by showing some guts and backing the President on his domestic policy in regard to reform of health insurance and the re-regulation of the financial industry, even and especially if it means ramming it down the Republicans' throats!

Pablo
Arlington Texas

They need to move back more toward the center and away from the left wing liberal perception created by the Democratic congressional leadership represented by Reid and Pelosi. I am not an expert on things political ( but neither are many who claim they are) but it seems to me yesterday's election was not so much a comment on the president as it was a reaction to the direction being driven by the Democrats in congress. I know they are supposed to be driving his programs but he seems to steering much more toward the center than those who are supposed to be implementing his programs.

Chatham, VA

Jack,
They can't do anything about it, most of the Democrats have shown already, they have no plan or the brains to carry anything out. Having said that, I really don't have good use for either party, Dem. or the Rep. in my mind there both greedy pigs. With this kind of leadership, it's no wonder that the United States is going down hill very fast, and will continue to do so, until something positive is done, you know, like looking out for the American people for a change.

What can the Dems do? They can do what they were elected to do. They can reverse the direction of the last 10 months. They were not elected to give our Treasury away to bankers and hedge fund managers. They were not elected to keep us at war indefinitely. They were not elected to give billions to big coal and big PHARMA and the health insurance industry. They were not elected to look the other way when it comes to the crimes of the last administration. They need to keep their oaths of office. They could do that.

Rich Green
San Clemente, Cal.

Resign. turn over their seet to the nearest A.I.G.Director and shut up. the corperate world will handle this mess thank you!

Easy. Grow a SPINE and do what you promised you would do during the election! I'm sick of watching Democrats being weak and timid, hiding in the corner saying "please don't hurt me." If just a handfull would man up and show the country what open minded, educated progressives can accomplish, we would not be having this conversation. I am so frustrated with the Flat Earth Society (the Republicans) and a bunch of spineless wimps (the Democrats) that I may soon beleive we get whatever we deserve.

President Obama, do you even know how to make a fist? Look angry? How about just a simple growl? Give us something!

The Democrats, or anybody else in leadership, can stop putzing around spending money we don't have on social programs and start dealing with the problems of energy and economy. Without energy and a sound economy, nothing can be funded. If we have to spend big bucks, let's get infrastructure up and running for energy production, manufacturing, innovation, invention and profitable export. We can be do gooders later when we get the ship righted.

Get their act together. Make good on the promise of being transparent. Make more of an effort to work on bipartisanship.
.

A significant improvement in the ECONOMY & a ABUNDANCE of JOBS JOBS JOBS!. President Obama believed his own press and accepted some very bad advise when he picked up the baton on healthcare reform at a time when this country is in a ECONOMIC crisis & RECESSION!. He and the Democrats have time to correct the mistakes but they have wasted precious months already by making this healthcare reform crap the # 1 priority AND put the ECONOMY on the back burner! Jack! I as a registered Independent have NO intentions of voting Republicans because I still have that sore taste in my mouth from the pass 8 years of Bush/Cheney culminating into a RECESSION!.

Jack,

The master plan is already in place to create millions of new government jobs that will give a boost to our economy right before the 2010 midterm elections thanks to the rest of the unspent stimulus package of 2009...

Vinnie Vino
Central Islip, N.Y.

The races for Governor/Mayor in these states is in no way an implication of America's decisions come 2010. Both winning candidates (in Virginia and New Jersey) ran campaigns focused on fiscal and economic ideals, and made very few statements about social issues that stand today, including healthcare. That being said, I hope that both Democrats and moderate Republicans can make the right decisions about their campaigns, and about how they will act as our congressional leaders in the next decade. I don't want to see more of Glenn Beck or Sarah Palin's like, and the outrageous claims and policies they would have enacted in congress, which would severely limit our personal freedoms and lead to the socialistic control they claim they so greatly fear.

In conclusion; we will have to see what each candidate will say and seek out information on how they act as representatives of their districts and states. The races for governor were only implications of American's feelings at the local level, and shouldn't too heavily impact the coming races in 2010. New York went Democrat against a conservative party opponent after the Republican nominee withdrew and endorsed him...this gives me some hope for our country...not in that Democrats will control it forever, but in that we can still be civil about things and act according to our own whims, and not fall to the propaganda of these super-right-wing maniacs.

Don't know the answer to that one, Jack. If independents are stupid enough to trust Republicans again and to vote for them, there is nothing the Democrats can do about it. Republicans are the party if big business. Not the little guy. But they pretend to be. They are also the party of hate. And that is what they are good at.

The democrats need to hurry up ajnd pass that health care reform bill. Also, they need to work harder to prove to the American people that the job market will improve by the time the 2010 elections arrive.

What the Dems don't get is that they will lose if they don't start opening their damn mouths and fighting for the people and not just rich people and corportations.

For most people,they feel like they don't have anything to lose so they will vote out anyone one who wants to keep on working against WE THE PEOPLE not we the teabaggers, who are completely insane.

THey prove it everyday with this birther nonsense,racism and hate. Do the republi really think that people can't see all of the racism? Do the they really think that if they just put up someone who says all of the nice little talking points and that the country will follow them.

Most,people feel they don't have nothing to lose so we feel that the Dems as well as the repubs can lose since THEY DON'T REALLY CARE ABOUT US!!!

As a smart politician once said, "It's the conomy, stupid". If the jobs come back at a good rate by this summer, the Democrats will be golden.

Mountain Home ID

There is no way they can. It is human nature to want instant results. Even though it took eight years for the republicans to create this econoimy . People want it fixed over night.

There is no simple fix. It is going to take time and patients for the Obama administration to fix this. And there will be bumps in the road along the way. So hang on folks, it is going to be a rough ride for the next couple of years at the very minimum.

Ron K. Temecula, Ca

Jack, they can stop spending like drunken sailors and stop pushing an ultra-left agenda. Democrats were elected enmass in 2008 because they weren't Bush, not to take America down a socialist road. Time for them to make a U-turn before the voters make one for them.

They can't. Their leaders are insane liars. The White House and DNC can say the elections yesterday weren't important all they want. They did that and worse with the TEA party people and the people against Obamacare. Let's hope they continue to believe themselves. One and done Obama.

I do not think the Democrats will have their noses bloodied in the mid-term elections if they continue to make common sense moves. I think that the economy will be moving in a good direction by next year and the Republicans will not make much headway if they bring up the issue that they primarily were the ones that created the problem in the first place.Many indicators are now showing economic improvement with the Christmas shopping season yet to come. On a recent trip through the midwest I was able to see first hand how the stimulus money is helping to create and/or keep construction workers in decent paying long-term jobs. The improvements being worked on will do a lot to maintain or improve our nations infrastructure. The Republicans have no idea how to accomplish that.

REAL healthcare reform and JOBS is the key for the Democrates, Jack. without those two 2010 will be a rerun of 1994 because all the independents that voted for "change" will have changed their minds about Obama and the Democrates.

The party in power always takes a hit in the mid-term elections. To lessen the blow progress has to happen. Obama's been trying to fix the economy that Bush ignored for over a year but people want the thing straightened out as fast as they can make a phone call. There are signs of an economic turn around. He's got to get healthcare done and fast, it's becoming an anchor. He's got to kick some butts in Congress.

The Dems should just STAY THE COURSE and good things will happen. That's it! I'm still NOT OVER the last 8 years of Bush.

Democrats are doing a good job over all. the party of "no" should be the one's worried about getting their noses bloodied in the midterm. America spoke in November of last year ,remember? The media should get it that through their corporate skulls. The question should be will there even be a Republican party in the midterms?

Simple answer Jack: Giving the people what they want will prevent the bloody nose. “It’s the economy stupid.” Better put, “It’s the jobs stupid” Even better, “It’s the consumer stupid.” The one sure way to fix the economy is when people have jobs they buy durables, homes, cars, education, etc. Once the consumer comes back and starts spending money business managers will increase the supply and the whole revolving economy will start humming again. That is what the Democrats have to do…. Bring back the economy by creating jobs.

Jack, President Obama has had to spend lot's of money just to keep us from going into a depression and independents are getting nervous. Of course, if you look at history, spending is how FDR got us out of the depression and how Reagan got us out of the recession of 1981. The big difference with this recession is that Bush left office having built up a huge deficit, which Republicans say doesn't matter. The only thing that will save Democrats is if the economy takes an upswing.

Democrats would have to realize that we are not seeking business-as-usual Republican clones and actually pass needed reforms (healthcare, increased taxes upon the wealthy, corporate regulations, retrenchment of frivolous war, etc.), as opposed to being the party of endless waffling and lip service. There does not appear to be the necessary conviction with the party's representatives in order to avoid severe repercussions at the polls, however.

It's a simple three step process: First, fire Nancy Pelosi, Empress of the House. Next, fire Harry Reid and put some one competent in his Senate position. Third, pass legislation that the American public actually needs. Fourth, relax and rest on your laurels.

3 races yesterday and yet the main point is missed: Two governors are elected from the Republican party who will have almost no power in the Federal context of our national government. The one person who was elected to Federal office, the Democrat from New York’s 23rd district, get’s no mention from you even though it was the first time that district elected a Democrat since prior to the American Civil War.

So Americans choosing who is going run their state, something that is often very independent of the Federal government, is a referendum on Obama, but the first Democrat being elected to New York’s 23rd since the Civil War isn’t? Okeedokee…

Dem's & Republicans are all in for trouble because they aren't doing the peoples business. There scamming money & doing all sorts of things they weren't put into office for . If your voted in do your job or leaver it– no matter what party they are. The GOP is worse , they don't do a damn things except say no.

Let's face it, if the economy doesn't show positive recovery, and we don't have decent healthcare reform plus improved numbers on the jobless rate, the Dems are going to be in trouble.

What they need to do, besides stop their ceaseless spending of our budget, is to start working together and get some vastly needed regulatory and reform bills passed. Even so, what I see is not that big an increase in Republican wins, but an increase in Independents – which could be to the good!

They have to get off thier butts and do something, plain and simple.
Be bold and stop getting caught up in the politcal arena.
Cut out the red tape thats slowing down the process of moving forward like the thousands of pages that explained our new health care system.
If all those pages were a medical procedure we would all die on the table.
How much more complicated can our lives get Jack? We are a bureaucracy from hell.

In a gust of schadenfraude, Republican strategists gleefully celebrated Obama's election. Knowing as they did that the apocolyptic mess they left strewn all over the American landscape would overwhelm and, ultimately, destroy any successor. Now, in full Maciavellian strut, they can position themselves as the true party of reason and fiscal prudence [sic].

The sad fact is that the US is in the midst of a structural collapse and only the 'fat lady' (waiting in the wings) is going to have the last song/laugh. The rest of the world can only stand by and shudder as it waits for the next financial tsunami!

I don't know what poll you've been reading, but from what I've seen, the only people more unpopular than the congressional Democrats are Congressional Republicans. Right now, if the Republicans run themselves in the ground like they did in NY-23, the Democrats can run anyone, so long as they don't have a sordid past (like, say, working on Wall Street) and likely win.

if the economy does not turn around they probably will be hurt by the mid terms.

If you are in politics and holding elected office and things are going pretty well then you get much of the credit whether you actually had anything to do with it or not and the reverse holds true if things start to go bad.....A lot of it is luck and timing.

Who was it, Disraeli that said? "It's the times that make the man not the man that makes the times". Sounds right to me

maybe if they changed their tuen and take care of the average american , less taxes and cut wasfulspending to be halted and they shouldget ride of the health care bill they have and fix it and cut the climate crap bill and maybe if no scandals or lying under oath or no anything like that maybe they will get elected again but then again the odds of they getting re-elected are the chances of winnign the lottery

Start listening to the people and what they want. Then give it to them. No more nonsense or empty promises. Say what you do and do what you say.

It's hopeless Jack. President Obama's election was the high water mark for Democrats. The President has crushed the hopes of millions of his supporters because instead of becoming the people's champion, he has become the Republican's chump.

What did we even fight for last November? The Presidency, check. The Senate and the House, check. What good has it done? This President hasn't stuck his neck out, or fought hard for anything his supporters believe in. It's absolutely sad and pathetic.

Here's an idea, how about getting something done. They spend so much time infighting that they end up accomplishing nothing. If they don't start delivering what they promised Americans will go right back to the republicans. Say what you will about their policies but at least they seem better able to get things done.

Pollsters and pundits are always getting in wrong. I believe that this time next year, the Democrats will do well because the economy will be better, more people will be working, and we will have some resolution to the terrible problem of Afghanistan. Regardless of how the health care fight turns out, voters will remember that it was the Democrats who fought for the people, and the Republicans who fought for corporations.

.

Stop fighting among themselves, and start actually getting things done that need to be done. Stop trying to please the Republicans, because the Republicans don't try to please the Democrats and they are just trying to stop the Democrats from doing what needs to be done.

They can keep their noses out of peoples wallets.

Let the Republicans keep believing their own Bull. I think the pundits who have said that the results of the NJ and VA elections are a vote of disapproval missed the mark. The results of the NY Congressional election demonstrate more certainly the electorate's disapproval of reactionary Republican extremism.

Get off their ass and do something other than stuff their pockets with money from the lobbyist. I've voted democratic since 1962 but they are getting my last vote if they can't get anything accomplished, I've never saw such a bunch of worthless jerks in my entire life why did we vote them into the majority if they can't get anything done? It is just plain damn sad.

Do what the people sent them there to do. Be leaders

There are so many things they could do and be productive and then they wouldn't have to worry about getting bloody noses. It is time for them to step up to the plate because if they don't, they will be replaced for someone equally lame.

The Democrats should stop their search for bi-partisanship from the Republican party of No. The Republican congressmen and the so-called conservative Democrats should be ignored. They are only interested in preserving corporate profits.The first step should be to pass the health care bill. The Democrats botched it pretty badly but they still have a chance for passage, Why they had to reinvent the wheel is beyond common sense.

President Obama needs to step up and take the reins and do anything he can to show the American people that he is reducing unemployment ,and he is getting jobs,jobs,jobs. Gene

Jack, a bloody nose ain't nothing in a street fight and that is what politics in America is today, a street fight. Pass health care reform that includes a strong public option, Medicare for everyone and the Democrats will be in power for a generation.

how about doing something simple–represent the people who elected you not the lobbyists/special interests and your quest for reelection?

Jack, I think you mean it is the republicans who need to guard their noses, don't they?

Sara Palin's endorsement, Glenbeck, the teabaggers, were all the
kiss of death for the republicans in NY- 23.

This was the only race that was of any real importance to the Democrats. And we won the congressional seat.

The republicans think that electing a republican in a state that is
traditionally red republican anyway(but turned blue during the national
election, ha ha) somehow delivered them a victory. If Virginia wants to
be ruled by the same republicans who ruined the country no less than
one year ago, then let them.

However , the MAJORITY of Americans will not be fooled again.

They need to listen to the people not Pelosi or Reid. For some reason she and he are in full-blown disconnect from what the voters. If they step up, Pelosi and Reid and Obama and sign up for the Obamacare before it is ever signed. That will onvine the people that they are socializing this country..

1. Pass Health Care Reform with a robust public option (say, Medicare +5).
2. Stay to the left. You can't beat Republicans by acting like Republicans.
3. Lead. Stop making excuses when you have a majority in both houses. Force the Republicans to filibuster if they feel the need to impede America's progress, and hold their feet to the fire when they do.

It's simple, really.

The dems, the "maybe we will/maybe we won't", have to get up an take a stand, ie., do something other than talk and promise; they call the reps the party of "no". They should call the dems the party of "when?" or better yet, "when ever", or "when never!"

They need to get something done.
They are on the brink of a “do-nothing” congress.
With the current mood of the electorate there could be a lot of changes on both sides of the isle, the Democrats for getting nothing done with their huge majority and the Republicans for being the party of no.

They would have to pay attention to the polls, the REAL POLLS, not those distorted by Fox and CNN and know what the voting public want and need! And then, try to muster up the courage to follow through and simply do what is right for the American public. But then, they would also have to care.....

By stop being wimps and go on the attack against the GOP. The democrats better wake up because the yahoo's are starting to win.

First step...is to loud and clear show, not tell the people where this bad economy came from. And if that is where they want to go back to I'm sure the Republicans can scale down another notch or two till we hit rock bottom.. And it is true some people have short memories and have no patience.
Second step...is to remind that Republicans are for lower taxes for rich/corporate business. And who is your job tied to? Neither party is worth their pay...So which evil are you going to choose. I could go on and on but if you don't understand whats been going on for the last eight years, I don't think anyone could educate you.
Wouldn't it be interesting to know how much money is sent out side our on country to help put other countries back on their feet...

All they can do is wait and see.

Wear a face mask.

The Democrats are going to have their heads handed to them during the midterm elections if they continue to propose outlandishly expensive legislation like health care reform that drags on and on like the roadkill bunny. It would cost little-to-nothing to quickly pass a wide range of legislation to prevent the health care industry from nailing individuals and businesses as they have for years. It would also help the Democrats in congress if they could manage to put their individual ideologies aside and work as a cohesive body for the overall good of the nation.

They should march up to the White House and feed President Obama some of that old style starch from the 50's and 60's for his back bone and then they can all start to doing what was promised in the campaign.

If someone gets in the way, throw them under the bus and keep going. Republicans are not looking for bipartisanship. They are looking for Democratic failure and nothing would please them more than contributing to a Democratic failure.

Jobs Jobs Jobs.. These were local elections with a local twists. However, if we dont get health care and jobs the Dems will get there necks twisted off..

The President making good on a few of his campaign promises would go a long way to keeping from getting roughed up in 2010.

What can the Democrats do avoid getting bloodied in the mid-terms ??? The the evil GOP to lead; follow or get out of the way...

Absolutely nothing Jack. If the party of "NO" can get two Governorships after showing that 30 million Americans just don't matter when it comes to health care and with George Bush and the Republicans leaving a monster of a mess with the country's finances just this year, not to mention the FACT that President Obama actually took office on January 20 THIS YEAR, then it clearly shows the contempt those Americans who would even consider voting a Republican to any office, have for the Obama Administration and the Democrats.
What President Obama has to do to reverse this trend is fight these Republicans by continually reminding the Americans that it took EIGHT years of George Bush and the Republicans to get the country into the mess its in. NO ONE CAN TURN IT AROUND IN EIGHT MONTHS. Those are the facts Jack.

Pass a health care bill and ALL of Congress join THAT health care plan.

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid can get out of the way and let President Obama do his job

If Democrats don't start showing a united front, they will continued to be bullied by the Republicans. Republicans don't care about anything but winning. The Republicans have been supported by aligning with corporations for so long, they no longer have a moral compass. At some point a corporation can become so big that is is unwieldy that become dysfunctional. That is what the Republican Party has also become. Politics "gone wild", kickbacks and favors to big money and big business. Big business does not vote. The everyday working "Joe" is the ones that stand in line to vote. If the Democrats don't start siding with the American public and start making serious changes that benefit the majority of our workforce (or the once recently working force) who turned out to vote for them, then the public will lose hope that change is possible and stay home on voting day and complain about how nothing ever changes.

They need to convince the public that Obama is more than a spokesperson and that Pelosi and Reid are not really running this country. I don't think the administration or the media really grasp how much we lttle people despise and mistrust those two.

Pass the darn health care bill . Ifyou want to ride his coattails, give him something he and you can be proud of. We have waited many years for this and we need it .

They need to follow through with what they have been doing. With all of the progressive legislation in washington, conservatives and even right wing democrats are nervous as we are all walking on the thin ice of a shaky economy. Last nights election results is nothing more than the American public grabbing at conservative security blankets during a turbulent time with hopes of slowing down... once things even out and programs are placed, the democratic party will become the hot topic magnet again... in time, turbulent waves will subside, sun will shine again.

Pass health reform that favors people, not the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. That’s why Republicans are fighting so viciously. They’ll spend a generation or more out of power if something worthwhile passes. So far, however, they need not worry.

get back on the fiscal issues, vote and legislate on things you know, not 1900+ of things they havent read. How can anyone vote on that junk!!!!!!!!!!

What does it matter? We shouldn't be arguing over whether a republican or democrat! We should be just be trying to get a good person with real plans into office.

Also, I fail to see how state elections have anything to do with the country's outlook on President Obama. People who vote straight party in every election are part of the problem with American politics.

Why is the media so focused on two gubernatorial races and trying to divine some meaning about national politics. If you want an indicator of voter sentiments on federal issues including health care, the wars and the economy you would be better served by looking at the two Congressional special elections also held yesterday where those issues were relevant. The Democrats one both, including a district they haven't won since the 1800's.

Perhaps the most important way for the Democrats (and Republicans, for that matter) to retain their seats is for their elected officials to truly represent their constituents, rather than playing party politics and resorting to business as usual.

This should be a wake up call to Dems. Stick together! Push the Democratic agenda (healthcare, wall street reform, gitmo, etc), because we might not get another chance. And the Success of the agenda will cure the problem of "losing".

If the Democrats get health care with a good public option through and get it into affect soon they will do just fine next year. As soon as the people see that all to dire predictions are just insurance company propaganda health care reform will be as popular as medicare which had the same dire predictions back when congress was considering it.

Apparently, they need to do a better job of appealing to the lowest common denominator. If they're guilty of anything, it's not having the PR and Propaganda Department that the Republicans have. By this time next year, the Democrats will have pushed through Health Care, and the economy will have rebounded. Meanwhile, the Republicans will have done little more than stood in the way and shouted loudly.

They should stop thiking of cashing in on obama wind and start showing their own wind and listen to the people. Wind dies down after a time.

They should quit while they're behind and resign.

ted
_______

Show some leadership in getting the economy going and healthcare pass and resolve the mess of the Goldman's of the world getting even bigger. Break them for good to avoid the TBTF...

What can they do to keep from taking a shot to their little congressional snouts?

How about ANYTHING? Get something done for crying out loud. Especially that health care reform stuff.

Stephen
Virginia Beach

I watched the returns last night and feeling disappointed, I tuned into HBO's Documentary "By The People: The Election of Barack Obama." This reenergized my reasoning for voting for the man in the first place and everyone should see it!
Americans have such a short term memory and attention span, so I suggest that Democrats need to keep reminding Americans how bad it was for the past 8 years. The "Yes We Can" attitude and lots of commercials for the midterms reminding Americans of this will work! Don't let the GOP get away with the lies and propoganda!

Have a strong showing that they are putting American Citizens first in their decision making process.

What we are seeing here in California for instance, a new 10% withholding.
Food, gas, traffic, jobs, housing. its a mess, and while the tax payers are footing the bill, there are many non citizens reaping the benefits.

Its not all illegal immigrants, but I have a problem with taking my heard earned money out of my families pocket, lowering our quality of life, to lift another nations citizens without me having a say about it.

It's not "How", but why shouldn't they. They're approval rating is about 30 something. People are fed up with their whining about Republicans not getting on board with their programs. They have had enough votes in their own party to pass anything they want, but they don't. They have been totally ineffective. Pelosi and Reid need to go.

My opinion, get to work. I see potential at every corner we turn but see those efforts drown admits the petty squabbling of red vs. blue politics. I long maturity long over due in politics and I am 22 years old.

Just face it the democrats are going down next year.

Go see the Wizard. Republicans have no heart, the masses have no brain, so they'll need courage. Speak up...like Grayson maybe!

The Democratic Party and President Obama must deliever on a Health Care Reform package that includes a single payer Public Option as quickly as possible. We simply cannot allow the Insurance companies to continue without any viable competition.

Jack, they just need to take control and get some things done. they haven't even come close to the mess president Bush got us in.the american people know that, we are just inpatient!

They can move to the middle of the political spectrum, where the country resides and where they ran in '08.

New Jersey , really, should President Obama really be worried about a state that doesn't even have their own TV market? And North Carolina? The state that invented the color purple?
Obama made the right choice in watching basketball last night, no offense, Jack.

Put so-called cap and trade, which President Obama admitted will cause Americans' electrical rates to "skyrocket," on the back-burner. If the left wing of the Democratic Party in the Senate manages to ram this thing down America's throat, the Democrats can count on losing congress in 2010.

don't count us out yet Jack 06 and 08 was just a start we needed to give the republicans enough rope and it worked.

Democrats need to pass strong health insurance reform, get out of Iraq and Afghanistan, restore civil liberties, restore regulation on the financial industry, and make sustainable energy a priority.

It's simple, Jack. They need to do something they've need to do all along...show some testicular fortitude and take on the opposition. Get things done – show us some results to believe in!
Martin
Grand Forks, ND

The Democrats can't avoid bloodshed. Americans never give things a chance to change for the better. This is the main reason why America will never evolve into an an advanced, futuristic nation. Everything is changing around us and we aren't showing the capability to grow as a people. We need to stop longing for the perceived "good ole days" which eventually led us to an economic mess, stop politicing about what people do in the privacy of their own homes and let Barack Obama work on this nation from an intelligent point of view. We haven't had a truly brilliant man in the Oval Office in generations. Sometimes we need to stop judging every footstep and allow time for real results! Nine months isnt time to do fix a 233 year old nation.

Jack....Dems will only have themselves to blame if they get bloodied up in the "mid terms", but if they would Pass healthcare reform, get us the hell out of Afghanistan... and actually implement some of the platform that President Obama ran and was elected on. they might not get beat up too bad....... but jobs are another story.....

The dems need to start acting like real democrats not blue dogs, yellow dogs, or pubs. If you don't do what the people voted you in for then you deserve to get booted out. At this point I don't see any difference between the dems and pubs when it comes to corporate welfare and war funding. Delays and double speak won't work anymore for the dems.

Harry Truman explained it clearly enough for Democrats when he said that when a the people have a choice of voting for a Democrat that talks like a Republican or voting for a Republican, they will vote for the Republican. The message is that for Democrats to win they must talk and walk and vote like Democrats. And the more progressive or populist those Democrats are the more seats they will win or hold on to. Blue Dog Democrats will hand the election over to Republicans. This is why the Democrat lost the governors race in Virginia. He talked like a Republican, so the voters voted for the Republican. The only exception to this rule might be is when the Democrats speak like a Republican like Teddy Roosevelt. He was the first president to suggest a program of healthcare for all.

I'd say if the news people started talking about today instead of a couple of years down the line that would be a good start. We live in today not the future in most of America.

This is a no-brainer. The Democrats just need to sit back and let the right wing Republicans bloody their own noses. Look at what happened when Palin, Limbaugh, and others on the far right decided to push for the election of the Conservative candidate in upstate New York. Give those great Americans enough rope, and they will hang themselves.

Jack,

What can the Dems do? They could do something. Anything, really. Pass Health Care Reform, allow homosexuals in the military, make a decision about Afghanistan, legalize medical marijuana. For God's sake, just make a decision and make it stick! The Republicans are crooked and the Democrats are inept. I don't know who to vote for next time.

They can't, United they stand, divided they fall.. And, they are so divided among themself as a united party they are useless.

The way the Dems cab hold and even increase power is to do the job they were elected to do in 2008. The Country voted for change, give the voters what they promised. Quit hiding behind the Republicans, Man up and pass Health and Enviroment bill. One thing they should do right this second is toss Joe Lieberman out of the Caucus, he is no Democrat get rid of him.

Remind folks that they were silent for 8 years when the Government grew by thousands/leaps and bounds and to speak against all of the spending and deficits was considered/classified as unpatriotic. What's happening now is "pump priming" at best. There was a surplus at the beginning of the Bush Administration and he spent us in to trillion dollar tax cuts while engaged in two wars. Now the American people are concerned with spending and growth in Government? Should this concern have been raised several years ago??

Steve
Clifton, VA

Follow through with their plans. Now is a particularly bad time. Lots of money has been spent, but the jobs aren't there. If the Democratic strategy is right, the jobs picture will be much better next year. Also, some of the stimulus investment will be showing returns. They also have to get some health care reform passed. Hopefully a few more of the promises will have been kept. Next year should look very much better for the Democrats.

Jim, Craig, CO

There is no way to stop the slaughter of democrats! They might as well pack up and go home now!

Is this a trick question?????

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, Jobs,.............................

Will
Canon City, CO

What's wrong with this picture?? The economy which is what you're calling the Democrat hingepin for this and future years' votes, was SET UP by a lengthy war-off budget and therefore deficit producing– and a 'big pharma' bonanza also unfunded anywhere....and a TOTALLY laise-faire approach to too big to fail and wall street chicanery for years and years.....and it's a moratorium on "fix it quick" in 9-10 months???? Come on!

If the Democrats get health care with a good public option through and get it into affect soon they will do just fine next year. As soon as the people see that all the dire predictions are just insurance company propaganda health care reform will be as popular as medicare which had the same dire predictions back when congress was considering it.

I am saddened to hear the White House sees nothing of value to be gained by their losses in Virginia and New Jersey. . That choice paints them as irrational zombies which makes them apprear to be even more frightenting and chillingly out of touch with the vast majority of the American Independents.

Simple answer: Take the "bluedogs" and Joe Leiberman into the back room and explain clearly, in no uncertain terms, what is expected of them and what will happen to their political carrers if they don't do what is expected of them. Then bring them out, take a vote on the healthcare plan 75% of us want, pass it and get on with the countries busines.

Get out and spread lies about Republicans just like they do about my party. They try to make people believe that they are Christians, this isn't how true Christians behave. I think Jesus likes they way the Democrats treat everyone versus the way the party of NO does.

The White house is correct in it's statement saying that each of these elections are very local. Me being a young voter in New Jersey who voted for Obama in 08 and also a registered democrat. I still did not vote for Corzine(nor Christy) since the issues we have in jersey are still with us and it doesnt seem like they are getting fixed any time soon.

If the Democrats or even Republicans want to hold the states they have then they better get to work on the number 1 issue that concerns all Americans being the economy. No matter what state you are from or what ever political party is in power in that state. If they don't work to help the state with this economic down turn they are going to get booted out. New Jersey is a great example of people being fed up with such high Property tax with a horrible economy and seeing little to no work to fix it.

What can the Democrats do to avoid getting bloodied in the mid terms?? Tell the evil GOP to lead; follow or get out of the way !!!

The Democrats need to educate and explain. It took eight years to create the economic mess we're in–it's not going to be solved in one year –no instant gratification this time. The economy has made some progress; the policies put in place by the White House kept us from sliding into a Depression and things are slowly recovering. The Democrats have to stay united with their actions–if they show resolve and confidence, the voters will follow.

I think the Dems should go ahead with a health care plan that actually gives we the people a fair shake. If that happens I believe the Dems would have no problems in the next elections. Remember actions speak louder than words especially from politicians.

They need to keep their eye on the ball, their nose where it should be instead of up where the republicans keep theirs, and don't let the opposition lies distract them.

I don't feel that yesterdays results are an indicator of anything other than that the American people correctly desire to vote out incumbants and that both parties will have bloodied noses.

Manhattan Beach, CA

C'mon Jack, I thought you were smarter than that. Are you going to buy into this 'Republican Rennaisance garbage? We are talking about 2 gubinatorial races which mean nothing on the national level. Here in Washington state we defeated a ref. 1033 that would have limited property taxes, our domestic partnership law looks as if it will be upheld, there is more to this country than the east coast, it is not a referrendum on the dems, I'm not buyin' it and you shouldn't be sellin' it.

All the Dems need to do to stay in power is show the republicans are a bunch of kids; stubborn and sad they got picked last and instead of sucking it up and playing ball their just throwing a tantrum and refusing to take the field. Take this boycott of the environmental meeting with senator Boxer, and the fact that they oppose so heavily the public option but don't offer another solution. Their policy of no is ridiculous whats their plan? its almost like they want to be back in middle school. Maybe if they spent less time saying no and more time helping we could be doing a lot better as a country.

Democrats in the House and Senate must stand on principle and work diligently to pass the legislation promised by the Democratic platform (healthcare reform and tighter economic regulations for Wall Street, etc.) rather than worry too much about getting re-elected as too many career politicians often do. They must take care of the business which they were elected to do and this will energize their supporters to continut to come out and continue to elect them. Politicians without the courage to act boldly have no place in government. If they lose re-election based on their votes for controversial issues, at least they retain their dignity and can be respected for fighting for their supporters.

By doing what they were elected to do in 2006 and 2008. Unite behind a bold agenda of change. Real health care reform. Real financial reform. Ending the wars. Reinvesting in American jobs, schools and infrastructure. Ending the Bush fiscal policies that favor the rich. Protecting the environment. Giving us an open, honest government. In short, by doing what they promised to do. Running away from their President, their party and their promises didn't work in 1994 and it won't work in 2010.

James Hoban
Portland, Maine

How can Democrats avoid bloodshed, Jack? Here are the major points that will have their advantage...the health care reform bill need to pass before mid 2010, or even early 2010. Another point is the wars, try to some good things like troops coming home for good, or finding a high level Taliban; and another point create the second Stimulus bill that will help bring the Economy to a new level in 2010. Do all those things and as well keeping Obama as their face and voice, they should be bloodproof come mid-elections. Just let the timeline go on, because anything from now to next November can drastically change in the Democrats' favor.

They have bring jobs back to US. Our economy can not recover if companies send jobs to India and China to cut cost and then say that they made profit because this will not last. The way we are going we will come to great depression bigger then before.

If Democrats want to survive the midterm elections, they should work in concert with our democratically elected President. The Democrats seem to be afraid to make a move without the approval or participation of the Republicans. This is ridiculous. Dems fighting for their political careers during this tight economy should fight for jobs, and debt reduction for consumers... especially the elderly, and the young (college students). Dems who want my vote should advocate for student loan forgiveness, and on behalf of the majority of people in this country: the poor, and middle class!

They need to quit piling bail outs, trillion dollar entitlements, and stimulus packages filled with political paybacks and pork onto an already outrageous deficit.

The United States used to be one of the biggest lenders in the world. Now we're one of the biggest borrowers. What the heck are these people in Washington doing?

I think Reagan's quote about government being the problem has never been more true.

It's simple. Pass meaningfull healthcare reform(give everybody choices the same as congress) and bring our troops home. Maybe someone will come to the senseable conclusion that the debt we are accumulating amounts to our yearly defacit. Let's stop spending over seas and spend it here for the American people since it is our money they are spending.

As a 75 year old independent (fiscal conservative / social liberal) I say a pox on both their houses. Where do I go to find representation? My mother voted for Harry Truman because she thought that election and the Dewey landslide would be the end of the two party system. Maybe it should have been.

ask to have a pay cut that would shake americans up thinking that they really care about our childrens futures. That would make me vote for them across the board.

Jack, we're out of the recession and the economy continues to improve. By the time we have mid-term elections, health care reform will have passed and the job outlook will be much improved. Should be a great day for the Democrats and the potential demise of the party of "NO"! The question should have been what can the GOP do to keep from getting their noses bloodied. The answer is, just say "YES" once in a while.

Well Jack because the American people seem to have a very short memory the Democrats can continue to point out that it took W 8 years to run the country into the ground and start 2 wars from a 13 trillion dollar surplus, they might want to give Obama 2 or 3 to clean up the mess.

No problem Jack we have our eyes on the White House. All Democrats will support their own because the thought that we could have another Republican in the White House will scare the hell out of everyone. Stop worrying!

Joan

The N.J. and Virginia races really don't say all that much about next year. For over thirty years these states have voted for a governor who is in the party opposite of the president. Obama has very high approval ratings in both states, and exit polling showed that the majority of those voting were not selecting their candidate based on support or opposition to the president; although, the numbers of those voting to oppose him was higher than to show support. The key for the democrats is turn-out. So what do they have to do? Get Plouff back in & have him devise an overall message and strategy for the campaigns, and make sure that everybody running sticks to it.

They can and they may well ... Unless they understand that Obama PROMISS was "Yes We Can" ... NOT "Yes I CAN!" DEMS should and must:
a) Go out and Vote, and
b) Ensure that our representatives in both House & Senats ... Support OBAMA

Jobs,jobs & more jobs. A big fine or tax for companies taking jobs off-shore.
No more apology tours for Pres. Obama.
He should stay off the late-night talk shows. Charm & personality is not going to help bring back jobs.
Stop the huge bonuses for Wall St. & AIG. The American people own most of these companies now & nothing makes us angrier than these bonus cry-babies.

It's all part of the game. The pundits declared the end of the Republican party last year, just like they declared the end of the Dems eight years before. The Dems and Reps are the same party, and any difference is for appearance only, to make the voter think there is a choice.
Look at the way they will pull together to keep ANY third party (Libetarian, Constitution, Reform, Liberal, or Conservative...) out of congress or a govenership.
The media buys into it and won't even mention third party candidates.

Regardless, the spin will continue. As long as no reform on term limits and time per term.

Jack –

Drop the obsession with an expensive health care reform act (that we cannot afford), make a decision on Afghanistan & get the US troops out as soon as reasonably possible (listen to your military advisers & win the damn thing), focus on the failing US economy & get the federal budget under control (stop the wasteful spending like promised).

If these steps are not taken quickly not only will the Democrats get bloodied at the midterm elctions, Obama will join the ranks of the millions of unemployed in 2012.

The economy will continue to grow, jobs will be created and unemployment numbers will drop when midterm elections come around. Republicans will be blooding the noses of Palin, Rush and Hannity.

They need to get things done and instead of blaming the past they need to learn from it. You know the saying, "if we don't learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it." They can remember what happened to health care during the Clinton Administration. They can realize that the Republicans will never support any kind of real change. Isn't that what conservative means? We voted the Democrats, even the moderates, into the majority so they can get things done. If we don't see change, they can't blame the Republicans, they can only blame themselves.

First the Democrat's need to listen to the voters and just scrap the public option. I am an RN and I am insulted when they say the medical people are for the public option. Get your numbers straight. We are not stupid, we(the middle class ) will pay more and get less from our healthcare. We will vote all Democrats out of office if we have to.

Get rid of Pelosie, Reed, Drop the2000 page health care bill, and drop cap and tax. And get rid of the corrupted crooks in congress and th e senate, Charlie Rangel, Maxine Waters, etc. Jerry / Iowa

its sound very simple, PASS HEALTHCARE......

The Democrats need to have and pass an agenda. The one thing President Reagen proved is, even if most disagree with you, they will respect you for standing for something . They have a majority and there is no reason for government not to work and accomplish something. It is the will of the people, expressed in an election, and not everybody will ever agree with all the actions of government, but that is what democracy is all about.. It is the fence sitter who only worries about the next election who is universally hated. The government is not a family, they can print money and as long production grows to match growing demand there is no inflation. I am a part of a dieing breed, a moderate republician. I am tired of my party just saying no. I support Senator Snow.

The Dems need to produce health care with a public option, progress in Afghanistan and most importantly jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs. It is time to to see if the Obama agenda will create tangible change and gains.

Jack, I live in Kentucky, A democratic governor and clearly a red state
need I say more?

First, hope that those tea baggers keep on getting out there to drive away all moderates and independents. Pray that republicans primary each other and select the 'purest of the pure' - meaning the most right-wing nuts out there. Second, bring back David Plouff to work on both messaging and strategies to target the needed coalition members for each state. The guy is a campaigning master and the dems need to use him.

Are you kidding me? Has anyone taken the time to look at the victors in the gubernator elections? They are definitely not the hardcore conservative base that is taunting the wins today. If anything, it should be a weak up call for the Republican Party that there has to be room for the moderates in the party. The Republicans will, without a doubt, set themselves up for disastrous midterm’s defeats if they use these lackluster victories to give voice to party players such as Palin, Beck, or Limbaugh.

Grow a spine.

Let the republicans have the seats. then when things get worse they can take the heat.

Easy, Jack – all they need to do is start listening to the people. You know, us little guys who who were promised jobs from the $787 billion "stimulus" package 10 months ago? Yesterday showed us that the supposedly out-of-touch GOP we've been hearing about for the past year is alive and well, and apparently connecting with more people than we thought. Congress and the White House are only fooling themselves if they shrug this off as having no correlation to the 2010 elections. Who is really out of touch?

If the Democrats don't believe this limited election had no impact on them – well they must have their heads in the sand. This should be a wake-up call for him and all the Democrats. He needs to surround himself with people that the public can respect – so far, I haven't seen any office.

If by "Democrats" you mean voters, then they can VOTE.

If you're referring to those running for office, I guess just campaign down the center aisle and challenge the GOP to point out what's good about their own party instead of condemning each and every democratic policy.

I think that either party that comes across as the most positive and logical will appeal to centrists and independents. The rest of the country will circle all D's or R's anyways.

Jack, Democrats and Obama need to do 2 things,,,,first fire the head of the Treasury and proceed with a thorough audit of the Federal Reserve. THAT would give them credibility.

What the Democrats can do is to keep reminding voters how we got here in the first place – w/the Bush admin. neglecting our countries' needs over other countries (Iraq); starting wars we didn't need; corruption we haven't seen the likes of since the Nixon admin., etc. Also, the mess Pres. Obama inherited from the Bush admin. (which Bush said the next Pres. could clean up); that it doesn't take several MONTHS to clean up a mess that took EIGHT YRS. to create! It's not like turning on a switch!
That Republicans NEVER give the American people ANYTHING, but corruption, wars, bigotry, petty problems to be concerned about (such as worrying about gays; who sleeping w/whom; paying partisan politics) rather than looking and TRYING TO SOLVE REAL problems in our country not just constantly complaining, and shooting off their mouths! This, I think the Democrats should be doing to refresh the short memory of people who can't focus past one months' time!

I'm a gay man from Atlanta, but I'm getting impatient. I understand the wars, economy, and healthcare take time to fix. But there are some promises that should have been delivered by now. I'm not giving any more money, and I'm not voting any more, until the Democrats fulfill some of the promises from last year.

Reality check: Virginia, due to low voter turn out. Was republican, And John Corzine had a bad hand,being it is a recession and also low voter turn out. Americans are falling asleep at the switch!!!! If the democrats want to prevent a blood-shed. Pass health-care reform, And continue with fixing the economy. Remember jobs, jobs, jobs! If Obama wants to help democrats! First he should've rolled back or repeal the Bush tax cuts to the wealthy! Not let them expire! But democrats and the party need to get young voters encouraged and not let the promise of democratic change of philosophies and policies come to an abrupt end. Oh! and I am from detroit, michigan.

All they have to do is to remind the republicans that they can jump up and down as much as they wish but the American people memories ain't as short as they may think they are. just remind them they are the ones who ran the economy in the ground, they are the ones who ran the deficits up, they are the ones who the health care cost sky rocketed under, if it ain' t for the big corperation it ain't the republican so if you and all the know it all pundits want to jump up and shout about an unpoplar governor or candidate lose two meaningless governorships, you are in for a rude awakening come next, sit back and clap now, but see what we do for you and fox news and the republicans again next year

Stop dithering and deliver on the agenda for which they were elected. If Healthcare reform becomes endangered before the end of the year, Democrats should use the legislative maneuver of reconciliation to push the measure through Congress with 51 Senate votes.

get something important done.
so easy.
and kick Lieberman out

Pres. Obama still has the majority of people behind him whats the polling for the Senate And Congress, I think they better get with the program and start passing his agenda like Health Care for One. Come 2010 I wouldn't want to be a Dem. voting against Obamas agenda, The change people wanted was action not grid lock.

For starters, they can ignore what the other political groups say and stay focused on their goals, come up with brilliant strategies, and listen to each other. In other words, instead of bashing each other, let's help each other find good ways to get the proper leaders to be successful in the midterms. They can't stoop down to the Republican level, they must keep up the good work and show the Republicans what politics is all about. Now for the Republicans, no more bashing, let's fix these issues together. This is how Bob McDonnell won the Virginian Governor election. Because he focused more on solving issues than on bashing fellow rival Creigh Deeds. Deeds should have been focused more on the problem solving instead of bashing McDonnell and he would have a much better chance of winning!

Jack

To gain relection they should
1. Balance the budget.
2 Reduce unemployment to 2%
3. Kill Bin Laden
4. Retract all bailouts and agree to never steal tax money again.
5. Provide cheap clean energy
6. Provide afordable healthcare without government direct control
7. Follow the money stolen by bankers and brokers in the housing derivitive scam , prosecute the guilty and tax the accesories
8 Adopt a new economy that rewards only those who work and elimnates profit by people who broker from the sweat of others

If they fail . I will be the first to donate to the Obama Library in 2012

The Dems must unload Nancy Pelosi, and Dem Moderates must run away from Obama Marxism!!

Simply Jack, they need to get off their you know what and pass the health care bill.
-Nimmond, Florida City, FL

If the young people get out and vote – the Democrats will do just fine next year. And, they many regarldess. But, many young people only vote in the Presidential election. They don't understand that it's important for the President to have his party be the majority in the Senate and Congress. That's one issue that needs to be addressed. The other is that most Americans are addicted to instant gratification. They want thing fixed and they want them fixed now. When that doesn't happen, they change parties. They also seem to be suffering from some kind of collective alzheimer's. Seems the've forgotten who got us into this mess in the first place. tt wasn't Obama.

turnout -= get the base out there. the tea baggers are a reallly strange group of folks – if my mother appeared on tv screaming about how she wanted her country back – off the the county home for her.! Keep the nutty parents at home. Make sure that the younger crowd is voting. After all it will be their future – not ours.

The Dems must unload Nancy Pelosi, and Dem Moderates must run away from Obama Marxism!! Leaving Obama a Lame duck after year one!!

If the Democrats want to stay out of the slaughter house next year they need to get their act together and pass some legislation with some teeth in it-Healthcare reform with a robust public option-comprehensive immigration reform-same sex marriage. If they need to use the option that allows them to pass a bill with 51 votes, so be it. They need to do what is right, not what they THINK will get they re-elected.

Jack, President Obama needs to stand up and get tougher in his
message or else he will be like the kid on the playground who
lets the bully bloody his nose on the playground in front of his
friend(little Joe Biden) , thus robbing him of his dignity as well as
his lunch money.

Quit infighting, procrastinating and get something done. Their known inability to accomplish anything is historical;y and currently true. If they don't do something the Republicans will again resume power.

as a democrat, its not a big deal if republicans win here and there.. i like checks and balances in government, not a one party like in china or other dictatorships ocross the globe. now that the gop is in charge in some states, they will know the difficulty about jobs, health care that obama is experiencing in his administration. be careful what you wish for

A very wise man once said "I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat."

Not so much has changed in some ways since Will Rogers uttered those words...

Jack, I think the democrats should just ignore the Republicans and do what they promised to do. If they don't, the American public is going to turn on them and put Republicans back in office despite the fact that it's been the Republicans who have done nothing and opposed everything Obama and the democrats have tried to do. The Republicans aren't going to cooperate on anything in a bipartsian way as demonstrated by Boehner and McConnell.

HopeSarah Palin is the GOP's nominee or she is out there spouting off . Passing health care and ending the Afghanistan operation might also be a goof thing and even better the stock market has a massive upswing.

FIX the economy, Stupid.

Their job.

As James Carville said last night, the Democrats must deliver on national health care. If they proved unable with two thirds of the country polling in favor, why would anybody want them?

I am a democratic and cant believe obamas crooks can still be fool ing people after everyy lie he has spoke he had to be beggest joke ever pull on america but he is not funny. chuck paree

They can give up on this ridiculous idea of bipartisanship. The Republicans simply do not want to work together. They want to sit and watch the administration fail. The Democrats should take 100% action (go it alone, as the Republicans said in 2003) and actually make SOMETHING happen. Let the Republicans watch. Ben Franklin said it best; "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain, and most fools do."

As a fifth generation Republican, turned "Independent," it will be important for me to keep involved in grass roots efforts,,,feet on the ground as we did supporting Obama.
This election, I supported Bill Owens in the twenty third district of NewYork State financially and I will support anyone opposed to the regressive philosophy of the present Republican Party that has left me and many former Republicans behind; frankly they went SOUTH. The GOP speaks of big government "take overs;" what about "take overs" of our personal lives they support denying a woman's right to chose and BIG BUSINESS i.e. health care insurance companies "taking over" our health care decisions...atleast if the government ran health care, we would be able to vote upon their decisions,

For one thing the Dem. can remember that they were the party that won the elections last Nov. and stop trying to placate the Rep. party.
With the plans that Pres. Obama has put fourth (and I might add put his relection on the line) it seems that the rest of Dems in Congress seem to need the permission of the Rep. party to pass any of them. As a man that voted for Obama an still supports him, I'm getting very tired of hearing all the talk from the Dems. about working with the other party, the party of No! No! No!.

they need to carry Thur on their promises and not worry about the polls. they need to stick all together and pass good health care plan which was the first promise, create jobs and improve the economy for every one not just the rich.