It looks as if many republicans are developing blisters on their feet. General consensus is that the problem might have arisen from having to wear a shoe on the other foot.
It can be argued that from 1994 until 2006 that democrats have been operating from the position of the underdog in our political junkyard. Though Bill Clinton occupied the White House for six of those twelve years, those six years were largely spent fighting off a siege. This is why every other word we heard from Hillary was "fight." She would fight for this or fight against that. And indeed, those last six years were a battle for the democrats.
In ninety four Newt Gingrich's "contract with America' swept the republicans into a majority in both houses of congress and the battle was joined. Culminating with articles of impeachment but no conviction. That, in case you didn't realize, is as bad as it can get.
Since barely squeaking by in the Senate's Clinton impeachment vote, the democrats have been "fighting" their way back from a government controlled by republicans. Eight years of a republican president. Six years of republican control of congress. And a very right leaning Supreme Court.
A major hurdle was cleared with their victory in the mid term elections of 06. Though they achieved a majority in both houses, it was hardly a working majority. There have been more than enough republicans in the congress to impede even an unambitious agenda.
But this election cycle looks to be quite different. There is every possibility that a flood of democrats will be unleashed. There may very well be a filibuster proof majority in the senate. If such a majority ensues, it will open the doors to big time change in this country. This appears to be what the public desires.
So republicans find themselves fighting for relevance. After running roughshod over democrats to pass a pretty radical right wing agenda, the conservatives face a receding tide that threatens to carry them out to sea. And this tide is running so strong that holding forty one senate seats might be considered victory.
In the face of this flood, the republicans are reacting like children pitching a fit. Lashing out with hurtful, cruel name calling. Socialists, anti-american, Marxists and traitors are just a few of the terms thrown around. Even race baiting and making use of a poor mentally unbalanced girl to gin up hatred. Now, the idiot who created the rumor that Obama is a muslim, is backing off that charge to insinuate that he is actually the son of a terrorist, not his actual African father.
This vitriol is reminiscent of the passion of the sixties, the last great social upheaval in our country. I had hoped that we had grown a little since then. I would love to see our politics become more sophisticated. To be able to hold an adult debate without devolving into name calling and such immature, child like behavior. But I must admit I am taking guilty pleasure in the republican angst. After watching my civil rights disappear with the patriot act. After seeing my country practice torture. After watching my president lie to me time and time again, I am ready for some revenge.
So get ready Washington D.C., you are about to see the democrats march into town. And watch the republicans, cursing and screaming, limp out while wearing the shoe on the other foot.