NationStates Jolt Archive

As a very liberal person, albeit one too young to vote, I would like to see as much as anyone a return to liberal government after 6 horrible years. Last night, however, I read something that made me think.

It was an article about the catch involved in the short-term democratic dream: regaining control of 1 or both houses of Congress. Basically, although it is clear the Republicans will have a run for their money, it is hallucinatory to think the Democrats would have a huge majority. Because of this, and the fact we have a republican president who's veto would be difficult to overturn without a significant majority, their power would be limited. The Democrats would likely be able to make only quite modest progress, which is far less then needed considering the state of the country. But, since they would have a majority, they would still share the blame for our current national problems, despite having not caused and likely being unable to fix them. So, the article concluded, is it possible it would be better to leave the Republicans for two more years of high gas prices, hurricanes and the like, making it easier in 08 for the Democrats to be effective in congress and regain the presidency?

I'm not sold at all on this idea. Two more years with the Republicans at the helm would, I predict, be VERY bad, and depending on how they spin it the Democrats could make it understood they were not in a very powerful position and that many issues were left over from the days of Republican control. Still, this certainly is a side of the issue I hadn't even considered. Your thoughts?

The Republicans didn't cause high gas prices either; plus, prices aren't going to fall for a while...if ever. That $1.00 gas and $8 oil in the 1990's is what caused the problems of today, and rising demand worldwide hasn't helped one iota.

It's possible that gas will remain at its current level in real terms well in to the future, or might go even higher; therefore, the Democrats could gain a lot of political capital if they develop a comprehensive energy plan in 2006, apply it, and help achieve a major reduction in oil demand and oil imports.

Then, if prices fall they could rightfully take credit for it and increase their influence in 2008 and beyond. And if they don't fall, the US is hedged against them and it is much less of a political issue. Either way, they gain considerably. Energy is the new hot issue for the 2000's, and it might go in to the 2010's and beyond depending on future trends.

The Republicans didn't cause high gas prices either
I didn't say that, but obviously they're arent wildly popular at the moment due to it. You don't necessarily have to cause a problem to be held responsible in the public's view.

I didn't say that, but obviously they're arent wildly popular at the moment due to it. You don't necessarily have to cause a problem to be held responsible in the public's view.

Well, that's why the Democrats should take advantage of it but should avoid trying to blame the Republicans for the rise in energy prices. Betting on high prices is not a wise idea because of the nature of that market; a common idea amongst commodity traders is "it takes high prices to cure high prices"...meaning that a slowing economy and falling demand due to conservation and increased efficiency will cause prices to fall in the long run.

It's possible, for example (albeit highly unlikely) that oil prices will collapse in 2007 driving gas down to $1.80/gallon or even lower; if the Democrats waited in November betting on a continuation of the 2003-2006 rise in prices, they would be burned and quite badly.

As a very liberal person, albeit one too young to vote, I would like to see as much as anyone a return to liberal government after 6 horrible years. Last night, however, I read something that made me think.

It was an article about the catch involved in the short-term democratic dream: regaining control of 1 or both houses of Congress. Basically, although it is clear the Republicans will have a run for their money, it is hallucinatory to think the Democrats would have a huge majority. Because of this, and the fact we have a republican president who's veto would be difficult to overturn without a significant majority, their power would be limited. The Democrats would likely be able to make only quite modest progress, which is far less then needed considering the state of the country. But, since they would have a majority, they would still share the blame for our current national problems, despite having not caused and likely being unable to fix them. So, the article concluded, is it possible it would be better to leave the Republicans for two more years of high gas prices, hurricanes and the like, making it easier in 08 for the Democrats to be effective in congress and regain the presidency?

I'm not sold at all on this idea. Two more years with the Republicans at the helm would, I predict, be VERY bad, and depending on how they spin it the Democrats could make it understood they were not in a very powerful position and that many issues were left over from the days of Republican control. Still, this certainly is a side of the issue I hadn't even considered. Your thoughts?
im going to slit your throat

im going to slit your throat
I'll slit yours back for that exceptionally poor grammar.

im going to slit your throat
Would you care to elaborate with an actual opinion? You're not going to get anywhere in a debate by threatening me. Also, as I said, I'm simply summarizing something I read, and don't have much of an opinion on it.

Educate a non-American: What is the democrats' manifesto, and what do you think they will do. (If you're someone like Frangland who will just say "they'll implement communism!!!11!one! - save your energy and don't)

Would you care to elaborate with an actual opinion? You're not going to get anywhere in a debate by threatening me. Also, as I said, I'm simply summarizing something I read, and don't have much of an opinion on it.

Hah, pwnage after my own style...the eloquent, polite-yet-firm deflection of a flame is the best way to suppress a forum fire, I've always said.

im going to slit your throat
I don't think that there is anything more stupid than threatening physical violence over the internet.

Educate a non-American: What is the democrats' manifesto, and what do you think they will do. (If you're someone like Frangland who will just say "they'll implement communism!!!11!one! - save your energy and don't)
Um, as I said, I'm a liberal, not a conservative. Basically, the republicans are the conservatives, the democrats are the liberals, although by many peoples standards, the Republicans are far right and the Democrats are centrist.

Hah, pwnage after my own style...the eloquent, polite-yet-firm deflection of a flame is the best way to suppress a forum fire, I've always said.
Thanks, I appreciate the compliment.:)

I don't think that there is anything more stupid than threatening physical violence over the internet.

Especially since the Mods here seem to take such a dim-view to death threats. In fact, I believe it's an perma-ban for doing that.

As a very liberal person, albeit one too young to vote, I would like to see as much as anyone a return to liberal government after 6 horrible years. Last night, however, I read something that made me think.

It was an article about the catch involved in the short-term democratic dream: regaining control of 1 or both houses of Congress. Basically, although it is clear the Republicans will have a run for their money, it is hallucinatory to think the Democrats would have a huge majority. Because of this, and the fact we have a republican president who's veto would be difficult to overturn without a significant majority, their power would be limited. The Democrats would likely be able to make only quite modest progress, which is far less then needed considering the state of the country. But, since they would have a majority, they would still share the blame for our current national problems, despite having not caused and likely being unable to fix them. So, the article concluded, is it possible it would be better to leave the Republicans for two more years of high gas prices, hurricanes and the like, making it easier in 08 for the Democrats to be effective in congress and regain the presidency?

I'm not sold at all on this idea. Two more years with the Republicans at the helm would, I predict, be VERY bad, and depending on how they spin it the Democrats could make it understood they were not in a very powerful position and that many issues were left over from the days of Republican control. Still, this certainly is a side of the issue I hadn't even considered. Your thoughts?
You win when you've got the chance to win--you don't lay back hoping for a better situation, because that situation may never come.

There's two other things that having Democratic control of at least one House of Congress will allow for: investigations and oversight, both of which have been sorely missed for the last five years. Subpoena power--that's what you get with control, and that's extraordinarily important.

While I am a moderate Republican, I don't fully quote me: fully suport Bush. I however think that He has done a beeter job than what Kerry would have done. Anyways, Because Bush Has been losing support, even in his own party, Some people are gonna go against Buxh. Not the Republican Party. I say that although Many think The Dems will overtake in 06, They are in for a surprise. I think a majority still has faith in the party. In 08, I'm predicting a Republican Win. Especially if Clinton gets the nod from the primary. No way. And I think the Dems are looking for her took take the reins.

While I am a moderate Republican, I don't fully quote me: fully suport Bush. I however think that He has done a beeter job than what Kerry would have done. Anyways, Because Bush Has been losing support, even in his own party, Some people are gonna go against Buxh. Not the Republican Party. I say that although Many think The Dems will overtake in 06, They are in for a surprise. I think a majority still has faith in the party. In 08, I'm predicting a Republican Win. Especially if Clinton gets the nod from the primary. No way. And I think the Dems are looking for her took take the reins.

-snip-
That is one scenario, but that is not the issue at hand.

And I think the Dems are looking for her took take the reins.
I'm a Dem, and I don't support her running. I think there are others more likely to win the election.