Members of Congress and political analysts offer predictions for November.
"For the Republican Party, the Christian right has become the base of our politics. And that is why these wedge issues have been so popular among Republicans, whether it's stem cell research or gay marriage or whatever it is, they've hit upon these very, very divisive, very hot button issues, because that is the way to excite people who are in the base, to get the turnout, to get the energy from the base, as opposed to a more centrist position which seeks to find common ground."
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John Danforth
Former Senator, Missouri
Wednesday October 4, 2006
"This is a national election around whether you wanna stay the course George Bush has set, and the Republicans, or you want a new direction. Whether you want the status quo in the policies they have, or you want a change in those policies. Whether you want a rubber-stamp Congress, or you want an independent Congress that would ask questions of oversight that our constituents are asking, like is the Iraq war making us safer or worse off?"
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Rep. Rahm Emanuel
Democratic Illinois Congressman
Monday September 25, 2006
"The American people don't like changing horses in the middle of the war. But the American people also recognize that when the president clings tenaciously to failed policies, and the Congress and the majority in the Congress support the President in those failed policies, you have got to change leadership, or this country is gonna continue marching in the wrong direction; and we just can't afford that anymore."
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Rep. Adam Schiff
Democratic California Congressman
Wednesday August 16, 2006
"Most Republicans are in safe Republican districts. Most Democrats are in safe Democratic districts. Over 90 percent of members of the House of Representatives, for instance, get reelected without even any significant effort. So, for most Republicans, they're gonna be talking to their base, who for the most part supports President Bush, supports the war. Most Democrats are gonna be talking to their base. And so, they're gonna be safe either way."
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James Rogan
Former CA Congressman
Tuesday July 25, 2006
"[The Democrats] have to be thinking about where they're gonna be 20 years down the road. This is why the Republicans have been so successful over the years, 'cause they do that kind of long-term planning. But the Dems haven't done that."
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Thomas Frank
Author, Social Critic
Thursday June 15, 2006
"Everything is riding on this election. Of course, we say that every time. But it is true this time, because of what we mentioned a minute ago. And that is the Abramoff ethics scandal. What was considered not only a safe Senate for the Republicans, but a safe House, the House I think almost everyone agrees is now in question. At this point, on January the 9th, 2006, Democrats have a shot.
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Judy Woodruff
Political Analyst
Monday January 9, 2006
VIEWPOINTS
What are your predictions for the election?
If the House goes to the Democrats, then the next President will be Republican for sure. (No voter will go with a sure and great raise in their taxes to fund those that refuse to work, and all Americans want a definite security plan.) If the House stays Republican, then it's a toss up (hinging upon Security issues probably) for the next Presidential Election. Historically, shifts are made at the tail end of wartime, so it won't be a surprise (or even this touted "upset") to anyone that has looked at past electoral history if the House and/or Senate goes Democrat... it's not a sign of dissatisfaction with Republicans, it's a product of the short-sighted generations that we have created.
The hateful comments show the true colors of those speaking (writing) them. Your arguments will hold a lot more water if you state them with respect.
The only thing I worry about this election are the initiatives and measures that will surely affect our lives and those of the generations behind us. Spending next year's money now is never a good plan, and funding illegal activities will get us nowhere but bring us to ultimate anarchy with the disrespect of the laws we have in place. After all, why follow "any" law if some don't matter and others seem to? It's like anything else, consistency is key... anything else looks weak. Have a good day.
Kristin, Tehachapi, CA
Monday, November 6, 2006
The GOP needs to take back the party from the bigoted religious right.
I hope the Democrats take back Congress and then move forward with progressive ideas instead of the regressive GOP policies. I look forward to diplomacy replacing the rhetoric of "fear". However I am a Democrat who will be voting for Arnold S. for Govenor in CA.
A viewer, Portola Valley, CA
Friday, November 3, 2006
I am a native Michigander and third cousin of Senator Debbie Stabenow. She HAS done awesome work, and has co-sponsored a bill that allocated money for the genocide in Darfur. She has done great work for causes republicans don't sponser. They don't sponser causes that help people, people they don't employ don't make them money!! All republicans are evil. My belief. The democrats will sweep this mid term election, followed by the next 15 years of American Government.
A viewer, New York, NY
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
I used to be for the Democrats, but I think this year Republicans will win my vote. That way I will not get hurt when low income black people get no help from any office in their time of need. I know Republicans don't care. Democrats lie and turn their heads the other way. Bush made a mess only God can help us now.
A viewer, Nashville, TN
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
First of all let me say that I am a member of the Libertarian wing of the Republican Party. Luckily, I get to vote for Tim Wallberg for my Representative and since Deborah Stabenaw is a pathetic excuse for a Senator, I can vote for Michael Brouchard. However, I think the best thing that could happen for conservatism/libertarianism, would be for the Democrats to win the House. That way America could see what liberalism really is. Nancy Pelosi, John Conyers, Charles Rangle, Asa Hutchinson, etc... would expose America to the evil that is today's liberals.
Hal E. Longman, Manitou Beach, Michigan
Sunday, October 29, 2006
I think that all of the Christian Conservatives as well as the NRA members should be insulted by this Administration. They have been used and manipulated by the Republican party.
I hope that this time around voters will not vote on the hot button issues like gay marriage, gun control, or any other smoke screen political pandering that has such little consequence.
Young men and women being killed because of misleading information should be held in higher regards. Anything else is nothing less than disrespectful to the memory of our fallen soldiers. Shame on you Bush! One thing you are correct about, history will judge you for your action, and more importantly, God for using his name to justify them.
William, Nashville, TN
Monday, October 23, 2006
Don't know all the facts, but I hope the Democrats are given another chance, as usual, to fix the mess Republicans leave behind.
A viewer, Tampa, FL
Friday, October 6, 2006
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