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April 24, 2005
The Sixth-Year Itch?
Friday, Democracy Corps released a very interesting summary of findings from their latest national poll. In short, it's virtually all bad news for the folks running the government.
Public attitudes about the direction of the country are at an all-time low; attitudes toward the Iraq War are sinking fast; folks are nervous about healthcare and the economy; the public resoundly rejects the President's Social Security privatization plan; people are not happy with what's happening in government.
It's a bit early yet, but some political watchers are beginning to speculate about whether the "sixth-year itch" will be scratched in next year's midterm elections. Since 1950, the second midterm election of a two-term president has resulted in an average loss of 6 U.S. Senate seats for his party. Much can change between now and November 2006, but the dynamic is certainly there now.
The Democracy Corps data clearly show opportunity for Democrats -- but opportunity that has not yet been seized. Democrats have a chance to make real electoral gains next year, but to do so they must field good candidates with a vision for America going forward. We'll see.
Posted by houtopia at April 24, 2005 01:42 PM