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All is Well, Remain Calm |
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It’s time for everyone to take a deep breath. Pay no attention to exaggerated claims that yesterday’s PA primary leaves the Democrats reeling and bruised. I agree with Matt Stoller that the Democrats will be fine. Turnout for the primary was huge. The big picture factors favor the Democrats. Six months–or even four months (assuming the nomination remains unsettled through June) is an eternity in politics–look at how much has changed with regard to the presidential favorites in the past six months, which seems like a million years ago. Six months ago, Hillary was inevitable (though some people presciently saw how that might change). Giuliani looked like a serious candidate, and McCain was nowhere.
I don’t think peoples’ opinions of the Bush presidency or the state of the country will change–those opinions have been steady for more than a year. I do think there will be plenty of time for Democrats to unite behind the nominee. Tim Russert, Chris Matthews and Pat Buchanan may want to breathlessly speculate about a divided party — they love that kind of thing. But we don’t have to get sucked into the nonsense. Let’s watch it unfold, calmly.
I think you’re right, but I’m still worried. All signs say you’re right, but then again, massive resources are being wasted on the primary when they could be spent going after McCain. Like I said, I agree with you, but this is the kind of thing the Dems could end up blowing…would be so…characteristic?