Robert Kuttner: What Now for the Democrats?

[ProSense]

Robert Kuttner

What Now for the Democrats?

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There is also the likelihood in 2012 of a centrist independent candidate, perhaps Michael Berlusconi -- oops, I mean Bloomberg -- the billionaire martinet mayor of New York. What -- is Obama not centrist enough? Do we really need three candidates from Wall Street?

If things proceed as they have been going, here is what's likely:

Republicans take both Houses in 2012. Obama may barely hold on to the presidency, in which case a continuing depression becomes even more of his responsibility and we have an eight-year Herbert Hoover that the Republicans can run against for a generation.

Alternatively, Obama loses in 2012, Republicans become the governing party, do incredible damage, but don't cure the depression. And there is a shot that a progressive Democrat wins in 2016.

We could be in for a period like the late 19th century, of festering economic and social problems, failed one-term presidencies, and partisan oscillation in Congress.

To be clear: I am not rooting for a wall-to-wall Republican win is 2012 on the faint hope that it will set the stage for a Democratic comeback for years later. I am too mindful of the pitiful slogan of German leftists in 1933 -- "After Hitler, Us." Palin is not Hitler, but there is never a good tactical reason to root for the far right.

Yet if we are to be spared an awful decade, both economically and politically, either Obama needs to grow a backbone; or some other Democrat could well challenge him in 2012. the progressive community to stop crying in our beer and to get out and organize.

Hoover? What the hell is wrong with these people? Accepting a loss to set up a win in 2016?

Let them start a civil war within the Democratic Party. Keep pretending the President has no supporters. They might get their Republican President yet.

[ProSense]

1. No comment? n/t

[Newsjock]

2. Guess not

Some folks are merely taking longer than others to realize that We've Been Had.

[ProSense]

3. Wait

until the folks who are eating up these attempts to tear down the President find themselves in the position they're projecting.

Here's an idea: Let's save Obama's Presidency by beating him down to a pulp.

Bridge?

[Safetykitten]

4. And what position would that be specifically?