Learning the wrong lessons.

[Are_grits_groceries]

After any election, the worst thing people can do is learn the wrong lessons.

I think the Rethugs are learning the wrong lessons. At least, some of them are. I believe that Gingrich and others will try to pull the party back to the center. However, I don't think they can do that.

The TaliGOP is now a very distinct group from the GOP. They are becoming more so and pulling further away every minute. I believe they learned that they need to move further right in order to win elections.

I think this is a mistake because the races in VA and NJ weren't a normal battle. In NJ, the incumbent was extremely unpopular. While Christie wasn't Mr.Popularity, I think enough people wanted a change, any change.

In VA, Deeds was a horrible candidate, and he didn't have much help. People are saying it was his fault for not following their advice. I'm not so sure about that. I think he was judged as a loser, and nobody wanted to be tied to him. One big problem was ex-Governor Wilder. He didn't like Deed's positions, and he withheld his support. That did mean something within the state. McConnell was able to hide his extreme views enough to make people think he has changed.

In addition, I believe VA will be a state in play for a long time. It went for Obama in 2008, but it is still a Southern state in some ways. That hold is getting weaker, but it is still there.

Let's see how much the voters of VA and NJ like their newbies after a while. They both espouse policies that aren't economically sound, but fit into the RW agenda. McConnell especially may try to push some of his 'hidden' social positions. Both states have a lot of problems. It won't be easy, and voters may tire of their RW cant.

The Dems better learn the right lessons. They have to work hard and get out the vote. It won't magically appear just because a Dem is their candidate. The RW may be small, but they are determined and other elections won't be as muddled as NY 23rd. The independent block of voters is growing, and they better not be taken for granted. Don't assume anything about any election.

The Dems also better be ready to work hard at the polling places. The RW will probably import thugs to intimidate people at polling stations. They better be ready for this. If it doesn't happen, more's the better. If it does and they aren't ready, shame on them.

Don't assume anything in any election anywhere.