SebastianJer

All Downhill From Here?

Posted by: sebastianjer, 12:28 PM GMT on June 10, 2012

All Downhill From Here?

Brian McNicoll

By now, you’ve probably seen the video of the young man on the state capitol grounds in Madison, Wis., upset over the loss of Tom Barrett in the Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election.

He keeps lamenting the end of an era and the wrongness of it all. And he keeps saying this is the end of democracy in America as we know it.

He’s overwrought, but he’s right. Scott Walker’s victory was as much a victory for the republican form of government versus the democratic form as it was of a Republican over a Democrat. Voters chose a government that promised responsible use of public resources over one that sought to appease special interests. Simply put, prudent pounded popular.

And perhaps not for the last time. In fact, considerable evidence is building on multiple fronts that we may be on the cusp of a conservative wave that could rival even the early 1980s. Peggy Noonan, who knows much about those heady days, had it right: “What happened in Wisconsin signals a shift in public mood and assumption.”

Democrats decried the $30 million Walker spent and that much of it came from out of state. But much of Barrett’s money came from out of state as well. Walker simply raised more because people liked him and his ideas more. They demonstrated this on Tuesday by voting for him.

He was running in an election that was a referendum on public-sector unions in the birthplace of public-sector unions and one of the most unionized states in the country. And he improved his margin from 2010. If the public-sector union message didn’t resonate there, it’s fair to wonder where it would.

It’s the same with the controversy over Citizens United. Liberals say it enables conservatives to raise obscene amounts of money. But there are plenty of liberal billionaires – as well as all those singers and movie stars. Why can’t they keep pace? Same goes for Wall Street and Big Business. Both supported President Obama big in 2008. Both have moved to the conservative camp. Why? Is it because they have gone from Hope and Change to Hope For Change?

The problem for liberals is simple: Americans have decided their ideas don’t work and are turning away in big numbers. And if they don’t figure out a way to turn this around, they could be in for a series of shellackings that will make 2010 seem mild.

More Americans self-identify as conservatives today – and fewer as liberals – than at any time in history. They may not be Republicans – many regard the GOP as unfaithful to conservative principles – but they do believe in fiscal restraint, far-sighted leadership and family-friendly social policy.

Consider this: Moderates went nearly 60 percent for Barrett; independents went 60 percent for Walker. This seems odd to the chattering classes, who still believe independents occupy spots on the political continuum somewhere between Al Sharpton and Rush Limbaugh. But these days, more can be found in the space between Dick Lugar and Jim DeMint. The new center is considerably rightward of the old.

The Washington Post came out Thursday with a chart that further affirms this trend. It reported on a survey that showed faith in government to solve society’s problems has fallen significantly among Republicans in recent years – from 62 percent in 1987 to 40 percent today. But, more significantly, faith in government among independents fell from 70 percent in 1987 to 59 percent today.

More strikingly, when pollsters asked if entities run by government were usually wasteful and inefficient, 77 percent of Republicans agreed, as did 63 percent of independents but only 41 percent of Democrats. Ronald Reagan said if someone is 80 percent your friend, he is your friend. Independents now stand at somewhere in the 60s of being conservatives’ friend – and it’s climbing.

Results are beginning to show up on the electoral map as well. The 0-32 record of gay marriage on statewide referenda – including even liberal California in 2008 and urban and increasingly urbane North Carolina as recently as last month – indicates a solid bulwark of support for traditional social views. Primary losses by incumbent Republican senators in Indiana and Utah this year -- and Republican primary victories by furthest-right candidates in Kentucky, Delaware, Nevada and Wisconsin in 2010 – provide further evidence the brand supported is conservative, not Republican.

The left has noticed. Experts agree President Obama has gone nastier earlier than any incumbent in recent memory. Even before Tuesday, his campaign staff had moved Wisconsin from the near-sure-thing category to the tossup line. The president still holds an edge among women, Hispanics and young voters, but Mitt Romney is closing in all three categories – dramatically so among women.

On the electoral map, it’s not just Wisconsin. Recent polling shows Michigan, New Hampshire and New Mexico– all safely Democrat in the last cycle – may be in play. No states are moving in the other direction.

Does this mean it’s time to forward your resume to the Romney transition team? It’s hard to say, but when Eleanor Clift, one of the president’s leading cheerleaders, is writing that Democrats are “jittery,” one certainly can sense things are not going well for the president. A top aide told her to tell his supporters to relax. “It’s only June,” he said. “There is a lot more to come.”

Perhaps. But from the looks of it, whatever is left had better be good.

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TODAY'S QUOTE

"What was once a common vision of the future — the 'liberal' utopia of the last fifty years — is behind us now. We need a new future because the old one has turned into the past."

Walter Russel Meade

Categories: election 2012

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1. NumberWise 3:34 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
There are a couple of phrases in that article that I particularly liked - Simply put, prudent pounded popular. The problem for liberals is simple: Americans have decided their ideas don’t work and are turning away in big numbers. The media continues to try to smear the messenger - that TEA party people or conservatives or Republicans - are racist, mean-spirited, rigidly religious, etc. But more and more people of all persuasions are coming to the conclusion that the liberal ideas don't work, just as the author pointed out. Member Since: October 22, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 1566

2. spathy 6:15 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
Home » News Top Customer: Under Obama, Fed’s Holdings of U.S. Debt Have Jumped 452% By Terence P. Jeffrey June 7, 2012 Link Member Since: June 8, 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10480

3. sebastianjer 7:47 PM GMT on June 10, 2012

4. code1 8:03 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
I'm sorry Jer. I have really enjoyed you over the past several years. However, when you, and just a few others went political on a weather site to suit your own purposes? It turned my stomach. Be it left or right! I will have to say I am laughing out loud now at your latest post re: Hope and Change. Wasn't that a leftist statement in the last election? You using former politics now? haha Politics has no bearing on weather, whatever our belief! Hope you and yours fare well this season, but if not? My leftist dollars will be headed your way for relief. It's what democracy does, believe it or not. We try to take care of our fellow folks when in need. I'm educated, work every day, and don't support those who won't support themselves by trying. There is a huge difference in trying, and not able to do so you see. Am thinking if you are on other political sites, your words may have more meaning and bearing. For the rest of us? Right, Left, Middle, or Unsatisfied yet. Your soooo rightest views are so apparent, no one with half a mind would view your spew as gospel! Delete my post at will, I've copied it to post later in case you are not politically correct enough for an opposing view as many have complained here. Member Since: September 18, 2005 Posts: 66 Comments: 13872

5. spathy 8:45 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
Hummmm.... Political people like weather too. Weather people shove politics at us all the time. Why cant we both have our cake and eat it too? Member Since: June 8, 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10480

6. code1 8:58 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
Ahhh spathy, I agree! Just seems that the last election brought a few out more than past. Could be, this it just the first time? Not sure, but damn sure hope when the winds of change comes....be it this election, or the next, that fellow lefties have more dignity that what has been shown here on a weather site for the past 3+ years whatever our beliefs. There is a time and place for all. Weather affects us all, and we come together as one during time of need. Do we really need to vent our political views in the off times on WU? I think not! There are plenty of other sites to do so. I have hated the divisive lines on what is many of our home site for protection due to Ma Nature, via mere politics. Just saying.....I will give to left, right, moderate, or undecided in time of need. What your beliefs are has never made a determination in my dollars of need well spent! Member Since: September 18, 2005 Posts: 66 Comments: 13872

7. latitude25 9:36 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedde d&v=opRO6jDjVrM Member Since: August 24, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3654

8. latitude25 9:48 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
Member Since: August 24, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3654

9. spathy 9:55 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
Quoting latitude25: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embed de d&v=opRO6jDjVrM And there you have it at the end. He said that the private sector is doing better than the public sector. So let me answer it for you Mr Ax. You believe the private sector is doing fine! Member Since: June 8, 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10480

10. spathy 9:57 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
Quoting latitude25: And add to that. We will print more money,so the money we let you keep is worthless,I men Worth Less. Member Since: June 8, 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10480

11. latitude25 10:03 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
Member Since: August 24, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3654

12. latitude25 11:20 PM GMT on June 10, 2012
Obama has borrowed nearly as much money as all other presidents combined, and yet has managed to keep unemployment over 9% during most of his term. Link Member Since: August 24, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3654

13. sisterluke 12:14 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
THIS IS NOT WEATHER, POST THIS WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO SEE IT!!! I have enjoyed reading user blogs on this site, but if politics is the new trend, especially this kind of childish hate mongering with the cartoons, etc., I will restrict my reading to Dr. Masters Blog. Too bad, you guys ruin everything with your hating. There are better ways to change things, why don't you try being a kind and loving person and working with people instead of being cruel and divisive? Show the Democrats by example how you can take the high ground? Oh I forgot, your politics won't let you, you celebrate the cruel and divisive, even when you pretend to follow a fellow that believed we should seek peace and pursue it!! It seems you are deliberately trying to ruin everywhere we try to hide from politics! Now you have even ruined weather, what is left? Member Since: August 26, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 0

14. theshepherd 12:29 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
It seems to me that Weather Underground, Inc. gladly welcomes any blog subject matter as long as it complies with Community Standards and increases blog hits which in turn drives revenue. That's pretty darn elementary. That's what corporations do. It further seems to me that some people feel threatened by this blog breathing the same air where they and their ilk wish to lay their heads. Not to mention a Volkswagen size dent in their security blankets. Whatever... Member Since: September 11, 2008 Posts: 9 Comments: 8202

15. latitude25 12:51 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
...I don't see any cartoons Member Since: August 24, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3654

16. shoreacres 12:57 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
What? These good folks have ruined the weather? I *knew* there had to be an explanation for these stupid droughts. I'm going to have to ponder what's left, though. There's always ice cream. That's pretty good. Member Since: October 4, 2004 Posts: 195 Comments: 14798

17. latitude25 1:14 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
Link What? These good folks have ruined the weather? ...I think it's Sunday afternoon happy hour NC Teacher Screams at Student: It's Criminal to Criticize Obama http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2012/05/20/ Teacher-Yells-At-Student-For-Asking-Obama-Question Member Since: August 24, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3654

18. sebastianjer 1:50 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
I would wager that Wunderground is very happy with my blog. as Shep says it draws traffic to it's site which makes it money. I would be very happy to switch all my posting to my own blog and reap the rewards. If I had as much traffic on my blog as I do here I would make $100+ a month, But unfortunately I can not seem to get people to go there. The reason I post here is because people ask me to and I get a certain satisfaction in poking it too the progressive owners of the site. lol Member Since: August 26, 2005 Posts: 1030 Comments: 11197

19. spathy 1:59 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
Quoting shoreacres: What? These good folks have ruined the weather? I *knew* there had to be an explanation for these stupid droughts. I'm going to have to ponder what's left, though. There's always ice cream. That's pretty good. Shhh Dont mention Ice cream. We have already ruined the weather dont give us any more ideas! Member Since: June 8, 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10480

20. latitude25 2:05 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
Reuters Notices OWS Dying...While Tea Party Thriving By P.J. Gladnick \| June 08, 2012 \| 19:19 In the media's coverage of the Wall Street occupiers and Tea Partiers, a clear tale of two different protests is seen. One that grew out of concern for out-of-control government spending was initially ignored and treated to catcalls of racism and thuggery by ABC, CBS and NBC. The other, a leftist movement screaming for an even more expansive government, that actually resulted in hundreds of arrests, was greeted by the Big Three networks with a tidal wave of coverage full of friendly talking heads. Link Member Since: August 24, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3654

21. latitude25 2:07 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
19....ok Mister, how do you get a video to embed like that? I can't figure that one out.... HEY JER! Member Since: August 24, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3654

22. sebastianjer 2:45 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
Hi Lat and all Right click on the video. copy embed code and paste it on comment page. Most of the time it works without further trouble. If it is You Tube open up the You Tube page and copy from there, usually works best. Jer Member Since: August 26, 2005 Posts: 1030 Comments: 11197

23. spathy 3:00 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
Dont feel bad lat. I had to be shown 20 or more times. And I still get confused sometimes. Member Since: June 8, 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10480

24. Ossqss 3:43 AM GMT on June 11, 2012
Quoting sebastianjer: I would wager that Wunderground is very happy with my blog. as Shep says it draws traffic to it's site which makes it money. I would be very happy to switch all my posting to my own blog and reap the rewards. If I had as much traffic on my blog as I do here I would make $100+ a month, But unfortunately I can not seem to get people to go there. The reason I post here is because people ask me to and I get a certain satisfaction in poking it too the progressive owners of the site. lol Don't stop. The owners of this site certainly see the hits and realize, slowly, the error in their ways, ideologically. I find your posts a welcome correction to that of which we see elsewhere and here. Just look at the alarmist rhetoric here and it syncs in. Most of America is tired of the lies! NoBama 2012! Member Since: June 12, 2005 Posts: 6 Comments: 8154

25. code1 2:24 AM GMT on June 12, 2012
Caveat: I never asked Jer to take down his blog, nor did I say he was hurting WU's coffers. That is truly laughable if any of you truly believe he would have the power to do so! LMAO Just saying....I will reiterate Jer, I've always enjoyed your non-political posts and photos. I don't enjoy leftist or mod views on a weather site either. Seems those that do so, are only trying to raise their own agendas. You, yourself said you couldn't get the traffic on your own site. That makes you what? You paying taxes on that? I follow other sites, left, right, and mods, even the shudder, tea party activists. Notice....I did not call anyone right, wrong, or ugly, well kinda, for the extreme right wingnuts. Just choose to not do so on a weather site. I think it a matter of respect. WU will live on without yours', or other hateful political postings whatever side of the aisle you reside on. Shoreacres? I like vanilla with a bit of caramel on my ice cream! Member Since: September 18, 2005 Posts: 66 Comments: 13872

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