The winds of change
Written by Michael Vass
It has been a very interesting night so far. Already pundits are working up a sweat as they set the stage for the polispeak whirlwind that will be the headlines of the morning.
While there is no question that Republicans and Conservatives won strongly in races for Governor, Democrats are busy trying to play down what has happened. I have already heard one pundit refer to the wins in Virginia and New Jersey as merely ‘a historically recurring event continuing to take place’. And I expect to hear a lot more of that kind of talk in the days to come.
Gov. Corzine even tried his best at preserving the push by the Obama Administration and congressional Democrats to radically change the nation. Gov. Corzine said that
‘Even though this election may not reflect it, Democrats across the nation believe in the efforts being made right now.’
Right. That’s why so many Democrats came out to vote, and why the number 1 issue from exit polls everywhere say the same thing: the economy is the issue. Because increasing taxes on people that may or may not have a job the next day is always a winning strategy.
Of course one thing is true, this is not a referendum on President Obama. It is a clear indication that the public is aware of the fact that political promises by Democrats have been forgotten since the 2008 election. It is clear that the public is saying that without improvement hollow polispeak, even from an orator as good as President Obama is not enough. That mere words cannot refute actions that impact us all everyday. It is clear that the 2010 mid-term elections will involve more than just the smile of President Obama to assure election.
That is not to say that all Democrats should or have been voted out of office. In Binghamton NY I am happy to note that Mayor Matt Ryan won his re-election race. That is likely due to the fact that jobs have been created and new businesses have been encouraged in Binghamton. In fact Binghamton is part of Broome County New York, an area that recieved some $4 million in Obama Stimulus money, yet was unable to create a single job with it - due to the terms and limitations of the package. Yet Binghamton created jobs, while dealing with a crisis that no city or town should ever experience.
I will note that part of my opinion of Mayor Matt Ryan is influenced by the fact that I spoke with the Mayor back in April after the tragic events of that month, and I have interviewed him recently. He made a strong impression on me, and I have no qualm admitting that.
Still this is less the rule and more the exception when looking at many Democrats in Congress right now. Senators Gillibrand and Schumer still have yet to discuss why the Health Care Reform Bills are worthwhile. Sen. Gillibrand has still refused to speak with me or respond to my emails and letters. Sen. Gillibrand still has not publicly explained her support of ACORN.
So I believe that like with the multiple visits of support given to Gov. Corzine and Creigh Deeds in Virginia, President Obama smiling and saying that a fellow Democrat is great will not be enough. Not with unemployment going up, and the artificial boosts to the economy (Cash for Clunkers et al) used up.
So I tell my readers to brace themselves for a whirlwind of polispeak in the coming days. Look for the White House to distance itself from its very public losses. Look for many congressional Democrats to suddenly shy away from Health Care Reform and a second Obama Stimulus. But don’t be fooled.
There is a difference between a politician that gets the job done, like Mayor Ryan, and those playing the political polls and Party favoritism. If those that are just spinning their heads don’t remember who their bosses are, we won’t need a referendum. We will just vote.
