The Democrats are waiting quietly while the Republicans self-destruct, but if they want to take back the House and Senate in 2006, they need to position themselves clearly against the Republicans.
The Republican message is very easy to digest. Cut taxes to spur economic growth and prosperity. Simple. The Democrats have still not come up with an effective counter to this Reagan-era formula.
Here is one of the key messages that the Democrats should be saying as the Republican house of cards comes crashing in.
How do you expect Republicans to run government effectively? They don't even believe in government.
Here's the full pitch:
"Government's first and foremost responsibility is keeping America safe. But the Republicans have been doing a terrible job at it, as we saw with Hurricane Katrina.
Why are Republicans so poor at governing? It's because deep down, they do not believe in government. Government is against their philosophy. All they want is less of it. Would you want someone to manage your city's baseball team who hated baseball? How can you make government work effectively if you don't believe in it?
Here are the facts. Republicans have cut taxes without improving the efficiency of government. This has resulted in massive debt that will keep us from making investments in the future. We are already seeing it. In 2005, funding for FEMA to improve emergency readiness was denied. Funding for Corps of Engineers to upgrade New Orleans levies was denied. These are short-sighted choices that ultimately ended up costing many, many times more in human suffering and economic damages.
What the country needs is an effective government - one that gets the job done, and makes wise investments in the future.
During the 1990s, the Democrats balanced the budget while investing in technology, education and security. Democrats believe in making government efficient and effective. That is why a Democratic Congress in 2006 is so essential for moving this country in the right direction again."