The Republican congress may not have learned that tax-cuts don't work, but they know the lowest common denominator when they see it. Personal attacks against President Obama, negative campaigning toward the stimulus and catch-all 'philosophic' differences are the latest manifestations of Republican's 'failure of imagination.' It's the same old tactic that brought us to where we are, not one of constructive ideas, but a backlash against progress and change.
Much ado has been made of the new 'energized' Republican base -- a phenomenon that should be examined for what it is. It's telling that this new life comes not from new ideas or a new broader base, but from a collective negative stance, from an unwillingness to act. The lack discussion about the situation, about the impetus to this Republican unity is stunning. The resulting loss to progress ideas and movements is frightening.
As Obama said before being elected, the work has just begun. RenMin's post "We're Doomed Unless Dem's Learn How to Fight" is an excellent discourse on what's happening. I disagree with one thing, we know how to fight, that's how Obama won. This has to come from the people, let's get going on this. We put him in, let's not desert him now. Write your congressmen, blog, make phone calls...and tell Chris Matthews and all the talking heads who dwell on bad news -- you lost me.
As to McCain. Would someone tell him he lost and his ideas are periperal at best?