I wonder. As I look through the news stories of the day, as conservatives in the congress and White House push through legislation seemingly designed for either short term gains with constituents or for long term hobbling of existing social programs I really have to wonder if they've thought beyond their election cycles.
This congress is perhaps the most ruthless I've ever seen, and I lived through Newt Gingrich. President Bush and his Republican supporters have managed to push through a tax cut for the wealthy, they look to be close to pushing through a energy bill that amounts to corporate welfare for the energy companies, a medicare bill that is under funded and provides a hand out to Pharma and the HMO's, and a budget that could deprive millions of people overtime. They may try to brand Democrats as 'Tax and spend' but they seem to be committed to 'Don't tax and spend'. I don't see the long term upside for the Republicans here.
I've got to wonder what will happen to the republican base when seniors, Baby Boomers, are forced into HMO, while the shrinking middle class looses the disposable income provided for by overtime and we're all able to benefit from the deregulation of the energy industry (just like California was). I really have a hard time believing that the issues of 'tough on terror' and 'no gay marriage' are going to be able to play while people are out of work and the economy is in the drink.
Are the Republicans setting us up for the 'Emerging Democratic Majority?' What do their policies mean for the future of the political climate?