I keep reading this.
"We delivered a supermajority in 2008"...
"we elected 60 Democrats in 2008"...
Well, the fact is you did not.
You have 58 Senators plus 1 Independent
I was paying attention during the 2008 election. I listened to what the candidates said and I counted the number of victories you enjoyed. And the fact is, you did NOT elect a supermajority.
On November 05, 2008 this is what the Congress looked like:
You elected 56 democrats, 41 Republicans and 2 Independents with one race undecided.
Immediately, many demanded that one of the independents, Joe Lieberman, be prevented from caucusing with the Democrats. They wanted him stripped of his chairmanship and tossed to the curb. Those who could count, recognized the folly of that move and insisted Lieberman be courted in order to secure his future support for Democratic legislation. These pragmatic voices won over those demanding revenge.
So now you had 56 Democrats with 2 independents supporting the Democrats giving you 58 Senate votes. Still not a supermajority.
Then Spector defected from the Republicans.
This was without a doubt the most fortuitous break that the Democrats could have wished for. If there were a God, it could be said it was shining down on the Dems. Spector was first victim of a growing purge on the right that was forcing out moderate Republicans and his crossing the aisle to join the Democrats greatly strengthened your hand.
Even so, many were of the opinion that Spector’s presence was unwelcome. They wanted him out and pledged to primary his reelection bid. Others protested this move as repeating the same mistake the Republicans had made that cost them the potential to filibuster.
Regardless of Spector’s eventual fate, he did begin to more vocally supporting Democratic policies giving you 59 votes.
Then Al Franken won the undecided contest in Minnesota and that gave you 60 votes, a supposed supermajority.
So to recap: Democrats elected 57 FIFTY SEVEN senators and gained one in the ongoing Republican purge of moderates. Two independents pledged to vote in support of the Democrats, giving you the 60 votes you need to oppose a filibuster.
However, one independent, Joe Lieberman, has now proven to be a lying sack of crap and is supporting the Republicans. Not much of a surprise given his history and the ill feelings he generated by supporting the Republicans during the 2008 campaign.
So in reality you now have 58 Senators and 59 Democratic votes.
That is the reality. If you want 60, you are going to have to work harder for it in 2010.
In the meantime, you are going to have to bend over backwards and use every ounce of flattery, enticement and encouragement possible to try and win over at least one Republican Senator to vote with you. And that means you are probably going to have to compromise in some painful and often disagreeable ways in order to get your core legislation passed.
Either that or you are going to have to go nuclear and finally put an end to the filibuster obstructionist tactic once and for all.
In the meantime, the urge to purge, the demand for "Purity" and the temptation to follow the Republicans down the same road to electoral ruin must be avoided and resisted at all costs. If only a Blue Dog can be elected in a certain state then elect a Blue Dog. If a moderate Republican is looking to join the Democrats then open both arms and welcome him or her under the big tent.
And most importantly, regardless of what kind of Democrat is running for a seat ORGANIZE, CAMPAIGN, DONATE AND VOTE FOR THAT CANDIDATE.