As a student of the political process, we are taught to never drink too much of the party kool aid. Instead, take a step back and really evaluate the pros and cons of each political parties decisions.
In a land side, Republicans swept up over 60 seats to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Many political analysts cited the anti-Pelosi; repeal Health Care Reform rhetoric hit home in almost every congressional district in the country. One highlight and pick up for Democrats, would be right here in Louisiana as State Representative Cedric Richmond reclaimed the age-old democratic congressional from Republican Joseph Cao.
But what's the difference between an angry voter lashing out at Obama and the democrats versus a student of politics? We knew a new change would come soon. Over the course of history, no political party has truly held onto power for any significant length of time. That is because voters never like too much of something when they have it. They are always looking for something else. This is especially heightened when you consider the economic climate in America right now. Voters are looking for someone to blame. And with Republicans help with a great messaging campaign, they helped voters place blame on Obama and the democrats.
So why is it that Republicans taking the house will likely provide President Obama with his best shot at reelection?
Two things are important to point out. By having a Republican controlled House, Obama will finally have to learn to govern from the center. This means working with Republicans to solve Americas problems as oppose to telling them to ride "in the back of the bus." But the hit-or-miss mark for Obama and his communications staff will come from whether or not they can spin his work with Republicans into messaging that proclaims Obama as a populist and bipartisan President. For example, see President Clinton post 1994 mid-term elections.
Finally, while it is not likely that Republicans can demand and pass their agenda through the Senate and over the President's pen, they too must watch out for the "Tides of Consent." Just has the country (or at least most of it) rallied behind Obama's rally cry in 2008, Republicans too could fall prey to voters looking for a change away from their agenda in 2012.
