See, Republicans...

[WinCrimson 61]

Why? Your party identification numbers are incredibly low. Meaning that in the game of "allies, adversaries, and undecideds", you have to win a substantially higher number of the third category to beat the Democrat coupled with low turnout.

The polling corp SurveyUSA polls several states per month for Presidential approval ratings. Nevermind that Obama has high marks in all states polled, check out these party ID figures. It's not pretty.

From D-R-I...

Alabama: 38-38-19

California: 53-25-16

Iowa: 40-29-25

Kansas: 36-35-25

Kentucky: 47-37-12

Massachusetts: 43-18-37

Minnesota: 44-29-19

Missouri: 43-26-26

New Mexico: 45-34-15

New York: 51-24-20

Oregon: 47-27-20

Virginia: 41-31-23

Washington: 41-28-24

Wisconsin: 43-23-26

Granted, 10/14 of these states voted for Obama, but you still can't take beatings that brutal in such populated areas. Doubled up in the first and third largest states in the nation? There are more votes there than in Wasilla. Keep in mind some of these states were toss-ups four short years ago, but now are home to record numbers of self-identified Dems. This type of shift has ramifications for down-ballot races -- from the '06 & '08 Congressional gains, '08 Presidential race, all the way down to southeast Alabama's second district. All of this, and 2010 isn't necessarily looking much brighter, though I'll concede it's unbelievably early...

[TigerHeat 9]

Why? Your party identification numbers are incredibly low. Meaning that in the game of "allies, adversaries, and undecideds", you have to win a substantially higher number of the third category to beat the Democrat coupled with low turnout.

The polling corp SurveyUSA polls several states per month for Presidential approval ratings. Nevermind that Obama has high marks in all states polled, check out these party ID figures. It's not pretty.

From D-R-I...

Alabama: 38-38-19

California: 53-25-16

Iowa: 40-29-25

Kansas: 36-35-25

Kentucky: 47-37-12

Massachusetts: 43-18-37

Minnesota: 44-29-19

Missouri: 43-26-26

New Mexico: 45-34-15

New York: 51-24-20

Oregon: 47-27-20

Virginia: 41-31-23

Washington: 41-28-24

Wisconsin: 43-23-26

Granted, 10/14 of these states voted for Obama, but you still can't take beatings that brutal in such populated areas. Doubled up in the first and third largest states in the nation? There are more votes there than in Wasilla. Keep in mind some of these states were toss-ups four short years ago, but now are home to record numbers of self-identified Dems. This type of shift has ramifications for down-ballot races -- from the '06 & '08 Congressional gains, '08 Presidential race, all the way down to southeast Alabama's second district. All of this, and 2010 isn't necessarily looking much brighter, though I'll concede it's unbelievably early...

Carter was unbeatable in 1977. Keep counting chickens.

[bigsixfive 341]

I keep hearing how Alabama is so Democrat now. All I have to do is get off the internet and go socialize to realize its not - and no where close. I'm guessing this isn't the only state like that, either.

[WinCrimson 61]

Apples and oranges. That was a totally different era.

The demographics of 1977 vs. 2008 say so.

bigsixfive:

I keep hearing how Alabama is so Democrat now. All I have to do is get off the internet and go socialize to realize its not - and no where close. I'm guessing this isn't the only state like that, either.

You and I both know that's a stretch regardless of the source. But I don't know if I would put too much stock in what I hear at the diner, either, as people like me avoid public political discussions. Keep in mind that Obama got more votes in Alabama than any Democratic presidential candidate had ever received within the state. AL Dems have been running better races statewide, as well. They've greatly reduced the number of beatings they were taking in judicial races, hold the seats of both the Chief Justice and Lt. Governor, and have a strong candidate for Gov. in 2010 in Artur Davis.

When it comes to other areas, all you really have to do is look at the election results. They stand for themselves.

[AURaptor 1,137]

GHW Bush had approval ratings in the 90's after the Gulf War, and only lasted for 1 term.

Things change. Don't get so comfortable thinking the GOP is done.

[bigsixfive 341]

Apples and oranges. That was a totally different era.

The demographics of 1977 vs. 2008 say so.

bigsixfive:

I keep hearing how Alabama is so Democrat now. All I have to do is get off the internet and go socialize to realize its not - and no where close. I'm guessing this isn't the only state like that, either.

You and I both know that's a stretch regardless of the source. But I don't know if I would put too much stock in what I hear at the diner, either, as people like me avoid public political discussions. Keep in mind that Obama got more votes in Alabama than any Democratic presidential candidate had ever received within the state. AL Dems have been running better races statewide, as well. They've greatly reduced the number of beatings they were taking in judicial races, hold the seats of both the Chief Justice and Lt. Governor, and have a strong candidate for Gov. in 2010 in Artur Davis.

When it comes to other areas, all you really have to do is look at the election results. They stand for themselves.

Auburn is a very conservative school, probably one of the most conservative schools in the nation - up there with Texas A&M. I have seen a good bit of that conservatism lost in the years I've been here. Its only realistic to say there has been some sort of shift, especially in the last election. But, its still overwhelmingly conservative, just like the state. Obama got more Democratic votes for 2 reasons: one, the state is larger than the last time citizens were remotely interested in a Democratic candidate, and two he drew the minority vote.

I'm not even going to go into the Democrats at the state level. That just reeks of corruption and ineptitude. Not so much the party, but the people associated with the party.

How do you avoid political discussions with friends and coworkers? That's how you make things interesting.

[WinCrimson 61]

Apples and oranges. That was a totally different era.

The demographics of 1977 vs. 2008 say so.

bigsixfive:

I keep hearing how Alabama is so Democrat now. All I have to do is get off the internet and go socialize to realize its not - and no where close. I'm guessing this isn't the only state like that, either.

You and I both know that's a stretch regardless of the source. But I don't know if I would put too much stock in what I hear at the diner, either, as people like me avoid public political discussions. Keep in mind that Obama got more votes in Alabama than any Democratic presidential candidate had ever received within the state. AL Dems have been running better races statewide, as well. They've greatly reduced the number of beatings they were taking in judicial races, hold the seats of both the Chief Justice and Lt. Governor, and have a strong candidate for Gov. in 2010 in Artur Davis.

When it comes to other areas, all you really have to do is look at the election results. They stand for themselves.

Auburn is a very conservative school, probably one of the most conservative schools in the nation - up there with Texas A&M. I have seen a good bit of that conservatism lost in the years I've been here. Its only realistic to say there has been some sort of shift, especially in the last election. But, its still overwhelmingly conservative, just like the state. Obama got more Democratic votes for 2 reasons: one, the state is larger than the last time citizens were remotely interested in a Democratic candidate, and two he drew the minority vote.

I'm not even going to go into the Democrats at the state level. That just reeks of corruption and ineptitude. Not so much the party, but the people associated with the party.

How do you avoid political discussions with friends and coworkers? That's how you make things interesting.

Agree. And I wasn't really lobbying that Dems had made huge inroads in Alabama when they frankly haven't. Like you, I have noticed a small shift, but nothing seismic. Alabama is reliably conservative and likely will stay that way for the foreseeable future, but the nation is composed primarily of people with different viewpoints than those living here.

I usually try to avoid political discussions with friends and coworkers because I've seen too many people become enemies over something as small as politics. I've just never wanted that to happen. That's not to say that I've never talked politics with people or refuse to do so, but just that I don't seek conversations with a possibility of ending in an argument. Just really not my style.

[TigerHeat 9]

Apples and oranges. That was a totally different era.

The demographics of 1977 vs. 2008 say so.

bigsixfive:

I keep hearing how Alabama is so Democrat now. All I have to do is get off the internet and go socialize to realize its not - and no where close. I'm guessing this isn't the only state like that, either.

You and I both know that's a stretch regardless of the source. But I don't know if I would put too much stock in what I hear at the diner, either, as people like me avoid public political discussions. Keep in mind that Obama got more votes in Alabama than any Democratic presidential candidate had ever received within the state. AL Dems have been running better races statewide, as well. They've greatly reduced the number of beatings they were taking in judicial races, hold the seats of both the Chief Justice and Lt. Governor, and have a strong candidate for Gov. in 2010 in Artur Davis.

When it comes to other areas, all you really have to do is look at the election results. They stand for themselves.

Auburn is a very conservative school, probably one of the most conservative schools in the nation - up there with Texas A&M. I have seen a good bit of that conservatism lost in the years I've been here. Its only realistic to say there has been some sort of shift, especially in the last election. But, its still overwhelmingly conservative, just like the state. Obama got more Democratic votes for 2 reasons: one, the state is larger than the last time citizens were remotely interested in a Democratic candidate, and two he drew the minority vote.

I'm not even going to go into the Democrats at the state level. That just reeks of corruption and ineptitude. Not so much the party, but the people associated with the party.

How do you avoid political discussions with friends and coworkers? That's how you make things interesting.

Agree. And I wasn't really lobbying that Dems had made huge inroads in Alabama when they frankly haven't. Like you, I have noticed a small shift, but nothing seismic. Alabama is reliably conservative and likely will stay that way for the foreseeable future, but the nation is composed primarily of people with different viewpoints than those living here.

I usually try to avoid political discussions with friends and coworkers because I've seen too many people become enemies over something as small as politics. I've just never wanted that to happen. That's not to say that I've never talked politics with people or refuse to do so, but just that I don't seek conversations with a possibility of ending in an argument. Just really not my style.

Politics has nothing to do with it. I don't like you because you're a Bammer.

[DKW 86 8,235]

From D-R-I...

Alabama: 38-38-19

If you believe that the Dems and the Reps are on even footing in Alabama, you need to put down your crap pipe and sober up.

[autigeremt 7,551]

Another 12 days of Obama will bring the GOP up another notch or two. He's lost in the woods (his team can't vet his own cabinet picks) and his stimulus package is helping the GOP reload. Big government doesn't work! People know it, they are scared of it, and they will not allow it for more than one term. The more he does, the better it is for the conservative movement.

[arnaldoabru 11]

I keep hearing how Alabama is so Democrat now. All I have to do is get off the internet and go socialize to realize its not - and no where close. I'm guessing this isn't the only state like that, either.

Yeah, but are monster truck shows, cross burnings and tractor pulls a good cross section

[Justin5 20]

A real reason for Republicans to worry.

http://www.rollcall.com/news/31942-1.html

Putnam was one of the few bright spots in the House and was widely viewed as a future star of the party. Granted, this move is likely designed to get him next to Governor, then a run at President - but still, losing Putnam is bad anyway you shake it.

Putnam to Leave House to Run for Ag Commissioner

Rep. Adam Putnam (Fla.) will leave Congress to run for state agriculture commissioner, the GOP lawmaker told the Associated Press on Saturday.

Elected in 2000 at the age of 26, Putnam said he will file the official paperwork to run for the post Monday.

The Florida Republican had been viewed as a rising star in the Republican Conference but opted against running to retain his third-ranking post as Conference chairman in the 111th Congress.

It was unclear on Sunday whether he would leave Congress midterm. Putnam’s staff could not be immediately reached for comment.

Prior to the 2008 financial bailout bill in October, Putnam was among the young GOP House Members who political observers thought could continue to move up the leadership ladder. But his early support for the bailout plan introduced by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson was widely criticized inside the Republican Conference.

His decision not to seek a second term as the House Republican Conference chairman came in the early hours of Nov. 5 after the GOP had absorbed another round of Election Day defeats.

Putnam was taken under the tutelage of former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and rose quickly within the Republican ranks. In 2003, he was selected to serve as chairman of the Government Reform Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and Census – one of the youngest Members to chair a subcommittee since World War II.

[bigsixfive 341]

Yeah, but are monster truck shows, cross burnings and tractor pulls a good cross section

Yeah... I'm failing to see the humor in calling people redneck racists.

[Bottomfeeder 244]

Look, the Federal Government continues to fail at everything it's does, execept collect taxes (and even that is questionable). So, why should we expect anything different from a system with a track record of failure? The President can't change anything unless he cuts government size and scope (it's a matter of control). I expect no changes in the failures of our government unless Ron Paul is elected.

[Tigermike 4,305]

Look, the Federal Government continues to fail at everything it's does, execept collect taxes (and even that is questionable).

You are so right BF, in fact Obama's cabinet picks are a very good example.

[WinCrimson 61]

From D-R-I...

Alabama: 38-38-19

If you believe that the Dems and the Reps are on even footing in Alabama, you need to put down your crap pipe and sober up.

It's probably very close when it comes to self-identification. Many white AL Dems will never vote for Obama, but were there for Clinton, Gore, Carter, and even Kerry. That's sad but there's a significant portion of the population that will never vote for a man with the middle name of Hussein. For example, areas like Colbert, Jackson, and Lauderdale are going to have more D's and than R's while the gap in Jefferson and Montgomery will be stark. Republicans are going to have slight edge in this state, but remember, we're talking about party ID and not election results.

And what is a crap pipe, anyway?

[Auburn85 438]

The only Alabama decmocrat in the House of Representatives that voted YEA for the stimulus bill was Artur Davis.

Bobby Bright voted no. hardly a screaming left-winger.

I'll even argue that several southern democrats are more conservative than say a Republican Senator like Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe.

I do think the country as a whole is heading to the left. The "center" line has been blurred. The center now is actually further to the left than it used to be.

[WinCrimson 61]

The only Alabama decmocrat in the House of Representatives that voted YEA for the stimulus bill was Artur Davis.

Bobby Bright voted no. hardly a screaming left-winger.

I'll even argue that several southern democrats are more conservative than say a Republican Senator like Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe.

I do think the country as a whole is heading to the left. The "center" line has been blurred. The center now is actually further to the left than it used to be.

True. Griffith and Bright will hold true to their "Blue Dog" campaign promises. But it's their presence that gives Mrs. Pelosi the gavel. I suppose it's somewhat of a wash.

And I agree about Southern Dems being more conservative than Yankee Republicans are liberal. Yet, that might be a problem for you guys. It only proves that your party has crept right while your more moderate members were left out in the cold -- and before you refute, let me admit that this has happened on the Dem side also.

Hispanics are also a big reason why the nation is trending Democratic. That ever expanding voter group broke for Obama 67-31%. Here's a hint: They'll be more of them around next election... and more the next... and so on. Basically, the GOP has become an almost exclusively white, regional party based in the South. Take away the Deep South and McCain gets reamed even worse. You've got a problem, and it can't be fixed by simply putting Michael Steele at the top. He offers no new ideas, only a new face.

I could be way off-base, but I think Republicans are going to be stuck in this heaping pile of poo for a while should Obama even meet half of the expectations surrounding him. I really do think you're going to need something other than "It's Morning Again in America" to compete nationally. And I'm pulling for you in a way, as I believe the two-party system holds the most potential for good government.

[autigeremt 7,551]

If you(or anyone) support Pelosi, then you are blind as a football bat.

Don't bet on what you can't pay for. The more these loons create, the better it is for the GOP.