Election 2006 - How will this one fare?

Bush and the Republican side - Holding On for the ride

For the first time in more than 6 years, the Republican party is looking to eek out a narrow party line victory that may prove to be one for the history books. And with a rising economy, and all finacnial signs pointing to the direction of a narrow republican win, it just might work out for them

Although the major sentiment is that the Dems will gain enough seats to gain the majority, some pollsters are saying that historically, it would be a tough win. They cite the fact that the party with the most campaing money usually wins in a year that the stock markets are up significantly. And it must be remembered, that one of the larges influential voting pools are investors, numbering in the tens of millions, making up a huge faction of the 33% of registered voters that normally vote each election season.

Simply put, it is nothing but aatounding how the possiblilty of a republican hold is even plausible at this point, but it is a no brainer that the gains have coincided with good strategic moves by Republicans and the White House to shift the spotlights from problems within the party, and problems with the War, to domestic issues. North Korea even helped this by shifting focus, and current unilateral moves against the country from the US and Allies has showed that the White House has clout.

Add to that the muscle flexing Bush showed all of us who want to win the war by once again aknowledging faults made, but also showing that the strategy will continue to evolve toward the ultimate goal of a United Iraq. (I fail to say 'victory' because the Iraq war was won when Saddam's government toppled. That was an offensive war. The current war is a different, defensive war against invaders and traitors to Iraq. Much like the US had in 1812, shortly after the formation and solidification of this Union. All too often, we forget that we faced the same difficulties the Democracy of Iraq faces today. We fought many continued battles even after the Revolutionary War with other countries, and in 1812 with Great Britain, all who wanted to take over this new, 'feeble' government.

Bush showed that he has more knowledge and control of this thing than any of us thought, and showed that he is working a great friendship with the People of Iraq and their new government, and that he will not put up with failure, whether from us or them. He also showed that his staff understands politics, announcing these new idioms only 2 weeks before a very important election.

Why a Democrat victory could be OK

Since the Dems will not be able to win with an extreme majority, this will make the next 2 years of politics interestng. I actually prefer a two party city, BUT ONLY WHEN THE TWO PARTIES WILL NEGOTIATE AND COMPROMISE. This one could go either way. With Nanci in the hot seat, we could see a spectacle of hate mongering and what I call "push button politics" from the democratic party. If this happens, the 2008 presidential election would be in favor of a Republican candidate. If neither party will come to terms, and instead slings mud all over Washington, not only will the next 2 years be gruesome, but the 2008 election will be downright devisive.

However, I like what I see in most of the democrats that are looking to be elected. Most of them are moderate or conservative. Heck, I even like Harold Ford! Either way, I like the prospect of a Republican congress or a gridlocked congrress for one reason. Business. Both are historically good for the stock market (not necessarily the economy, though) and actually a gridlocked congress has the best numbers. Let us remember, that the great econimic boom of the mid nineties was headed by a Republican congress. And so is the current one. So we'll see what happens at election time, and see if history holds true with gridlock.

As a student of government politics, I am intrigued.