When Democrats Don't Get Along: Elections and Politics

When times are good, parties are never truly unified. When times are bad, parties are almost certainly to not be unified. Examples are too many to name here among both parties, but the last year has not been especially friendly to Democrats. They were able to achieve legislative success despite much struggle within their own ranks; not to mention the opposing party's opposition. Polls point towards quite a few losses in November for Democrats. The party in the White House usually suffers setbacks in midterm elections. This year might be a little worse than some for party in power.

Both parties also are normally adamant about achieving success regardless of what "conventional wisdom" says. The current climate has led the White House and its press secretary, Robert Gibbs, to voice what most see as obvious: that the Democrats will lose seats and the outlook does not look especially great. That did not sit well with House Democrats and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. They feel the president is not doing enough to ensure that they do not suffer big losses in November. By Gibbs' obvious, yet not welcoming news for Democrats, has them worried that he will only worsen their outlook for November.

The House Democrats view there allegiance to the president should be rewarded as they put their political lives at risk by standing with him on issues like the stimulus and health care reform.

Speaker Pelosi is not one to sit idly by when she feels her colleagues are put in jeopardy and let Press Secretary Gibbs know how upset she was at his comments that reflect the White House's viewpoint. Gibbs stated that the House could flip to the Republican Party, but is confident that the Democrats will retain power. That meeting when followed by one with President Obama and many House Democratic leaders. Obama made sure to reiterate his support for all House Democrats and the Democratic Party as a whole.

There is a feeling from House Democrats that Obama is putting more emphasis on ensuring a Senate Democratic majority despite over 50 House seats held by Democrats being in jeopardy. Some Democrats see the president trying to distance himself from the House members individually and if they were to lose; it would be their fault and not because of his name and approval ratings.

Feelings are bound to be hurt during these tough times when political decisions are scrutinized even more. The House Democrats who felt attacked or feel they are not getting enough support are justified for their feelings. Some are facing tougher elections than usual. Some have put their political futures in jeopardy or near that point by voting on much legislation that has either passed or stagnated in the U.S. Senate.

The Democratic Party over the last ten plus years has displayed fractures due to the liberals, moderates, and conservatives that make up their party. But all can agree that the president needs to stand by them as they fight for their futures as he does not have to worry for another two years. However, what Press Secretary Gibbs stated was what many agree upon. It just is not politically accepted to be played up in the media for a party looking to cover as many holes as possible. This is also a sign that elections are nearing and pressures and stresses are high. House Democrats and the White House seem to be on the same page and look to stay as close to that over the next few months on the road to November.