No Victory Laps for the Democrats

After November 2008, Democrats' spirits were at a high as they not only had the U.S. Congress in their control, but had just regained the Presidency after 8 years. However, as the 2010 Midterm Elections near; Democrats are not running victory laps, but simply running away.

Outgoing Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) might have summed it up best: "Democrats don't know how to celebrate."

The 111th Congress saw many major pieces legislation processed under their watch. Legislation that will shape the country for many years to come is a mere afterthought for many Democrats this year. Normally, you would think that a party with multiple achievements would be on the offensive, but that has not been the Democrats' style and play defense instead on those major decisions over the last two years.

With a less than three months until Election Day, things are not stacking up especially well for the Democrats.

Under Obama's guidance, this Congress has passed: the $787 billion stimulus package, health care reform, anti-age discrimination law, tobacco regulation, expansion of community service, credit card consumer protection, Pentagon contracting changes, tax cuts, and Wall Street/financial regulation. Minus items like climate change and immigration, the agenda of Congressional Democrats and President Obama has been tackled despite the bitter partisanship in the nation's capital. The victories looked like strictly party line votes, but were very much hard fought. Health care reform alone would rival anything since Lyndon Johnson's administration and the 1960s and his Great Society.

Senate Republicans like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wishes he had the numbers to prevent health care reform, financial reform, the stimulus, and many other "harmful" Democratic bills. Since "they forced the legislation" on the public, their "arrogance" will lead to their downfall this November.

Any neutral or sensible political observer could see that the Republicans were successful in shaping the argument and perception on multiple issues and items throughout the last year and a half. The Democrats have scrambled to project the positive successes they have to the public and that is why there is so real celebrating as voters will ultimately determine their fate and the fate of this Congress. Not helping Democrats is their fractious nature with the left fighting the center and the left angry certain legislation has not been past yet.

The uncertain nature of today's times due to the economy and job causes many to worry about their futures. Largely, the legislation past will not be felt until 2012 or later depending on certain aspects of legislative initiatives. Obama and the Democrats hope to get "one more lap" before the election to past legislation for small businesses and others greatly affected by the recession.

History is the harshest and most honest judge. History is too far off from today though. Hence why Democrats continue to sprint and scramble instead of frolicking around with their hands in the air after passing groundbreaking bills.