The Aftermath

Paul Wells diagnoses the state of the GOP.  I would note also that the Republican nominating process has historically been a pretty orderly affair: typically, the guy that came second last time gets the job next time around. McCain and Romney, for example. But since the runner-ups in 2012 were all whack-jobs,  2016 will have no natural front-runner.  Expect an even more spectacular gong show, especially since the party's response to Obama's re-election will be to double-down on crazy.

NewsFlash! Yankees Don't Hate Unions!

MADISON, Wis. — Americans strongly oppose laws taking away the collective bargaining power of public employee unions, according to a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll. The poll found 61% would oppose a law in their state similar to such a proposal in Wisconsin, compared with 33% who would favor such a law.

This whole anti-union campaign in Wis. has felt to me like a GOP screw up. This confirms it. Want another example that will probably fuck them up in 2012? Here, the state of Missouri repeals its child labor laws. Booyah! Back to the days of Oliver Twist!

And, because its Missouri, just for kicks,here's my rendition of the theme from Deliverance:

Dingalingningningning...ning...ning...ning. Dingalingningningning...ning...ning...ning.

Dingalinganinganing...Dingalinganinganing....Dinalinganinganinga
ninganinganinganing...!

...and etc.

American Teabaggers Running Out Of The Tea Of Fury?

RealClearPolitics maintains a poll of polls for such things as the POTUS' approval ratings, Congressional job approval and, above, the Generic Congressional Vote. Bottom-line: for the first time in 2010 the Dems are ahead. Albeit slightly, and albeit generic congressional polls tend to underestimate (it is said) GOP support. But a far better result than Republicans up 3.2%, which was the story a month ago. I'd guess on this basis that the GOP makes gains in both houses this November, but manages to capture control of neither.