I think I've got it now!

[Detector]

Politics are so confusing but I think I now understand what happened in this election.

What had me so confused is that while it seemed obvious what America wanted, the election seemed to contradict it. The two major issues for this election were the war and immigration. Economics ran a close second to immigration, but I think while a good amount of Americans see the need for some changes, the immigration issue was more important. Even though the politicians did a good job of putting it(immigration) on the back burner.

I think Americans sent a united message to both parties. We are tired of the far left and right screwing this country up. I think most Americans lean toward the right simply because with an 82% of Americans practicing some type of religion, the conservatives are favored over the liberals.

I think this election was designed to send two messages. Not just the one to both parties about a need to meet in the middle, but one to the republicans saying you have two years to quit your bickering and get your shit together. I think the republicans were feeling a bit to comfortable and ignored the message of America.

As far as the war in Iraq, I believe, while America was not happy with what was going on and wanted change, the majority, felt we were doing the right thing by being there, and did not like the Lefts option of "cut & run." The message was sent to our leaders and potential leaders that we wanted change. The republicans in charge failed to head the warning, the democrats did not. The democrats put their less controversial members on the front lines who didn't support cut & run.

Americas voice on the immigration issue was just plain ignored by both parties. America clearly was voicing they wanted the boarders secured AND no guest worker program. The right was all for securing the boarder but the current people in charge wanted to pass out citizenship. The left wanted to pass out papers but didn't want to secure the boarder. Again, the left was smart enough to send in the middle man while the right, secure in their belief of supremacy failed to hear the united voice of America.

I think Americans have become so frustrated with their parties for not listening they have sent a startling message to all politicians. I think America has sent the message to the right that they have two years to wake up and meet in the middle, or they're looking elsewhere. I think Americans sent the message to the left that they have two years to prove themselves by meeting in the middle, or they look elsewhere.

I think the 2008 election could be up for grabs to the party that is able to meet in the middle. If both parties are to head the warnings and meet in the middle I think the right will gain control again.

[Outofdodge]

Originally Posted by Detector

Politics are so confusing but I think I now understand what happened in this election..

Why is it so hard for you to understand, the administration could no longer hide their overall incompetence but since the presidency wasn't up for grabs, by and large the American population, specifically the independent and unaffiliated voters, took it out on the current occupant's party.

Originally Posted by Detector

What had me so confused is that while it seemed obvious what America wanted, the election seemed to contradict it. The two major issues for this election were the war and immigration. Economics ran a close second to immigration, but I think while a good amount of Americans see the need for some changes, the immigration issue was more important. .

Got a source for this? I think immigration is a bigger issue in border states and places like Dodge City which has suffered a *white flight* due to an inability to adapt socially and economically to a changing demographic. But overall immigration, IMO, was not the overiding issue some thought it was. And the issue wasn't the *war* but the conduct and thus far - the outcome of the *war*.

But as an aside, I went to the CNN website and looked at the exit polls for the senate races in AZ and TX (republican won) and NM (democrat). I was expecting something entirely different on the immigration questions than seeing in all three races, the voters polled overwhelmingly supported immigration reform which led to a permanent residency/citizenship for illegal immigrants. I really didn't expect that out of those three states.

[dustinwadams5]

"Changing demographic" that's kind of sugar-coating the issue isn't it?

[TexKan]

Just remember the democrats didn't win - they were handed the election by some very frustrated and trusting folks. Myself included. My feeling is - ya been sayin you know the American people........ I say ya got 2 years to show me. The only good thing I have seen so far is they put Murtha out to graze.

Don't trust the CNN exit poll. If the parties - either parties are countin on polls to tell them what they should be hearin on thier own......... it's gonna be a salad toss in another 2 years. Texas isn't much interested in an amnesty program........... the only ones down here intersted in that is the card carrin votin illegals........... there are plenty to sway any poll.

I'm still keepin my eyes open and my finger on the trigger when it comes to the congress......... same game it looks like but I'm holdin out to see what happens in January and Febuary....... we'll see. I think they are just alittle too much of themselves right now. We'll see if they remember who put them there after January.

[Detector]

Why is it so hard for you to understand, the administration could no longer hide their overall incompetence but since the presidency wasn't up for grabs, by and large the American population, specifically the independent and unaffiliated voters, took it out on the current occupant's party.

Because I don't believe it. My observations and listening to people tells me something different. What you call "incompetence" I saw as bad choices. We all have made bad choices but I don't think it qualifies us as incompetent. Thats simply a choice in words from your left side. You're only looking at the last year and forgetting why Bush and the right have been in control for so long.

What I do believe is just as TexKan stated. The democrats didn't win on their own merits, the republicans fumbled the ball, and the democrats were there to pick it up by putting their middle reps in. The problem will be that the left middle men will not be able to stay in the game. The far left is already prompting the coach to get in the game and the general public, while frustrated with the right, prefer the present right over the extreme left.

All threw the election voters were asking the democrats what there game plan was. I never saw an answer. The democrats game plan was to capitalize on the other teams mistakes. While it will win you games, don't count on it to win the super bowl(2008).

In short. The left was smart enough to read their voters and saw America didn't want anything to do with the extreme lefts cut & run and open boarders. They sent in their more moderate puppets that were singing what voters wanted to hear. Scandals and the Bush teams failure to connect with the public over the immigration issue(Bush backed the loosing horse of a guest working program), things needed to change in Iraq(the Dem's twisted and used the "stay the course" fumble to their advantage) they lost.

The question is will the puppeteers rearer their ugly heads and spoil the show?

Americas voice has been very clear and getting louder. Things need to change in Iraq but not a cut & run. We want our boarder secured and no passing out citizenship. We want our immigration laws ENFORCED!!! and not hear the poor excuses as to why they come here. America is growing very tired of the politically correctness of the liberals rules our courts and over riding our states choices to do what the federal government refuses to do. Voters made this very clear in the last election and caught the right with it's pants down. I don't think it will happen again. If it does, the right deserves to lose again.

In a nutshell. I think if both teams bring their A game the republicans will win simply because even their extreme players(A team) are closer to what voters want than the left extremes(A team). I think If the republicans continue to play their A team and the democrats continue to play their B team they(Dem's) will maintain control. If both teams play their B teams I think the game goes to the right. In the end the right has the odds and only continuing to make mistakes will cost them the game.

"Changing demographic" that's kind of sugar-coating the issue isn't it?

It the same coating used when they say These criminals.. er people are just looking for a better life. You think I could go rob a bank or make meth and use the excuse I'm just trying to make a better life for me and my family? It would be true.

Got a source for this?

You may have misunderstood me. What I meant was that I believe immigration was more of an issue n the election than the economy.