I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I think this might put some responsiblity on Democrats to actually come up with something now… and then they can take part of the blame when Iraq or the economy fail. OTOH Bush might get more socialist stuff done now.
I fear however that the Republicans lost not because they are not “principled” or free market or even “Reaganite” enough, but simply because (a) Iraq is unpopular; and (b) people are basically socialistic.
So even if the Republicans can get out of the shadow of the Iraq debacle, maybe the right can make some gains, but you still have (b) as a problem. Only real solution to that is to use black and female and hispanic candidates. Not to become “more libertarian” or even more principled. That won’t get more voters.
