So Arlen Specter is about to be a Democrat. Filabuster proof majority in the Senate.The Dems also defended the heavily Republican NY-20. The Republican Party is well on its way to becoming the party of the Confederacy. If in early 2010 the economy is on its feet and troops are on their way home from Iraq, holy cow.
The voice of opposition that is missing from our current government is an actual limited government voice. The authoritarian wings of both parties have traded back in forth for a long time. The Supreme Court is entirely populated with authoritarians. With one of the major parties completely on the ropes, and the country in such desperate need of a contr-authoritarian voice, isn't this the time?
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For years we wondered whether the Republican party would split -- the consensus was that the fiscal conservatives and the social ideologues would sooner or later tear the party apart. That never came to pass, because the conservative movement managed synthesize a governing philosophy which incorporated both its fiscal and social elements into a cohesive (if internally contradictory) package.
That new GOP synthesis turned out to be a lot more conservative, and the new GOP was a lot less tolerant of dissent. So though the party never split --there never was a rift -- it contracted, progressively excluding and winnowing out nonconforming politicians, and excluding voters put off by the new orthodoxy.
Kos wrote a great piece this morning BEFORE he knew about the switch which makes the same point, and adds that the electoral consequence is a shrinking and more rigid intensely ideological caucus.
It may get worse for the GOP before it gets better. In 2010 there are strong opportunities for the Dems in NH, KY, MO, OH, NC, and FL. Yeah, they'll have to play some defense, but still. If, as you say, events conspire in Obama's favor. It could be a new progressive era. (I won't tempt fate and call it a permanent majority!)
I don't think the Libertarians have much of a chance. the two party system makes it prohibitively difficult to propose a new party. Of course, it happened in 1860, so I suppose it can happen again. But I'd be really surprised.
Well, there is nothing to suggest that some movement is starting. So, I don't know that it is likely, I just think it would be a good time for them.
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