CNN

Axelrod should have told Obama so he would not have made all those unnecessary trips to New Jersey and Virginia and he could have played more golf instead.

Mr. Axelrod, you may think that the New York 23rd district race was the "only national race of consequence," and it may well be, however, it was also a message to the administration and I hope you got it because it will not be repeated. Republicans are holding up many of the Presidents appointments. Your own rules are preventing you from filling many positions. Republicans are stalling this administration at every turn. They are doing everything they can to delay and or stop this administration from moving forward with the full knowledge that they will be able to claim the Obama administration has not gotten anything accomplished. It is pass time Mr. Axelrod to move on. A lion tamer enters the lions cage with a whip and a pistol. He uses the whip to control the animals. If they get out of control or refuse to respond to the crack of the whip then he uses the pistol for final control of the animal. President Obama's whip isn't working.

Axelrod is Obama's Karl Rove – yet he doesn't get the same press. He's nothing but a shady spinster.

The NY-23 really doesn't mean anything. One race is not indicative of much – it was just heavily reported on. Even if they had won there – Republicans shouldn't be too excited.

2010 will be a better indicator. The only thing to take away from the race is the rise of third party candidates. People seem open to REAL change.

Axelrod and the media are trying to paint Scozzafava as a moderate, when in fact she was more liberal than many Democrats, supports stimulus, ACORN backing, favors card check, favors cap and trade, quits and supports the DEMOCRAT opponent. For an unknown newcomer who never ran for office before, to lose ONLY by 3% to a Democrat funded, and heavily backed by the Obama spin team speaks volumes. By the way Obama apologists, how come I don't hear you screaming on these blogs about Scozzafava being a quitter?

Axelrod must be getting dizzy with all that spin.

Wait until 2010, Axelrod. Then let's see you spin the groundswell of antipathy toward the socialist policies of the administration you support.

I'm sure you'll try to use the same spin in 2010 and in 2012 when 0bama and his fellow socialists are swept clean out of office.

it's called "SPIN" for a reason.

Nice spin. Yankees could use a fresh starter. With that slider, you can take the mound.

NY-23 was a soap opera, but look at what happened. A seat that was open was almost won by a 3rd party candidate that was an afterthought two weeks ago. A dem won only because (1) he is more conservative than the republican who dropped out, (2) the opposition parties mounted no effective challenge, and (3) the two major parties aligned against the interloper. Had there been a primary, and Hoffman had the GOP support, I am not so sure Axelrod would be singing the same tune. Rather, he'd be calling voters in upstate NY racist.

That's because Alexrod is an idiot.

(He'll be in prison within 10 years for all the corruption he's introduced into the White Housle)

Mr. Axelrod, if it wasn't so important why did Obama go at least 4 times for NJ and twice for Virginia. Also once you guys learned that Va. was gonna go Red, you were devising ways to not blame Obama for it. Talk to some people in Virginia whether they think Obama had anything to do with it. Bet you will get an earful!! You betcha!
Now just go back to Obamaland where there is world peace and the world loves you!

Axelrod is delusional!! Find your medicine as fast as possible!! If the Dems keep their heads in the sand, they are headed for a massive defeat in 2010!!!

I guess losing the governorship of a populated largely Democrat state is of no consequence. The only reason the D's won NY-23 was because the Republicans screwed around and split the vote. Owens will not get re-elected in this district.

Once again, the message from the Obama Administration: "Let them eat cake!!!"

. . .and we all thought Bush II was arrogant. . .!

Nice try buddy

And most people think he is correct. Governors win and loose because of local issues. And the impact of those races shouldn't make that much difference. Of course republicans are going to crow.

But look after bush took the white house over in 2000 in the following governor races..democrats won Virginia and New Jersey. That didn't make a difference in any of the next races any way.

What is outstanding about the NY23 race is this, there were more real republicans in that district than democrats. So because the rabid violent hate group that tried to push the real republican out, drove them to the democrat.

Since that is the only way they operate, they hate, they slur, they scream and the rant people are being turned off. The only ones who subscribe to that type of rheotic are the ones who are the same as they are at heart. Keep it up nutsos so called conservatives, we'll take your voters anytime.

A total of about 100,000 votes is "of national importance" while the gubernatorial races that reached, what, 2 million each is "local politics"? Then why did President Obama spend so much time on the stump for the democratic candidates for governor and so little on NY-23?

When you lose as badly as the Republicans have the past 2 elections, you pretty much have nowhere to go but up. But as many people have said, there really was no surprise in either VA or NJ. And I don't think Obama, Bill Clinton, or FDR rising from the grave, could have helped either candidate. As President and de facto leader of the party, Obama had an obligiation to campaign for these guys, but he knew that both guys were probably going to lose.

Seeing these results will probably put more pressure now on David Patterson of NY to not seek re-election.

It's just funny to watch the Republicans going around saying that the tide is turning....it's not...if anything the NY-23 race showed that the big names in the Republican party continue to turn off most voters and that they will need to move back toward the center if they want to stay relevant. They need to do a major house cleaning and get rid of the likes of Palin, Armey, Pawlenty, Fred Thompson, Joe You Lie Wilson, etc. Let them form a new party called the SuperUltraNeoCons and elect Limbaugh and Beck as their leaders. THEN, and only then will the Republican party gain more support when they expunge themselves of the far right.

More people voted against the democrat than for him.

ROFL, the Democrats are flailing miserably at trying to make this look like the Gov races were meaningless. If that were the case, why did they spend so much time and money there? Why did Obama drop everything in order to campaign for Democrats? Face it, it was a huge blow.

"Be prepared for a 48- or 49- state victory by Obama in 2012!

Arizona, Texas and Alaska will be the the only Republican States left Standing!"

If you're going to mimic me, fake sniffit, at least get the math right you LImbaugh worshipping dittohead.

the republicants have the right to celebrate thier gov. wins.
its too bad govs dont have national votes though.
so axelrod is right.
the repulicans won bragging rights but the dems won votes.
what is more important?

Alexrod is now a total joke........99 out of 100 people can't find NY 23 but they all know where New Jersey and Virginia are....

Had the dem's won in Virgina and New jersey last night, Axlerod and obama would have been calling it a referendum for obama's policies but since it didn't go the way they wanted it too, they're now making lame excuses.

Just can't wait for 2010 to see more of these leftis democrats removed from office.

Ugh....David you know I think your the man...but your wrong on this...the change the public is calling on now has nothing to do with President Obama....this is personal....reps that was elected to serve their constituints are not giving fair representation and people are really man about it.....it's going to be a storm for the Senate and Congress come 2010.

Thanks Maine....now New York.....
RIP Claude Levi Strauss!!!

> The PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN, Obama's days in office are numbered.

Yep, only 2,646 left until the end of his second term. Which the GOP seem hell-bent on handing to him by acting like children. Enjoy the view from the back seat while the grownups drive.

i will be at the polls in 2012 to vote for obama AGAIN

Sarah Palin–the gift that keeps on giving. I hope she campaigns for all the ultra-right wing loonies. The Democratic party will be thanking her.

The first Democrat since the days of Ulysses S. Grant in this district is nothing to sneeze about, and we have Palin et al to thank.

Liberals on this site are hilarious. Sorry for all of you miserable folks who can't admit your glory days are coming to an end without much of anything being accomplished. Bye bye socialist agendas.

Axelrod===your PUPPET is in a free fall

Obama made the Virginia and New Jersey elections a referendum on his Presidency by campaigning so hard for the democrats that were running there. The PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN, Obama's days in office are numbered.

DLK, yeah I get it and I'm a Democrat of 25 years.

Do you not see this bigger picture here?

The self fulfilling prophecy of “say it and it will become true” dynamic has run its course with me. I’m too old and this got me once, never again….

If this cardboard cutout by the name of Hoffman came this close to winning it will be unfortunately apparent to all in 2010.

Your statement though is somewhat akin to: other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?

Tina

Its Ax time for the Neocons,hahahahahaha

From a national perspective, Axelrod is correct. The two congressional races for Democrats are the wins that affect federal policy.

In NY-23, the moderate Dem won by keeping a pragmatically broader appeal.

Socially fundamentalist conservatives ended up losing to more liberally compassionate positions in a misguided attempt to purge moderates from the GOP.

I agree with Rollins. Not a referendum, but it is a warning sign.

How many votes did Obama Create or Save in any of the elections last night. Did he win even though he lost because if?

"Karl" Axelrod is way off if he thinks the VA and NJ elections have no national significance... the voters in NJ and VA made it crystal clear that "It's about Jobs and the Economy" NOT "It's about the Public Option"... and I will guarantee you that the Conservative Democrats were paying attention... NJ Independents gave 60% of their votes to Christie and on a national level Independents will do the same to every Democrat in 2010 that puts their liberal agenda ahead of any effort towards REAL job creation (not that 650K nonsense the WH spewed this week)

no surprise that he'd see it this way since it was the only race of note that his party won. and to be fair, despite the loss of the candidate that the conservatives fronted, it was by a slim margin of 3 points. if this is the only race that matters, then axelrod needs to acknowledge that it matters b/c despite being nearly unknown until recently, out manned and under funded, and enjoying a last minute endorsement by the republican candidate who dropped out, the conservative nominee turned in an impressive showing. by all accounts, with the money, organization, and late support by his former adversary, owen ought to have trounced hoffman. he won by 3 points. not a good sign for the demcratis party, b/c if the republicans had fronted a candidate that could have enjoyed more support from their base, it is quite likely that owen would have lost by a significant margin. axelrod is doing what he is expected to do, SPIN.

Before you go to far, answer this question. 3 way House race in California, Nancy Pelosi, a moderate Dem, and a Republican on the ballot, who wins. Would this mean anything?

I agree with some elements of this comment. Gubernatorial elections and Congressional elections are much different. Governors don't vote on bills and legislate, they deal with issues that are directly related to their state. They're kind of like the president of that state. While House members and Senators work directly with the president of the United States and his policies, governors don't. The republicans want more senate seats, that's the key.

No one can tell for certain if Obama had any effect on the gubernatorial races. From what I hear, Corzine was highly unpopular already and McDonnell was favored to win (remember, McDonnell has face Deeds before for Attorney General with the same result so really no surprise there). It's natural for people to vote for the other party if things go badly when the current party is in power (i.e. bad economy). People weren't happy, so put someone else in power.

Obama probably actually helped get some people out to vote for the Democratic runners, I think the big deal here is his input didn't help enough. Or he just didn't help at all. That's why it's supposedly supposed to be a blow. He wasn't able to, as a popular president, turn the election around after some late campaigning. It makes him look like he lost. But the fact of the matter is that neither Deeds nor Corzine are Obama. Their losses should be attributed to theirselves.

So overall, definitely not a good thing for Obama. But if republicans think this is going to solve all of their problems, they couldn't be more wrong. It's expected for Obama's numbers to fall, we're in tough times and we are an impatient society. But republicans are faring much worse. The percent of people who identify themselves as republicans has never been lower. And their approval rating has fallen significantly. I sincerely hope that they can get their act together, and become a legitimate party again.

its a shame that you can't see the handwriting on the wall. prez's time to shine is in the past. you got fox news, the serpent behind the gold mic, and fox radio virtually attacking around the clock the president w/ neg points and missteps that the democrats have made. its all most like you [dems] are slow out the chute........ nancy pelosi "is" a liability to this presidency... and afgan should be given a withdraw date of 2010...... an all troop pullout, because karzi and his brother [the drug lord] its all about them poppy fields and them [2] are giving this admin the ol okey doke. in working hand n hand w/ the taliban. "they got to abdullah" and he knew that if he went ahead w/ the runoff election. he would'nt live to see the next sunset. and proved it by direct attacks deep inside kabul. letting him know they could get to him anytime.... its time to get off of the "merry-go-round". even prez to your inner circle something is amiss......

There is a lesson for each party in the results:

Dems got a wakeup call that not just ANY candidate will do – they have to be (a) strong candidates on (b) local issues and (c) with a strong local record. Deems failed on counts (a) and (b). Corzine failed on counts (a) and (c). I suspect the DNCC is going to get busy and act to support their candidate's positions, especially the Blue Dogs who should now start campaigning for the votes of moderate Republicans that are being booted out of the party.

Reps got a wakeup call that running farther to the right is not going to be a winning strategy nationally. Lots of star power came in for Hoffman and the hard-right conservatives were completely fired up – but it wasn't enough to carry the day. Gingrich is vindicated completely. If they do not listen to him, they should just get used to their seat on the back benches because that's where they are going to stay. I predict that the Republican party will be two parties after or even before the next election.

The hard-core of each party is insufficient to carry the election in 90% of the country. Ask yourself, who's going after the center? That's the party that will be successful.

Whichever way you want to look at it, this is a major slap in the face of Obama and Biden. Obama went to NJ three times to stump for Crookzine, and Joe the buffoon went once.

Sorry, Dims, no way your Dim spin is going to change the fact the independents rejected you in these elections.

Uhh..excuse me...but unemployment was around 6 percent until the dems took over congress in 2006, around 7 percent in January when Obama took office and now it's nearly 10 percent, after assurances from Obama that it wouldn't go past 8 percent if the stimulus was passed.
.A republican will provide tax incentives and get business hiring again, reducing unemployment, not raising it.

In 2001, Fox News pundits said daily that regional elections with democrats winning meant nothing in terms of any mandates on President Bush's policies.

In 2009, Fox News pundits have been saying for days that regional elections with republicans winning are a huge mandate on President Obama's Policies.

Which is it Fox sheep ?

Definitely a referendum on Obama's Presidency. If liberal democrats continue down the path they've started down there will be many more casualties for them in 2010. The New York election meant nothing the Republican that was running was just another liberal democrat.

what?

Mark Twain once said,"History does not repeate itsself, it rhyms."

Last November, Barack Obama won New York's 23rd district 52%-47%.

So why didn’t the Democratic Party leadership and the DCCC specifically find someone who could represent better that 52% who voted for Obama?

Why did they pick out a conservative independent like Bill Owens and slap a “D” next to his name instead?

Why did the Democratic Party leadership want yet another Blue Dog type in the Democratic Caucus when the people of New York's 23rd district clearly want real change?

Typical comments from the Democrats.

Mr. Axelrod,

The people of NJ and VA have spoken. We do not want big government nor tax and spend tactics. We want fiscal conservativism and it appears we are not getting that from the WH. We have an unemployment rate that is close to 10 and rising under this current administration. This has happened after the WH passed a $757 billion stimulus package promising unemployment to remain at 8%.

How can you say these elections did not mean anything? If they didn't, then why did President Obama make 5 appearances with EX-govenor Corzine? These elections did send a message to both the states and the WH.

Give the Dem 30 days to run the race as a known figure with national money and he loses. Hoffman was unknown prior to mid/late October. If Dede wasn't on the ballot, again Hoffman wins. This was not good news for the Dems.

Mobius-the sweat's coming from you and the rest of your foolish friends of the GOP.

GOP in fighting? Almost like the south fighting the south in the Civil War. But we know who eventually won it all. Right?

It amazes me how Republicans, GOP, Palin lovers, and the rest of their Neo-Nazi party rally behind a cause that has no bearing on the way the country is heading in the next 3 years and beyond.

You won state government positions. Good for you! Now have those Governors make a decision that will supercede the president's decision, or your congressional district, or your Senator on the hill. It doesn't work does it? Get the Big Picture? Get it yet?

so many of you are correct here, Virginia voted in response to state issues, i'm sure, but nationally they could vote democrat again. Example, look at California: Republican Governor, but blue state.

OH, these two losses might not matter to A-Rod, but I bet obamas ego took a hard blow.

He's both right and wrong.

The Dems will have a tougher time in 09 and 10 more so than in 08 because Obama is not on the ticket. Younger voters and minoritys just are not going to come out in droves if they don't have a reason (though they should).

You also have to take into account that both Deeds and Corizine were terrible candidates. The Republican candidates were the only option. You really can't read too much into the govenors races. I'm a Dem and I wouldn't have voted for either one. NY-23 wasn't so much a Democrat win as it was a signal that districts are not going to elect stooges of either party. Hoffman knew nothing about the district, he was just a puppet of the ultra-right.

Here in NC the Republicans learned that lesson with Elizabeth Dole. Democrats learned that trying to put a Kennedy in Clinton's vacated Senate seat in NY. Names and National ideology do not keep people in office. Politics is local, both Democrats and Republicans would do well to remember that.

You can fool yourselves all you want, but a message was sent yesterday. NY23 and the conservative/moderate debate in the GOP is a smokescreen. Look at the voting in the DC and NY suburbs. Pols that have been raising taxes and expanding government were voted out or barely hung on. These areas were strongly for Obama in 08. If he keeps pushing ahead with health reform and climate change legislation that will result in higher taxes and with no guarantee of working, 2010 will be worse. The independents will not go back to the Dems if they press with the agenda. Clinton learned that lesson in 94 and was able to get re-elected. Will Obama?

Axelrod is playing ignorant to the fact Obama was useless in NJ and VA. Obama has no clout in 2010. Sarah Palin does have power and will restore the House back to the GOP next year!!

That's funny, the other races are ignored since they are a clear indication that people don't want increased debt and deficits!

What gubernatorial race will impact any National policy? Zero...that's what I thought. If the people are stupid enough to vote in Republicans, then they can have more of the same that we are clawing our way out of. It is easy to complain about a 10% unemployment rate. That's bad. But is it better than 15%?

2 won and how many to go? The only way they will win all is to steal them just like George W. Bush stole Florida.

Look at the picture, if you were to strip Dr. Phil of every ounce of morals, values, decency, and integrity he has, you are left with an Axelrod.

As bad of a person as he is, an Axel Rose has a million times more decency and integrity than this hate-filled socialist liar Axelrod.

BTW, watch your phrasing CNN, you once said Obama's Axelrod, I certainly wouldn't want to be near the Chris Mathews type of ticker libs when they read that (someone hand that lib a towl). LOL

If New Jersey wasn't significant, than why did Obama campaign there for 5 times?

It is funny how Obama's man can turn defeat into victory with just a few words and a wave of his hand. I guess he thought he had the touch of the master magician in the white house. he thought he could wave his arm, shout change and all would be milk and honey.

Virginia and New Jersey voters showed that real issues of jobs and taxes spinning out of control due to the dems are the main stream issues,not being green or kissing up to foreign dictators. They rejected the politics of Obama,Reid and Pelosi

Yeah, sure Axelrod.............

Virginia was not important. That is why Obama campaigned there at "least" 3 times--as well as Biden and Clinton. And, based on Republicans winning ALL elections in Virginia--including almost a 20 point win for Governor---Obama and the Democrats have now lost Virginia for the 2010 and 2012 elections.

And, a Democrat stronghold state like New Jersey being won by a Republican--yep, not important.

And, the fact that these elections---and the national polling center results---saying that the majority of Independents no longer trust/support/approve of Obama and the Democrats---Yep, not important.

The White House A-Rod would say that, he has been well drilled in "ignore", watch the ball game.

Yes, the national race was NY 23 BUT the fact that independents want strong for the Republicans in NJ and VA was a big story and it is worth looking at. Is the rest of the nation feeling this way? Also, state government does thing locally. So people want jobs, lower taxes, and a better economy and the federal government is definitely not doing that. So 2010 will be a big year. Do we want BIG government and most likely our taxes go up because of this spending or do we want to reign in our spending and programs (the last time I checked the federal government can't run anything). I know a lot of people who think Health Care needs to be done but not in the form that House has right now.

An independent, conservative nerd, with no political skills or experience, would have won the race had the Republican not withdrawn 48 hours before the election and thrown her support to the Democrat while portraying the nerd as an extremist vs. the independent Democrat. The Watertown media made sure the Repblican's message was heard.

What 's astounding is that the nerd almost beat the unified Democrat and Republican effort. If I were Axelrod or Sessions, I would be very worried.

Congressmen run on, vote on and get elected on national issues, Senators run on, vote on and get elected on national issues, governors just, well they run on and get elected on state and local issues. There are state offices and national offices, hardly equal in any way. So yes, Mr. Alexrod is correct.

I'm sure the President and Vice President stumping for the NJ and VA democratic nominees had nothing to do with it....

David Axelrod is the Duncan Imperial Yo-Yo of political spin. Dems win one contest out of about a dozen and he claims the Republicans have a serioius problem...unbelievable

Axle should send a quick note over to the GOP leadership.
Palin,Rush and Beck....LOL...

Like the other members of Obama's cabinet, David Axelrod is an evil man who has no remorse for his lying and distortions.

The Democratic Party is now a party of only left wing extremists, aka socialists. It will be all decent, honest, fair-minded Americans joining together to take our nation back from the most evil, anti-American, dividers and liars that have ever occupied the White House in the history of this nation.

Sorry Libs, most Americans are decent, honest people who have morals and values, your current day Democrat Party could not be any further in contradiction to what these great Americans hold dear. Think about it libs, there would be no America if most people actually thought like you. This nation would be lawless chaos, filled with people just robbing and stealing at will. You fooled some people in '08, but it's not going to happen again.

"The congressional race in New York's 23rd district the "only national race of consequence," was it?

Barack Obama won this district 52%-47% just a few months ago.

Why didn’t the Democratic Party leadership and the DCCC specifically find someone in the district who could represent better that 52% who voted for Obama.

Why did they pick out a conservative independent like Bill Owens and slap a “D” next to his name instead?

Why do we now have yet another Blue Dog type in the Democratic Caucus?

Not enough of them already?

I actually heard Limbaugh say on the radio that if the Republicans ran a moderate they would lose and if they ran a conservative they would win. So, they kick out a moderate who was well on her way to winning and replaced her with a conservative who proceeded to lose a seat to a Democrat. And then the conservatives call this a victory? The conservative make lots of noise, but most Americans don't support them. Why can't they get this?

@ yea sure Sniffit, tell it to my friends who can't find jobs and are losing their homes. No end of recession for them. Stupid statement!

Yes this is the same man who has dismissed TEA party members and called those of us who disagree with Obamacare names and demeaned us. He joins his boss in lying. Maybe he is not lying, maybe just to many delusion creating drugs. Keep Dreaming libertards, we are coming after you next. Obama, one and done.

I'm not so sure he's right about the NJ and Virginia races but do think he's probably correct stating that members of Congress will pay greater attention to the Democratic victory in NY than the other two.

I believe that Hoffman had a real chance of winning big time until he recieved Sarah Palins endorsement. IMHO that was the kiss of death.

Exit polls of swing voters showed that her endorsement was given as a major reason for a majority of them to vote for the Democrat.

I guess the lesson to be learned from that is if you're a Democratic candidate in 2010 do all you can to help your Republican opponent get Sarah Palins endorsement!!

Yeah...keep up the crazies..the hate-mongering...good goin Palin..Beck..Rush!! The gift that keeps on givin.....I actually feel sorry for the moderates..they don't know which way to run....I guess any where but toward the loonies! HA

RUN SARAH RUN!!

PALIN for Prez 2012, WooHoo!!!

What a JOKE!! Amen, Mobius, I can smell the flop sweat from here!!

Obama and Biden made multiple personal appearances for the governors' races in NJ and VA – worth nothing, zip, nada.

The kool-aid has worn off, and the voters have a big hangover. The punishment of the Dems has only just begun.

While last night's elections did nothing to repudiate Obama, they did nothing to endorse him either. Both sides are twisting themselves into knots trying to attach national importance to what were apparently local elections.

The truth is that a portion of former Obama supporters are becoming disenchanted because Obama did not transform American society. I suppose he could have ordered our troops evacuated from the Middle East, but he would be blamed by those same people for the carnage that would have followed.

Obama is catching some splatter from the Democratic Congressional leadership – as unimpressive a group of timid mice that has gathered in one room. And, the steady drumbeat of anti-Obama propaganda that is being dished out every hour on the hour by every Conservative mouth in America is confusing some people. I don't know what Obama will do or say at 9:15 AM tomorrow morning, but I do know that by 9:30 AM, the Conservative leadership in Congress will have condemned it as unpatriotic, Rush Limbaugh will announce his grave disappointment in Obama's misbehavior, and Fox News will run a special on the scandal that evening.

The Conservative opposition is not a loyal opposition. They are willing to harm the nation and its citizens to return to power.

I have to agree...it was the congressional election that was more applicable to the national perceptions, more so than the gubernatorial elections. There are plenty of states that lean more republican or democrat in national elections but have the opposite party as gubernatorial. Look at California and Arizona (before Napolitano left). So governor races really are not barometers for national elections, it's the national level seats that gauge voters' perceptions.

Axelrod is absolutely correct. Of course all of the Conserva-Baggers are trying to make mountains out of mole hills because of the results in NJ & VA, but reasonable people realize that's only because they haven't won any kind of election in so long they're giddy with excitement. Silly Conserva-Baggers.

"The congressional race in New York's 23rd district the "only national race of consequence," was it?
a
Barack Obama won this district 52%-47% just a few months ago.

Why didn’t the Democratic Party leadership and the DCCC specifically find someone in the district who could represent better that 52% who voted for Obama.

Why did they pick out a conservative independent and slap a “D” next to his name instead?

Why do we now have yet another Blue Dog type in the Democratic Caucus?

Not enough of them already?

And why does DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen now want to take a victory lap for this failure of leadership in having nominated Owens, this non-Democrat, in the first place, when he and the other failed Democratic leaders should have nominated a real Democrat?

PS. NY-23 wont go to the GOP in ...2010..... Congressional seats are up for reelection every ...... 2 years! Duh.

Virginia obviously was going for McDonnell, so that doesn't matter. New Jersey was a hit though..

Axelrod is not making any excuses. The fact is that governors of states do not govern the Nation!

The REAL WIN yesterday was in the NY-23, were the GOP pushed one Republican candidate out in favor of an extreme-right candidate that "pledged alliance" to Beck!

NY-23 has not elected a Democrat in 100 years, the fact that yesterday they sent a Democrat to Congress speaks against the GOP tactics that backfired on Palin, Limbaugh & Beck!

NY-23 told the GOP not to meddle in their business!

Alexrod is a very smart man. The civil war within the GOP is gonna leave the party very bloodied in a few months time. Already the ultra-rights are bullying mainstream Republicans to get out of the way. Will the mainstream fight back? Or will they run the other direction? In any event, mainstream and Blue Dog Dems are sure to benefit. For the ultra-rights, it seems to be my way or the highway. We may well see a lot of goofy third-parties spring up if the mainstream GOP prevails. The ultra-rights seem very selfish. The Dems should actively promote this split.

Or will the mainstreams redefine their base, leaving the rabid right to their foaming-at-the-mouth self-centeredness? That very well might be their only hope...but it will never happen. Or will it?

Let me bottom line the election results for you neo-cons who think Dems are on the way out.

Would you have preferred the Dems took 2 governorships and the republiklans pick up 2 voting members of the House that would vote against health reform?

Or, face reality that, the repubs picked up 2 governorships and the Dems picked up 2 voting member of the House, that ran on supporting health reform and will vote for health refom.

How was that a Democratic party or President Obama repudiation?

Anyone?

Riiiiiight.

To bad Owens is up for re-election next year...and Dede won't be on the ballot to split votes. You guys misjudged and overreached like no other administration. 2010 is coming...

Axelrod is right on. I note that in the above article, Palin thinks the election isn't over, just like she thinks the 2008 election isn't over. It just proves that she doesn't respect the US Constitution nor does she accept the will of the majoity of people in an democratic election. She opens her mouth and shows her ignorance and stupidity every time.

Why wouldn't he?–his candidate is the only democrat who squeaked through–and we are not really sure why–probably because the republican nominee is a turncoat–the Chicago way won this one. Pretty good turnout for the unknown conservative! onward and upward SP and co.! No split with conservatives–just a democrat masquerading as repub–I am so glad Sara and company called her out!

i agree 100%..and as far as palin...we'll "postpone" our interest in ANYTHING she has to say until...well...never!!!

How can they tell such bold face lies. Of course axel would say only the race the dems won has national consequence. This is laughable.

nice try ,, i guess the president got that answer while watching the bulls game,,,,, give me a break ,,loose virgina and jersey... weak answer..

Sara Palin's endorsement, Glenbeck, the teabaggers, were all the
kiss of death for the republicans in NY- 23.

This was the only race that was of any real importance to the Democrats. And we won the congressional seat.

The republicans think that electing a republican in a state that is
traditionally red republican anyway(but turned blue during the national
election, haha) somehow delivered them a victory. If Virginia wants to
be ruled by the same republicans who ruined the country no less than
one year ago, then let them.

However , the majority of Americans will not be fooled again.

Funny how the losers always try to make excuses. If Democrats had won big yesterday, all of the races would be considered relevant to this White House.

I'll bet you anything that NY-23 goes back to Republicans again in 2010.

One thing is for certain though. Conservative and moderate Republicans are not going to let their party be taken over by left wing liberals disguising themselves as Republican, but not promoting anything the Republican party stands for. The "Republican" in this race, was not even a Republican as evidenced by her supporting a Democrat after the people saw the fraud that she was.

Of course you're not going to put any stock in the other races because you know exactly what this signals!

So how should voters in the other areas take that comment?

Please, this admin is laughable!

He is right on this and in 2010 and 2012 the Democrats will continue to gain seats because we no longer want the current Republican party of hate/fear/obstructionism/special interest/ government control morality.

If the republicans want to be relevant in the future they need to stop the fear/hate/obstructionism now and start to do for the people not their far right racist/warmongering/hateful few.

A new day has come and we will not go back to segregation, power by the few, or have government control our morality.

Power to the people.

The Right Wing Extremist represent hypocrisy and Hate. Fortunately most citizens Reject this tÝpe of behavior and world view. One thing they Do Well is Make Noise, all the while stirring Fear and Doubt- which is part of there approach. It does work to some extent. Scare enough people , sow enough doubt by lying outright ect. So the LEFT MUST be noisy too! Stay Active and stay on the side of the people and Progressive thinking and Sow seeds of Hope

One word: JERK

Let's hope that Palin continues to campaign for those ultra conservative candidates. She is a gift to the Democratic party who can claim the moderates in the middle and the independent voters.

These political spinners (of both parties) are comical. They actually think we're all stupid. This kind of comment insults my intelligence.

Ax is so right.......thats the race that spoke volumes....the repugs are acting like they did something great last night......the dems won two congressional seats.

LMAO David, you're sweating. Admit it. Tick, tock, tick, tock.