Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself here, but I look at the political landscape and see a huge difference from the 2000 elections...or the 2002, or the 2004.  There's an energy surging through the electorate.  There are more and more people waking up and actually paying attention to what's happening.

The Dems will take back the House - maybe the Senate - and it really is just the beginning.  In the next two years the force that's been built up on this site and others - and in communities across America - will continue to grow.  In 2008 I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dems control the three branches - well, maybe a bit surprised, but not overly so.

As I said, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I get the definite impression that the current regime will be powerless pretty soon.  And at that point, this fight is over.  It's done.  If the Republicans truly lose power, then throw out your playbook, because the game has changed.

So Bush played guitar, went to a fundraiser, golfed, and did a few photo-ops.  I can't feel the "outrage" emotion anymore, just a dull thud as another "this is so very wrong" moment hits me in the brain.

My mind has wandered elsewhere tonight though - what should a president do?  If this were someone competent, what would be done?  I'd like to spend a few hours of my time fantasizing about this alternate reality, where a leader leads and things get done.

I'd like to explain why it's important to concede points to Republicans, if you're ever going to convince them of your own points.

I've found I agree with Republicans on a number of issues.  Abortion, torture, the death penalty, and Social Security.  And I think you do too.

Update [2005-1-15 3:4:31 by Rinaldo]: Please read the diary before flaming. This diary is actually about finding common ground, where it exists.

You know it's coming.  Whether one month, six months, or six years from now, US troops will leave Iraq.  When they do, a resounding chorus will echo to the far reaches of the right wing.  

The whiny, hippie liberals lost us our war.

Of course that isn't true, and we need to press that point.