Charlie Cook thinks Democrats have problems. But it's a little tough to discern why after reading his Nov. 7 colum. Of 14 individual paragraphs in the column, one explains John Corzine's loss of the New Jersey governorship as kind of New Jersey-centric thing:
The incumbent lost even though the anti-Corzine vote was divided between GOP nominee Chris Christie and a publicly financed independent candidate, Chris Daggett, who had once served under Gov. Tom Kean, arguably the most popular Republican governor in New Jersey history. But it's hard to extrapolate much from Corzine's loss that would be significant beyond the borders of New Jersey.
The next four paragraphs are dedicated to the congressional race in the New York 23rd District, where a Democrat won for the first time in a gajillion years:
Democrats are to be congratulated on their triumph in the 23rd District's tough, hard-fought contest. But they would be wise not to forget that half of the votes went to the candidates on the Conservative and Republican ballot lines.
Bold is mine. Because so far in this piece, with respect to offered "congratulations" from Charlie, it's Democrats: 1, Republicans: 0.
Okay, okay -- who am I to give Charlie Cook a hard time? Nobody, that's who. I do agree with his analysis that Independents are moving away from Democrats. I'm just not buying the Democrats-had-a-bad-Election-Day meme. At least not entirely.
Gallup: Obama Job Approval, 53%.
Gallup: Americans Split on Afghanistan Troop Increase.
Real Clear Politics: Obama Job Approval, 51.6%.
Real Clear Politicsl: Congressional Job Approval, 25%.
DailyKos: Obama Favorable, 55; Unfavorable, 35.
Pew: Obama Popular in Japan, China and South Korea. (NOTE: the president is headed out today on a nine-day tour of Asia.)
Five Thirty Eight: House Handicapping One Year Out.
Rasmussen: 73% Worry Some May Be Executed for Crimes They Didn't Commit.
-- More later --