Politically, Republicans now need to be visibly engaged on behalf of something that resonates with their own voting base. Where else do you turn to get your base excited?
There is an awful lot of anxiety among Republicans as to what may happen in 2006. I think there is a sense among a growing number of members that they have lost their way. Tom DeLay may become a symbol of what ails them.
Normally, it's hard to put reforms in place when you have an existing structure. We don't have that now. This is a unique opportunity to give New Orleans and the Gulf Coast a better shake of it.
It's no secret he has a major political challenge on his hands he's aware of that. Everyone in that part of Texas is aware of it.
It's too early to tell. It could wind up being the New Deal on steroids.
I think Bush is at his best when he is fully engaged in an almost campaign level of intensity on behalf of his agenda. When he doesn't fully engage on behalf of what he is trying to accomplish, that is when he suffers the most.
This is hope for there being a more civil, dignified process to nominate and confirm justices to the court.
If people can agree that the last 40 years didn't help win the War on Poverty in New Orleans and the Gulf - and even hurt it - then the debate shifts into not replicating the last 40 years.
The rule of thumb is the lower the approval rating for Congress, the lower the approval rating for the party in control. The more vulnerable the seat, the greater pressure to stick it out. If it's vacated, it's most likely to flip to the other side.
