Republicans are Optimistic as the Mid-Term Election Approaches

Republicans exuded confidence in their abilities to take over the House as they discussed the current challenges facing Democrats with the 2010 Mid-term Election less than three weeks away.

A panel of Republican political analysts met in Ward 2 at American University last night to discuss the current state of the 2010 Mid-term Election and what the Republican Party can expect come November 2. Panelist Patrick Ruffini of The Next Right explained that the country is “built on a uniquely shaky platform. Republicans have a reason to optimistic,” he said. The House is looking hopeful for a Republican majority while “the Senate is tough,” Ruffini said.

The panelists agreed that the Democrats have a reason to be concerned because the traditionally blue states are looking competitive. “They have no one to blame but themselves,” said Jim Geraghty of the National Review Online. “They ignored every warning sign.” The panel highlighted issues such as the grim job market, health care, border security, and runaway spending as source of public frustration. “It is a negative agenda, people want to check in on the President,” said Byron York from the Washington Examiner.

Republicans are noticing the unease of the Democratic Party as the election nears. Geraghty explained some Democratic “what the heck is going on?” indicators. The most prominent include Democratic attack ads against the Republicans and “acting like if I don’t hustle I’ll lose this year,” said Geraghty.

The Democrats on the other hand label themselves as self-assured with maintaining majorities. "There will be in Washington, D.C., a Democratic majority in the House and a Democratic majority in the Senate. That will be the case,” said Vice President Joe Biden at the Democratic National Committee’s Meeting this summer in St. Louis. An American University junior and Democrat in attendance was surprised by the Republican’s suspected hold over the House, “It was a lot more seats than I would think,” he said. “A lot of what they are saying is true. If they don’t win, a small majority in the House would be a tremendous loss.”

Geraghty pointed out the likelihood that the Republicans will take over the House but he warned to not “count your chickens before they hatch.” He explained that there is no excuse for the Republicans to not get thirty nine seats. “It’s the best environment!” Geraghty joked. “If you can’t, you should have a long cold winter!”

Alyssa Myers, an American University Freshman and a Green Party supporter, did not like the assurance of the Republican panel and their negative criticism of the Democrats. “My biggest thing- it’s not us versus them. It should be issues over the label,” Myers said. She did agree however, that the Republicans have the ability to take over the House. But she, like others, remained unsure about the future of the Senate.