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The Coming Anti-Incumbent Wave
Before Republicans start rejoicing about a political environment that favors them in 2010, they should consider that their incumbents aren’t immune from the growing anti-incumbent sentiment. Voters are certainly upset about government spending. That can be interpreted as a growing distaste for cap and trade, Obama’s health care reform, and even the stimulus. But, when voters are mad with their government, they have a tendency to blame all incumbents - not just Democrats.
Republicans must develop strategies that distance themselves from the aspects that voters are most upset about - spending. However, longtime Republican incumbents should beware of setting themselves up for a hypocrisy charge. Every vote for earmarks and bizarre spending bills can prevent the Republican from making strong arguments against Democratic opponents without being hit for doing the same.
Likewise, Republican challengers should be prepared to criticize both parties for the problems we are facing now.
Tags: Campaign Strategy, Cap and Trade, Health Care Reform, Spending
September 18th, 2009 at 10:56 am
You know, that is an excellent point. We Independents thought the “Tea Parties” were a good idea until the Republicans claimed them as their own. We don’t like them any better than the current administration. They would like us to think it only the current administration we are protesting and we are on their side. That is how they are trying to position this. any and frustration by the public about how things are going in this country.
The author continues ” Likewise, Republican challengers should be prepared to criticize both parties for the problems we are facing now.”
We that would be, in our opinion, very good advise for the Republicans. But I don’t think they see it that way.
Robert Fowler
Anti-Incumbents.com
September 24th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I have to agree as well. The Tea Party I attended in Indianapolis shared that in ‘08, Congress had a 6% job approval rating,,,but 94% of all incumbents were re-elected!
Generally, I have Republican views. I don’t believe in “Global Warming” as a man made cause. We have these temperature variations called “seasons.” What will liberals/ Democrats do when the Earth starts cooling nad we have another ice age? I agree with George Carlin that it is arrogant of us to believe WE humans, who haven’t been around that long, can cause rising temperatures by burning up our predecessors in the form of oil. What are we going to do about the active volcanos spewing ash into the air? The oceans evaporating, releasing CO2 in the process. Is there a plan for that?
I also tire of the Republicans catering to the rich,,,even though there’s nothing wrong with wealth, but what happened to their stance of personal responsibility? Success shouldn’t be regulated. Greed should be. I don’t think we need health care reform as much as we do Insurance industry reform.
In my opinion, both parties have let us down. The Tea Party isn’t an “Anti-Obama” or “anti-Democrat/ pro-Republican” movement. It is an “anti-incumbent” movement. It may not make sense to vote in the new guy, but does it make sense to keep voting in the same person that helped get us in the mess we’re in now?
Come September 2010, I’m exercising my right to vote in telling whomever is running for re-election - “You had your chance. You’re Fired.”
September 24th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I just wanted to add, too, that the past 2 Democrat President’s were elected by running on a platform of “change.” Look up Bill Clinton on Youtube and watch him in the debates.
2010 is time for change to trickle down to Congress. They need to be reminded who they work for, instead of getting elected by the majority to provide for the minority. What I mean is, they are hired through election by the American person, not the corporate entity.
Cap and trade? Yeah - put a cap on Congressional entitlements, taxes, borrowing and spending and trade one non-working Federal wasteful program failure for one that does work and is successful.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
[...] wrote in late August that the changing political environment meant good news for Republicans, but not necessarily good [...]