Thank you so much for writing this. I have long been reflecting on how we discuss Democratic weakness. Is it because they don't have enough intestinal fortitude to fight for their positions or that they just don't have the votes to win.

The Democrats have not controlled the senate since 2014. They have not controlled the House, Senate, and White House since 2010. Democrats also faced a Conservative court during those years.

As you know the last two times Democrats moved aggressively to enact their policy goals 1993-4 and 2009-10 they were smacked down in the midterm elections.

Democratic leaders have been playing a weak hand in an era of voter suppression and extreme hard ball tactics from the right. Obama and Holder have focused so much on redistricting after this census because they know that is the only way to undue much of the damage from 2010.

Republicans have long embraced Machiavelli's maxim that it is better to be feared than loved. Now they may have to experience the other side. Those who gain power through fear, intimidation, and raw display's of power may reap the hatred of the electorate and decades in the wilderness.