The mainstream press called it a "shellacking". It's a apt description. I was wishing for a decent chance at gridlock, provided the country survives the lame duck session, and it appears that I might get my wish.
Although I have not called myself a Republican since Bush's first term, I was extremely pleased to see the GOP gain 63 seats in the House. Minor gains were made in the Senate, but too many seats weren't up for replacement during this period. Simple mathematical results aside, what I discovered to be the greatest source of personal gratification was the overwhelming rejection of The One, his policies and his entire administration. I particularly enjoy hearing the mournful whining of buyer's remorse from the Republican and Independents who should have known better than to vote for an incompetent community organizer. But, much more satisfying than the crying, is the sweet, sweet taste of 'progressive' tears.
The Tea Party has been credited with providing much of the support for the new incumbents, but I fear their movement has already been infested by the socially conservative right. The existing Republican incumbents have proven their fiscal irresponsibility through the TARP bailout, their obsession with big government earmarks and tiresome Contracts with America bullshit. Until the rest of the ruling class can be expelled, these new incumbents need to prove themselves capable of renouncing the current GOP modus operandi or, they should be looking for new jobs at the end of their terms.
So, instead of a shellacking, let's call it a temporary restraining order.
