From Holden:
The good news: America is a divided nation. Despite the pundit hand-wringing over this fact, it is a positive thing. Nearly–nearly–half of the electorate rejected Bush’s leadership, his agenda, his priorities, his falsehoods. From Eminem to the chairman of Bank of America to 48 Nobel laureates to gangbangers who joined anti-Bush get-out-the-vote efforts in swing states. Nearly half of the voting public concluded that Bush had caused the deaths of over 1,100 American GIs and literally countless Iraqis (maybe 100,000) for no compelling reason. Nearly half saw the emperor buck naked and butt ugly. Nearly half said no to his rash actions and dishonest justifications. Nearly half realized that Bush had misrepresented the war in Iraq as a crucial part of the effort against al Qaeda and Islamic jihadism. Nearly half desired better and more honest leadership. Nearly half knew that Bush has led the country astray. Other good news: Second-term presidents often hit the skids. The last three second- terms were marked by scandal (Watergate, Iran-contra, Monicagate). And as top officials sprint through the revolving door to snag high-paying jobs (while their contacts are fresh), the job of running the government during the second administration often falls to the B Team.
By the time the next national election rolls around Texas just might be majority Hispanic. Republican efforts to gerrymander Hispanic political clout into ineffectiveness (which has yet to pass the test of the courts) was a last grasp for power here in my native state. Progressive Texans need to realize where the power lies. It lies in our base now.
We have work to do, but Texas can be blue in 2008.