The Grey Lady's Wishful Thinking

In its coverage of John Boehner's upset win over Roy Blunt to become the new House Majority Leader, the New York Times cannot resist editorializing/wishful thinking about the upcoming 2006 mid-term elections.

Halfway through the article, here's what readers are treated to (my emphasis):

There are now 231 Republicans in the House, to 201 Democrats and 1 independent; there are 2 vacancies. Democrats are hoping to capitalize on Republican embarrassment over the lobbying scandal to cut into the G.O.P. lead in the fall elections, or perhaps even regain the House for the first time in 12 years.

That is pure fantasy, based on the Democrats' performance during the President's State of the Union speech on Tuesday. The overwhelming majority of Democrats conspicuousy sat on their hands like petulant children in response to any forceful rhetoric concerning the War on Terror, Iraq, the Patriot Act, and just about any other initiative (such as wiretapping) intended to protect the lives of Americans and the American way of life.

People notice this. They get angry. They don't forget.

The only time they were able to muster the energy to get out of their seats and applaud was when, in a particularly craven display, they were all too happy to salute themselves for blocking the President's attempts at Social Security reform. It was a disgusting reminder of the political cowardice that characterizes today's Democratic Party.

Let the NYT suggest that a Democratic takeover of the House is possible. Please. In fact, keep it up. Run editorials to that effect. Publish friendly puff-pieces about all these Democrats who are supposedly going to wrest control from the Republican majority.

I distinctly remember language to this effect in 2002, only to see Republicans pick up seats across the board to the shock and dismay of the Times and the Democrats for whom they so eagerly play the role of town crier.

Democrat behavior during the SOTU is emblematic of everything they stand for as a party:

1. Do nothing in terms of defending America from real, violent enemies
   
2. Act only when pandering to a particular special interest wins them cheap political victories that cost the American people in the long run

Yeah, that's a strategy for winning.

Republicans should replay the Democrats' SOTU spectacle in ads right through the mid term elections with a new slogan:

Remember In November.

Update: In keeping with the overall topic of the New York Times and Democrats, Michelle Malkin highlights a new Commentary piece that wonders if the paper's efforts to expose the NSA's wiretapping policies are a direct violation of the law and makes a strong case to that effect. Democrats, meanwhile, have dutifully run with the information revealed by the NYT and used it to try and further undermine the War on Terror.

Unsurprising, given that the Times is the de facto media organ for the Dems, who are simply not serious when it comes to protecting America and its citizens. This is all very pertinent to the mid-term discussion. How ironic will it be if it's the scandalous actions of the New York Times that ultimately help drive voters away from Democrats and back into the welcoming arms of the Republican majority?

The table is set.

Technorati tags: John Boehner, John Shadegg, Roy Blunt, House Majority Leader, Congress

Cross-posted at Say Anything.