McCain in the Lead ?

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

The GOP didn't "roll over" during the government shutdown.  They got stomped into the dirt, politically.  There just wasn't that much mainstream support in the country for the shutdown, the people didn't want it.

[Waitone]

What I hope is that the new GOP majority in the House defunds a lot of programs. They may remain on the books, but with no funding, won't be implemented.

One thing to have majority in both houses.  Completely different situation to have a veto proof majority.  Defunding is about the only option available to a congressional majority that does not own the white house also.  Problem is defunding does nothing to stop damage in the future.  A tactic the elites have used to perfection is to insert provisions of <insert agenda item of choice> into other legislation and let it sit there until needed.  I remind the gentle reader that for all of history carbon dioxide was a beneficial component of life.  Twenty-five years later one small provision of law is used to re-classify the gas as a dangerous substance which has to be regulated.  And so now we face a future where literally the air we breathe will be regulated and no doubt taxed.  Don't know about you but I think that tends toward tyranny.

[MechAg94]

The GOP didn't "roll over" during the government shutdown.  They got stomped into the dirt, politically.  There just wasn't that much mainstream support in the country for the shutdown, the people didn't want it.

The Clinton team was very good at manipulating the media and many in the media were all too ready to blame Republicans for everything.  I guess it remains to be seen if the Obama team has that much ability.  They haven't shown it so far.  Part of the difference is that the economy was still flying high during Clinton's 2nd term so people were content.