A Progressive Congress Under President ObamaPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Nov. 10‚ 2008When Democrats took Congress in 2006, the media erroneously gave credit to “conservatives” in the Party. They’re not claiming it this time around, but we still hear the dubious concept that America is a “center-right” country – and so President Barack Obama must “tread lightly” on various initiatives. But the country’s leftward shift that gave Obama a landslide victory also produced a new crop of Democratic legislators – making waves that bode well for the future. This should embolden progressives to demand more from Washington – not less – as a new Congress and President get sworn in. In last week’s election, Democrats continued to make gains in the Northeast and other liberal bastions, while Latinos created a “blue wave” in the Southwest. Democrats made gains in the Midwest, and a “New South” in parts of the country’s most conservative region suggests a demographic change. Even the House Democrats who did lose were conservative members who frustrated the progressive agenda. In California, Democrats would have won more seats if some districts hadn’t been drawn to favor Republicans – an issue that will hopefully be resolved after re-districting. |