Republican mission accomplished

Most signs now point to a wave of Democratic victories in November, but the Republicans should not despair. Even if they do lose control of Congress, the Democrats they will lose to are far less left-wing Liberal than the Democrats of 1994. Many so-called Democrats are centrist-leaning, moderate, and in some cases simply Republican-lite in their beliefs and agendas or outright Republican in all but name. Quite a number of Democrats are deeply committed to balancing the budget and fiscal responsibility, not to mention being pro-military and anxious to be seen as being "tough on terror." And quite a number are gun-shy of getting near "third rail" issues such as gun control, prayer in schools, flag desecration, or gay marriage. The Republicans should be proud of the extent to which they have influenced the ideology of the Democrats over the past decade and shifted it further towards the center.

Sure, right-wing conservatives will be deeply disappointed that their hard-core agenda won't be pursued, but moderate Republicans will be ecstatic that they will be the real power brokers since their votes will be needed if the Democrats wish to "veto proof" any of their "Liberal" legislative efforts.

Hillary and Joe Lieberman will give the Republicans a run for their money when it comes to being moderate and centrist.

The American public seems comfortable with a combination of Liberal-light and Conservative-light and far less tolerant of extremists on either "side of the aisle." The Neoconservative star has dimmed considerably.

Compared to the traditional liberal commitment to "The Great Society", the Republicans should be proud of the extent to which they have influenced American politics.

That said, it is time for the Republicans to be generous and share power. The Republican resurgence had been a reaction to too-Liberal agendas and policies in the 1960's and 1970's. Now we will finally move back to the "middle of the road" where the American people want their politics to be.

-- Jack Krupansky