Charlie Cook, one of the best political handicappers in the business, sent out a special update to Cook Political Report subscribers Thursday that should send shivers down Democratic spines.

Reviewing recent polling and the 2010 election landscape, Cook can envision a scenario in which Democratic House losses could exceed 20 seats.

"These data confirm anecdotal evidence, and our own view, that the situation this summer has slipped completely out of control for President Obama and Congressional Democrats. Today, The Cook Political Report’s Congressional election model, based on individual races, is pointing toward a net Democratic loss of between six and 12 seats, but our sense, factoring in macro-political dynamics is that this is far too low," he wrote.

"Many veteran Congressional election watchers, including Democratic ones, report an eerie sense of déjà vu, with a consensus forming that the chances of Democratic losses going higher than 20 seats is just as good as the chances of Democratic losses going lower than 20 seats."

Cook scrupulously avoided any mention that Democratic control of the House is in jeopardy but, noting a new Gallup poll showing Congress’ job disapproval at 70 percent among independents, concluded that the post-recess environment could feel considerably different than when Congress left in August.

"We believe it would be a mistake to underestimate the impact that this mood will have on Members of Congress of both parties when they return to Washington in September, if it persists through the end of the Congressional recess."

http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0809/Charlie_Cook_Dem_situation_has_slipped_completely_out_of_control.html

Once again, I hate to say "I told ya so", but......

This is what comes from the mindset that you are Democrats first and Americans second.

Michale.....

If you want to see how the US Government provides "complete" Health Care, go to an Indian Reservation and see..

http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/health/2009/june/The-Dark-Side-of-Health-Care-on-Native-American-Reservations.html

This is how a "Government Health Care" reform would be...

Michale...

Obama Ally: Dem Majority Is History If Health Reform Fails

http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2009/08/obama-ally-dem-majority-is-history-if-health-reform-fails.html

Anyone want to remind me again of the "irrelevance" and "decline" of the Republican Party?

Michale.....

I think it is irresponsible and unethical of those who chose to insite fear and anger with lies playing to the insecurities of people.

I couldn't agree more.

This is a tactic used by BOTH sides of the political spectrum and it is truly despicable.

CW,

You make a good argument for strict immigration controls. :D Such was not your intent, to be sure.

But you have to admit, the other side of the argument does have some validity.

The argument that it is in our own best interests to provide BASIC preventive and reactionary medical care to illegal immigrants is a valid and rational argument.

However, the argument AGAINST such provisions is also a valid and rational argument.

So, it seems that the ONLY logical course of action, from a healthcare standpoint, is to ship all the illegals out.

I know, I know. That's not what you are saying, but it is a logical outgrowth of the points you are making.

Of course we know that, under this administration, strict enforcement of all immigration laws will never happen. Barring some unforeseen disaster, it's doubtful ANY Administration will be able to strictly enforce immigration laws.

I still think the funniest statement ever made, has come out of the immigration issue.

"By and large, illegal immigrants obey the law."

:D

Regardless, I see that the best solution is to provide healthcare to illegals at a very basic level and only if such healthcare is necessary for the safety and survival of the community itself. In other words, if illegals have some sort of contagion or communicable disease than healthcare can be provided. Otherwise, they should be denied benefits for the good of society.

I know, it's cold and it's callous. Call me Kodos, The Executioner all you want. But hard decisions must be made. Especially in emergencies such as I outlined.

It's rather ironic. The biggest outcry against giving illegal immigrants benefits and such comes from LEGAL immigrants themselves. They probably feel that THEY did things the right way within the law. Why should the immigrants who lie and cheat the system have access to the same benefits that LEGAL immigrants worked so hard for?

Michale....

I think it is irresponsible and unethical of those who chose to insite fear and anger with lies playing to the insecurities of people.

Stan...

This was an excellent essay, from start to finish...no one does it better!

I wish everyone involved in the health care debate could read this.

When Rep. Barney Frank was asked about this at his recent town hall, I thought for sure that he was going to say something along the lines of what you wrote here. Silly me. I couldn't believe that he would dodge this issue by trying to aleviate the fear - talk about irony, on more than one level - raised by the question by saying that he has read the reform bill and that it excludes covering illegal immigrants.

That was a very sad exchange.

Anyway, just wanted to send out a big BRAVO! on an excellent that sets the gold standard on this issue.