Slate
by John Dickerson

09/29/05

With Tom DeLay's indictment, conventional wisdom has coalesced around the notion that the Republican Party is deeply damaged. This is, no doubt, a gloomy moment to be a member of the GOP. As one veteran Republican strategist outside Washington asked me, 'Is this what it feels like to be in free-fall?' Perhaps. The plunge may continue -- but a parachute may open. ... Just because people are dissatisfied with Republicans doesn't mean that they're rushing into the warm arms of Democratic candidates. Yes, Democrats are seeing visions of 1994, but Newt Gingrich did more than just tear the face off of Democrats in leadership, he nurtured a farm team and presented a set of ideas that dovetailed with his political instinct for the jugular. Democrats have no Contract with America and have to find a Gingrich or some central figure to pitch their message...

http://www.slate.com/id/2127101/


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp