Strategy 2007: Let the Democrats call some plays!

As of today, the Democrats have a 15-seat House majority (218 plus 15 or 233-202) and the Senate is 51-49.

What does this mean? In the House, the Democrats do not have the votes to override a veto. In the Senate, the Democrats do not have the votes to move anything.

Either way, the parties need to work together and find some areas of agreement. I believe that the public wants solutions rather more screaming or name calling.

Otherwise, we will have lots of vetoes and few results.

Can these guys govern? Time will tell. See Democrats Find It's Not Easy to Lead by Robert B. Bluey.

The Democrats did not run on any kind of national theme. They did not win a contest of ideas. This is in sharp contrast with the '94 Republicans who ran on a party plank. See The default majority By Rich Lowry:

"This is the kind of choice Democrats were able to avoid in November when they became a default majority -- a majority elected not for what it stood for, but for what it was not. Eventually, Democrats will have to move beyond their default position if they want a record of substantive accomplishment after the pageantry and symbolism of the 100 hours have passed."

Nevertheless, Pres. Bush made a smart move. He is looking for common ground. I hope that we can find some common ground and everyone can focus on governing rather than partisanship. See What the Congress Can Do for America by Pres. GW Bush:

"I believe we share many of the same goals for the people we serve--and with good will and hard effort, we can find practical ways to advance the American Dream and keep our nation safe."

Since the election, the Democrats have been dancing around Iraq, immigration reform and the Bush tax cuts. It's time for Democrats to take some positions and stick to them beyond next week's polls.

The election is over. What do Democrats stand for?

Let's find out! Let the Democrats call some plays.