On first blush, the results of yesterday’s recall elections in Wisconsin would appear to be disheartening for Democrats. They won only two out of the six elections, one short of taking over the state senate. The goal of changing the dynamics in the legislature was not achieved, and so some may feel it was all for naught. However, if you think about it a bit more, the results can only be a victory for those activists who set the recalls in motion earlier this year.
Sure, Democrats only won two elections, but they were all tough to begin with. These were Republican seats, and to pick off two and come within a few thousand votes of a third is a big deal. And although Democrats didn’t take control of the senate, the gap is now 17-16 Republican, meaning they will need to keep every member in line to pass legislation. This is much easier said than done, and the leadership is going to have to be on the ball to maneuver with a one-vote majority.
Moreover, this represents a newfound pushback from Democrats when it comes to changing the norms of politics. Starting about a decade ago, Republicans began ignoring the old rulebook and doing things that were always possible but were off-limits by custom, such as mid-decade redistricting, constant filibusters, and complete refusals to confirm Obama appointees. Obviously, I’d be a lot happier if these things didn’t happen, but since one side has decided to throw down, the only alternatives are to roll over and take it, or to fight back. Democrats have mainly refused to fight back up until now, and this represents a welcome change. It should also give Governor Walker pause, as Nate Silver points out.
In an ideal world, adults would sit around the table and rationally solve our nation’s problems. This world only exists in the brains of Tom Friedman and David Brooks, however: in the real world, politics is a battle and the strong wins. Fighting fire with fire is the only option for defending your beliefs. One thing is certain: the elections in 2012 are probably going to be the ugliest we have seen yet. Until Americans come to grips with reality and figure out exactly what we value and how we want to get there, the electoral stakes will just get higher, and the electioneering will get louder and more frequent. Thought I’m not happy about it, I know that I feel strongly enough about the America I want to see, and that this is how it has to be done.