Open Thread

For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: New poll is bad, bad news for Obama!

During the Bush administration, Democrats made huge gains in some important Republican areas.  For example, on the question of which party would do a better job in handling the federal budget deficit, Democrats held a 19-point advantage in a November 2005 Journal poll, a 25-point advantage in July 2007, and a 22-point advantage in January 2008. Now all that has changed.  In the new poll, the results have completely turned around, and Republicans hold a six-point advantage.  On the related issue of controlling government spending, in July 2007, Democrats held a 16-point advantage.  In the new poll, Republicans hold a nine-point lead. Also in the Bush years, Democrats erased the Republican advantage on the issue of taxes.  In November 2005, Democrats held a 10-point advantage over Republicans on the tax issue.  That lead diminished over the next few years, but Democrats still held a five-point advantage in January 2008.  In the new poll, Republicans have a seven-point advantage.

Read Byron's entire piece and offer your thoughts.