The excitement of Democrats

By Michael J.W. Stickings

At least the news media are paying attention now. Here, for example, is WaPo's Froomkin on "Bush's Downward Slide". This much is now clear: "President Bush's approval ratings appear to be dropping to their lowest levels ever -- and this time, to the enormous apprehension of the White House, there's something voters can do about it."

But let's not get too excited. Here's how Kos put it today in an important "reality check" post: "While things look great for us right now, the election isn't right now. And if Republicans can do anything, it's close the deal. And quite frankly, we're not a sure thing anywhere... We've got a long ways to go, and nothing in this cycle is in the bag. Nothing. So no slacking. No premature celebrating. No heightened expectations."

Remember, whatever happens in November, there will still be two more years of George W. Bush in the White House. And there will still be a presidential election to win in '08. Let's keep things in perspective.