The Scott Heard ‘Round The World
Okay, so Brown won.
Now what?
9:54 PM: Here’s what –
9:48pm — And boom goes the dynamite: here’s a statement from Sen. Jim Webb: “It would only be fair and prudent that we suspend further votes on health care legislation until Senator-elect Brown is seated.”
Boom.
10:34 PM: Some other takeaways –
PPP:
This was a repudiation of Barack Obama.
Republicans win when they nominate mainstream candidates.
Voters hate both parties right now, and that is to the Republicans’ advantage.
Health care has been a huge issue in this election. Fifty-two percent (52%) of Brown voters say it was the most important issue in determining their vote. Sixty-three percent (63%) of Coakley voters say health care was the top issue:
· 78% of Brown voters Strongly Oppose the health care legislation before Congress.
· 52% of Coakley supporters Strongly Favor the health care plan. Another 41% Somewhat Favor the legislation.
· 61% of Brown voters say deficit reduction is more important than health care reform.
· 46% of Coakley voters say health care legislation more important than deficit reduction.
· 86% of Coakley voters say it’s better to pass the bill before Congress rather than nothing at all.
· 88% of Brown voters say it’s better to pass nothing at all.
So, the plot in American politics has thickened considerably…
10:40 PM: Brown is giving a very gracious victory speech; Coakley’s concession speech was gracious too, if slightly uncomfortable.
Well, this all will be very, very interesting…
11:05 PM: Enjoy.
11:50 PM: Waiting for Hardball.
Till then — a star is born? Chris Matthews mentioned that, too, earlier in the evening.
It’d be interesting to see if Brown can rise. It’s been quite some time since the GOP has had a compelling candidate from the Northeast, who campaigned in his home state with at least a somewhat conservative platform.
We’ll see…
7 AM, next morning: The Standard agrees — Brown has a future.
