That requires a great deal more self-awareness than I think the Democratic leadership is capable of. Rather, I think the Republicans will get whatever they want

That requires a great deal more self-awareness than I think the Democratic leadership is capable of. Rather, I think the Republicans will get whatever they want, minus some token concession. There's not a great deal of analysis coming from me on that (that sort of thing has gotten too depressing), just a cynical look at the last 30 years and an expectation of the same for the next 30. That said, it's probably good news. If the Tea Party drives America into irrelevance it will be better for everyone in the long run. A monopole world is a terrible idea.