By Dave Helling
McClatchy Newspapers
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two years ago on Aug. 25,the Democratic Party gathered in Denver – energetic and confident of victory – to nominate Barack Obama for president.
What a difference a deep recession, two wars, a yearlong argument over health care, a tea party movement, a massive deficit, a minor scandal or two, a muddled message and partisan gridlock can make.
That 2008 enthusiasm, many Democrats acknowledge, has turned to anger and disillusionment in 2010, threatening midterm chances for scores of their candidates.