It shouldn’t take a “veteran political observer” to discern that there is widespread political dissatisfaction throughout the United States these days. Scattered primary elections in several states this week emphasized that fact.
The tide seems to be running against liberals and for conservatives. But where is it going to take us?
We are hearing a lot about “tea party” voters. References to them are not usually capitalized, because they are not an official party. Their informal name comes, of course, from early American history, when American political dissidents dumped tea into Boston Harbor to protest a tax imposed by the British.
There are numerous signs of similar general political unrest these days, as many people believe that taxes are too high, that government spending is too irresponsible, and that government is part of the reason the economy is sluggish, to say the least.
Many voters expressed dissatisfaction in varied ways in elections Tuesday.
Perhaps the most notable of several examples was Delaware’s Republican senatorial primary. Conservative Christine O’Donnell, described as unknown just a month ago, won the Republican nomination over nine-term liberal-to-moderate GOP Rep. Mike Castle.
There were similar indications of dissatisfaction in other states – among both Democrats and Republicans. There was, however, no “throw the rascals out” sweep, by any means. In some cases, it would be hard to define with accuracy what some voters disliked. It’s just that many Americans seem to be unhappy with “politics as usual,” preferring “something” or “somebody” different. Some candidates were criticized as not being conservative enough. Many voters just didn’t like “things the way they are.”
Such sentiments have shown up within both parties. How will Democrats, Republicans, independents and “tea partiers” express themselves in the November elections?
Though President Barack Obama won handily in 2008, now he is in mid-term, and he is polling less than 50 percent approval.
When many voters are dissatisfied with some incumbents and some policies in both parties, what will that mean for President Obama’s future as his approval is lagging?
What impressive Republican presidential challenger will emerge? None has yet!
The general political unrest has not yet been expressed as any clear, unified, cohesive, philosophic trend – much less as a particular presidential preference – yet.
But the signs are there, begging for more substantial and responsible leaders for Congress – and for a presidential aspirant deserving an enthusiastic majority in 2012.