OH YES, THEY HAVE A DREAM TODAY - AT 8:13 A.M. ET:  Republicans are actually talking about the possibility of victory in next year's congressional elections.  A tough fight yes, but one that's winnable.  Byron York explains, in the Washington Examiner:

It's a possibility many Republicans speak of only in whispers and Democrats are just now beginning to face. After passionate and contentious fights over health care, the environment, and taxes, could Democrats lose big -- really big -- in next year's elections?

Ah, just the thought...

"I think what's going to happen is Obama's going to be fine, and the Democrats in Congress are going to get their asses kicked in 2010," says one Democratic strategist who prefers not to be named. "This is following a curve like the Clinton years: take on really controversial things early, fail, or succeed partially, ask Democrats to take really tough votes, and then lose. A lot of guys are going to get beat, but the president has time to recover."

That's a key point.  The presidency, as Jack Kennedy said, is the center of action.  A president can maneuver a recovery far better than can a member of Congress, who must establish a long, vulnerable voting record.

And even if Republicans don't get the 40 they need in 2010, they could dramatically narrow the gap between the parties, giving Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic leadership less room to operate.

My heart breaks for Nancy.

In recent weeks, poll after poll has shown Republicans neck-and-neck, or even ahead, of Democrats. Even a National Public Radio survey found Republicans in the lead. "There's no question that you're seeing a shift across virtually all the polling," says one GOP strategist, "with Democrats losing ground."

What is so impressive is that the trend is entirely in one direction.  The aura of Democratic invincibility has been broken.

Not long ago, some Republicans were worried about becoming a permanent minority party. Although they may not win in 2010, they feel like they're back in the game.

They should thank Obama, Reid and Pelosi, and honor them with a dinner.  Organic, of course.

August 14, 2009