YES, THEY DO HAVE A PLAN – AT 9:21 P.M. ET:  We've been warning for months that the Dems are not going to lie down and play dead.  They're developing a plan, desperate though it is, that has the potential to keep them in power.  From The Politico:

Democratic lawmakers can rest assured: Their party is thinking creatively about how to keep its majorities in the House and Senate. And it's working hard to hold as many governorships as possible.

There’s only one catch for incumbents. As the party faces the prospect of serious losses at every level of government, its best survival strategy may involve focusing on candidates who aren’t yet in office.

An emerging Democratic survival strategy depends on winning a handful of key congressional and gubernatorial races that could allow the party to retain power even in the face of widespread defeats. In the House, that means taking a small group of Republican-controlled seats—all within reach—that would allow Democrats to lose roughly 40 seats and still emerge with a slim majority.

On the Senate side, winning just two open GOP-held Senate seats—Missouri and Kentucky—could offset an otherwise awful Election Day and possibly prevent a Republican takeover.

COMMENT:  This not an unintelligent plan.  The Democrats are playing the numbers.  Many, many races being fought across the country are very close.  Some Republicans, even incumbents, are only leading by a few points in the polls.  So a targeted "triage" strategy makes sense for the Democrats. 

Many observers are assuming that the election will be about Republicans picking up Democratic seats.  But by concentrating on vulnerable Republican seats, the Democrats can provide themselves with a buffer. 

Races tend to tighten as elections draw near.  We will know a lot more about these midterms a month from now.  Don't be shocked if predictions become more cautious.  That is why Republicans must stop advertising their victories in advance.  President Dewey would think that's a bad idea.

September 8, 2010