Let me be clear: It is delusional to claim dems lost because they didn't stand with the President

[pampango]

35. Certainly true but when so many candidates run against the party's leader, even though it may make

sense locally in the short run, it creates an impression of a party that does not have its act together. "You, Mr. or Ms. Democratic senate candidate are running away from President Obama. If I like Obama why should I vote for you? If I don't like Obama why shouldn't I vote for your republican opponent?:"

I understand your point that in conservative states it might be counterproductive for a liberal president to campaign for a senate candidate. (And we can't expect a senate candidate in Georgia to run a 'Massachusetts/Vermont' style liberal campaign.) But in most places it should be possible for our candidates to point out differences with Obama while still focusing on his accomplishments - particularly when compared to Bush and to the policies offered by the current republican senate candidates.

When our candidates try to 'out-republican' the republican candidates with an "I hate Obama more than you do " message, they not only weaken Obama further but they beg the question "So why should I vote for a Democrat?" The worst part of that tactic is that we are probably going to lose seats in conservative states anyway. With the "run away from Obama" and liberal ideas strategy, we not only lose an election we lose the opportunity to push progressive ideas, which is a strategy that may pay off in the long run.