Middle Of The Road Midterms
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
The Democrats took control of the House of Representatives, and is anyone really surprised? An unpopular war, an unpopular president — we'd have been shocked if the Democrats did not take back the House.
So what does it mean? The Democrats, in their search for House candidates, picked moderates. They are more middle-of-the-roaders than left-laners, and independent voters liked what they saw. It seems to me that if there is a message in this election, it's the middle that wins.
Rock-ribbed red or blue districts pretty much performed in a predictable manner, save for the ones that were tainted by scandal — and there were more than a few of those. Will the Democrats and the Republicans get the message: Please leave your wedge issues behind?
Let's figure out how to make all the sacrifice in Iraq have lasting meaning. Let's figure out how to get health insurance to people who don't have it. Let us rediscover the common good.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.
By Harry Smith