Gibbs: Democrats Could Lose House

(AP)  President Barack Obama's party could lose its House majority in this fall's elections, his spokesman said Sunday, perhaps trying to jolt Democratic voters with the specter of GOP lawmakers rolling back White House policies.

"I think there's no doubt there are enough seats in play that could cause Republicans to gain control. There's no doubt about that," press secretary Robert Gibbs told NBC's "Meet the Press."

Democrats now hold a 255-178 edge in the House, with two vacancies in the 435-member chamber. Anywhere from 40 to perhaps 60 House seats could be competitive by the fall. Republicans would need to take back about 40 seats to slip into the majority, placing the current GOP leader, Ohio Rep. John Boehner, in line to replace Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as speaker.

Those House Democrats who won election for the first time in 2008 in conservative leaning districts as part of the Obama wave are particularly vulnerable this fall, given that the president is not on the ballot.

Gibbs said retaining House control would depend on strong campaigns by Democrats. "I think we have to take the issues to them," he said, adding that the primary argument would be how Republicans would govern as the majority party.

His remarks could be intended to light a fire under Democrats who are dispirited after about 18 months of Obama's presidency and motivate them to work hard to maintain their majorities in both the House and Senate. The party in power typically loses seats in the first midterm elections under a president, and Democrats are defending a slew of districts they picked up in 2006 and 2008.

The White House also could be working to lower expectations in case Democrats do lose the House majority.

Gibbs hit again on points that Obama has touched on in recent fundraising appearances: Texas Rep. Joe Barton's apology to BP for being pushed to set up a $20 billion fund for damages from the Gulf oil spill and Boehner's remark that suggested the effort to regulate Wall Street in the wake of the financial meltdown was tantamount to "killing an ant with a nuclear weapon."

"I think that's a perfect window not into what people are thinking but the way they would govern," Gibbs said. "Joe Barton, John Boehner, those are the types of things you'll hear a lot I think from both the president and from local candidates about what you'll get if the Republicans were to gain control."

[JayAdler1]

I actually, for the first time had a great deal of admiration and respect and awe for Mr. Gibbs. It took a lot of nerve to say what he did, it is the truth and he did not attempt to divert every body from the facts. Of course he will be taken to the woodshed for being gloom and doom but that is politics. The sense of desperation among individuals in and out of politics who are worried about a possible rout in November is merely based on the fact that there is not enough time, historically to whip the economy around. The Afghan war strategy is still being refined and debated when it should rely on military strategy and briefings in that order.

[newsterI]

KabulsHere-0005=RePUBICCon

[bajajohn1]

Well, after reading this article one must return to the days of total gridlock. Maybe the government should just shut down and not pay any congressperson if they are not going to work. Obstructionism in the Senate has been ongoing and now this prediction. The Democractic base needs to see clearly that America is being held hostage by Republican obstuctionism. It will be worse if the prediction from Gibbs holds.

[Lifeson2112]

Held hostage by the Republicans? Are you nuts? They're trying to prevent tyranny. Obamacare, cap and trade, immigration reform, etc. We can't stand much more of this kind of legislation. We should always be at the top of the list of free countries. We're not. This must change.

[Brokennews]

"Damn Republican minority! They out numbered us!"

[LIBERALS-lie]

not could but will lose house

[Brokennews]

If Dems lose, we all lose. We will go right into a depression once Republicans take back the house. Don't believe us? Just wait and watch and don't blame us when you really lose everything. With Republicans -- a real Depression will come and will destroy all small land owners which will be bought out by all large land owners for sure. Dems had better wake up and smell money or dirt. Why? Money means we are still a valued dollar. Dirt means you are living outside the walls of your home or community. Truly, you want republicans to take back the house and go into a deep deep depression. You had better have plenty of food on hand and go to your nearest morman friend who already stock piles for a year.


by gig76 July 12, 2010 4:43 PM EDT



Geeez. All that doom & gloom and the people still look at it as a better option than what we have now.

[pw08-2009]

Here's an idea GOVERNMENT...how about passing laws that HELP YOUR CITIZENS and not business or foreign interests. I'd be willing to bet that if you significantly lowered taxes across the board, you'd have more money in your coffers after a relatively short amount of time! How about trying your hardest to make your Legal Citizens HAPPY? Happy citizens will spend money and feel better about the situation.

[thanksgreed]

I blame the Dems for the mess we're in.

I blame the GOP

I blame the Pope

I blame Mother Teresa

I blame Obama

I blame Bush

I blame diaper rash.

[gig76]

If Dems lose, we all lose. We will go right into a depression once Republicans take back the house. Don't believe us? Just wait and watch and don't blame us when you really lose everything. With Republicans -- a real Depression will come and will destroy all small land owners which will be bought out by all large land owners for sure. Dems had better wake up and smell money or dirt. Why? Money means we are still a valued dollar. Dirt means you are living outside the walls of your home or community. Truly, you want republicans to take back the house and go into a deep deep depression. You had better have plenty of food on hand and go to your nearest morman friend who already stock piles for a year.

[Mortar_29]

The Dems are driving us into a depression. So far, they have done nothing right since they got in charge.

[pw08-2009]

Dems will lose because Dems are followers and not leaders. I picture Democrats like baby birds sitting in their nests with their mouths wide open, helpless until momma bird comes and feeds them...At least with Republicans, you have people who can make it on their own and think for themselves.

[chaseangus]

The first person who has to go is Pelosi, at least as House Speaker. She's a disaster and thanks to her the human political squalor we've come to call the Tea Party will roll into power in Nov. Palin is like a vapid, slimy creature who's crawled up out of a dank, dark vat of hate and come to life as a human being. As you can tell, even though I think Obama is a mess, all things Tea Party send a shiver down my spine.

[Mortar_29]

Well, at least it doesnt send a shiver up your leg.

By the way, what is it about the Tea party's positions that scares you?

[Brokennews]

You had better hope there's a "None of the above" slot on your ballot.

[jgg000101]

at the rate this administration is going, everybody is going to lose their house.

[Mortar_29]

True. There is a recommendation on the left now to do away with the mortgage tax credit.

[pw08-2009]

It's time to take back America, instead of giving it to the illegals and lazy. Our entire way of life is threatened and we are weak and seen as such, with Yobama's "Leadership".