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GOP Will Bounce Back: Rove

Democratic wave was aberration caused by unusual factors

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Nov 13, 2008 9:50 AM CST

(Newser) – Voters didn’t so much choose liberalism or the Democratic Party as they did Barack Obama, writes Karl Rove in the Wall Street Journal. And that’s potentially good news for the GOP in the 2010 midterm elections, Rove says: “In politics, good years follow bad years. Republicans and Democrats have experienced both during the past 15 years.” If the GOP plays it right, it could be ripe for a comeback.

Obama’s seemingly huge victory was actually just a matter of a couple extra points in the popular vote, Rove contends. Moreover, 4.1 million of the religious voters key to George W. Bush’s victories were missing. “Something was missing from the campaign to draw out the more religiously observant.” If Republicans can offer a compelling alternative, writes Rove, they’ll be back in the game.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Supporters of President-elect Barack Obama celebrate near the White House early Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks during a town hall event, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008 in Peterborough, N.H. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)

Life-size cardboard cutouts of John McCain and Sarah Palin stand near the McCain-Palin room at the GOP hotel as Barack Obama speaks on television Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)

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History will favor Republicans in 2010. Since World War II, the out-party has gained an average of 23 seats in the U.S. House and two in the U.S. Senate in a new president's first midterm election. - Karl Rove

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 7 comments

Guest

Nov 17, 2008 4:40 AM CST

I do beleive CoranaKing is a nut.

Guest

Nov 15, 2008 5:33 AM CST

Previous post reflected my politics well enough, but politics aside, Rove's genius is certainly up for debate and, perhaps sharply qualified by Obama's election. What stands out for me is a 30 year history of manipulating conservative evangelical populism....now backed up so tightly in the corner of fickle faithfulness that everyone but them is "Anti-American". Please let's all quit playing partisan puppetry, especially those of us who profess to love like Jesus.

Forderon

Nov 13, 2008 11:29 PM CST

My Fascist friend, who are you calling a Commie? And viva Palin/Jindal? What do you even know about them? Why am I even responding to a 10 year old.

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Barack Obama • John McCain • Karl Rove • Republican Party • voter turnout • Election 2008 • George W. Bush • the religious vote • Election 2010

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GOP Will Bounce Back: Rove