A couple examples to suggest my thoughts/complaints respecting Democrats and how they play their mixed hand.
Yesterday, both NY football teams were outmatched, banged up, and playing good teams (Ravens more so than Packers, but the NY Giants are more troubled, so it balances out). The Jets could have tied the game, with a back-up QB starting his first game and against a great defense (behind 20-3 to boot), except for a couple failed catches in the last minute or so. Meanwhile, not only did the Giants D play pathetic again, the Giants Offense played sloppy. The latter was the real problem ... losing points because of illegal ball spikes is not an example of lacking talent, it is not having maturity. Not playing well with what you have.
[Since I'm tired of the ridiculous upswing of the Yanks, the AL race now a joke of sorts with the Tigers barely in it [close enough, but hard to believe the Yanks will blow 2.5 games], yesterday was a bad sports day. I appreciated the Jets game though, especially since I missed the early part when the Jets did very little.]
Likewise, consider the conservative path on abortion. Push comes to shove, the reasonable sort might argue that their path is counterproductive, if the concern is actually to reduce abortions. A sane family planning policy would do this ... they care not about that, wanting instead to stay loyal to their values. In this fashion, their souls are safe, so to speak. Did they focus on the lack of "five votes" on the Supreme Court, and thus apologizing about Roe not being overturned? No, that would be bad politics, and defeatist. The complained about judicial activism, highlighted the conservative bona fides of their picks, and so forth.
A football metaphor can also explain what not to do ... overdo playing the prevent defense and/or playing it overly safe on offense. It actually turned out to be a sound play not to go on it close to the goal line on Fourth Down, leading to a 20-6 score. But, other times -- TMQ over at ESPN hates this -- such low risk does not make sense. You can get complacent with the former policy, comfy with your lead and all. The net result can be playing a good hand badly. Suggesting the neverending metaphors, yes, you have the poker one as well.
Many fear this will occur in the attorney general area. Appropriately, on Constitution Day (unsurprisingly, from the guy who has one always in his pocket, Sen. Byrd), the changing of the guard occurred. It turns out that Bush isn't going to put the well admired vanilla looking solicitor general in as acting AG, but another controversial ideological sort who the Dems don't want as a federal judge. The Dems might not want this guy in that long.
In particular, the guy nominated for the permanent position ... shocking enough ... appears like a credible choice who isn't a lapdog. Chucky Schumer actually likes the guy. Sure, the preliminary comments suggest he is pretty conservative, likes Rudy for President and possibly will have "beard" qualities (good facade, questionable on the change front ... recently wrote an editorial supportive of broad executive power). Of course, as a member of his Cabinet, the guy has to be loyal. There are different degrees, sure enough, which is why Gonzo was particularly bad.
But, let's realistic here ... the chance of a real prize is akin to getting that cheap watch shown on the screen of those quarter machines. (OD-ing on metaphor today). Likewise, as with the occupation, the Dems have a lot of cards on their side. No straight flush (I'm annoying myself now), sure, but more than a pair. Thus, the hints that a credible pick will enough, not full disclosure respecting various investigations, promises to honor subpoenas or ongoing investigations and so forth is stupid. It's being satisfied with a lot less than one can hope for, the path of losers.
Getting rid of a lousy AG and making known the politicization of justice (or worse) that perverts evenhanded rule of law is a real victory. As with the student aid bill and other matters, it does matter who is in control of Congress. But, the lame duck time of the presidency will likely lead to some success for the other party anyway. This situation supplies an opening for a whole lot more. Honor what has been accomplished, remember the corruptness of the Republican Party as constituted, but don't settle.
Like Oliver Twist, ask for more. And, add some vegan margarine or jelly to that gruel. Adds flavor.