CHERRY PICKERS

So the tea-baggers managed to hijack the government and shut it down for two week, in what turned out to be a poorly planned and executed attempt to defund Obamacare.

First, the news pictures of wheelchair-bound WWII vets being denied entrance in to the World War II Memorial because of the government shut-down didn't read too well in the news, so a bill was passed allowing it to be re-opened. Then, a second bill was passed to allow furloughed government workers receive back pay for their time off work, essentially giving them a free two-week vacation (which I don't begrudge them for a second).

Let's not forget the bill that had to be quickly passed, restoring military death benefits.

Then, the Houston Chronicle finally couldn't stand it anymore, and took back its endorsement of Senator Ted Cruz, saying:

"When we endorsed Ted Cruz in last November's general election, we did so with many reservations and at least one specific recommendation - that he follow (retiring senator Kay Bailey) Hutchison's example in his conduct as a senator. Obviously, he has not done so. Cruz has been part of the problem in specific situations where Hutchison would have been part of the solution."

Interesting.

So if my scorecard is correct, I'd say not only did Obama win, but if the democrats can hold it together and not fuck it up (as they tend to do), I'd say they'll win in 2014, too.

We'll have to see if voters memories can hold out until the congressional elections next year.