Dems in worst shape in 50 years II

When I sent that missive into the vast expanse of Internet space last week (you can read it here) I was using a source piece from Michael Barone, who I happen to think is one of the better political analysts in America.

It was his piece (you can read it here) that tried to quantify the headline "worst shape in 50 years" and he did so, in part, by saying:

"The metrics are pretty clear: Barack Obama got the highest percentage of the vote for a Democratic candidate for president since 1964 and now he has plunged his party into its weakest position in the polls since that time.

"For confirmation, look at the Real Clear Politics average of recent polls on the generic vote for Congress: 45% Republican and 42% Democratic. Rasmussen Reports, which interviews only those who pass a screen as likely voters, has it 44%-36% Republican, ABC/Washington Poll has it 45%-42% Republican, NPR’s bipartisan poll has it 44%-39% Republican and Gallup has a 45%-45% tie. Democracy Corps, a Democratic outfit which has earned respect for its results, has Democrats ahead 46%-41%."

Anyway, one of my very good friends who is also an excellent political observer took issue.

"Dems in worst shape in fifty years. Come on Sherm. You need to retract that statement and I can prove it to you. Let me just say two words. George McGovern".

He then goes on to challenge the assertion by using two more words: "Jimmy Carter" ... "Michael Dukakis."

You get the point.

I'm not going to argue the "50-year" point, unless of course I'm in a tavern with friends where all political truths emerge clearly only to fade by the next morning. That's akin to arguing whether A-Rod is better than Babe Ruth or Tiger Woods could beat Sammy Snead with 40's golf equipment.

One thing for sure: Politics ebb and flow for both parties.

The question of the moment, however, is how did the current administration rise and fall so fast and so far. And, is it a momentary dip or the kind of downturn that drags the rest of his party with him. That's the real-time question. What do you think?