What would Dems success look like?

How does the Democratic party handle itself as the Loyal Opposition? To whom can they look as role models on this, the day that may see a member or members of the White house staff get indicted?

See if you agree . . .
Here are some examples from the past of how Democrats can be successful while on the "losing" side of governing?

• After the presidential elections in 2000 and 2004, the Democratic candidates acted with good grace as they accepted the eventual defeats. Al Gore made a good fight in a stolen election. John Kerry understood the ultimate popular win/electoral loss situation as it unfolded.
• Winning isn't everything; Democrats must still be partners in the governing process. These Minority Democrats continue to make a difference for citizens. Senators Joe Lieberman, Carl Levin, Hillary Clinton, Joseph Biden, Dianne Feinstein, Ted Kennedy and many others are able to be influential in decision making. Through the power of their reasoned arguments and, because they can act in bipartisan ways, subtle changes are made in legislation. Their other significant contributions include very good questioning during committee hearings. They are skilled in their oversight roles and as lawmakers.
• Opposition is at its best when it improves a difficult situation, rather than necessarily defeating the Majority. Here are some examples of graceful opposition. President Clinton has been a significant player in making things better for millions of people around the world. His ability as a fund raiser is astonishing. And his Third Way still has standing in the eyes of many. Democrats serving on the 9/11 Commission provided an enormous service to our country by looking for the truth in a consensus-building style.
• Success for the Minority group means knowing how to negotiate, when to stand fast, and how to move on after a defeat. The issues that were handled well, despite an ultimate defeat. Positioning for the next win is a dicey game. The trick is to stay in the moment while anticipating the next opportune occasion for winning outright. These are some Democrats who do this well. The seven moderate Democrats who joined with the seven moderate Republicans to craft the Senate filibuster compromise have set up a situation that may help to retain capacity for loyal opposition to unsuitable Supreme Court candidates.
• Constituents and peers expect their leaders to stay true to what Democrats believe. These Democrats are good role models. California Representatives Lynne Woolsey and Barbara Lee worked to reinvigorate Progressives' work in Congress. One of their peers, Representative Jane Harman, plays very effectively in a very important arena, military and intelligence gathering.

With the Republicans reeling right now, Democrats have a chance to show some real class by how they react. Let's hope they make us proud in the midst of so much shame in the ranks of those currently in charge.