“The Republican Party is stirring. Its poll numbers are rising, as support for Obama has fallen to 50 percent in the Quinnipiac Poll, support for his handling of the economy and deficit has fallen into the 40s, and support for his health insurance scheme has plunged to 39. Of his big initiatives, the stimulus bill is looking like a loser, cap-and-trade may not survive the Senate, and national health insurance may have to be pared back — or be killed by nervous Blue Dogs. In both big races three months off, the Virginia and New Jersey governors’ contests, Republicans are running 14 points ahead. As they say in the press box, ‘Fans, we have a brand-new ball game.’” (08/07/09)