One word:  re-election.  I know it sounds ridiculous and unbelievable to some, but President Obama does not want the Democrats to retain the House or Senate this November.  It all comes down to his bid for re-election in 2012. Quite simply:  Obama wants to run against a Republican Congress in 2012.  He needs to be able to point at someone else and blame them for his shortcomings as a leader.  Right now, he can’t do that.  If he points across the street to Capitol Hill he’s pointing directly at his Democratic brethren in the House and Senate.  Think about Bill Clinton in 1996, he had Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich to demonize.  Obama needs an enemy–although he’s still trying to blame his sorry lot on George W. Bush, rather than his anti-growth, anti-business, redistributive economic policies.

While I think the GOP will succeed in taking back the House this November, capturing the Senate is a bit more challenging.  Thinking strategically about 2012, it would not be the end of the world if we were unable to take back the Senate this November–as long as we have the majority in the House.  Controlling the House will enable a significant check on Obama’s power.  What we need in the Senate is enough votes to filibuster another Supreme Court nominee.  If confirmed, Kagan will not shift the balance of power on the Supreme Court.  Obama’s next pick will, however–hence we need enough votes for a filibuster.  That’s what this upcoming election is about:  putting the brakes on Obama’s policies.  2012 is about making sure Barack Obama is a one-term president.  We need a president who loves this country unconditionally and who believes that the U.S. Constitution is more than a dated piece of paper.