I nominate Barney Frank to be the Speaker of The House for the 11th Congress, and Russ Feingold as Senate Majority Leaders,.
I think the Democratic leadership needs to change because the dynamics of governing have changed so much. And certainly they will change much more so once Obama takes office. Nancy and Harry landed in their spots looking like a 16 year old who just got the green light to "go all the way". Great enthusiasm but not much of an appreciation of the task hand, ummm, at hand. They didn't have much of a plan or agenda beyond gainsay and potshots (IMHO).
We need a congressional leadership that can forge a rapid, progressive-acting partnership to amplify the uplift that Obama will bring. An adult in the White House again will be unleash great energy -- on both sides -- and there must be a corresponding adult legislative infrastructure in place to cause some uplift.

The Idiots Who Rule America

Journalist Chris Hedges writes what's been in my head lately.
All the rhetoric and activity around the recent "crisis" has centered on fixing the system.
The immediate outcome of the "crisis" demonstrates that the system is beyond fixing.
I think that high Priest Greenspan -- vicar of the Church of Selfishness known as Objectivism -- which has dug its fangs into the neck of modern society -- nneds to be seen for the corrupt, corrosive force that he and his kind represent. Teaching Ayn Rand as some sort of modern bible deserves to be recgonized for what it is -- once of the root causes of the modern calamity we face. To para-quote Joseph Conrad "we live as we dream...alone." Indeed!

Das Neues Media

Obama winning the Presidency means that the traditional media has been enveloped by the internet. They are no longer the out-front player in the game of filtering information. They are part of the mosaic, but not the whole game, Not the way they think they are or expect to be treated. The popular perspective has been diffused into too many directions.
They will push their narrative, but there will be a growing counter-narrative. To the extent tat they are as yet incapable of understanding this new media environment, their utility will increasingly diminish.
Low information people who hang on the Fox and Rush, etc., will become increasingly isolated and paralyzed. Some may strike out, but their ability to adapt as a permanent and shrinking minority will force a crisis of faith.