Yesterday’s big upset in Massachusetts, placing Republican Scott Brown in Ted Kennedy’s old seat, was a clear message from the voters to the Democrats, especially the president, that even lifelong Dems are balking at the crazed zealotry on display in Washington.

Obama’s response?  Full speed ahead.  “In substance, the mission can’t change.”

obamahalo

To prove he’s determined to stick to his plans, including nationalizing student loans, “card check,” cap and trade and immigration reform are also slated to be pushed by this administration. All are unpopular. The voters are disturbed by the backroom deals to special interests, the disregard for the public’s outrage, the marginalization of dissenters like the tea party movement.

All of this has lead to an anti-incumbent voter rebellion which resulted in yesterday’s Bay State thumping, just as it did in New Jersey and Virginia last November. The Democrats tried to rationalize away those defeats last year. The question is, will they do that again? Many long-term Democrat legislators are feeling the ground shifting beneath their feet as even safe Dems are no longer secure. The leadership of the party is putting on a brave face, saying they plan to plow ahead with Obamacare.  But many of the rank and file who voted for the earlier bills may bail on it now, seeing their political futures in peril.

But, to a classic narcissist like Obama, it can’t be his fault. He’s determined to push his agenda at all costs, and Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are his willing adjutants. They were driving the Dems to fall on their swords for Obamacare. They used bribes, threats and intimidation to get their way. But now Obama looks weak.  He foolishly pinned Coakley’s election on his agenda and his support did not help her. Many Democrats may find his appeals no longer persuasive.

Obama’s polling in the 40s now. Expect that to continue as long as unemployment and other factors keep the economy in stagnation. The anti-business policies of the administration have only hurt things. The public is feeling the pinch. In an election year, that spells disaster for his party.

Gutter ball

To make matters worse, Obama’s once vaunted popularity is now tarnished. His apologists may blame it on Republicans. But the fact is, people are abandoning their parties on both sides to become Independents. And every politician knows you need the independents to win.  And Independents are solidly against Obama now.

To add to his woes, the TV comics, who were once loath to mock him, are now turning their barbs his way. The media, which was solidly sycophantic at the start of this year, are now questioning his moves and even his credibility. When the press lionizes someone you can bet that they will tear him down with almost equal zeal once the honeymoon ends.   Obama has worn out his welcome faster than any president of the modern era. As the Guardian quipped: “Even Charles Manson could beat him.”

They say nothing succeeds like success. But they also say nobody likes a loser. Obama’s three for three in failing to deliver a win after supporting Democrats in major races.  The American economy is in the tank, and his remedies have only made things worse.  His promises are proven to be false. The voters are turning on him. His former senate seat is now in peril. The press is even starting to change its tune about the tea party movement after yesterday’s election.

When Obama was elected some people joked “Welcome back, Carter.”  That may have been an insult to Carter. Obama may eclipse him as the most inept president of our times.  He’s certainly off to a good start.