uber.....there is little to support your suggestion (or Will's or Pan's) that recent votes will cost the Dems or that they will lose standing with the public (and Congressional seats) in 2008.
From the chart I posted in the OP from a recent poll:
where Dems are favored by wide margins on nearly all domestic issues
as well as Iraq...
to other recent polls:
George Washington University Battleground Poll conducted by the Tarrance Group (R) and Lake Research Partners (D). July 15-18, 2007
"And, still thinking about the 2008 elections: If the election for Congress were being held today, and you had to make a choice, would you be voting for the Republican candidate or the Democratic candidate in your congressional district?" If unsure: "And which party's candidate do you lean toward at this time?
D - 47%
R - 40%
CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. June 22-24, 2007
"If the elections for Congress were being held today, which party's candidate would you vote for in your congressional district?" If unsure: "As of today, who do you lean more toward?"
D - 53%
R - 41%
Other - 3%
http://pollingreport.com/cong2008.htm
Roachboy...I dont disagree with you about the inadequacy of the Dem "message machine". They have been ineffectual in standing up to the White House bully pulpit.
Despite the public's overwhelming frustration and dissatisfaction with the incumbent Congress, the public still believes that the Dems provide the better way forward. To some that may make the Dems the "lesser of two evils".
I have a more positive outlook. I am of the belief that the Dems are the best hope for the future.