The whole country is waiting, ironically enough, for the change that will be coming in today’s election. Extreme change, in a drastically different direction than what just two short years ago Obama was voted into office to bring. This change, depending on how big a win Republicans have tomorrow, is a direct result and slap in the face to all Democrats still thinking that the Obama administration could continue on as they have been since elected into office. Even the most optimistic Democratic pollster has to feel downtrodden at the inevitable Republican sweep that will be happening tomorrow. It seems ever since Obama came to office, his popularity and the trust he once inspired in the American people has leaked out into the position that both he and the Democrats find themselves in tomorrow.
The message is coming loud and clear—to both parties, anti-incumbency, anti-Washington rhetoric will more than likely be the big winners tomorrow. Where it goes from there is anyone’s guess because anti-Washington is just that, a lack of experience in Washington. If all the Tea Party candidates succeed tomorrow, what will be even more interesting than the events leading up to the election is what happens after a win. Exactly how will these candidates govern and will the Tea Party be able to harness a more cohesive message and leadership? This is the $64,000 question as this grassroots movement officially hits the mainstream. This begs the question: What happens when anti-Washington comes to Washington?
Whatever happens in the election, I believe it will be just as much a commentary on the disappointment of President Obama and the failed liberal policies of his administration as on the failure of the rest of Washington. What is clear is that President Obama and his administration, even on the brink of such a loss tomorrow, still seem to be missing the main reason of their shortcomings. In an even larger twist of irony, the president will be spending his time tomorrow speaking with Keeping Up With the Kardashians producer Ryan Seacrest. It’s obvious that his administration still thinks he is just a rock star and can somehow get by continuing to act as such. It is dauntingly disconnected from what is appropriate for a sitting president to be doing on the day of an election, yet his communications department sees it differently. They don’t have to take my word on this one, just look at your boss' poll numbers to see how these “hip” interviews are faring for President Obama. What this country is starving for is real leadership, no matter what form it seems to be arriving in.
Get your popcorn ready for tomorrow night, there will probably be more than a few upsets and memorable YouTube moments. Tomorrow night is the Super Bowl and the first real tangible backlash from the euphoria of the past that was the fantasy of “hope and change.”
Here are my predictions:
—Sharron Angle beating Harry Reid, followed by an uncomfortable and possibly bitter concession speech from Harry Reid. This race showcases the complicated Tea Party vs. more moderate Republican relationship, which will be further explored in exactly how Sharron Angle will govern as a senator.
—Charlie Crist, an independent beating Marco Rubio, throwing a wrench in the Tea Party and extreme right winners of the night. I think what will be more interesting than his likely win is how exactly the Republican purists and the rest of Washington will treat him. It is a lonely place for independents in Washington and groupthink rules the roost, sentiment seems to be particularly harsh against former Republicans. Just ask Jesse Ventura or Joe Lieberman.
—I am one of the few of the mind-set that Christine O’Donnell could actually pull this thing off. Followed by last week’s sexist “one night stand” story and the overwhelming media fascination (or horror depending on which way you look at it), I think people could come out in surprising numbers and actually elect this woman. A perverse side of me would like to see how she actually plays out as senator. But the logical side of me is more scared of the idea of a woman elected senator that is unfamiliar with the First Amendment...
—Alaska is fascinating because it will either confirm or deny Sarah Palin’s reign as kingmaker. If I were putting money down on it in Vegas, my bet would be with Lisa Murkowski with the write-in win. If she does win, look for Sarah Palin to blame all media and, more than likely, a memorable concession speech from Joe Miller.
It’s obvious that [Obama’s] administration still thinks he is just a rock star and can somehow get by continuing to act as such.
—In the tight and hugely expensive California race, I predict a win for the former CEO of eBay. I actually see Meg Whitman as one of the next great Republican leaders. Her wealth and small campaign gaffes have strayed from the focus of this woman’s success, but I see her winning tomorrow and then becoming a strong and effective national leader.
Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com. Her new book, Dirty Sexy Politics, was published in August.