DEM REVOLT GROWS – AT 8:11 P.M. ET:  Although neither Patrick henry nor John Hancock are available, other patriots are lining up to be heard in the Democratic revolt against Nancy Pelosi.  I think Pelosi's statements since the election – that nothing is really wrong – are energizing a party that realizes that the ship's compartments are being flooded, while the captain dines with the first-class passengers:

WASHINGTON – In a fresh sign of turmoil among defeated Democrats, a growing number of the rank and file say they won't support House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a politically symbolic roll call when the new Congress meets in January.

"The reality is that she is politically toxic," said Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley, one of several Democrats who are trying to pressure Pelosi to step aside as her party's leader in the wake of historic election losses to Republicans last week.

Pelosi startled many Democrats with a quick postelection announcement that she would run for minority leader. She has yet to draw an opponent for the post. Party elections are scheduled for next week, although a postponement is possible.

In the interim, Pelosi's critics have become more vocal in their efforts to retire her from the party leadership.

There's "starting to be a sense that this may not be as much of a done deal as people might have thought," Rep. Jason Altmire said of Pelosi's quest to remain the top Democrat.

COMMENT:  Since we're on the other side, we sincerely wish Speaker Pelosi good luck, and hope she wins.  Nothing would give us greater pleasure than to see her and Harry Reid...together again.  What a sequel.  That's what dreams are made of.

And while the Dems are at it, how about having Michael Dukakis and Jimmah Carter head up the party's Victory Committee. 

I feel, though, as a former Dem myself, for those brave Democrats who realize what's happening, and are trying to save their party from self-destruction, the way Ronald Reagan led a wandering GOP out of the wilderness.  I suspect, though, that the Dems will need an individual, not just a vague internal movement, to take them to the promised land.

November 10, 2010