GROUP THERAPY – AT 9:35 A.M. ET:  Well, look, this is part of the grieving process, and we must respect the privacy and feelings of our Democratic friends.  From The Hill:

House Democrats held a marathon venting session Tuesday as they tried to come to grips with a devastating midterm election that swept their caucus out of power.

The gathering was the first for the entire caucus since the election, and lawmakers described a solemn mood under which defeated members stood up, one by one, and delivered farewell speeches to their colleagues.

Yeah, and most of those defeated members are moderates, who lost in swing districts, while their liberal colleagues, who caused the disaster, retained their safe seats.

While many Democrats offered kind words, thanks and support for Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), defeated Reps. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.), Travis Childers (D-Miss.) and Bill Foster (Ill.) called for new leadership, lawmakers said.

Boyd told The Hill that leaving Pelosi as the public face of the caucus would undermine candidate recruitment efforts in 2012.

But the liberals just don't care.  They just don't give a hoot. 

Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) called the outpouring “cathartic.”

She comes from the city rated "most stressful," so she should know about "cathartic."

The caucus gathering was one of several meetings planned for this week where House Democrats are airing their frustrations with the party message, strategy and leadership. Pelosi is trying to hold onto power despite the Democratic defeat, arguing that the election results were a reflection of an ailing economy and not her own low standing with the public.

While the liberal Speaker retains broad support within a smaller and more left-leaning caucus, a smattering of lawmakers from both sides of the ideological spectrum have said she should step aside. The conservative dissidents are now led by Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), who confirmed on Tuesday that he would challenge her for minority leader.

According to reports, the liberals believe their problem lies in "selling" their message, not the message itself.  May they continue to believe that.  It makes our job that much easier.

November 17, 2010