1. The GOP didn't suffer a death blow but they're clearly out of step with ideological, cultural, and demographic trends in America. And what's up with the glaring lack of diversity at the Republican convention this summer? 99% white - it looked like dinner hour at the Cracker Barrel restaurent for heaven's sakes.

2. The so-called surge in black and young voters may have manifested itself in certain states and not others. For instance, the increased turnout in North Carolina and Virginia was real and a crucial factor in Obama's victories in those staes. On the other hand enhanced turnout among these groups in New York and California may not have occurred for precisely the reason that there was no urgent need for it, and the thousands of extra calls and door-to-door canvasing wasn't urgently needed in those states. In Ohio on the other hand Obama volunteers knocked on 1 million doors and the effort obviously bore fruit.

3. New progressive era? I hope so, but I would hold that the most dramatic change we're undergoing now is more cultural than political.

4. It's probably true that any other Republican would have had an even more difficult challenge than the "maverick" McCain. Thanks to George Bush, one of the worst Presidents in American history. It's not our fault that he's a Republican.

5. McCain's rash selection of sarah palin was a big mistake. She quickly and unequivocally demonstrated herself to be one of the most ignorant persons ever placed on a national ticket. A complete disaster. for the Republican Party her acceptance by cultural conservative wasn't nearly worth the loss of independants and moderates. Chasing away reasonable, thoughful moderates like Colin Powell was a really bad trade-off for the GOP. If Palin runs in 2012, she'll lose to President Obama by 15-20 points, a complete wipe-out for the Republicans. You can quote me on that prediction.