… The Beltway media approach to winning elections is to regard winning elections as the key step that helps you win more elections. … Ultimately, though, the point of winning elections is to pass legislation that helps the most people, at the least harm, and at a reasonable cost. Majorities come and go because of the natural ebb and flow of things, whether you act boldly or just hide under a pile of coats … so you have to jump through the window before it inevitably closes. If you simply play defense and run out the clock, you’re still going to lose, and have nothing policywise to show for your troubles. CONT.
David Jarman, Daily Kos Elections