Well, that was certainly refreshing.

Now get over it, and get ready. Too often in the past, we Democrats have brought home victories and then assumed it was time to "get to work" on solving the nation's problems, time to "reach across the aisle," to find "bi-partisan solutions," yada, yada, yada.

Well, yes, we DO need to get to work trying to undo the horrors of the last six years (of Bush) and 12 years (of a GOP House). We do need to get to work solving the nation's problems: Iraq, health care, election reform, corruption, minimum wage increases, and so much more.

And, sure, we should "reach across the aisle," go through elaborate shows of seeking common ground with Republicans ... and even really doing it where you find someone, now and again, genuinely interested in cooperative action.

But do not forget this: the rightwingers do not think they've lost the war. They don't even think they've lost a battle. Hell, I doubt they even think they've suffered a major setback. They think -- at most -- that the unspeakably evil liberals, working hand-in-hand with Satan, have managed to get the upper hand in a minor dust-up.

Today, they are back in full force. Their opposition research offices are humming. Their field organizers are putting in a full day. Their fundraisers are planning the next mailings and phone calls. Sure, they're no longer doing the stuff you do in the weeks and days before an election; instead, they're doing the stuff Democrats too often start doing in, say, the months before an election. Only they're doing it
right now.

To anyone who will listen, they are demonizing us already. In their inner councils, they are plotting the next round of dirty tricks and sleazy acts. They are at war with us, and they haven't conceded one damned thing. They want to destroy us, and that hasn't changed one bit.

If the Democrats drop their guard, if they don't press forward on the battle -- absolutely every single minute in every single way -- they will be setting themselves up for a very sad election night in 2008.

* * * * *
One bit of clarification. In my postings below, I resisted the urge to predict any of the races. I wanted us to take over the House and was, cautiously, willing to believe that the polls weren't lying, and that really was about to happen. I truly didn't think the Senate was within reach, though I wanted it badly. I'm glad for my caution: soothsaying is a sucker's game I'd rather not be in.

But I did make some comments based on the idea that, maybe, we would take the House at least. I cautioned against trotting out long wish lists and detailed agendas. Still, now with all of Congress in our hands -- such a delightful thought that is! -- it may be far more appropriate to think about the agenda, the reams of legislation that we can push. Sure, George may pull out a veto pen. But there's only so much of that he can do before it starts hurting the GOP even more. So maybe Democrats really can start, cautiously, dreaming some big dreams.

Update: More from Glenn Greenwald.