Dickerson says that last night wasn't a great night for Obama, and granted the losses in NJ and VA hurt, but we need to dig a little deeper.

First, Corzine's job approval was in the 30's heading into the election. The fact that he lost narrowly is a minor miracle. And Deeds ran a dumb campaign -- against the base! By criticizing the Democratic administration and Congress's efforts in Washington, he gave the base little reason to turn out in his behalf.

Second, The Democrat won in the NY 23rd. Doesn't winning after going 0 for 70 count for something? And what does that portend for Republicans in truly national elections?

Third, Dickerson makes much of the fact that independents swung heavily Republican this time, but if Republican self-identification is at an all-time low, what do those former GOP voters call themselves now? Independents, perhaps?

Perhaps, the lesson the Democrats in DC ought to take is that the base won't turn out for them if they don't accomplish what the base sent them there for! Perhaps, they should take advise, not from the Dickersons of the Washington chattering class, but from Civil War Admiral Farragut: "Damn the torpedos! Full speed ahead!"