Joel Benenson, of Benenson Strategy Group offered some very interesting insights at a recent AAPC conference in New York. Brad Chism attended and took these notes.

We have much to learn from the past two elections.   There is a misconception that 2006 was about the Iraq war. In reality, 2006 was the simmering of the anti establishment pot that came to a rolling boil in 2008. We are reminded that Ned Lamont did not beat Lieberman in CT.

The anti establishment mindset has only worsened. There is a growing sense of  frustration from the middle class that the American dream is harder to realize.  Things are out of balance---there is a disconnect between working hard and getting ahead.  The GOP understands better than Democrats there is an entrepreneurial spirit is one of the defining characteristics of America. Going as far back to Reagan, Democrats misunderstood his references to opportunity---we dismissed them as code words for the protection of the ruling economic elites.  

This frustration is not necessarily with the institutions of government but the lack of leadership from our governmental leaders.  We can witness the public outcry  for government help after the BP spill or some e coli breakout.  Americans want their leaders to take decisive action to solve these emergencies.    

There is a growing sense that people in elected office are not dealing with the biggest problems facing us--they are putting off to do what we really need to do. The cynicism and anger hasn’t subsided in the last 4 years--among the middle at least.  Its been and continues to be directed toward the Party in power.  Newt Gingrich understands this better than most anybody.  In 2007 he made statements  “ lets ban fundraising within 100 miles of Washington DC unless your district  is there”.  He understood the public’s growing perception that money drives the political decision-making process.