Democratic strategists wary of overconfidence, warn of 'irrational exuberance'

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Democratic strategists wary of overconfidence
They warn of 'irrational exuberance' as party buoyed by string of successes

By Carl Hulse
Updated: 2 hours, 8 minutes ago

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21400183/

The political environment has been looking good for Congressional Democrats in recent weeks. So good, in fact, that party strategists are warning it is not that good.

Buoyed by Republican retirements, a significant financial edge over the opposition and their success at elevating children’s health insurance into a top-tier issue, some Democrats have been feeling downright smug, confident of not only holding their House and Senate majorities, but expanding them next year.

But November 2008 is not exactly right around the corner and the man responsible for overseeing the political fortunes of House Democrats is trying to recalibrate expectations. Not his, since Representative Christopher Van Hollen of Maryland says he is well aware of the difficulties ahead. But he wants others to put away any idea of a cakewalk.

“We need to be aware of irrational exuberance and take nothing for granted,” Mr. Van Hollen said. “It is early and a lot can happen in 13 months.”

[Kutjara]

1. "Democratic Strategists warn "glass is always half-empty."

"It'll all end in tears. Just you wait and see," they added. "No point in trying. We're all doomed. Doomed, I say!"

With drive and confidence like that, how can we lose?