This puts into perspective what we have been covering here at The Silo, with numerous polls showing Democrats doing well in states where they have not existed in a generation:

That prospect is a window onto a remarkable political trend that has been eclipsed by the fireworks surrounding the 2008 presidential contest: Democrats are running strong Senate campaigns in states such as Mississippi, Alaska and North Carolina that Republicans have long taken for granted.

The outlook for the GOP is so grim that party leaders have readily conceded there is no chance they can regain control of the Senate in 2008, even though Democrats' current majority is slim, 51-49.

This can be a year for the Dems like 1936 or 1974, not by reaching out for the false "center," but by proudly embracing the Democratic Party label and progressive positions. The latter are winners in the polls. And taking strong stands is almost always a winner.

Democrats had better understand this, as they won't get an opportunity like this again for a long time.