After White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs soberly admitted on Meet the Press that there was "no doubt" that Republicans could take control of the House in the midterm elections, George Stephanopoulos asked if he was "firing up the troops, or laying the groundwork for defeat?" If DNC Chair and Democratic Governor Tim Kaine's appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe is any indication, the latter option looks more likely.

When asked about Gibb's comments, Kaine admits, "If the Republicans have an average night, the average since Teddy Roosevelt is the party that doesn't have the White House wins 28 House seats and 4 Senate seats. We know we're not living in average times. It's a tough economy. There are challenges. John Boehner is saying they're going after 100 seats. It's our job to make sure they don't do it."

Welcome words for Republicans, but hardly heartening for the left. 'Let's hope we don't lose too badly' doesn't sound like a drumbeat that troops would rally around.

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Erik Hayden