Turns out Senators Grassley and Baucus would have supported a stimulus package that aimed much more at those in need than what the House agreed to do with the President.

So why didn't Speaker Pelosi work with the Senate instead of compromising with the White House? Perhaps the last year of disappointment with Senator Reid's leadership had an impact. But the White House effectively divided the House and Senate, and again worked to benefit the well-off under the guise of helping those in need. Another tactical success, moral failure, surely wrong policy, and proof that the Democrats in this Congress are, for more than one reason, not as effective as we could hope.

It is certain that the Clintons' thousands of friends are cringing, turning away their attention out of sheer shame, grimacing, as they read the former President's derogatory dismissal of Obama's landslide victory as no different than Jesse Jackson's win there. But it's important to scrutinize what the Clintons are doing and how it might work out.

Most notable about the South Carolina results was that Hillary did not get a majority (based on exits) of any racial or gender-based demographic. She is famous; obviously she has a great deal of money and support from the old guard of the party, such as it is; and she is very well-prepared on policy. But she is not tremendously popular. She was wrong on Iraq; she has little personal record of fighting for a cause; she offers a management-style Presidency as opposed to visionary change.

Most of Hillary's votes appear to come from women, seniors, and lower income voters. These demographic groups could turn to Obama. She has not aroused passionate commitment by them.

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