The Republicans as the party out of power confronting a Democratic Party that elected a president and made legislative gains in the 2008 election had history on their side approaching the 2010 national mid-term election.

Absent any analysis or factoring, parties that are out of power, in this case with Republican minorities in both houses of Congress and in the executive branch, historically odds have overwhelmingly favored the outs as opposed to the ins in mid-term elections.

The Republicans held another prospective trump card with Barack Obama presiding over turbulent economic times.  This issue gave Obama a decided edge against Republican nominee John McCain in 2008.  The Arizona senator was unable to shake the specter of George W. Bush Republicanism as Democratic strategists linked the aforementioned Republicans together.

In perilous economic times voters become understandably angry and nervous.  At election time there is a strong predilection to vote against incumbents just as incumbency becomes a more favorable posture during halcyon periods.  

In the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Letters to the Editors October 10, Rick Kalamar of Shoreline, Washington lashed out with logic and wit concerning John McCain's friendly image that he displays part of the time on his bumpy campaign trail:

"John McCain, don't patronize me by calling me your friend.  I am not your friend!

"The 80 plus lobbyists in your campaign, including many who work for the financial and insurance industries that are responsible for the meltdown of the economy, are your friends.  Your buddy, George W. Bush, who you voted with 90 percent of the time is your friend.

"The war profiteers that are cashing in on the Iraq War who are the only real beneficiaries of your tax cuts are certainly your friends."