Some Dems Stray from Obama Message

The biggest decision Democratic candidates face in their Congressional campaigns seems to be what to do about Barack Obama. Is it time to rally around the President’s message and once again run on a message of hope? Or is it wiser to take a slightly more defensive approach and distance themselves from the party’s two years in charge? Even Obama understands their dilemma. "We're in a political season where every candidate out there has their own district, their own makeup, their own plan, their own message," he said. "And in an environment where we've still got 9.5 percent unemployment, people are going to make the best argument they can right now.” What’s at stake is the entire direction of the party next year. Depending on the results, Democrats could be heading for a ringing endorsement of their progressive ideals or the need for a slightly less ambitious approach.