Democrats Run Away from Obama

As the midterm elections near, some Democratic congressional candidates are keeping an eye on Obama's sagging approval ratings and lowering trends among voters and distancing themselves from the White House. Instead of strongly aligning themselves with Obama, they will pose as independents frustrated with the way things are going with the current administration. Not everyone is so pleased with the development. Although Democratic and White House leadership may find the strategy useful, some see the plan as futile. "Everybody is in one boat," said former Sen. Robert Torricelli of New Jersey. "I'd recommend correcting the course of the boat rather than swimming away from it."