Both Parties Seek Ways to Channel Populist Ire

From The New York Times:

The remarkable Republican victory in Massachusetts demonstrated convincingly that the deep populist anger fueling the Tea Party movement has migrated from the political fringe to the mainstream, forcing both parties to confront how to channel a growing mood of public resentment to their own ends.

But it was impossible to judge whether the manner of Mr. Brown’s win would become the rule or an exception. National Republicans and the grass roots could easily find themselves in clashes over conservative dogma that ultimately weaken general election candidates.

Members of both parties agree the electorate is unsettled and unhappy. Many Americans see themselves as people who play by the rules but struggle to keep their heads above water while the government devotes its attention to saving those who made bad or irresponsible decisions, like bankers and auto executives.

“The loss in Massachusetts should serve as a wake-up call to the wing of the Democratic Party that wants the federal government to overreach and overspend,” said Senator Mary L. Landrieu, Democrat of Louisiana. “We need to get back to the basics.”