First of all health care reform died a long time ago. Bloggers were writing back in August and September that the longer the legislative process was dragged out the less likely anything at all, let alone anything meaningful, would come out of it. When the dust finally settles they will have proven to have been correct. A victory for those special interests that didn’t want it along with the politicians they bought off.

Secondly, as you point out, the economy had little to do with it. Brown was victorious not because he was the better more qualified candidate, that can be debated. He also didn’t win because he was a Republican and the country is fed up with Obama. What put him over the top was better marketing. He emphasized physical attractiveness and “presentibility”, attributes that are known to appeal to female voters (Romney is an excellent expample). His pictures in full military uniform, as well as driving around in the old truck, appeal to the male voters who still worship Bush/Cheney and all they stood for. In addition, being married to a Boston Television personality gave him a leg up in just how to best utilize the media, which he did very effectively.

We will soon see what he’s really like; does he have substance or is he merely another “empty suit”.