In any event, the deal will certainly be a loss for Democrats and I can only hope no Democrat, from the White House on down, attempts to claim victory. That would be self defeating.

Instead I hope Washington Dems accept that this is a defeat but promise to fight to reverse the loss. Indeed, bring the fight on deficit deals to the 2012 election. Lay out their view of what they wish to do - about jobs, taxes, and fiscal policy - and promise to reverse the Debt Ceiling Deal if they win in 2012.

State that the program that the debt ceiling deal enunciates is the Republican vision, one that Democrats will reverse if they win in 2012. State that because not raising the debt ceiling would be catastrophic, Democrats and the President have agreed to enact, for now, the GOP vision contained in the debt ceiling deal, but that the President and Democrats plan to reverse that vision if they win in 2012.

Announce that the Democratic vision requires increases in taxes for the rich, for corporations and for Wall Street. Announce that the Democratic vision requires protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Announce that the Democratic vision requires a paramount focus on economic growth and job creation.

Announce that while today is a defeat, it is only one battle and that it will be the American people who decide these issues in the 2012 elections.

Announce that Democrats have only begun to fight for Americans.

First posted here.

Speaking for me only