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"Oh, that's not right," she replied.

For most attendees, the event's name -- Take Back America -- was meant quite literally. Though they've had some successes lately, most notably stalling President Bush's Social Security agenda (which quite a few crowed about), most seem still to be unnerved by Bush's re-election and the continuing Republican control of Congress.

After all, last time they had an unprecedented level of cooperation among their various factions, huge fundraising and an expanded base -- and they still lost.

Clearly, it still hurts.

"As hard as we worked in 2004, we still didn't do it," said Schakowsky.

Understanding these losses this isn't any easier when so many them earnestly believe that not only are they on the correct side of the major issues, but that they are on the winning side too. Several speakers Wednesday cited polls that they said proved the public is on the liberals' side, the obvious contradiction notwithstanding.

"We know right now the issues are with us. The people will gravitate towards us," Brazile said.

Of course it's possible that she's correct. Liberals are, after all, building a network, they do have energized volunteers and deep-pocketed supporters. Why can't they take back America or at least Congress? Conservatives certainly shouldn't get complacent.

But the exact same argument Brazile made has been made at gatherings like Take Back America for years. Some liberals are beginning to sound doubtful.

"Some say the Democrats need only the courage of their convictions to tap a deep well of progressive sentiment, but if there is a latent national majority for that kind of pure and unadulterated liberal politics, it has kept itself well hidden for a long time," writes Paul Starr in the current American Prospect.

topics:
Social Security, Abortion, Environment