Dems, GOP speak out on November prospects

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WASHINGTON, July 18 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden Sunday countered suggestions of heavy Democratic losses in November, saying, "We're going to shock the heck out of everybody."

A week after White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Democrats could lose their majority in the House, Biden said: "I don't think the losses are going to be bad at all. I think we're going to shock the heck out of everybody…. We're going to be in great shape."

Speaking on ABC's "This Week," Biden said, "To paraphrase Mark Twain, I think the reports of our demise are premature."

Gibbs' remark brought a public rebuke from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and criticism from other Democrats and lawmakers on Sunday news turned their attention to the prospect of a possible Republican takeover of the House.

On CNN's "State of the Union," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., played down the significance of Gibbs' statement.

"There is always tension between the White House and the House and the Senate," Hoyer said. "My view is the president and Democrats in the House and Democrats in the Senate have the same objective."

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, speaking on "Meet the Press" Sunday, predicted Republicans will win control of the House in November by winning "slightly over" 40 seats.

"I think our candidates are going to take us from good to great to victory and I think Republicans can win in November," Sessions said.

ON CNN, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said of the November elections, "The environment is very good for a good year" but did not offer specific predictions beyond saying he was hopeful Republicans would gain Senate seats.

"I'd like to be in better shape than the 41 that we have now," McConnell said, "and I think the chances of that are pretty good."

He took aim at Democrats for continuing to blame economic woes and the deficit on the administration of President Barack Obama's predecessor, former President George W. Bush.

"How long can the other side run against the previous administration?" McConnell said. "They've been in charge now for a year and a half. They've been on a gargantuan spending spree.

"What we are proud to say 'no' to, and I think what the public wants us to say 'no' to, are things like the government running banks, insurance companies, car companies, nationalizing the student loan business, taking over our healthcare."

On "Fox News Sunday," Rep. James Clyburn, D-South Carolina, said of Democrats: "We're very poised in our campaign. We believe we'll have a strong showing come November."

But, also appearing on Fox, Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., said: "I like our our chances. The American people are tired of borrowing and spending and bailouts and takeovers, and I believe they're poised to express themselves in the midterm elections."