This New Poll Should Terrify Democrats

The enthusiasm gap between angry Republicans and blasé Democrats is ridiculously wide, according to a new poll that ought to scare the bejeezus out of those who color themselves blue. Conducted by the non-partisan firm Research 2000 for the decidedly partisan Daily Kos, the poll asked respondents how likely they were to vote in 2010. A whopping 81% of Republicans said they would definitely or probably vote, compared to just 56% of Democrats.

Only 34% of African Americans and only 41% of 18- to- 29-year-olds intend to vote, both key Democratic constituencies. If that gap persists, we’re looking at a GOP landslide. “It’s not too late—yet—for Democrats to fire up their base,” writes Kos founder Markos Moulitsas for the Hill, “but it will require delivering on lofty campaign promises,” something Obama and company have done a lousy job of so far. (More Markos Moulitsas stories.)