And I feel abandoned by my party when I see a defense secretary thrown out to the curb the day after the Democrats’ “thumping.”

We all worked too hard during this campaign season to see this happen and not feel angry. The stakes are high, the downside too great.

Now we’ll be treated to a couple of years of gloating Democrats who will raise our taxes, give amnesty to illegals, and, God forbid, wave the white flag of surrender in Iraq.

I know that many of my colleagues are putting up a brave front. They’re spinning this by suggesting that this will all energize the base. Trust me; what they’re saying privately is not quite what they’re saying publicly.

And I, for one, won’t play that game.

We blew it. And I’m furious.

I know I’m not alone.