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By now, youve probably noticed how little has changed since the midterm elections that took place a little more than two weeks ago (but it seems like two MONTHS ago, right?). And heres another example of how little has changed: Congressional Democrats, in both the House and Senate, will have the exact same top leaders. "It is humbling and it is prideful to be elected leader by your caucus," Nancy Pelosi told reporters yesterday, per NBCs Kelly ODonnell and Luke Russert. So you have Pelosi as House minority leader, Steny Hoyer as minority whip, and James Clyburn as the No. 3 House Democrat. The only noticeable change was the appointment of Ben Ray Lujan as DCCC chair. Meanwhile, over in the Senate, Harry Reid will remain the top Democrat. Bottom line: You wouldnt know from the partys leaders: 1) that Democrats had lost eight (and possibly nine) Senate seats, and 2) that theyve been reduced to their lowest number of House seats since the 1920s (!!!). In fairness, Republicans didnt change their leaders after the GOPs drubbing in the 2012 elections -- and they achieved victory two years later. But top Democrats are marching along as nothing happened on Nov. 4. Is that a good place for the party? Wheres the introspection?

NBC/WSJ Poll Day!

What are Americans thoughts after the election? Do they think anything has changed? How do they now view President Obama? And what do they want the new Congress to do next year? Well have answers for you from our brand-new NBC/WSJ poll, which comes out at 6:30 pm ET.

Its a 2016-related day, too

Meanwhile, its a day of two competing Republican and Democratic confabs, with plenty of 2016 talk in the air. In Boca Raton, FL, the Republican Governors Association meets after the GOPs impressive gubernatorial victories. At 2:15 pm ET, theres a press briefing featuring outgoing RGA Chair (and potential 2016er) Chris Christie, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (another possible 2016er), and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, plus Gov.-elects Larry Hogan of Maryland and Bruce Rauner of Illinois. Then, at 3:15 pm, theres a discussion -- moderated by one of your co-authors -- with other potential presidential candidates: Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. On the Democratic side, the Center for American Progress is holding a daylong conference in DC with appearances by HUD Secretary (and VP possibility) Julian Castro at 9:20 am, Sen. Cory Booker (another potential VP) at 12:50 pm, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 3:45 pm ET.

Looking like a January announcement for Hillary?

Speaking of 2016, NBCs Perry Bacon has some nuggets about Hillary Clintons likely presidential campaign. One, its beginning to look like shell announce in January. Two, (as others have reported), shell have her campaign headquarters in the NYC suburbs. And three, her campaign message will play up the possibility of electing the first female president -- more so than she did in 2008. More from Bacon: Party sources emphasize there is still a small chance the former first lady will opt not to run, and some Democrats say there is no reason for her to begin a campaign so soon. But she is expected to begin preparation for a campaign over the next two months, while also giving speeches on some of her favorite causes, such as appearances at the Massachusetts Conference for Women and the League of Conservation Voters in December.

Democrats block Keystone approval

Yesterday, Senate Democrats were able to deny 60 votes to supporters of the Keystone XL pipeline, which now moves the issue to next years 114th Congress. In the 59-41 vote, NBCs Frank Thorp reports, 14 Democrats joined all 45 Republicans. Here are the 14 Democrats, per Thorp:

1) Sen Mary Landrieu (D-LA)

See the original post here:
What Midterms? Top Democrats March On Despite Drubbing