Democrats are nervous about being Democrats, and even more nervous that voters will remember they were the ones who spent trillions, raised taxes, and passed a health-care bill they didn’t like. The solution? Run ads that hide their party affiliation and their “historic” accomplishments.

The New York Times describes the gambit:

Two years after arriving in Washington on a message of hope and change, Democratic candidates are not extolling their party’s accomplishments, but rather distancing themselves from their party’s agenda. … The images of Mr. Obama and Ms. Pelosi appear with more frequency than those of any other political figures — but nearly always in Republican advertisements. …

A review of hundreds of advertisements broadcast over the last six weeks found that Republicans were more than twice as likely to talk about jobs, often criticizing Democrats as not creating them. Republicans also mentioned health care far more than Democrats did. And when Democrats do bring up the issue, 38 percent of the commercials are critical of the new law.

It is silly, actually. Voters will figure out who the “D” and the “R” are on the ballot. All this simply reinforces the perception that Democrats are embarrassed by their own performance. And if that weren’t apparent, there is this:

With early voting beginning in several states in a few weeks and with Election Day less than two months away, some of the most vulnerable Democratic candidates have turned to another approach: pleading for a second chance.

“I’ve made my share of mistakes, but they were honest mistakes, and I’ve listened to your concerns and I’ve grown on the job,” said Gov. Chet Culver of Iowa, wearing a solemn expression that gives way to a slight smile. “I hope you give us the chance.”

Well, there’s always hope. But voters don’t seem in a forgiving mood.

Less than two years ago, the Republican “brand” (the image and set of reactions the party invoked) was toxic. Now it is the Democrats who have the radioactive party label — and a president who is dragging them down. And it turns out that the “Party of No” is a badge of honor, a reminder there is an alternative to the tax-and-spend liberals who have had two years at the helm.