Although top Democratic politicians in Washington continue to predict a good (or at least, not terrible) night for their party, some of their most ardent media cheerleaders are already struggling to put on a happy face.

On Tuesday, MSNBC’s Chris Matthews spoke to fellow host Joy Reed on-location at an Atlanta polling place. “I think it’s fair to say that you’re a progressive, and I am too — perhaps not to that extent,” he began. “What do you think is the good news that might come tonight, for people who want to have good news tonight? How’s that for a question.”

“Well, you know what — I don’t know what the good news would be,” Reid said haltingly, before deciding that perhaps the only silver lining for Democrats is in “the future,” when possible Republican ”overreach could make it easier to rebound two years later.”