Do Americans understand how deep yesterday's bloodbath went and why it's so important?

You are absolutely correct. Redistricting will be grand! Two of those states mentioned have been run by Dem's since the 1890's- that is substantial gain within itself that they went red. The map looked like a blood bath. The gains in the house was profound as well, and the Dem's don't realize that their lead in the Senate will seal their fate come 2012. Their stupidity of government roles in the states and on the federal level will come back to haunt them and the blame game is just not an viable option anymore.