The second mid-term is generally brutal; familiarity breeds contempt, &c. Still, this one seems especially nasty. The last year's foreign events weigh heavily in the court of public opinion and right or wrong, the POTUS usually gets the credit/blame. I don't think the ACA has helped the DNC on the domestic front, and the social agenda seems to be a push. What seemed to be an unflappable personality six years ago is increasingly viewed as aloof or (as regards foreign affairs) even inept. If we had three or four viable parties, this would be a disastrous election cycle for the DNC. Fortunately for them, however, they only have to contend with the GOP. Even if the DNC gets blown out, they'll be back in two years. The GOP couldn't hold on to success if it weighed two pounds and was covered with handles.
There's a lot of third-party and independent voters on these boards and (I believe) in the nation. We desperately need to find a better means of using our voice and vote. This polarized two-party system is ineffective.