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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSteve Schmidt is registering with the Democratic Party.
Link to tweet
Kyle Griffin
@kylegriffin1
Steve Schmidt is registering with the Democratic Party.
David Plouffe
@davidplouffe
Steve breaks some big news about his party affiliation. And the legendary @carlbernstein breaks down today's news and puts it in historical context. It may not be the episode you want to hear, but need to hear. https://therecount.com/podcasts/battleground
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PJMcK
(22,037 posts)We Democrats have a really big tent.
Welcome, Steve. Try not to fuck thing up for us, okay?
Sucha NastyWoman
(2,749 posts)TomSlick
(11,100 posts)there is a closed primary system. A voter must register as a member of a party in order to vote in that party's primary.
I gather that Schmidt lives in a state in which a voter must declare for a party and has changed his registration to Democrat.
Since I don't have to declare for a party in Arkansas, I will try to bring myself to vote in the Rethuglican primary in two years in order to vote for the lesser of evils for Governor. My only hesitation is that I have to have it on my record that I voted in a Rethuglican primary.
mdbl
(4,973 posts)If trump or some other real stupid greedy bozo like hime is running in 2024 repug primary, I will switch parties for the primary to try and fend off 4 years of potential hell for our democracy, especially since a dem is going to be running for re-election. I have never done that before but will next time if necessary. Of course, looking back at the circus of clowns in the repug primary last time, it would be hard to find the least worst, they were all so bad.
BComplex
(8,054 posts)I hope every democrat in the country will switch parties to keep trump off the ballot.
cab67
(2,993 posts)FoxNewsSucks
(10,434 posts)I lived in Wichita for many years. I had to be registered as a filthy republicon to vote in the primaries. Since the Democrat had no chance, the only real influence our votes had was to vote against the most-assholish republicons, such as Susan Fucking Wagle.
TexasProgresive
(12,157 posts)Texas and Arkansas and I know Vermont. The later came up because some were saying that Sanders could not run as a Democratic candidate because he was not a registered Democrat. The problem with that is Vermont does not register by party. In Texas and I suppose Arkansas anyone can vote in a primary. However that marks one as voting in that primary and if there is a runoff in the other party primary you cannot vote.
None of that affects the general election.
This chart lists the 31 states that register party affiliation. That leaves 19 states that don't.
Response to Sucha NastyWoman (Reply #34)
Sucha NastyWoman This message was self-deleted by its author.
Sucha NastyWoman
(2,749 posts)Fuck things up?
zentrum
(9,865 posts)
..his messaging and general political operativeness that he drags the party more and more rightward.
He worships St. Reagan.
And this is the guy who pushed Sarah Palin onto McCain. You knowthe woman who Obama said "set the table for Trump."
betsuni
(25,544 posts)single-handedly take over the Democratic Party.
FarPoint
(12,409 posts)We need strong voices...He cares for America and Democracy.
C_U_L8R
(45,003 posts)We're better together.
madaboutharry
(40,212 posts)Bookmarked to listen to later.
Steve Schmidt, now a democrat. We need to be a big tent with big welcoming arms.
herding cats
(19,565 posts)Can't say I blame him, but it took him long enough to admit there's no way to raise a phoenix from the ashes of the GOP.
Bernardo de La Paz
(49,011 posts)My Pet Orangutan
(9,261 posts)They are hated - hated, as the worst band of traitors.
BobTheSubgenius
(11,564 posts)Traitors too, I suppose, but more like Judas than Snowden.
LeftInTX
(25,383 posts)onetexan
(13,043 posts)of them. Now he's made the very deliberate decision to be one of us. I hope his "joining the Force" will inspire others to muster up the courage and join us as well under the Big Tent. We are in the fight of our lives for this country going forward. The extremists have made sure going forward our politics will not be normal and our lives and freedoms as Americans, as a whole have changed. We need all the help we can get and everyone to join us and fight this good fight.
Welcome Steve!! God Bless the USA!!
octoberlib
(14,971 posts)as well.
brush
(53,792 posts)Let's hope this works out well for us. His messaging talent will certainly help.
This must be why he reached out to AOC yesterday to join forces. Maybe such an alliance will pull them both away from left and right purity positions to more pragmatic ones which can win in present-day America, because if you can't win you're just wasting everybody's time.
onetexan
(13,043 posts)be good for our party. Being a former "insider" for so long i'm sure he knows all their dirty tricks and can help the party craft a winning message going forward to help especially our down ballot candidates. We need to retain both the House and the Senate to get substantive work done.
Sucha NastyWoman
(2,749 posts)onetexan
(13,043 posts)Volaris
(10,272 posts)playing video games, and having well meaning arguments on politics that ends with consensus positions?
That's not wierd, right?
brush
(53,792 posts)to share. And Schmidt looks like a guy who know his way around a grill. I say try to hook it up, but if it gets to heated, not from the stove or grill mind you, they must agree to retreat to neutral corners as their alliance is sorta on the unnatural side.
I know he's drawn to attractive, outspoken, women pols (see Sarah Palin), as for AOC, I don't know who her type is.
MustLoveBeagles
(11,614 posts)There were some that were seeing nefarious motives in him reaching out. I thought he was sincere and I hope she responds to him now that he's switched.
LiberalFighter
(50,950 posts)octoberlib
(14,971 posts)DFW
(54,410 posts)I think it was a difficult move for him to make, but one that he will grow more comfortable with as time goes on.
murielm99
(30,745 posts)He joined the good guys a long time ago.
Bayard
(22,102 posts)Very smart, very strategic, well-spoken. And he regularly chewed trump up and spit him out.
awesomerwb1
(4,268 posts)He's a super eloquent -very- smart guy. I remember hating him anytime he came on tv years ago because he made the Dems he was against look weak.
Welcome to the party. I hope it's a very productive relationship. Work your magic for the benefit of the party.
spooky3
(34,460 posts)Dem. party. Im glad his policy positions have evolved.
LittleGirl
(8,287 posts)Hekate
(90,714 posts)samnsara
(17,623 posts)keopeli
(3,523 posts)KT2000
(20,584 posts)This was not easy for him as he has strong emotional ties to the things that were part of his youth and life story. There are many R's hanging on for sentimental reasons. This showed strength of his convictions.
Also - he need not worry about not agreeing with the entirety of the Democratic platform. Democrats do not agree either. It is just the R's that expect total loyalty to all the horrible things they have done ie, children separated from parentsl
Sucha NastyWoman
(2,749 posts)But now understand that it is irretrievable. And will burn itself out soon.
vlyons
(10,252 posts)Here's what I want you to do, and I know that you'll be good at it: Always be a voice for the ethical morality of public servants. Call out the grifters, who cut corners to pocket tax payer money for themselves.
Sucha NastyWoman
(2,749 posts)It happens.
Deuxcents
(16,248 posts)Good news n I hope his LP friends join with him. They made a big difference, I think. Hes a distinguished Vet, smart politically and commands your attention when he speaks. Hire him! This week is getting better and better
Budi
(15,325 posts)..with brighter minds negotiating for the best policy outcomes for America's citizens, our foreign policy & our future .
Without the Party of Regan, Gingrich & the old guard Confederate Republican obstructionists who opted to join Trump & sell out to foreign Dictators & global criminal orgs, our Democracy will be now be recognized & accepted as the one true government of the USA.
Republicans have proven to never be trusted again.
Whatever your Party is called, it cannot ever again challenge the basic laws of this nation to the point where our Constitution is stripped away.
The balance is always found in the cetnter.
mshasta
(2,108 posts)thats a big step for him
catbyte
(34,406 posts)within the last year or so. I for one welcome him. If you are incapable of changing your mind then nothing changes.
OnDoutside
(19,962 posts)WA-03 Democrat
(3,050 posts)Okay Steve, despite the fact you tried to get this clown in the White House, we welcome you. No more side stuff, Capeesh?
Response to Nevilledog (Original post)
mobeau69 This message was self-deleted by its author.
niyad
(113,364 posts)Sucha NastyWoman
(2,749 posts)We are lucky to have him!!!
And bring Nicole and Anna Navarro with you.
Weve got lots of room.
bucolic_frolic
(43,191 posts)Most of all, you can tell from his interviews, he enjoys what he's doing.
He called the 126 House Republicans siding with the Texas lawsuit this week, he called them "Autocrats". The rest of the House GOP are still Republicans to him, he said.
This means that the political middle is reformulating. It was said these last 5-8 years that the middle was hollowed out. Now it's reformulating and will undoubtedly embrace moderate issues from the left and right, progressive issues. The Progressive Era, 1900-1910, was filled even led by business Republicans - National Assoc. Manufacturers, National Civic Federation - and led to the growth of civic groups - Kiwanis, Rotary, even the gardening club movement. Democrats and Main Street America are not incompatible by any means.
ailsagirl
(22,897 posts)BumRushDaShow
(129,127 posts)his Lincoln Project was free to do what we couldn't do - really get into the mud and go for the jugular.
jcgoldie
(11,631 posts)Was a trojan horse... the only way to explain Palin!!!
Seriously though I have grown to really like him the past year seeing him frequently on msnbc... hes passionate and sets Donald Trump on fire like noone else.
Eyeball_Kid
(7,432 posts)demmiblue
(36,865 posts)but he will never be a Dem at heart. I do appreciate his efforts at defeating the Trumplicans, though.
Sucha NastyWoman
(2,749 posts)Everybody doesnt have to love him
demmiblue
(36,865 posts)I know it is a turn of phrase, but...
Sucha NastyWoman
(2,749 posts)Love is too strong a word. Maybe appreciateis better.
dflprincess
(28,079 posts)Sorry, but he should stay and fix his own party rather than joining ours and, I imagine, expecting it to move further to the right to accomodate Republican refugees.
dansolo
(5,376 posts)As we have seen over the past 12 years, controlling the leadership and committees in Congress is critical. If someone like Joe Manchen is the difference between Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell being Majority Leader, then I'll gladly welcome them. The only way the GOP can be fixed is if they are relegated to a permanent minority.
pecosbob
(7,541 posts)I'll treat him like any other who repents for misdeeds, for misdeeds they were.
questionseverything
(9,656 posts)Naked arab men, beaten and hung from the ceiling while their balls were electrocuted
I am glad I guess there is finally a line he wont cross but geesh
Marie Marie
(9,999 posts)during the Trump years.
colorado_ufo
(5,734 posts)Extremely glad to have you with us!
I am confident that you will feel more and more closely aligned with us as time goes on, and if not, we are big enough and strong enough to consider a dissenting opinion that might make us better.
LakeArenal
(28,821 posts)I thought for sure he wanted to rebuild the Republican Party with Mitt and some others.
Thank you Steve. I was wrong and will be pleased to have your very direct commentary. Really on par or better than Frank Luntz for sure.
Zipgun
(182 posts)Read a couple accounts where Luntz is a jerk, so don't really want him. And his weird White House cosplayhouse is really creepy.
LakeArenal
(28,821 posts)Not the least of which is his promotion of Sarah Palin. Then he went to be campaign mgr for some rich dude.
Said some pretty not nice things about Hillary.
So it was impossible for me to believe he could change. I was wrong.
ancianita
(36,099 posts)bonniebgood
(943 posts)Happyhippychick
(8,379 posts)Evolve Dammit
(16,743 posts)Fiendish Thingy
(15,625 posts)klook
(12,157 posts)There's room for debate on our side of the spectrum. Personally, I listen to the progressive voices more, but moderates and centrists who want to help us WIN for the good of all the people are welcome.
I think Schmidt is conscientious, and I think he will be level headed about his importance as a newcomer, relative to those who've been fighting for progressive causes for decades. If he gets too big for his britches too quickly, I'm sure there are more than a few Democrats who will set him straight.
Big Blue Marble
(5,093 posts)There will be a left wing and center wing and many in-between meaning
there will be strong opinions on all sides.
There is one core value that will fuse us as we make common cause, supporting
our democratic republic and the constitutional government.
Re-stabliizing our country is the first and most pressing mission for all of us.
DeminPennswoods
(15,286 posts)he's still a conservative. Dems are a big tent party that has the potential for the more conservative Dems to split off into a center-right party.
Hav
(5,969 posts)How do you think he'd even do that and how would he change the opinions of progressives, for example?
So far, I haven't seen him advocating for Repub policy positions, it's mostly been fighting the Repub party being taken over by fascism which has become even more obvious since the election. Whether he'll enjoy his stay in the party in regards to political issues besides being in opposition to Trumpism is another topic, though.
JI7
(89,252 posts)MustLoveBeagles
(11,614 posts)He'll just be a conservative Democrat.
scarletwoman
(31,893 posts)He's totally correct - that the Democratic party is the only one that stands for American ideals.
world wide wally
(21,744 posts)ToxMarz
(2,169 posts)But don't teach him the secret handshake just yet. Should be some sort of probationary period.
JanMichael
(24,890 posts)I really wish we had a parliamentary system. Oh well.
healthnut7
(249 posts)democrank
(11,096 posts)I hope he can help us with that. A sincere welcome to Steve Schmidt.
VA_Jill
(9,983 posts)Glad to have you!
Gothmog
(145,331 posts)Cha
(297,323 posts)Blecht
(3,803 posts)Dem4Life1102
(3,974 posts)peggysue2
(10,833 posts)That's a huge leap for someone like Schmidt. And it's a plus for the Democratic Party because Schmidt brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in what works in competitive politicking. I'm thinking messaging savvy in particular.
Welcome aboard, Steve Schmidt.
pandr32
(11,588 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)Sympthsical
(9,076 posts)Sounds just about right.
George II
(67,782 posts)Response to George II (Reply #76)
Post removed
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)This is VERY big news! I'm sure that many* will find it to be distressing news... but frankly, I'm delighted to hear it.
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* or at least one that we know of.
JI7
(89,252 posts)Considering the chances those rights may be lost he should use his skills to advocate for its support across the country.
George II
(67,782 posts)....who didn't support same sex marriage until 2012. Funny how some forget that, and accept the fact that some people change but imply that others (Schmidt) don't.
I'm SO glad people don't still hold a grudge against Obama because of his early position on the subject, eh?
betsuni
(25,544 posts)independents, like Schmidt, or something else.
melman
(7,681 posts)I asked you the other day on what policies he differs from Republicans?
Your response was don't know, don't care
What have you learned since then that leads you to believe he should be involved in policy for the Democratic Party?
George II
(67,782 posts)He's now a Democrat, one of us. Now let's see what policy positions he expresses AS A DEMOCRAT!
melman
(7,681 posts)You just think he should have influence on policy.
Okay.
George II
(67,782 posts)....just like any other Democrat. He's a very talented and articulate communicator.
That's how things work. Kamala Harris differed with Joe Biden on policy early in the year, and now she's supporting and promoting JOE BIDEN'S policy positions, not her own (where the two differ) And from what we've seen so far, she's doing a great job of that and the two will work very well together.
Okay?
onetexan
(13,043 posts)AmericanCanuck
(1,102 posts)He is not going back to being an independent after using the party either. He is all in.
sheshe2
(83,793 posts)sheshe2
(83,793 posts)R B Garr
(16,954 posts)SunSeeker
(51,574 posts)Steve formally joining the Democratic Party makes it official.
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)ehrnst
(32,640 posts)Gothmog
(145,331 posts)betsuni
(25,544 posts)I Googled to see if I could find something about his love life, but instead discovered that people love his house. He has a carving by a Haida First Nations artist in his living room. Pacific Northwest/Northwest Coast art is fantastic.
NNadir
(33,527 posts)...I for one welcome him.
DinahMoeHum
(21,794 posts)Last edited Tue Dec 15, 2020, 11:05 PM - Edit history (1)
. . .to the grave.
Emphasis on repentant
With that in mind, I welcome him into our ranks.
He'll be speaking with Lawrence O'Donnell tonight.
George II
(67,782 posts)People change, that's why we have the word "epiphany" in the English Language. Or Biblically, "Repent, and ye shall be saved."
No one is irredeemable - he, Rick Wilson, Tara Setmayer (I love her, not romantically, hehe) and others have shown that they've seen the light.
Perhaps their retractors might want to watch Star Wars?
Demsrule86
(68,593 posts)COL Mustard
(5,906 posts)I, as a former Republican, am not there yet. But if people like Steve do it, it makes things easier for people like me.
BobTheSubgenius
(11,564 posts)He seemed very sincere when he was putting out LP's messages, but I thought he might return to the fold after some GOP housecleaning over the next year or two. Clearly, he thinks that is not possible, whether or not he burned his bridges.
When you consider what hethey did, it was not leveled at the GOP...at least, not the GOP he knew. It was the unholy mob of disciplined and dedicated evil-doers, wild-eyed solvent huffers, and a herd of camp followers and farmyard animals.
This latest action puts things in much sharper focus, and shows that the GOP might be even more far gone than we thought. It may well NOT mean that, but it could.
My Pet Orangutan
(9,261 posts)There's no plant there anymore' - Rick Wilson
onecaliberal
(32,864 posts)GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Funny, once I started throwing off the lies I believed so much of my life, within a year I was a Social Democrat.
Its like the scales fell of my eyes.
Its like a house of cards falling.
And Im not alone on DU.
Algernon Moncrieff
(5,790 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,611 posts)Ilsa
(61,695 posts)Enterstageleft
(3,396 posts)He helped get a lot of Rupugs elected when he was in their camp.
Steve probably knows about skeletons in closets. connections to foreign assets, huge corporate donors, and billionaires looking for tax breaks.
There is so much he could expose if he truly wants to, that could be devastating to the rePug senators & reps.
GO STEVE...DO YOUR WORST (FOR THEM), BEST FOR US.
bdamomma
(63,883 posts)have seen the LIGHT!!!!
ailsagirl
(22,897 posts)3catwoman3
(24,007 posts)He is absolutely passionate about the US and about democracy, and he is a compelling speaker. His vocabulary and the complexity of his thinking process impress the hell out of me.
I think this is a good thing.
Nevilledog
(51,122 posts)Link to tweet
Steve Schmidt
@SteveSchmidtSES
·
Dec 15, 2020
Democratic. Its the Democratic Party. Its the oldest in the world. This headline should read registering Democratic. Its an important enough institution in this country that it is entitled to its proper name.
The Hill
@thehill
Longtime GOP strategist Steve Schmidt announces he's registering Democrat http://hill.cm/KLxs7MX
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YS
@NYinLA2121
Damn. You are serious about this.
BannonsLiver
(16,397 posts)This cant be. I was told by people with a bizarre knee jerk, purity hatred for Schmidt he and TLP would immediately turn on Biden.
What happened? Looks like that kooky narrative is falling apart. Sad!
Cha
(297,323 posts)that.. no Ifs Ands or Buts!
Lol
AmericanCanuck
(1,102 posts)Fresh blood and political expertise to defeat the republicans.
This is big -- it is almost like people from the higher echelons of KGB (FSB) defecting to the US.
grantcart
(53,061 posts)Wilson wrote "we were wrong", a good starting point
JI7
(89,252 posts)switching .
Schmidt switching made sense to me because I don't think he was ever much of an ideological Republican but more about the wider generalized things they marketed themselves as . I think on Social issues he is probably like most democrats and on fiscal issues maybe a moderate .
There are many people who vote Democratic just because they hate the extremism of the Republicans. It's why every minority group votes Democratic.
If Republicans were to become social liberals while supporting moderate views on economic policy I think some who regularly vote democratic would vote Republican.
superpatriotman
(6,249 posts)And is better spoken than many. I welcome him to the party!
AmericanCanuck
(1,102 posts)He is not joining just for convenience and resources while seeking higher office.
He is committed and all in.
oasis
(49,390 posts)R B Garr
(16,954 posts)incredible asset. Looking forward to seeing him in action more.
He earned his welcome over several months during the election with such searing takedowns of Trump and his former party.
SunSeeker
(51,574 posts)Response to Nevilledog (Original post)
Post removed
MustLoveBeagles
(11,614 posts)His messaging skills will help us.
badboy67
(460 posts)and quit pulling the center of the Democratic Party always to the political right.
Budi
(15,325 posts)So there's that bit of info to consider.
WIKI:
Cenk Kadir Uygur is a Turkish-American political commentator, media host, attorney, and journalist. Uygur is the creator of The Young Turks..
As a young man, Uygur supported social conservative positions but as his views changed he began to identify as a progressive.
He is also a co-founder of Justice Democrats.
Political party
Republican (before 2000)[1]
Independent (20002016)
Democratic (2016present)
JI7
(89,252 posts)Schmidt actually supported Democrats while Cenk attacks Democrats.
Budi
(15,325 posts)betsuni
(25,544 posts)corporatist establishment elites corrupted by money and power worse than Republicans.
JI7
(89,252 posts)attack Democrats .
Right Wing Trash like Tim Canova ran as a democrat while attacking long time liberal democrats .
Greybnk48
(10,168 posts)Welcome home, Steve!
ooky
(8,924 posts)Budi
(15,325 posts)Your kind of intellect regarding the US Constitution is a rare thing anymore.
👍
Gothmog
(145,331 posts)moondust
(19,993 posts)on The Last Word tonight. I don't recall exactly what his point was but the context was the Republican Party. He gets it.
burrowowl
(17,641 posts)Probably thinks Raygun and Thacher were wonderful benevolent leaders. They werent!
burrowowl
(17,641 posts)Probably thinks Raygun and Thacher were wonderful benevolent leaders. They werent!
Owl
(3,642 posts)Pachamama
(16,887 posts)Welcome Steve Schmidt to our team!!!
Its a big tent and we welcome patriots and those that defend the Constitution and the principles of our Nation to make it a strong democracy for all!!!
TalenaGor
(1,104 posts)Dont want to be the strategist who helped sink the ship....$5 bucks says if republicans win again someday he will move back there...
DeSmet
(257 posts)This party is one heck of a lot stronger with him on our side than the other side. No more complicated than that.
cp
(6,636 posts)quakerboy
(13,920 posts)We dont need the guy who advised Cheney, then brought us the Shrub2 rerun, and Alito.
He's not one of us. He's an opportunist, who absolutely can not be trusted.