Liberal Donors’ Plan Worries Top Democrats

[alp227]

Jeff Zeleny, NY Times, May 9

Senior leaders of the Democratic Party expressed alarm on Tuesday that a $100 million plan by liberal donors to increase voter turnout would duplicate a similar effort by President Obama’s campaign and squander a chance to fend off an advertising onslaught from Republican groups.

Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, and other officials conveyed concern that Democratic candidates could be at a disadvantage if the contributors, many of whom had stayed on the sidelines of the 2012 campaign until now, decide not to spend money on television ads that push back against a torrent of attacks from conservative “super PACS” in the presidential election and Congressional races.

The views highlighted concerns about being outgunned by outside groups raising huge amounts of money to back Republicans, and suggested a rift between Democratic leaders and some liberal donors.

“The idea that these progressive groups are essentially re-creating the wheel is perplexing and troubling,” said David Krone, the chief of staff to Mr. Reid. “Why go off and build a redundant grass-roots and get-out-the-vote organization that the Obama campaign is clearly invested in?”

full: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/us/politics/liberal-donors-plan-worries-top-democrats.html

who would you trust more, the (D) establishment or the independent activists?

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Answer: Howard Dean.

"who would you trust more, the (D) establishment or the independent activists?"

[polichick]

3. I see Dean on msnbc and cnbc sometimes but...

...haven't heard him weigh in on the race now that the Republican primary is over.

It was a sad day when we found out there was no room in the administration for Dean - a sad and very telling day.

[Jackpine Radical]

8. A sad day indeed.

Thank Rahm Emanuel, that arrogant prick, neocon & Chief Turd of the Turd Way. Thank him also for the abandonment of the 50-state plan, funding Blue Dog candidates over Progressives, and a resultant nominal majority in the Senate that, even when the Dems were up to 60 seats, could never get it together to push through progressive legislation. We could have had so much, and settled for so little.

[polichick]

10. Makes you wonder if Dem "leaders" really want a true Dem majority...

I think not - then there would be no excuse for their corporate whoring.

[Jackpine Radical]

11. Funny how that thought keeps arising.

I guess we're just a couple of --you know.

[polichick]

2. With all the voter suppression, I was happy to read about the...

...liberal donors plan this morning. This is an interesting situation now.

[Luminous Animal]

4. Jeesh, if the Dems in Congress hadn't been so quick to join in on the destruction of ACORN,

maybe $100 million needn't be diverted.

[Jackpine Radical]

12. Not to mention what certain rather highly-placed Dems did to Shirley Sherrod…

and the whole general thing of buying into RW frames.

Oh, wow, the RW thugs beating up on our people. Better join the bullies. Wouldn't be prudent to be seen on the wide of the weak; that would make us look weak too.

[Lionessa]

5. They have to ask why liberals are looking for a unique identity not directly related to

to Obama or DNC or DCCC or DLC?

Well he needs to get a little more connected to the fact that liberals and progressives (not independents as the OP asks) are dissatisfied with the Dem Party and it's move to the right.

[DCKit]

6. +1

We can launder our own money.

[provis99]

7. the donors can do whatever they want with their money.

Reid should shut and and be grateful people want to donate at all, without having to put up with his whining.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

9. There's been a movement by liberals to -

donate to individuals/orgs and not to establishment Party groups -- many don't want to see their money going to elect more GOPers -- er -- Blue Dogs,.

[Jackpine Radical]

13. That is exactly my position.

I personally know and believe in my local candidates for State Senate, Assembly & House of Representatives. They're good people. I give them money.

I also give a little money when I can to people like Grayson, but right now my attention is on reclaiming Wisconsin.

Any national organization or "committee" beginning with a "D" gets a pass.

[Poll_Blind]

14. "Look, fuck GotV, just send the money directly to US!"

Piss on small money and piss off big money. Way to go. Let us know how that works out for ya.

PB