Democrats ought to invest in Doug Joness campaign against Roy Moore

[TomCADem]

Bottom line: If you are not lifting a finger to beat Roy Moore, then aren't you just acquiescing to the election of person who is dangerously unfit to serve in the U.S. Senate?

https://dougjonesforsenate.com/

https://www.vox.com/2017/9/26/16368988/doug-jones-roy-moore-opponent

Roy Moore is probably going to be the next senator from Alabama, and that’s true no matter what the Democratic Party says or does about it.

Alabama is, for starters, Alabama. Jeff Sessions was rejected for a federal judgeship by the United States Senate on the grounds that he was too racist, and a couple of years later, Alabama Republicans nominated him for a Senate seat and he won. There’s no reason at all to think that Moore can’t follow the same trail he’s blazed. Beyond that, America is a much more polarized place that it was in the 1980s. If you want Republicans to run the show in Washington — and clearly most Alabamians do — it more or less makes sense to vote for anyone the GOP nominates over anyone the Democrats nominate.

All that being said, Moore is flagrantly unfit for office — a conclusion that’s only bolstered by allegations of statutory rape first reported by the Washington Post. Doug Jones is a very solid nominee for the Democratic Party, and its informal leaders have an obligation to vigorously contest the race. If there were a dozen — or even three — other Senate races happening simultaneously, it would make sense to let the gods of targeting have their way and direct resources elsewhere. But there’s only one Senate race happening right now, and campaign money is not a purely fixed quantity.

Jones will almost certainly lose no matter what anyone does. But the people of Alabama — and, frankly, the country — deserve to see a real fight in which Jones has enough cash to run ads, hire field staff, and otherwise mount a vigorous campaign. There’s no need to raise false hopes or unduly elevate expectations, but it would be a huge mistake to take a dive here.

[SHRED]

1. I agree

I think it's more winnable than this article eludes to.

[HopeAgain]

2. I honestly think they would vote in Satan himself

in Alabama as long as he was the Republican. I just can't see a Democrat winning this state-wide election regardless of what the Democrats do or spend.

But Moore could end up bringing down the Republicans further than Trump has, so that is the possible good news.

Only if a slew of other victims come forward do I see this as a viable race.

[Whiskeytide]

9. A slew of victims ...

... wouldn’t matter. His base is the group that hate democrats, liberals and progressives with the fire of a thousand suns. It’s the irrational deplorables, and they cannot be reasoned with. They see these charges as a “Democrat conspiracy”, or perhaps even a republican establishment conspiracy.

But if they don’t turn out (it’s a special election so they might not), and if the democrats have enough GOTV enthusiasm, Jones can win. Our analysis is that the establishment republicans simply will NOT come out and vote for Moore in significant numbers. The combo of establishment republicans and deplorables is what makes Alabama 60+ percent red in statewide elections. But there are more Dems here than you think, and if those two blocks are at odds enough, it could carry the day for Jones It’s a long shot, but the best chance we’ve had in a while.

There is a fear that the recent story may motivate his deplorable base, though. It’s not generally viewed as a good thing by Jones’ campaign.

[TomCADem]

11. This was the rationale that Susan Sarandon uses to justify going Green Party...

...that with Trump as President, then perhaps this would spur a revolution. However, in the meantime, how much damage is being done as we wait for a revolution? Also, given Trump's attacks on the institutions that underlie our Democracy whether it be voting, free speech, and the judicial system, will a Democratic revolution be viable at the end of four years?

[HopeAgain]

12. No rationalization just an observation

I'm certainly not in favor of Moore and don't want to see a worm like that elected. I'm trying to see hopeful potential out of what appears to be inevitable.

Resources are not unlimited and I think Democratic money can be better spent. All my personal donations are going to Bill Nelson who I believe may be extremely vulnerable here in Florida in 2018.

[TomCADem]

14. At the same time, you have to register what we stand for and not be silent.

Roy Moore is fundamentally unfit to be a Senator. If silently accept his election, then what will be the point of electing Democrats if they do not vocally oppose the positions that he represents?

I can understand not sending in the big guns, but there is no reason why individuals of conscience should not use this as an opportunity to express their disagreement, rather than silently accept what Roy Moore stands for as the new normal.

[HopeAgain]

17. I don't disagree,

I just think this is a very unfortunate case where we are powerless to effect the outcome.

[LiberalFighter]

16. Considering that they did very little with their Governor in getting him removed.

And Alabama voters voted a Republican back into office despite felony indictments against him in a landslide. And the general assembly re-elected him as Speaker by a 99-1 vote.

Looks to me like Alabama politics is corrupt.

[MANative]

3. I just donated $25 to Jones and will probably send more, especially if it seems that...

He's gaining enough additional support to mount a truly competitive effort. Moore is a disgrace to mankind on a par with tRump.

[Qutzupalotl]

7. Thanks, I did the same. K&R for exposure. nt

[Garrett78]

4. Absolutely. The bottom line is Moore in the Senate would be bad for people and planet.

The Democratic Party can ill afford to be so cynical about Jones' chances that they let Moore waltz into the Senate in order to score political points. Sure, if Moore wins, you can make him an albatross around the GOP neck. But a concerted effort must be made to help Jones compete and win. Don't let Republicans be the more outraged party about Moore. For cryin' out loud, Bill Kristol has said he would vote for Jones.

[NCTraveler]

5. It's nice to see that the DNC has been providing him with support.

I have a feeling their efforts are increasing as we speak.

[nycbos]

6. They should do it through an IE.

The national party is unpopular.

[ebbie15644]

8. I just donated $25 bucks, I'm not rich and am disabled. It's that important

[Sneederbunk]

10. Getting registered Dems to the polls. That's the ticket.

[crazycatlady]

13. What makes you think they are not?

I receive political job postings-- many organizations are putting field organizers on the ground.

I've also received several emails from the DNC and DSCC about the race.

[bluestarone]

15. i agree but

i honestly think Moore would be a curse to the other Repubs they would absolutely HATE him in the senate after dealing with him. Just saying