Wisconsin: Democratic Unity Event cancelled - why did Tom (Barrett) decide he's not going?

[Scuba]

http://slysoffice.blogspot.com/2012/05/democratic-unity-event-cancelled-why.html?spref=tw

Wednesday's scheduled event that was supposed to feature the Democratic recall primary winner, and the ones who lost, to unify the state and start the next leg of Walker ousting, has been cancelled, apparently because Barrett has better things to do. Is this how Tom Barrett plans to end the civil war in Wisconsin?

and....

http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2012/05/open-suggestion-to-tom-barrett.html

Open Suggestion To Tom Barrett
Dear Mayor Barrett,

If you win today, please re-consider and reschedule the unity rally that was planned for tomorrow night in Madison. You can not call for unity amongst the candidates, and then cancel the unity rally because you think you are going to win and want to avoid protestors. You insult the people of Wisconsin who worked so hard and gave up so many of their personal hours away from family and friends to get here.

It was honorable of Mike Tate to fall on his sword to cover for you, but it begs the question if he has to do that before you are even elected, what do we have to look forward to for the next two years?

The prevailing theme has been, we will unite behind whoever wins. While I agree with that, leadership starts at the top. In America, we elect officials, not leaders. Leadership is something over and above that, that needs to be earned. This is a chance to start out your successful campaign(if you prevail today), by showing leadership and unity amongst all the citizens of WI.

...

Please, Mayor Barrett, if you win, (for that matter whoever wins)RESCHEDULE the unity rally.

What's up Tom? Why cancel?

[AllyCat]

1. My neighbor who thinks Barrett is awesome thinks Falk and the Dems did this

I knew there was more to this story.

[mzteris]

6. Falk and the Dems did what?

Made Tom say he wasn't going? Not quite sure I understand what you're saying.

[AllyCat]

7. Cancelled the unity meeting today. It is now back on the schedule though.

[WIProgressive88]

2. I didn't listen to the Sly clip, but the rumor is that Barrett wanted to skip to put some distance

between himself and the unions to avoid being labeled as the candidate of "big labor" by the Republicans, correct? What would be the point of that, since the Republicans are going to use that line of attack no matter what?

I plan on voting for Mayor Barrett today as I feel he gives us the best chance at beating Walker, but he needs to be careful not to piss off the people who have been behind this movement since the beginning. My mom was telling me the other day about a rather unengaged, politically independent co-worker of hers, who despises Walker, but is under the impression that Mr. Barrett would "not be much better". Now, I am not sure how prevalent this view is, and I'm sure that most who hold it would end up voting for the mayor anyways, but he needs to be aware that perception of him does exist, and with the election looking like it will be a close one, we can't afford to lose votes from people who choose to stay home because they feel they are essentially choosing between two sides of the same coin.

[dragonlady]

3. Is there any actual proof that Barrett feels this way?

I wouldn't put too much stock in an election-eve rumor until there is something tangible to back it up.

[postulater]

4. More fodder for Chuck Sykes.

He was salivating about this today on his radio show.

He called this a huge defeat for 'Unionistias" if Barrett wins.

[mzteris]

5. maybe he knows something we don't know

like - he's NOT gonna win and he's a sore loser?

I figure he lost the first election (granted mostly due to the apathy and the "I-didn't-get-my-pony-President-Obama-so-I'm-sending-a-message crowd) - so I'm not he's the right person for a second bite at the apple.

[Borchkins]

8. He's not favorite. . .

I'd rather have many other people as our next governor, but, Tom is the candidate, and I'll do what I can to get rid of Walker!
B

[mzteris]

12. Il campaign like hell for him

Even though he wasn't my first choice.

ANYONE but Walker!!!

[dembotoz]

9. my greatest fear about tom was that he would run a shit campaign

are my fears coming true not 24 hours after the polls closed?????

[Scuba]

10. No. Everyone is pulling together.

[dembotoz]

11. god i hope so