how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory
By Liberal Librarian
Will Rogers’ old aphorism—”I belong to no organized political party; I’m a Democrat”—was, at one point, an endearing shorthand for the messiness of Democratic politics. Now, however, it may threaten Democratic chances to gain back the House and hold the Senate this year.
A few examples:
* Today President Obama travels to North Carolina for an event. Democratic senator Kay Hagan is staying in Washington, DC, for the Senate session. Now, while commendable, it is rather interesting that she couldn’t spend a couple of hours welcoming the leader of her party to her state as she gears up for a tough election battle. One has to wonder if she’s putting distance between herself and the President.
snip/
If Democrats had touted the many benefits of the law, rather than running away, triangulating, or voting to “reform” it as 67 of them just did last week, Koch-fueled ads would have little effect. Politicians who stand proudly behind their party’s signal achievement of the past 50 years are in many ways inoculated from attack ads; such politicians are seen to have principles, and to fight for those principles, which is attractive to voters. But if a politician hems and haws about Obamacare, it’s no surprise that his constituents might look askance at him. It is the Democrats’ weak-kneed response to the ACA which opens them to attack ads.
Of course, the Democratic Party will never be like the GOP, marching in lockstep, run from the top down. But, a modern political party has to show some unity, has to present a face that, while there is diversity, there are overriding themes and principles which unite and motivate the party. Without that unifying message, the party will lose the midterms, and make the final two years of Obama’s term a war of attrition, with not much getting done. Hopefully it’s not too late for Democrats to learn this lesson, set differences aside for the moment, and unite to bring Pres. Obama a Congress with which he can work. The country’s fate depends on it.
Tweets
No Child Left Behind
January 15, 2014 at 3:16 pm
Thanks for your post LL. It is the analysis of an objective observer.
There are two types of politicians, those with convictions who stand by them, those who are there to help themselves. Unfortunately there are quite a number of Dems without any political convictions.
As for the former Montana governor, he will not go anywhere. His peak was at the 2008 Democratic Convention. He is passé.
jacquelineoboomer
January 15, 2014 at 4:05 pm
When I read this, LL, I wanted to both clap my hands about your insights, and clench my fist for the actions and words of a few Democrats.
Luckily, there is an endless supply of chocolate.
Cindy
January 15, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Linda,
She is trying to distant herself from the President and now the repukes are talking about it. I get so angry; Dems have “we the people” on their side, and are cowards. Running from health care is pure ignorance on their part.
The repukes cost us 24 billion dollars over foolishness, they will not help 1.3 million families who are hurting, 2 students shot yesterday, 8 million jobs created, 48 months of job growth, we are out of Iraq, deficit is cut in half, car industry was saved, the President kicked A _ _ twice to win two elections while repulsive repukes bashed him with Jeremiah Wright, hardest working President we ever had, food stamps cut by the repukes, veterans are suffering because of repukes, affordable health care for millions, etc. etc. etc.
Now, can I ask the proverbial question?
Why in the HELL are Democrats running from President Barack H. Obama?
I’m sorry for ranting, I am mad, they are wiesels with big mouths and no action.
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/01/15/how-to-snatch-defeat-from-the-jaws-of-victory/#more-152812
= new reply since forum marked as read
ellen.
they seem to make a habit of it.
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/01/15/the-wolfpack-welcomes-the-president/
You are so right, Hagan miscalculated. She walked away from the success of Obamacare and this President. NC needs help. She is not doing that today.
North Carolina today, DURHAM!
Here's another pic or two from Durham-Raleigh..
President Barack Obama tours Vacon, a research and development center and lab for high-power AC drives, with Vacon Vice President Dan Isaksson, left, and Vacon engineer Rod Washington, right, in Durham, N.C.
Nerdy Wonka @NerdyWonka
Follow
Pres. Obama: "Your Governor, Pat McCrory is here." Some in crowd clap, most boo. McCrory is a Republican. #NCState #ObamaNC
8:16 AM - 15 Jan 2014
9 Retweets 1 favorite
link
PBO didn't lose NC by that much.. Senator Hagan.
They're all making serious miscalculations. Schweitzer running as the "anti-Obama".. saying the only thing he can say nice about him is that he's the "first Black President"?!
Sounds like a racist pig to me.. and yeah, divisive shit like that will get people on board. Not. BS might want to get his head outta his whatever and actually check the President's Record before he goes running off at the mouth. This NRA-Keystone loving Obamacare Hatin' dem is so blinded by ignorance he can't even see. Ask those who have been helped by ACA/Obamacare if Schweitzer's schtick is all that.
"Pro death penalty, likes stiff sentences for drug offenders, likes "public-private" partnerships for schools, doesn't want taxes raised to pay for education, likes "clean coal," doesn't want MJ legalized..."
MADem link
I'm thinking the answer is they don't have enough smarts and courage in them to come out with the facts as regard to Pres Obama's record. They cave to the Brainwashed talking points.
Schweitzer though.. I think he's just wants attention and he wants it NOW.
Thanks for Cindy's tweet, she~
Poor baby~ 
I needs attention!
Yup, he will go far. As in far far away.
Cha!
