Time for the Democrats to stop kissing ass.

[coloradodem2005]

This goes back to what I say about teeth. The Republicans are not kissing our asses. They go after the people that do harder than the ones who don't. Look at Daschle. While I am not berating John Kerry, I will say this, he was not clear about his war stance when campaigning. He got labeled a flip-flopper. People flocked to Bush because he was clear about where he stood. Even some gay people, if you could believe it. It is time to stand on our principles again. I would agree that politics is a game of compromise, but the Republicans have not compromised at all, while we have compromised a lot. It is time for us as Democrats to establish a new, unwavering vision. We need to get the working-class people back with us. We need to get liberal religious organizations with us. Any other organizations with us. To establish a new coalition that will beat the right wing. And make it revenge as a dish best served cold.

[blue america]

1. THANK YOU

They rose to power by galvanizing their BASE. Time for Dems to do the same. Conviction WINS. We all know Bush is full of it, and all about politics and greed, but he's viewed as principled, and unfortunately in election cycles, perception is reality. In 2008, I dont want to see a single difference between the candidate in the primary (when he/she is getting out the base) and the candidate in the general election.

http://www.cafepress.com/blueamerica

[w13rd0]

2. The whole problem with "triangulation"...

...and "rethinking the platform" is that it (correctly) gives people the impression that for those doing so, winning and being in a position of power is more important to them than principle. As we've seen this increasingly since 1992, we've lost more and more. Coincidence? Hardly...

[blue america]

3. True. However

We're trying to appease the middle and center-rights and not galvanizing the actual base. Excitement is contagious. We were viewed as being excited to beat Bush, not excited for JK. They, on the other hand, over time, breeded hardcore grassroots excitement that spread like wildfire. No reason we cant do it. None. More of the same aint gonna work. And if it means sacraficing 2008 to run the table for 30 years following 2012, then FINE. No quick fixes. Build longterm.

[smirkymonkey]

4. I agree. I think the problem with our party is that we don't

stand firm in our convictions. We just keep altering the message in a pathetic attempt to seem more like the opposition in order to get more votes. It hasn't worked. We need to stand FOR something.

"Don't sacrifice your political convictions for the convenience of the hour."

Senator Edward M. Kennedy