We aren't fighting Centrists, so we should stop trying to BE Centrists

[mopaul]

you can't fight maniac assholes by using normal tactics. you can't reach or affect total fascists with reason and logic. you can't counteract rightwing extremism from the middle of the road.

you can't defeat extremists by being moderates. you just can't.

[JDPriestly]

1. Exactly!

[Melodybe]

2. kick! I agree wholeheartedly

[dogday]

3. I did not like it during the election

and I don't like it now....

[eleny]

4. So why don't they get it?

Are corporate dollars greener than ours?

[HereSince1628]

17. No there are just many, many more of them.

DLC'ers talked in the early '90s of the necessity of not abandoning corporate support to the R's.

[Kalish]

5. change a few words

and it could be the neocon excuse for going into Iraq, Abu Graib, etc....

[mitchtv]

6. but but what about

that 3% undecideds?. the base can be ignored

[stray cat]

7. Do we fight them by being extremists and manic assholes?

I think I know what you mean. We have to stand for something and make it very clear what we stand for and how it differs from repubs. However, we can't afford to look as crazy and hateful as the radical right. Then all people have to choose from is which radical extreme is the least scary and offensive. We need a real honest message, real solutions and to speak the truth about things politicians are afraid to be honest about.

[mopaul]

8. maybe

the founding fathers were called similar names by the british.

[lvx35]

20. Word. And power is in actions.

When you demonstrate moral action as a liberal, and tell them that a liberal is what you are, than you smash the power of the talk radio in their heads. But it takes actions, not words.

[Gildor Inglorion]

9. hmmm....maybe ol' Barry Goldwater had a point:

"Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." It sounded SHOCKING at the time, but that was a more civilized era, in retrospect.

[Swamp Rat]

10. I agree.

"No more Mister Nice Guy... no more Mister Cle-e-e-ean!" :D

[earth mom]

11. The left needs to be as radical as the right is

they started this bullcrap and playing nicey-nice when them isn't going to get us anywhere!

[mopaul]

13. under normal circumstances it's never been necessary, but with this bunch,

this is a group of vampires and ghouls, and we need a giant wooden stake.

[earth mom]

22. Too True and Too Funny!

:rofl:

[Stevepol]

12. We are succeeding in every way except with the DREs.

Our approach is solid and is generating interest and drawing people to our side. Radio is gradually moving in a positive direction (progressive direction), the public mood in general favors Democrats, witness the opinion polls, witness Kerry's 3% (or more) win in the 04 election, etc.

The only area where we still have failed to make much progress is with the voting machines.

This I think is going to take a total commitment on the part of ALL DEMOCRATS AND THOSE OF OTHER PARTIES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN HAVING A DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA.

DEMAND A VOTER-VERIFIED PAPER BALLOT AND AUDITS FOR ALL ELECTIONS.

[Lecky]

14. You can't fight your enemy by fighting with your own as well.

We should be working on productive ways to fix our party from within while at the same time kicking our opponent's butts.

I'd like to see more strategy and less emotion from within...focus on ways to differentiate ourselves from the crazy neocons hustlers and apologists.

[Lannes]

15. Its sad

We are in the best position to take down this administration in 5 years and we have to keep finding ways to divide ourselves.

You are implying that centrists always compromise and that they never take a stand on anything.There is a difference between compromise and caving in,giving the opposition everything they want.I wish those of you who keep piling on centrists would see that.

The right piles on anyone in their ranks that isnt a "true believer" so you've got some company there.

[Kalish]

16. personally I like the sound of the 'American Dream Initiative'

It puts the focus on real life.

[Karmadillo]

18. If we go left, we'll lose the White House, lose Congress, and

lose the Supreme Court. We have to stay centrist to maintain control of these important institutions. If we can just make sure the tax cuts become permanent and not rock the boat on judicial nominations, I see electoral success for the Democrats continuing for decades to come.

[ulysses]

19. heh!

Almost had me going there. :)

[mopaul]

21. ........

[K-W]

23. Why would anyone want to be halfway between right and wrong. EOM