How about I put it this way: Without strong leadership on our side,

[Guaranteed]

we're going to see massive defections to the Republicans- not on the left (not surprisingly, although support on the left will severely weaken because lefties are sick of this shit), but in the *middle,* who will perceive the Democrats as having deemed themselves the true losers of America who have nothing to offer. While many middle people may have voted for Kerry, if we don't get our shit together right now a good portion of even them won't stick around.

SO: Offer some strong leadership. Stand up, make an argument. Don't bitch out.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. If the Dems don't grow a backbone,

I see the rise of a new leftist party, one that will take on the Repukes. If Howard Dean is shut out of the DNC, I see him as a leading contender for the leadership of a new party; he has the organization in place to do it, and he has helped quite a few folks to political office via his Democracy for America. These could be the building blocks of a new party. And if the Dems continue being the doormats for the Repukes, I will welcome it.

[Guaranteed]

2. There's no reason for us to be losing ground.

We're only losing it because our leaders are scared shitless and are giving it.

[opihimoimoi]

3. The Grass Roots is where its at. Thats the Base. We need a way to coalese

This species is about to make a choice.... Delusion or Paradise on Earth.

[lilfroggy]

7. Absolutely

A new leftist party..but what would it be called. :)

[Guaranteed]

8. It wouldn't even be leftist. Just principled.

P.S. Maybe we could call it the American Party.

[no_hypocrisy]

4. I don't suppose the purpose of the defections would be to undermine,

reform, and/or subvert the republican party from within, right? It would be rats leaving the ship. I'd advocate the former in principle, but I'm not certain how effective the plan would be executed.

[Guaranteed]

5. You mean deliberately undermine our middle?

Give it to them in the hopes that they blow it?

[Guaranteed]

6. Kick nt