Liberals: This is our moment. Let's seize it.

[JDPriestly]

My theory: Now that the Republicans have a majority in Congress and can pretty much do what they want without Democratic votes, we are going to see Democratic moderates become less important, and Democratic liberals become more important.

When Republicans needed Democratic support to pass bills, moderate Democrats were useful to them. The moderates became powerful because they could broker deals with the Republicans. Brokered deals aren't going to be so important anymore. Republicans won't need to pay back moderates with pork, and Democrats -- moderate and liberal, with no power to pass bills and no projects to brag about to voters, will be very frustrated.

The Democrats that fight back -- that reveal the Republican corruption (that will become even more blatant as Republicans have more power) will make the stories, get the press, look like heroes and endear themselves to their constituents. Moderates will be seen as lackeys -- as they are. In the end, the Democrats who stand for democratic ideals and new ideas will dominate. This will improve our party and make us stronger.

If you've been afraid to run for Congress because you think you are too liberal, this is your moment. Go for it. At the same time and for the same reasons that moderate Democrats will lose their hold on our party, there is likely to be a backlash against the Republican power monopoly. Ride the wave. What have you (we) got to lose?

Evidence: On the one hand, Daschle's exit from the Senate. There will be more such losses in the future. On the other, Barbara Boxer's recent rise in popularity.

[StClone]

1. Roll up your sleeves and save the country

Clean up the pachyderm mess again. This time it's a really big one.

[coloradodem2005]

2. What does Daschle's exit from the senate have to do with it?

n/t

[JDPriestly]

9. Daschle failed to challenge the Republican agenda.

He compromised with Republicans and even supported the Republican agenda on some issues. He was typical of the moderates in Congress who thrived when it was possible to get something from Republicans in exchange for votes on middle-of-the road bills. Of course, he lost to a Republican even more conservative than himself in the last election. I named him as an example of a moderate Democrat who lost, in part, because he appeared ineffective -- weak. As I explained, I think that Democrats are going to have to stand up for something and not compromise if they want to win in the next few years.

[leyton]

12. Actually, the challenging he did do cost him his seat.

Voters in South Dakota were not keen on hearing about how Daschle led the fight against Bush's judicial nominees and such. Being moderate and conciliatory did not bring about his defeat.

[JDPriestly]

13. As I recall, Daschle sided with Republicans on

significant issues. His biggest mistake was not challenging Bush's selection in 2000. You may say that a challenge would have been futile and disruptive, but look where it has led us. Bush thinks Democrats are pushovers.

No one, not even Daschle, can expect to be viewed as a person of courage, conscience and integrity if he or she did not have the courage to speak out against such a serious wrong as the selection of Bush in 2000. Daschle was right to challenge Bush's judicial nominations, but he was so weak on challenging Bush on other issues, that the challenges to the judicial appointments may have seemed like petty partisan politics to some of his constituents. Daschle wanted to be liked because he seemed nice. He wanted to be a nice guy. That's not what politics is about. It's about trust and respect, which Daschle lost by compromising too often on important issues.

I have learned the hard way that you only earn respect if you stand up to wrongdoing whatever the price. Daschle became to comfortable with compromise. People lost faith in him. That he stood tall on some issues just wasn't good enough.

[TwentyFive]

3. Yes - we want to see the sparks fly. Barbara Boxer is on firm ground!

Barbara Boxer is EXTRMEMLY popular here in the big state of CA. Hopefully, we will be seeing more of her on TV and giving the Democratic side of things.

No more alologists. We have a tough fight ahead, and only the liberals can do it. Moderates have failed to woo voters.

[Dr.Phool]

4. I ran for Congress last year

The seat will be open in '06, and I may run.

Only problem is, I have a whole closet full of skeletons.

[CottonBear]

7. How expensive is it to run?

I've been encouraged to run for my local county commission. I'm an appointed local board member now. My very Republican (John Birch Society) Dad almost ran for Governor of his state. He decided he could not give up his profession (surgeon) to do that. I suppose I got my interest in politics from him. It would be a huge baring of one's soul and personal and financial interests. Just curious. Hope you don't think I'm being nosy. I'd like your advice.

[JDPriestly]

14. Be prepared to deal honestly with skeletons in the closet.

Sooner or later, the truth will come out. It's hard to be honest about one's mistakes, but if you are not honest you become weak.

[Blue_In_AK]

15. People seem to relate to closets full of skeletons...

Look at GWB.

[indianablue]

5. Nice thought but not reality.

The reality is the GOP will continue to gain seats in both the House and Senate and retain the White house.

The Media is controlled.
The Ballot Box is controlled.

Nothing short of a total economic meltdown will anything change. Not till their is actual violence in the streets.

[JDPriestly]

10. No. The economy is not going to improve

because Bush doesn't have a clue as to how it works. It will probably get a lot worse -- with regard to wages, housing, health care, etc. And Iraq -- how do you think Bush is going to get himself out of that one? Sooner or later, ordinary people will start to ask questions and start looking for new ideas. This happened in the 1930s, and it will happen again. It is a predictable cycle of greed, excess, failure and renewal. It's just as natural as the seasons. What goes up must come down. If we are smart, we will be there to catch it.

[orpupilofnature57]

6. Just remember ( LIBERAL) not (PROGRESSIVE) e o m

[ZombieNixon]

8. ??? Explain, please?

What do you mean (LIBERAL) not (PROGRESSIVE)?

I'm confusticated.

[JDPriestly]

11. Sorry, I don't differentiate,

and since my posts are too long anyway, I save space by using only one term. -- Also, I grew up saying liberal. I like the word.