We, the rank-and-file Democrats, are to blame for our leader's blunders

[brentspeak]

Due to our failures or our apathy, the Democratic leaders in both the House and the Senate are in an almost powerless minority. Now they watch everything they say for fear that the very slightest slip will be magnified by the RW echo chamber, they have so little power, so little infrastructure of support.

While we should have been setting up shop in "red states", creating a physical presence in those parts for the Democratic party, we've spent too much time blogging, arguing with one another or with Freepers on the internet, or chasing the latest bit of tantalizing clues about Bush's Nat'l Guard service or Santorum's latest stupid quote -- things that NOBODY outside our little circle will ever know about.

Meanwhile, the GOP has successfully made themselves known in Small Town USA, a place that rightfully should be Democrat territory (and once was). The Republicans maintain a highly organized presence in Middle America 365 days a year. But what do we do? We waste time blogging from New York, or San Fran, or Madison, or some such places.

There are Democrats in Idaho, Indiana, Tennessee, that have to fight the Alamo every year because the Democratic Party -- and its rank-and-file members in the Blue States -- have apparently written their states off.

I include myself in this circle of shame, and I'm frustrated that there is nothing set up to enable us Blue Staters to once and for all help our Red State Democratic brethren regain their states -- and thus win back our country.

Tell you one thing -- it ain't gonna be done by blogging.

[bemildred]

1. So, you like Dean?

Or what?

You are wrong about the net, BTW.
We've got the party hacks scared shitless.
They can't control the terms of the debate.

[pie]

2. I totally disagree

Most of us worked damn hard.
Many of us contributed money we could not afford.

Day in and day out our Democratic 'leaders' fail
to represent us. In many cases not even a whimper
on our behalf while we take it up the ass.

It should not be my responsibility to the save the country
all by my little lonesome.
I don't mind doing my share but I want REAL LEADERSHIP!

[JHBowden]

3. I am not to blame for lack of party discipline.

Everytime a Democrat takes on the Bush-Delay-Frist crime machine, there is always a Lieberman, or a Daley, or a Biden, or an Edwards on TV shooting them in the back.

[Totally Committed]

4. I refuse to take the blame...

I am NOT apathetic.

TC

[Clark2008]

5. Can I kiss you now?

With some presence there could be some change in the Southern and mid-Western states.

All we have is right-wing media and all the people hear is how this right-wing media frames the Democratic agenda: they rarely, if ever, get to hear it in true form. Even Kerry jumped off and never (rarely) visited any Southern states (and, for a month in the summer of 2004, he actually LED Bush my a few points in Tennessee. That evaporated as the summer wore on and we saw not hide nor hair of him).

I think if some of these rural voters actually HEARD the message, they'd make a change. Right now, they think all "libruls" are wild-eyed law-breaking anti-Christians. That is so not true. Give 'em a reason to change: those who aren't so wrapped up in a fundie church somewhere WILL be receptive to someone who can bring them hope, offer them a better economy and promise they're not going to burden their children and grandchildren.

Brent, let me know when you're coming down to Tennessee to campaign. I have a den and a futon. :hi:

[AndyTiedye]

11. Would They Listen to Outsiders?

Or would our presence merely alienate them?

What is being proposed is similar to what the Dean campaign did in Iowa.
Lots of Dean volunteers from all over the country talked to lots of people
and seem to have convinced most of them to vote for Kerry or Edwards in the caucus.

I really think they have to hear it from locals. People who look and
sound like them, and have lived in the area a long time.

[AndyTiedye]

6. We Have Been Robbed

Due to our failures or our apathy, the Democratic leaders in both the House and the Senate are in an almost powerless minority.

In the Senate, at least, that was due to ROBBERY and MURDER.
Two of our Senators died in suspicious airplane crashes. Those are
both Repubican seats now. Then there is Diebold.

The House has been gerrymandered beyond recognition, despite the
Texas Dems putting up a hell of a fight.

Now they watch everything they say for fear that the very slightest slip will be magnified by the RW echo chamber, they have so little power, so little infrastructure of support.

That is because the Republicans control virtually every media outlet
in the country. They do that the American way: They OWN them all.
The only way that is ever going to change is if the owners of the
media change their mind about Bush**.

None of this has anything to do with apathy, or any "failures" on
either our part or that of our leadership. It's a case of the
news being fixed around the policy, and the votes being fixed around
the GOP.

While we should have been setting up shop in "red states", creating a physical presence in those parts for the Democratic party

You are asking us all to pull up stakes, pack up our carpet bags,
and move into some state full of Bible-thumpers where we don't know
a soul, and try to persuade them to vote Democratic. With the wrong
accent, wrong everything. Do you have the exquisite persuasive
skills to do that? I sure don't. I see you live in New Jersey.
Are you planning to relocate to a red state any time soon? Which one?
How will you convince the people who live there?

we've spent too much time blogging...chasing the latest bit of tantalizing clues about Bush's Nat'l Guard service or Santorum's latest stupid quote -- things that NOBODY outside our little circle will ever know about.

Nobody will know about anything bad about the BFEE because the
Repubs own the news. The only way we have of spreading the word
is the net. If it were a Democrat, they would have been run out
of office for that stuff.

Meanwhile, the GOP has successfully made themselves known in Small Town USA, a place that rightfully should be Democrat territory (and once was). The Republicans maintain a highly organized presence in Middle America 365 days a year.

Just moving into small towns in red states isn't going to change a bit of that.
Newcomers don't get any respect in a small town. You have to have been born there.
It's better if your parents and grandparents were too.

But what do we do? We waste time blogging from New York, or San Fran, or Madison, or some such places.

Remaining outposts of civilization in these dark times.

There are Democrats in Idaho, Indiana, Tennessee, that have to fight the Alamo every year because the Democratic Party -- and its rank-and-file members in the Blue States -- have apparently written their states off.

That is because they have not been able to persuade any of their
fellow citizens of the errors of the Republican ways. How would
people from out-of-state be any more successful?

I include myself in this circle of shame

You are still in the blue state of New Jersey, I take it.

and I'm frustrated that there is nothing set up to enable us Blue Staters to once and for all help our Red State Democratic brethren regain their states -- and thus win back our country.

What sort of "something" do you envision?

[jmcon007]

14. Republicans same the dems "blame America first" , but I guess

some of us blame ourselves first. Al Sharpton said that organizing Democrats is like "herding cats" and I'm sure he's right.
I'm reading that many in the MSM are beginning to lose market share and I can't help but believe that blogs have something to do with it. When the blogs have been discussing the DSM weeks before the MSM even reports it, what does that tell you?
If you want a scoop....hit the Internet. The MSM won't have it. Who reads last week's paper for their news anyway?

[brentspeak]

18. After all is said and done, it IS our fault

I don't mean to say it's your's and mine individual fault; it's a collective fault that emcompasses the Democratic party as a whole.

Did the Republican's control of the media simply fall on their lap? They hustled for years to do this, and with a carefully followed plan. By the time both Democratic leadership and rank-and-file finally woke from their slumber to notice what the Republicans were doing, it was too late.

It's taken, what, fifteen YEARS since Rush Limbaugh first hit the national airwaves for a station like Air America Radio to finally get off the ground?

Overall, I believe we can turn this thing around. But only if we (finally) become highly organized nationwide with a large number of people.

[AndyTiedye]

27. Repubs Control The Media the American Way, The OWN It

Did the Republican's control of the media simply fall on their lap?

No. Republican CEOs of large corporations ordered their companies to
acquire television networks and other media outlets to advance their agenda.

[shance]

7. Did you have power to vote on Bankruptcy bill, Iraq War, Patriot Act?

Although you definitely have a point, there is more than enough blame to go around.

And a large heaping amount of it belongs in the laps of our United States Congress and our Corporatized structure of business which has handed almost all the power and monetary value to the corporation at the same time stripping the rights and powers of Americans through our Congressional leadership.

Primarily there is much more responsibility on our legislators hands because not only do they hold a good deal of power more than those of us who are not working as lawmakers in Washington, they specifically asked for the job to represent their constituents, and their choices have a large affect over our lives as citizens.

While we certainly have some responsibility, keep in mind that corporate America and many within our own government have done all they can to discourage Americans interest and inclusion in our own Democracy.

Some thoughts to consider.

[Telly Savalas]

8. Sorry, but I'm not moving to Utah.

Should the national party give more financial and moral support to local parties in red states? Hell yeah, but not holding a job with the DNC, I'm pretty powerless to see this happen.

Don't underestimate the power of the net. It came pretty close to getting us a Howard Dean as a candidate. (Which was the springboard for him winning the DNC chair.) It keeps us connected, and helps liberals in Alamo areas know they aren't alone.

[leesa]

9. Ahhh BS. They STOLE all elections since 2000 and they have

purchased the media. I refuse to take blame for their treachery.

[AndyTiedye]

10. We Blue States Need All Our Dems So We Can Stay Blue

There is no such thing as a "safe" blue state, and we cannot afford to
lose any of them!

Even California is at risk, now that Arnie has installed one of his
stooges as Secretary of State. Now they are positioned to steal any
election that isn't a blowout.

We will all be busy trying to beat back Arnie's referendum that he's
called a special election for this Fall. 75% of us don't even want
the special election, according to the polls. If that referendum
"passes", then you know our electoral system is hopelessly knackered.
The referendum would gerrymander the districts to give a bunch of seats
to the Republicans.

[brentspeak]

17. If support can flow to California from Dems in other states

support can flow to Red States just as well.

It's not so much as relocating as it is developing a group of grass-roots organizers who can help get things started in undermanned but critical areas. And then they move on to another crucial area. And so on...

Yes, I know all about the gerrymandering referendum. I'm trying to conceive of a way for out-of-staters to assist California Dems. If it were the Repubs in the same situation, you can bet that they would have some system to do just that already in place.

[AndyTiedye]

26. In California, Everyone is an Outsider So Noone Is

We could use the help, and I don't think there are too many other big
elections this year.

The biggest risk with regard to the gerrymander referendum is electoral fraud.
Groper and his special election are wildly unpopular. The referendum
should stand no chance of passing whatsoever, but with Groper's pet SoS
running the election, all bets are off.

Because everyone in California is an outsider, noone is, so it is
easier to come here and help than it would be in most other places.


It's not so much as relocating as it is developing a group of grass-roots organizers who can help get things started in undermanned but critical areas. And then they move on to another crucial area. And so on...

You are looking for some kind of full-time volunteer flying squad.
You need people who can incur significant travel and living expenses
while living off their savings for several years, at least. AND they
have to have great organizing skills!

[dajoki]

29. we here in pa

are constdered a blue state, i am a proud democrat, have been all my life. yes we have delivered the dem nominee in the last four presidential elections and we finally have a dem governor, but that's it. two r senators, 12-7 reps in favor of pukes and the state legislature is run by the thugs. our last ELECTED dem senator finished his term in 1969! kerry won 13 out of the state's 67 counties. it's like carville said " pa has philly and pittsburgh and alabama in between". you wanna talk local, my county's dem hq's phones are disconnected. i've been trying to find out why we can't challenge sherwood for the 10th cong dist seat, i contacted everyone i could think of and i got one response from the state party "i spoke with one person and he will not run". well, go find somebody to run there's 12 counties in the district. so no, i won't take the blame if our state turns completely red!

[CityDem]

12. That is pure bullshit

Leaders lead regardless of the polls. Our dem leaders are a bunch of wimps and need to be replaced. We need people like Jim McDermott and Barbara Boxer as our leaders -- these people are not afraid to call it like it is. It is the job of our leaders to provide and vision and enthusiasm to get their voters to the polls.

[brentspeak]

15. Polls? No, I'm not talking about polls.

I'm talking about number of seats in the House, not to mention number of seats in state legislatures.

Elected Democrats can't do a whole lot other than get in front of a camera (if even that) when they are in such a weak political position. Many of the Dems you consider "wimps" wouldn't be wimps if they weren't in such a precarious position. If there were enough Democrats in the Senate, the "DINOs" would have, for example, blocked Owen's and Brown's confirmations.

And it is our responsibility, not some busy legislator's responsibility, to do the ground work in each state.

[LittleClarkie]

13. There was a Repub headquarters where I went vacationing last weekend

Prairie du Chien, WI. Might as well have been Buttfuck, Iowa. They only staff it on Wednesdays, and it's only a shack. But there it was in front of God and everybody, loud and proud with signage all over it.

PdC is not a very big town really. Certainly smaller than Milwaukee. But I'm told Milwaukee's Democrats don't have a permanent phone number to call. The second bluest city in a blue county, and the Dems are only just getting started, organizationally.

We in Waukesha are alittle farther ahead. We have an office, though not staffed daily yet, I don't think. But still, not bad for one of the reddest counties in the state.

But still, I don't think it's a matter, as some on the thread seem to be assuming, of moving to Red Freeperland. It's a matter of getting something started in our own backyard, even and especially if we're somewhat surrounded by Red.

Some of us can do both. :patriot:

[ElectroPrincess]

16. Bull Shit! We only are responsible for voting them out next time!

A task that I will gladly help accomplish.

Losing their present cushy jobs is all that will shake these folks out of their complacency.

Hey! Many of us will vote Green or not at all. Best to lose and have the people who stab us in the back OUT OF A JOB also. Since it's the Democratic Leadership who will NOT now stand up for it's constituents.

Bank on it DLC!

[brentspeak]

19. "A task that I will gladly help accomplish"

In that case, you should just run along and do just that. What are you wasting your time here for? Whether in disguise or subconsiously, you're just an agent-provocateur.

[ElectroPrincess]

22. Gee, fancy term ... but no, I'm not THAT ?!?

Too funny "agent-provocateur"? Is that French? <I'm teasing!>

All I'm trying to do is help get our gutless Democratic Representatives to do their job OR LEAVE. The people who can't stand the pressure are an embarrassment to the Democratic party.

It's time for the DLC to take off their kneepads and stop servicing Rove-Co. on the side.

It's time for Democrats to honestly play HARD BALL and Not Back Down when they are telling the truth.

[brentspeak]

23. Yes, I'm glad you responded

Gives me a chance to apologize for the tone of earlier response.

I believe that this sinking ship known as the Democratic Party can indeed be saved. I've got a ton of ideas, I'm sure others do as well. But I firmly believe, at this point and unlike in previous decades, that half the burden will necessarily come down to the rank-and-file getting their hands dirty, in one way or another.

[ElectroPrincess]

24. Thanks, but I respectfully disagree ... I've given countless hours to

my local Democratic Party. No, it's time for our Democratic Representatives to DO THEIR JOB. If they are NOT LEADERS then they need to resign and get someone with resolve and the needed courage to FILL that position.

The Democrats and individual Representative supporters are VERY ACTIVE. However, we do NOT have a MASS MEDIA OUTLET like the Republicans have (remember FOX cable channel).

If our Democratic Leaders do not have the courage to weather the corporate media storms, then perhaps we need to vote NON-millionaire people with the tenacity and principles that are required at this critical time.

That's why they are paid over $100,000++ buck/year, get full medical benefits and a guaranteed pension. Either serve your constituents or RESIGN. There's no in between at this point in America's History. No room for gutless and sniveling Democratic Representatives. Stand for the people or get promptly KICKED-OUT.

[Asgaya Dihi]

20. Some thoughts

I'm not going to say who's to blame for what, not really my job the way I look at it and probably not productive in any case. But as one of the former swing voters you should be trying to reach I do have a couple of opinions on how that could be done better.

First, grass roots is over emphasized, it too often ends up being a group of people preaching to the choir, the people that need to be reached are the ones that don't agree with you already and they aren't coming to the meetings on their own and door to door only goes so far. Just as giving up the red states without a fight was a problem, so was giving up the media. Here's an article I ran across yesterday that has a few thoughts on the media aspect, I really think it's worth considering.

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/417

Last thought then I'll leave you be ;) I can't blame you for being pissed at the Republicans these days, I used to be one and I'm not crazy about them myself. But, you've got to draw a sharp line between the voters and the leaders. The voters you've got to see as people you need on your side, they were mislead or taken advantage of and you're there to tell them what someone else never bothered to. When I first started reading here I was a bit offended by the general level of anger, and I walked in looking for friends. What impression do we give to those who walk in skeptical? Be as pissed as you'd like, it's your right, just be aware that unintended consequences are real too and we need those votes to change things.

[brentspeak]

21. Good points. Thanks

[rhett o rick]

25. Well said now what? I think we in DU need to build a Demo strategy

First and most critical, we have to abandon leaders that don't listen to the rank-and-file. That means, don't vote for them even if they are the lesser of evils. Otherwise they can take us for granted.

No support for those that voted for the IWAR unless they admit they made a mistake.

Have two or three (e.g., Dean, Kennedy, Boxer)play tag team and blast the Bush Admin hard and often.

Don't blast all Repub as that plays into Rove's hands.

Try to force MSM to acknowledge issues, like Conyers is.

More Demo Congresspeople have to get active. They are hurting us by keeping quiet and hiding.

Keep hammering the Bush lies. In his words, Catapult the propaganda".

Seek a Pres candidate that will appeal to moderates including moderate Repubs. The moderates need to take back control of this Country.

Help me out here plez.

Rhett

[ElectroPrincess]

28. We need to give our Democratic Leaders who fold for the Right Wing

total hell by voting them out of office. That will shake them up. Make our spineless Democratic Leaders, as much, IF NOT MORE, afraid of our backlash at the ballot box.

Then, the invertebrate Democratic Representatives will no longer have to worry about NOT being liked by FOX and the rest of the Republicans Noise Machine, because come next term, they'll be looking for a new job.

Make our leaders TAKE RESPONSIBILITY ... most especially - vote OUT all those who vote in favor of Corporate Wealth over Labor.

[DrGonzoLives]

30. Hell yes

Unfortunately, it's easier to just register your outrage on the internet than get up off your ass.