Ruy Teixeira says Dems need to start thinking they can beat *

[lancdem]

http://www.emergingdemocraticmajorityweblog.com/donkeyrising/index.shtml

DR's not sure Democrats are psychologically prepared to deal with all this clear evidence of Bush's vulnerabilities and the very real possibility that he could be beaten in November. In some ways, it's easier to fall back on the gloomy assumption that Rove and the rest of the GOP machine will find some dirty, but clever, way to deliver the election for Bush, no matter how unpopular he starts to get.

Time to ditch this ridiculous outlook. Rove is certainly a good operative and the GOP machine is well-organized and funded. But fundamentally, they have to play with the political hands they're dealt. For awhile those hands were amazingly good, which helped the Rove machine look almost magical in its effectiveness. But now their hands are getting worse which will make the Rove machine look progressively less effective and way short of magical.

In other words, hard work, smart politics and a willingness to play hardball may be all Democrats need to beat these guys. No supernatural intervention, contrary to the beliefs of some, will be required.


(I think he has a good point.)

[aldian159]

1. Ruy wrote the book

that prevented me from committing political suicide after the 2002 elections: "The emerging democratic majority." He's good, people, very good.

[lancdem]

2. Yes, he is

I check out his blog every day. His observations are definitely worth listening to.

[ShimokitaJer]

3. Absolutely right

In fact, the whole emphasis on "electability" as the primary basis for voting is founded on the idea that Democrats are inherently less appealing to voters than Bush. True, it's no small matter to unseat a sitting president, but I think far too many Democrats bought into the whole "Bush is invulnerable" myth far too eagerly and started playing defense when they should have gone on the offense.

All it cost us in 2002 was control of the Senate.

[judge_smales]

4. Correct!! Not a half hour ago a fellow cube-dweller, a HARD

right repug and BIG Bu$h booster told me "Well, I don't think he can win again. I'm not sure who I'll vote for"

A year ago this woman would have take a bullet for Shrub. Today she's "in play". We need to get used to the new reality!!

[maddezmom]

5. that's some good news n/t

[Julien Sorel]

6. That's one of the problems with all the idiot conspiracy theories

around here. Conspiracy theories teach people passivity and fatalism, and encourage people not to bother trying to find positive, rational ways around obstacles.

[mot78]

7. Teixeira is making a lot of sense right now

Except for his DLC-esque criticism of Dean, he's been calling for the two wings of our party to stop fighting.

[The Magistrate]

8. Of Course We Can Beat This Miserable Pissant!

"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"