Unity08--are there ideas here that Dems need to look at?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

Unity08 is a group that is trying to change the way politics run. Their main proposal is to have a Democrat and Republican run as a team (one for President one for VP) in 2008. I know DU isn't going to endorse this, but they have some other ideas that seem intriguing:

1. Using the internet to get the people to decide what issues are important and to create a party platform.

2. Using the internet to have all Unity08 members vote at the same time in their primary.

The idea is that the candidates chosen would be beholden to the people rather than special interests, that they would pledge to stop gridlock and work together to solve those problems that are really bothering the American people (as spelled out in the platform)

It would seem to me it would be easier for Dems than some third party-like group to come to consensis about what issues are really important. I'm not saying that the Democratic platform should be formed by internet junkies, but I could see where using the internet to judge what is really bothering folks could be a useful tool for the Dems to use.

And I like the idea of everyone voting in the primary at the same time--I'm sick and tired of having my candidates drop out long before my state primary. I don't know how this Unity08 online primary will go, but it may be instructive to watch and see if they pull it off without major hacking or glitches.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. What are yours?

[madfloridian]

1. It's McCain and Lieberman folks overall.

And as long as they have Howard Dean riding in a stupid little car, making fun of him, lumping him with Abramoff and Cheney...the group does not interest me at all.

Lanny Davis posts there a lot, and I can't stand him. A lot of the people are Republicans who figure this is a way not to give up power...just change the name.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. That wasn't the point of my post

I know DU wouldn't like Unity08--but what about the idea of activists having the opportunity to let the Democratic leadership know what issues are of real importance to them? And what of having the primaries happen all on the same day?

Those are the questions I would like to discuss.

[pstans]

3. No way

Democrats need to stand up for what they believe in.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Again, please read the post

Are you saying no to allowing Democratic activists input into what should be on the Democratic platform?

Or are you saying that we shouldn't have primaries held the same day so every Democrat throughout the country can feel that their vote means something?

[pstans]

5. Ok, read it again

Isn't that what the blogospher already is?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. The blogosphere holds primaries on the same day?

the Democratic Party hosts a place where the people can set down their ideas for a platform - a place where they know that they have a chance of having Democratic leaders read their ideas?