Raising $$$ in 2008? This guy is SO wrong....

[Eurobabe]

Read this from AP on Yahoo, talking about fundrasing prospects for 2008:

<snip>

"This represents the community of activists," said David Thorne, who organized Kerry's 2004 Web strategy and remains an adviser. "These are people who want to be active and supportive of progressive causes. There was no more important progressive cause than getting Bush out of the White House in '04."

Without a major polarizing figure among Republicans in 2008, Thorne doubts Democrats could recreate their Web success.

"I am dubious anyone can build the same kind of list in '08," Thorne said. "There won't be anyone that will create the passion and the intensity that
George Bush did in '04." http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061224/ap_on_el_ge/online_campaigns

Are you KIDDING??? People so desperately want the CONS out of the White House in '08, the money will come tumbling out. JMHO.

Discuss.

[hfojvt]

1. still very, very wrong

it's not like the Republican nominee is gonna be Lincoln Chaffee - it will be somebody odious, like Guiliani, McCain, Brownback, or Jeb Bush. The progressive web realises that there is still a ton of work to be done to undo the damage that has been done in the last six years.

[Infinite Hope]

2. He's wrong and right.

He's wrong that it can't be recreated because it can.

However, there was a driving force to kick Bush out in 2004 and, while that force will still be strong in 2008 for whichever Republican nominee, it likely won't be *quite* as strong as 2004. Perhaps even close, but it won't quite be the same.

That being said, there's another force that will likely allow Democrats to recreate that force: momentum. We just took control of the entire Congress.

[Eurobabe]

6. After 8 years of Republicans in the White House

My pockets will be wide open in 2008, and I am sure alot of other folks feel the same way, esp. if we can get someone in the race who inspires us. I think 2008 will be a blockbuster year for netroots giving.

[sam sarrha]

3. looks like the Homeland Security money going to bakeries and small Right wing business will end up

republican campaign contributions.. why else would they give small businesses $50,000 to $75,000 that are in NO way threatened by attack and have no oversight.. they rigged that to just get most the money back for the next election

[snowbear]

4. Sheezus Kerry, fire the asswipe!

..."and remains an adviser"

No clue if Kerry is toying with the idea of throwing his hat in the ring again... but if he does.. good grief -- I hope he cans that idiot!

[karynnj]

9. Why ?

From all accounts THorne and Cam Kerry were two people who gave Kerry good advise in 2004 - to speak more on terrorism and Iraq - which led to the NYU and Philadelphia speeches. They also wanted to go after the SBVT people in a stronger way. The Clinton people were advising Kerry to speak about economic issues more - when the exit polls showed terror to be the overriding issue.

It seems that you dispute what he is saying. Yet, it is very good that Senator Kerry nutured that list as he did. It has been used to pull people together and for communication as well as fund raising. Senator Kerry was able to use it to raise money very quickly for others in 2006. This is significant because everyone was innundated with requests - by email, snail mail, and telephone. People who responded to Kerry's email were not doing so because they lacked other avenues for contributing. The fact is that there are others who envy Kerry's list.

As a Kerry supporter, Thorne is correct in emphasizing that this is one of the assets the Senator has. The fact is if it were your favorite who had such a well proven list, you would be mentioning it as a plus. Notice that the author of the article credits the Senator on this before quoting Mr. Thorne. By the way, Mr Thorne has been called Senator Kerry's best friend - which he has been since college.

[beachmom]

14. Mr. Thorne is also Kerry's former brother-in-law

Kerry was married to David's sister who is the mother of Vanessa and Alexandra. Their friendship and connections will outlast Kerry's career. I don't even know if he really "works" for him as much as advises him.

I also think Mr. Thorne has a point. Democrats and some Independents were truly united by their disgust of Bush's rush into the Iraq War in 2003. They wanted him the hell out of office. At first this anger swirled around Howard Dean who cashed in very nicely by that. After Dean lost, Kerry was the beacon of anti-Bush feeling. I honestly don't know when that e-mail list was created (pre or post primaries), but I can tell you that I didn't add my name to it until after the November 2004 election.

Because 2008 will be an open race on both sides, there will be less of a united force. And don't underestimate Hillary hatred. I've seen it first hand; much of it is irrational, but it's going to fill the coffers of the Republicans, I can tell you. Somebody said that momentum will be on our side; we'll see -- it depends on how the next 1 or 2 years go in the Congress, and really, what Bush does. If the Iraq War is still raging with no end in sight, this will hurt Republicans, but at least a few of them are distancing themselves from Bush and the conduct of the war (like Romney).

I realize that Mr. Thorne's statement may have jarred your thinking, but there is wisdom behind his words. Without Bush, we Democrats will need to have a vision that will impress the American people. Hating Bush or the GOP ain't gonna cut it.

[Radical Activist]

5. I understand why he thinks this way.

He works for Kerry, who barely manages to inspire the friendliest crowds.

[karynnj]

8. I've been in the crowds around Kerry - and they are extremely friendly

Have you been in the same room or open space with him. I think you need to go see some video of his appearances. You may want to believe that but you are wrong.

I don't know if Thorne works for Kerry - as much as he has supported Kerry for his entire career and has been a close friend since college.
Attacking the message is better than attacking the messanger, The fact of the matter is that Kerry's list is a major asset as demonstrated in the 2006 elections.

[Radical Activist]

11. I've been in small crowds

where Kerry did do a great job of getting a friendly crowd behind him. He isn't able to replicate that for TV or larger audiences.

[karynnj]

12. A friend of mine was in the crowd at Madison WI

A mere 30,000 strong. Kerry did fine on TV when he was allowed to be seen. The problem in the coverage was when 5 minutes of Bush was balanced by 3 minutes of Candy Crowley speaking with a tight shot of a Kerry rally behind her - going to Kerry for maybe 30 seconds.

[karynnj]

7. I think you are misinterrepting Mr Thorne,

He is right that the Kerry email list is a unique asset. It will be tough for any primary candidate to pull together a list that is as good as this one. Senator Kerry has done a great job in using the list to encourage activism and for communication as well as to raise money for others. Although not everyone on the list will support him, it is clear by the response to various appeals that many people at least read it - which does give Senator Kerry a way to communicate with people.

Only time will tell how successful other candidates' lists will become.

[Hamlette]

10. I gave more money in 2004 than ever before, or since

if you're talking money, he could be right. I don't see myself giving as much in 2008 if the GOP candidate does not appear to be a delusional bible freak. So far none of them appear half as crazy as Bush is.

[BeFree]

15. They are all bat shit crazy

They all support bushco, right? Then they're all as crazy as the idot son.

Double your money, or you may get bushco 3.

[renie408]

13. Anecdotal evidence would suggest to me that this guy is wrong

I am so scared &^%$-less that the neocons will somehow manage to retain control of the White House that we have already started a 'campaign fund' in our house. Once the candidates get going and we can figure out who we really like, I am going to be contributing more in '08 than I ever have.

[Eurobabe]

16. I'm with you...

Money will flow freely to the Democratic candidate of my choice.