Bottom line- there aren't any consequences for opposing Obama or Democratic positions

[depakid]

on the issues.

No accountability inside the party- or among interest groups- or within Republican districts.

LBJ wouldn't have played the game this way, which is why things got done.

[damntexdem]

1. I am a Democrat, but I am not owned by the Democratic Party.

In fact, in other spheres in which I operate, the peace movement, pro-science defense, support for GLBT liberation and so on, I always emphasize that a movement should never tie itself to party -- should always maintain its autonomy and be free to criticize when the Democrats are seen as betraying the movement, or as simply not supporting it. The same should be true for us as individuals. I WILL oppose Obama and the Democratic Party when I think it necessary; and there will be consequences, the most important of them being the maintaining of my own integrity and of my freedom to advocate for what needs the advocacy. The Democratic Party, at best, exists for us; we do not exist for the Party.

[ProSense]

2. Oh please.

Obama was going to veto the F22 amendment, and it failed to pass. Everyone making snap judgments about every situation, every second are ridiculous. There were some people ready to bet the farm that he wouldn't get a stimulus package passed.



Edited typo, word.

[OHdem10]

3. This is why the Media do not take them as serious as the GOP.

Often here at DU, I notice people ask why the GOP seem
to get more attention and coverage.

Very simple. The Media knows there is no one position on anything
in the Democratic Party. No overall message.

Just like now, the Blue Dogs may bring the party down.

The Media knows they cannot depend on the Dems for an answer.
It can change in an hour.

Some have even said, let us see if they can govern.
The party has brought some of this on themselves.

I have my problems with the Media, do not get me wrong.
I have enough empathy to understand what it is like trying
to cover the Democratic Party.

[Davis_X_Machina]

4. LBJ ran the Senate...

...in a different era -- before PAC's, before television, before the limitations on the seniority system, back when there were political parties.

Each individual senator is now much more of an independent political entrepreneur. There really aren't any parties.