I posted a memo to Harry Reid today

[Nancy Waterman]

This isn't really on topic for this forum, but this is home, so I am sharing my memo here.

URGENT STRATEGY MESSAGE TO DEMOCRATIC LEADERS


The current criticism of Howard Dean by Senate Democrats is a deeply flawed strategy. You are playing into the hands of the Republicans. You have succeeded in making Howard Dean the issue and not the terrible Republican policies, which should be the issue.

When Howard Dean or any other Democrat says something that is not politically correct or diplomatic enough to pass muster and you are asked to comment, YOU SHOULD RESTATE WHAT HE SAID IN A SOFTER AND MORE PALATABLE WAY, BUT NEVER CRITICZE HIM. As soon as you criticize him, that becomes the story, and the GOP has once again successfully derailed any critique or examination of what they are doing. They do this ALL the time.

You must stay on message, stay with the issues he has brought up. Dean is essentially giving you the microphone, the ear of the public, by making news. It is a wonderful opportunity if you all work together.

TV Pundit: Senator, what do you think of Governor Dean’s recent statement about Republicans never having worked a day in their lives?

Senator: Well, many of the GOP policies are very harmful to working people. Under George Bush wages have stagnated while the very rich just get richer, 45 million people don’t even have health care and this number is growing every year (etc., you can fill in the meat here). And the reality of voting in Ohio for working people was terrible, having to wait on line for up to 8 hours to vote. How can hard working people do that and keep a job?

Pundit: But what about what Gov Dean said? Do you agree with it?

Senator: The GOP policies are very problematic for the average working person in health care, wages, retirement issues, etc. I think these policies are very insensitive to working people’s needs.

Please, keep the Republicans on the defensive by staying on message, by reiterating what Howard has said, but in a softer, more acceptable way. Never criticize each other, or that will be the news, and everything else you say will be lost. And start talking now about the world you want to create, the world the Democrats would create if in power again. Paint a big clear, concise, and bold picture.

[saracat]

1. Wonderful memo Nancy!

Now what about one to Dean? He needs to refine his message so he says what he means and diects his criticism to specific targets rather than a whole party. I wish he would talk more about Dems and the issues. He gives to much air time to the repukes by talking about them . They have enough air time. We need exposure. But I suppose it could be argued that they wouldn't give airtime to the Dems and the issues anyway!

[Quakerfriend]

2. Beautifully said, Nancy.

The GOP has given us sooooooooo much to work with...and the DEMS must now sense the momentum shifting among the sheeples.

They must seize the moment! Dean has given them a wonderful opportunity to get their voices heard in the MSM.

They seem to squander so many opportunities!

[Nancy Waterman]

3. Exactly so.

All this exposure in the media is a wonderful opportunity and they have squandered it but trying to agree with Republicans.

I just saw an article about a Dean interview and he said exactly what I said. The Repubs are criticizing him to avoid talking about their failures.

[NJCher]

4. I saw your message, Nancy

Thanks for writing it. It hits home.


Cher

[Dover]

.

[Dover]

5. Exactamundo. They should hire you!

God knows they need SOMEONE who is skilled and can outmanuever the Rovian spin machine.

[bling bling]

6. I love it!

Excellent letter! I hope he reads it.

[tlcandie]

7. Thank you for posting this...

It's great! I've been so upset over all that has been happening. It's very sad. I don't like division, calling names...I don't like any of it, yet I've not said anything because anyone who does is crucified, so I've just bit my tongue and walked away in tears.

What you have submitted here feels very right. It takes something that is happening and that doesn't sit well with everyone, but instead of focusing on that it turns it into a positive and I LIKE THAT!

I knew there was a resolution that all could stand behind and this is it!

Light and Love to you, Nancy!

Brilliant!

:hug:

[hippiegranny]

8. Right on!

and write on! Great job.

[Nancy Waterman]

9. Thanks, everyone.

I hope Reid pays attention. I don't have time to call and then fax all the senators like I did with his office. I heard Harold Ford today criticizing Dean on Air America (Ed Schultz show). It really pissed me off, but I can never get through to these call-in shows no matter how much I dial.

Nonetheless, I am a firm believer that by putting something in the collective consciousness, and then giving it a little push, it has a way of proliferating. Let us hope so.

If anyone here wants to post the memo anywhere, be my guest. Or send a copy to your senators if you wish.

[NEOBuckeye]

10. Great post, Nancy!

I can't recall at the moment who said it over at AW, but s/he was right on target -- You should be a political strategist!

I don't know how late you stay up, but maybe you should try contacting Mike Malloy on Air America from 10pm to 1am? Of all the national talk radio show hosts, he's by far the most receptive to his listener's ideas and suggestions. If you e-mailed it to him, he'd probably read it over the air.

Check out his website: http://www.mikemalloy.com/

[Nancy Waterman]

12. I will definitely email him right now

Thanks, NEO!!!

on edit - I just sent it. Should I send it to Randi Rhodes as well? Or Al Franken?

[NEOBuckeye]

13. It's certainly worth a try!

Go for it, Nancy!

[liberalla]

14. Yes, write her! Randi has already been talking for about this!

First, Let me say I love what you wrote, and especially how well you worded it. You are good!

Second, Randi Rhodes (on Friday 6/10) said twice (maybe 3 times?) on her show that "if you're attacking a Democrat, you're a Republican!" She's all for the Dems sticking together!
Don't attack Howard!

Third, my own personal feeling is that if Howard Dean "refines" his message too much (to not 'rock the boat' and to appease the naysayers), then his message would be so tame that it wouldn't get press coverage. I like him making these "outrageous, attention-grabbing" statements, because then they get reported! Let everyone else finesse the message as you describe, but Howard should continue to make headlines.

Let Howard be Howard!

[Digit]

11. Perfect, absolutely perfect...

It is so obvious now that you pointed it out.
Brilliant observation, Nancy.

[Cha]

15. Thanks, Nancy!

I'm sorry I didn't see this thread before. I love the way you write..so eloquently and informatively and not just about astrology.

Thanks for sending a memo to Harry Reid regarding the dlc dems' asinine treatment of Howard Dean.

Wonder what they thought of Dean on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show?

Or what those Dems thought of what karl rove had to say?

[Pallas180]

16. Absolutely Nancy. I have written the DNC asking for $ that I will not

contribute to them...

I intend to send money to each congresscritter I support....and that may not include Biden and those who attacked Dean. But certainly will include Reid and Durbin.

I agree. We need to let them know we support Dean's Democratic party not the faux central republicans they are trying to be.

They want it both ways.

By the way, the Senate proposed an energy policy today. But they didn't mention that many onthe Energy committee hold stock in utilities, oil companies, and energy companies.

So their idea is to give tax rebates/breaks to the richest corporations in the world - the energy companies.

What's wrong with this picture?

We need more honest Dean's, not more slime and corruption in both parties.

[anitar1]

17. I like it , Nancy. Good work! n/t

[Cleita]

18. Did you ever get an answer from Harry Reid's office?

This was an on target memo.