What we NEED to make the democrats understand...to MAKE them filibuster

[debbierlus]

We now have two days (best case scenario MAYBE until Monday) to convince the democrats that they have more to LOSE then they do to GAIN by not filibustering. How do we accomplish this? Two simple steps.

1. Know your audience

Each senator must be addressed individually. Form e-mails and pre-written faxes will not do. Your contact is NOT about you, weird as that may seem. It is about THEM. So, if you are contacting Lieberman (for example), do not go on about how much of a sell out he is...It will not affect his vote or decision to filibuster. Tell him that you are a Conneticut voter who has previously given support, but that the Alito issue is a deep concern for you. Lieberman's vulnerability is that he is facing a democratic challenger in his state of Conneticut. You become of value to him only when you prove an asset to his re-election. And, so it goes with all senators. The main concern of MOST senators is their re-election bids. In a phone call, make the issue about losing a vote, money, volunteer time, but offer SUPPORT if they filibuster. A few may be appealed to on principle. Senator Jeffords of Vermont has shown integrity by leaving the Republican party due to their unethical behavior. Appeal to this ethical side, tell him you respect his integrity and look to him to lead the filibuster to make it a non-partisan issue. If you want to address what a huge tactical mistake not filibustering is...save it for the fax. A brief note about losing their most active base (we ARE there most active base) - their core fundraisers, volunteers, and activists who campaign on their behalf outlines a big loss for them. But, also tell them what they will gain. Respect, credibility, and a renewed committment to work on their campaigns. Don't make it all negative. Carrot and stick. Honey catches more flies then vinegar, that sort of thing. Remind them that a filibuster would reinvigorate their base, and that by doing what is right, they are also doing what is SMART. Courage like this will reep huge rewards.

2. Perseverance

We must keep up a steady, un-ending, continous stream of endless e-mails, faxes, and calls. If you have already called, call again. Call some of your friends and relatives and recruit them - people are more likely to do it, if they talk to you rather then just getting an e-mail. If they receive thousands upon thousands of calls protesting this nomination, they may be swayed. Then, call again. And, then fax again. And, then recruit a couple more friends. Imagine the impact if we ALL did this....

Don't give up. This is too important. And, it is NOT impossible.

[kurth]

1. Hmmm. Maybe they can be incentivized by large cash payments?

What kind of leadership is this that people have to freakin' BEG them to do the right thing?

[debbierlus]

2. It is sucky, awful, terrible, leadership

But, that is not the point right this second.

The point is to do our best to stop Alito.

After this vote, we can decide how to deal with those who don't show courage in this critical filibuster.

It sucks.

But, this (unfortunately) is what we have to work with right now.

[NJCher]

3. thank you

You are on target on both points. We must individualize our requests to our representatives and we have to keep hammering.




Cher

[gumby]

4. We do not address Senators.

We only talk to their phone answerers or their mail readers.

I reminded the person that answered the phone today that I agree with Senator Leahy that Alito threatens the very function of our Democratic Republic and that history will indeed judge this time in history. It is up to Senator ______ to choose to be listed as doing the right thing no matter what the outcome on the Alito vote.