Paul Hackett: "I said it. I meant it." (re: gay rights)

[WilliamPitt]

Came via email just now.

===

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Dear William,

Last week the Columbus Dispatch published a column about my candidacy that said, in part, the following:

"Asked to define being pro-gay rights, Hackett said anybody who tries to deny homosexuals the same rights, including marriage, as every other citizen is un-American. Are you saying, he was asked, that the 62 percent of Ohioans who voted in November 2004 to constitutionally deny same-sex marriages are un-American?

"If what they believe is that we're going to have a scale on judging which Americans have equal rights, yeah, that's un-American. They've got to accept that. It's absolutely un-American."

Columbus Dispatch (01/15/06)

It wasn't long until the Republican attack machine came after me demanding an apology. They called what I said "hate speech." The Republican Party was up to its old tricks again, using fear to silence opposition. They expected me to back down like too many Democrats have in the past.

My response?

I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it. Equal justice under the law for all regardless of who they are and how they were born is fundamental to our American spirit and our American freedoms. Any person or group that argues that the law should not apply equally to all Americans is, frankly, un-American.

The Republican Party has been hijacked by religious fanatics, who are out of touch with mainstream America. Think of the recent comments by Pat Robertson a religious fanatic by any measure - that the United States should assassinate a democratically elected leader in Venezuela, and that Ariel Sharon's stroke was divine punishment because Sharon wished to trade land for peace.

It was about time someone called it like it is.

If there is one thing the Republicans fear it's a fighting Democrat who won't back down when push comes to shove. They rely on fear and intimidation to divide Americans. I believe that those who would use religion and politics to divide rather than unite Americans should be ashamed.

I will continue to stand up to these extremists who have hijacked the Republican Party and want to divide the country, but I need you by my side to do so. Show the Republican Party that you will not tolerate the extremist behavior of the religious right.

Use the link below to sign a pledge of support. I need to know that you stand with me. I need to know that I can count on you to amplify our message of change. Let the Republican attack machine know you've had enough and refuse to be beaten into submission this time.

http://www.hackettforohio.com/page/m/yzptj30rfgz/8D1FA5

I hope I can count on your continued support. Together, we can fight back AND win in 2006.

Sincerely,

Paul Hackett

Paid for by Hackett for Senate
430 Reading Road, #201
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
[phone] office
[phone] fax
www.HackettForOhio.com

[GodlessBiker]

1. Sounds like a stand up guy.

[Stephanie]

2. Let me be the first

to K&R - he's a great guy.

[Beetwasher]

3. Man Oh Man Does He GET IT

"The Republican Party has been hijacked by religious fanatics, who are out of touch with mainstream America."

That oughta be MANTRA for every fucking Dem in the country. It needs to be tattooed on their foreheads and repeated as part of the answer to every single question they are asked.

Every time this guy opens his mouth he makes me love him even more.

[Quixote1818]

87. He is igniting the Democratic base and winning over moderate Republicans

who hate the Religious right. He is playing the same card Karl Rove played. This guy is inspirational! Praise the lord!!!!

[Maven]

118. He gets it because he doesn't back down.

He actually has principles, and he defends them. They can't use their BS name-calling on someone who doesn't apologize just for speaking the truth.

[AntiFascist]

141. The religious right is pro-theocracy and anti-democracy n/t

[meegbear]

4. WOW!!!!

THIS is the type of candidates we need! Go Paul Go!!

[wakeme2008]

5. A Dem with a Backbone... I love it

:)

[CanOfWhoopAss]

115. A backbone and a set of functioning NUTS!!!! nt

[The Witch]

6. "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." will be the immortal phrase

that earns this fellow immortality.

Bravo.

[For PaisAn]

108. Yes

finally someone who stands behind what he says and stands up to these Repugnant ones.

[CanOfWhoopAss]

116. And if you don't like it and you want to politicize it you can kiss my @$$

"I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it." "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it."

[Marnieworld]

7. Holy Shit

That was word for word perfection. In an instant I am this guy's loyal fan. Welcome to the party Hackett. I'm glad he's on our side.

[donheld]

8. A dem with a steel spine

:bounce:Where can we find more? :bounce

[Ilsa]

38. You betcha! I think we'd win more races if Dems weren't apologists

for their positions. People don't want to vote for "weak" leaders, and if someone is vascillating, they tend to look weak.

[DemReadingDU]

9. Yay Hackett!

For once, I am glad to be from Ohio who has someone I am proud to support!

[AllegroRondo]

10. We need more like him

at every level.

[Inland]

11. Too little too late, for some progressives.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x202638

He stands for equal rights for all Americans, but doesnt' stand for equal rights for all non-Americans with Americans, so he's right out.

Is he really be rewarded for being a straight talker, or punished?

[insane_cratic_gal]

17. he crosses over on guns and illegals

That's why he nearly won OH with just a fraction of loss in a highly republican area.

[Inland]

18. I know. But I also know that he's written off already by some.

The love of straight talking runs pretty shallow.

[mtnester]

104. Those who have written him off, I believe, stand to be surprised

Hackett is all I am hearing talk about in coffee shops, fast food joints, grocery store lines.

THAT is the pulse of Ohio..not stupid, designed to be biased, polling.

[jsamuel]

29. there is some debate to whether he is "crossing over" with guns

I consider myself "very liberal" but am for guns. Just not semi-automatic and other guns that have zero reason to be useful for hunting or home defense. (I don't own a gun and probably won't ever, but I still believe it is a right by the 2nd Amendment)

[insane_cratic_gal]

34. I just had an article for that one too

He states he's against gun control.

I'm like you.. i'm all for the 2nd Amendment but I would never own one. Most people I know (hunters) are for removing assault rifles. They honestly serve no purpose except to kill lots of things quickly.

[jsamuel]

35. yeah, and I think that is the "liberal" position, that is why I don't

think he is "crossing over" on that one. Just like Jimmy Carter wasn't "crossing over" on being pro-life, because if you listened to him, he wasn't for outlawing abortion, he just thinks abortion is wrong.

[insane_cratic_gal]

39. No he's AGAINST gun control

the rest of the stuff is my own liberal opinion. hehe... I think hes quite conservative in his view of gun control. The NRA wouldn't have anything on him.

[insane_cratic_gal]

40. I found it!

He advocated for standard liberal issues by invoking red-state red meat, and vice versa. In a debate with Schmidt, he said, concerning gay marriage: “I don’t want the government in the bedroom any more than I want it in my gun safe or telling me how to worship.” And, on abortion: “If you don’t want government in your personal life when it comes to choice, you have to be consistent about that with guns.”

Hackett loves guns, and loves talking about them, especially to squeamish liberals such as the campaign staffers whom he delighted in taking out shooting on the weekend. He declares flatly that Dem- ocrats are “wrong on guns. I think they need to accept that.” During the campaign, he’d quietly reassure skeptics that he supported enforcing existing federal gun laws, but it was his enthusiasm for hot lead that won him converts.

Here just read this whole article, bring a cup of coffee cuz it's long

http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2005/11/paul_hackett.html

[jsamuel]

42. ah, I see, yes, good point, thanks for that

Easy rebutal to that. We already outlawed third trimester abortions, there is no reason for that. The same thing should be upheld for guns. There is no good reason to have an assault rifle.

[arkie dem]

53. Please don't use the term ....

assault rifle. Any firearm could be considered an assault weapon. This is the main reason Dems lose votes on the gun issue. A semi auto hunting rifle will kill you as dead as an AR-15, or SKS.

[jsamuel]

107. thanks for that, you can tell I don't own a gun :)

[benEzra]

66. Some thoughts from a gun owner...

I consider myself "very liberal" but am for guns. Just not semi-automatic and other guns that have zero reason to be useful for hunting or home defense. (I don't own a gun and probably won't ever, but I still believe it is a right by the 2nd Amendment)

Are you aware what a semiautomatic firearm is? Here are some examples:


My home-defense handgun (S&W 3913 LadySmith) is semiautomatic:



My wife's defensive handgun (Glock 26) is semiautomatic:



My Ruger mini-14 Ranch Rifle is semiautomatic:



If you want to ban semiautomatic firearms, you will have a civil war on your hands. Semiautos (a clearer term is "self-loaders") are probably THE most popular type of defensive firearm. They're fairly popular as hunting weapons, too, but relatively few gun owners are hunters (approx. 1 in 5).


If you are thinking of automatic weapons (some people conflate the two terms), those are already tightly controlled by the Title 2/Class III provisions of the National Firearms Act of 1934; to own one you have to pass what amounts to a Secret-level government security clearance, and if you are cleared, civilian-transferable Class III automatic weapons sell for $10,000 to $75,000 and up, depending on the gun.

I'm like you.. i'm all for the 2nd Amendment but I would never own one. Most people I know (hunters) are for removing assault rifles. They honestly serve no purpose except to kill lots of things quickly.

Actual assault rifles (military AK-47's, M16's, Galils) and submachineguns (Uzi's, Stens, MP-5's) are VERY tightly controlled in this country by the Title 2/Class III provisions of the National Firearms Act of 1934. The "assault weapon" issue wasn't about rapid-fire military weapons; it was and is a bait-and-switch in order to advance the gun prohibition lobby's goal of banning handguns and nonhunting-style civilian rifles and shotguns.

The expired "assault weapons ban" jacked up the price on over-10-round replacement magazines for defensive handguns, mandated that civilian rifles manufactured after 1994 could not have two or more features that the prohibitionists don't like (like a rifle stock with a protruding handgrip), and prohibited civilian firearms from being marketed under any of 19 military-sounding names. That's it. Think that was worth the loss of the House, the Senate, and two presidencies?

During the campaign, he’d quietly reassure skeptics that he supported enforcing existing federal gun laws, but it was his enthusiasm for hot lead that won him converts.

Gun owners support enforcing existing federal gun laws, too (background checks, prohibition against possession by criminals, restrictions on automatic weapons, the 1986 ban on Kevlar-piercing handgun ammunition, etc. etc.). That's what most people would consider a "pro-gun" position.

An "anti-gun" position is things like banning civilian rifles that have protruding handgrips or modern styling; banning civilian firearms that hold more than 10 rounds; giving the Attorney General the discretionary authority to ban any rifle ammunition he/she considers "nonsporting"; and attempting to take away the right of law-abiding individuals to keep a loaded gun in their home for self-defense or the ability to get licensed to carry a gun on your person.



If you're interested in a more lengthy discussion of this gun owner's perspective on the issue, see


Democrats and the Gun Issue--Now What? (DU thread)


and for how the issue plays among Democratic gun owners,


Alienated Rural Democrat (DU post).

[jsamuel]

106. quite obviously, I don't know very much about guns, what I ment by

semi-automatic was like AK-47's and uzi's... Machine gun types...

[benEzra]

120. Those would be automatic weapons, often called "full-auto" for clarity.

A semiautomatic firearm is one that discharges the round and uses the recoil or gas pressure from that round to reload the chamber, but it will not fire again until the trigger is released and pressed a second time. The vast majority of pistols work this way, as do most .22 rifles.

An automatic weapon is a firearm that discharges the round, uses the recoil or gas pressure from that round to reload the chamber, instantly fires the next round by itself, and repeats the cycle unless the trigger is released. Sometimes gunnies refer to this as "cyclic" operation. The operator only has to pull the trigger once to make the gun fire continuously, and the gun fires much faster than someone could humanly pull a trigger.

Many automatic weapons (M60's, actual AK-47's and Uzi's, M16A1, military M4 carbine) fire continuously like this as long as the trigger is held down, until the magazine is empty. A military AK-47 set on Automatic will fire about 10 rounds per second, for 3 seconds assuming a 30-round magazine. Some other automatic weapons have a "burst mode," in which the gun will fire a set number of rounds automatically (usually 3) and then stop firing until the trigger is released and pulled a second time. The M16A2 is an example.

A few automatic weapons, such as military AK-47's and M16's, have a selector switch that allows the user to switch back and forth between automatic and semiautomatic operation, depending on the situation; a gun with this capability is described as "selective-fire," since the user can select which mode he/she wants to use.

The National Firearms Act defines a "machinegun" as any firearm capable of discharging two or more bullets with a single pull of the trigger, so the NFA restricts both continuous-fire and burst-mode weapons.

This may be a silly way to explain it, but if you've ever played Halo and Halo 2...the sniper rifle is semiautomatic, the assault rifle (Halo 1) and the plasma rifle are full-auto, and the battle rifle (Halo 2) is 3-shot burst. (If you aren't familiar with Halo, then my apologies...)


The gun-control lobby intentionally blurred the distinction between machine guns and semiautomatic civilian guns when advocating for the original "assault weapon ban" in 1994, and a number of legislators who voted for it did in fact think they were voting to ban machine guns.

One thing that contributes to this confusion is that some civilian non-automatic guns LOOK like military automatic weapons, but do not function like them. The AR-15 rifle, very popular with civilian target shooters, is an example; it looks much like an M16, but works like any other civilian semi-automatic firearm. Some civilian AK-47 lookalikes are fairly convincing in appearance (I own one), but they are internally different from a real AK and are completely incapable of automatic fire.


One of the points that Hackett made in his speech was the necessity of not basing positions and platforms on misunderstandings of the issue, and IIRC he used the "assault weapon" ban as an example. I as a gun owner think that is a VERY good sign. :)

[mtnester]

122. At one time, I thought gun control was a good idea...I was young too

Now I carry a Kahr P-9 and hubby carries a S&W 500 snub. (jealous jealous JEALOUS I am of that gun)

Not to mention the house guns (we do not have any kids in the house, and we lock everything except our person guns up in the gun safe whenever we have company of any kind).

And some that we do not mention in places we do not mention.


Gun Control is a non-issue for Dems right now, and they ought to let that dog lie for the time being. I am not giving anyone mine, or my CCW.

[TahitiNut]

174. Personally, I support every word he says. Every one.

If people who call themselves "Democrats" adopted the same consistency of principle and commitment to those principles, we'd have a far, far more liberal and just society. Hackett understands that democracy isn't a spectator sport.

Hackett seems to understand that any government infringement of civil liberties and human rights, particularly those enumerated in the Bill of Rights, is illiberal and an open invitation for more infringements. Don't like abortions? Don't have one. Don't like guns? Don't have one. Don't like tobacco? Don't smoke. Don't like alcohol? Don't drink. Don't like gay marriage? Don't marry a gay. Don't like drugs? Don't take them.

At the same time, it's imperative that liberals (and people who call themselves 'liberal') and democrats (and people who call themselves 'democrat') understand that our biggest problem as a society is the oppression, both economic and social, of people whose victimless behavior or choice of parents offends our effete sensibilities. We have become a banana republic - which is not a 'republic' at all! Our economic system is broken when the income people receive as a result of the labor of others is taxed at less than half the rate of earned income, or not at all. Our economic system is broken when people can profit from the misery of others, and that misery is growing exponentially. The "culture of corruption" isn't merely in Washington, D.C. It's in the decaying heart of every person who says "let George do it."

[insane_cratic_gal]

175. I agree with you 100% he's a keeper

I think all anyone wants is someone to stand up and fight these bullies. And why we (leaders) haven't is the most frustrating part, they are a fraction of the country. *'s rating in the toilet, he's considered radical right that's only a small percentage of the country.

Frankly he gets it! Thank god someone with a loud enough voice does.

[FreedomAngel82]

88. Right

It's in the second amendment. We'd be just as bad as the republicans. They don't like the first or fourth amendments and ignore them and we call them on it, so we can't be against the second amendment. I may not like guns myself in the hands of civilians but I'm going to stand by the second amendment since it's there and you can't fuck with the Constitution.

[stevietheman]

76. A Democrat who openly supports the 2nd Amendment is a winning combo. n/t

n/t

[Ksec]

113. Hes against "illegal" immigration because its illegal

[sleipnir]

68. Well, you've answered your own question. "Non-Americans"

They aren't citizens, and therefore they won't have the same rights.

They should have some rights, but until you become a citizen of this country, there is absolutely no way that a non-American should be given the exact same rights.

This is of course, a hot button issue, and I strongly believe that we can have both granted rights for non-Americans and full rights for all American Citizens.

What is an incentive to become a citizen if you are granted the exact same rights as a non-citizen?

[Inland]

77. Yeah, but that wasn't my point here.

I thought it at least the answer was suggestedand would have been the same as you prescribed, but that wasn't my point here.

My point is that the profession to love the straight talking isn't all that deep. Hackett says what he thinks and doesn't back down on something as seemingly noncontroversial as deporting illegal aliens, and that's a disqualifier, at the least, for some. No respect there.

[danalytical]

70. As much as I sympathize with

the plight of a poor person crossing the border for work here in the states. The law is still the law, and Paul is correct in his position. He may not be politically correct in the liberal view, but he is correct in the view of the law and most Americans.

[FreedomAngel82]

85. Oh yes let's support someone who wants to break the law

[guruoo]

126. I wouldn't say that....

He's only saying that the immigrants that are here
illegally should be sent back. I don't blame them for
trying to come here, it's just that if they want to
do so they should abide by the system, and laws that
we have in place. And I bet you'd find that most of
them would feel the same way if the the tables were turned.
I'm Democrat, and I agree with Hacket 100%.
Know plenty of other Dems that do, too.

[insane_cratic_gal]

12. Doh there are 2 threads now

But i guess he's worthy of two if anyone is.

I signed it.. and I love Paul! He's a Dean-like we need to clone him a few more times!

[Strathos]

13. WOW! A perfect example as to what democrats should be doing

If more democrats stood up like this man, my faith would be renewed.

K&R

[bertha katzenengel]

14. If there is one thing the Republicans fear it's a fighting --

Well, that's good enough. Republicans do fear a good honest fight, and they haven't had to fight one for so long.

"If there is one thing the Republicans fear it's a fighting Democrat who won't back down when push comes to shove."

Damn right, Paul! This guy makes me wish I lived in Ohio.

Thanks, Will. (You're one of the few journalists/political writers I trust these days, BTW)

[insane_cratic_gal]

22. they are terrified of him

Edit: I found the blurb I had to paraphrase before.

After the election, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told the Washington Post that Hackett’s performance “should serve as a wake-up call to Republicans, and I certainly take it very seriously in analyzing how the public mood evidences itself. Clearly, there’s a pretty strong signal for Republicans thinking about 2006 that they need to do some very serious planning and not just assume that everything is going to be automatically okay

he lost by only 3,500 votes in an area that elected the previous Republican congressman there by about 70 percent.

[Akoto]

15. This is exactly what we need.

Politicians on our side who'll say what they mean - what's right, what's true to America - and repeat it when challenged. Backing down gets us nowhere against our opponents, especially when we're yielding to the *wrong* opinions.

[Strathos]

16. maybe we should copy and paste this and send it to every democrat

offical with the title, READ AND LEARN

[confludemocrat]

69. Totally true, even to other current D darlings like Schweitzer here in MT

Dems often forget that "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice" I don't think with our off-hand comments here that we do justice to how important what Hackett has said is exactly. We are close to losing all that we have ever known to be of any meaning as liberals or Democrats or progressives and so the rebuilding needs to begin with stands like this.

[phantom power]

19. Wow. Everything he said is so... perfect.

Forget Ohio, nominate this guy for President, 2008.

[wicket]

20. God bless him

On edit- just donated $25 to his campaign. Give 'em hell Hackett!!!!

[ProfessorGAC]

21. Boy, I Like This Guy

Stomping on the radicals for the greater good. It's about time.
The Professor

[endarkenment]

23. Once again: I really like this guy. nt.

[stepnw1f]

24. Fuck Yeah

I'm with ya brother. Stand up for our brothers and sister or get the heck out of the way!

[izzybeans]

25. You can tell this guy is a soldier. He's standing in the middle

of a fundamentalist battlefield firing headlong into their piehole.

Awesome. :applause:

[sui generis]

82. has the courage of his convictions; that's all it takes.

Maybe others will follow.

And he pretty much didn't beat around the bush; we need tough plain spoken people.

If he can be this way about civil rights for all Americans, think what he'll be like on other important issues.

A lion in the senate, and that's what we need.

[insane_cratic_gal]

26. You guys remember this from 2005?

“That’s low politics, punk!” a heavy-set man sneers as he marches toward the poll.
Hackett wheels around. “Pardon me?”
“You know, that radio ad that says, ‘You don’t know Schmidt.’” He’s talking about one of Hackett’s attack ads against Republican Jean Schmidt. The man spews a stream of epithets, and Hackett lets out a crybaby whimper: “Waaaaaaa!”
“What’s that, punk?” the big man growls.

A TV crew is setting up nearby, but Hackett doesn’t seem to care. “What’s your fuckin’ problem?” the candidate snaps. “You got something to say to me? Bring it on!” Hackett, all 6 feet 2 inches of him, is nose to nose with the heckler. “Problem?” he taunts. The man turns around and storms away.

“These guys in the Republican Party adopted this tough-guy language,” Hackett tells me, still steamed, an hour later. “They’re bullies. They’re offended when somebody takes a swing back at them.”


Has to be one of my favorite articles from 2005

http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2005/11/paul_hackett.html

[WilliamPitt]

28. Holy shit

I missed that one entirely.

[insane_cratic_gal]

31. He sounds a lot like a frequent DU'er doesn't he?

I loved that article for its plain raw, matter of fact, character piece.

He's so obviously human yet passionate and strong willed trying to reach out in a race everyone said was impossible. He was inches from making that impossibility a reality.

[WilliamPitt]

32. I sent his office the link to this thread

Hopefully he'll show up and say howdy.

[Talismom]

49. I'm glad you did! I want them and him to see that there are a lot of

us out here just waiting for candidates like him to back! He's the best of what the US stands for!

[VolcanoJen]

125. Well, don't send him a link to the Ohio Forum.

We'll never hear from him again.

Depressing. :-(

[sui generis]

98. or, Holy Schmidt, as the case may be

:rofl:

[VolcanoJen]

124. One of my all-time favorite Hackett Moments.

That one is legendary in my part of the state. :-)

[SheepyMcSheepster]

156. this thread just gets better and better

my jaw is on the floor after reading hacket's comments.
I'm sold. He is spot on.

[Botany]

27. About Time

We stand for what is right.

[PATRICK]

30. Saying what the GOP banks on

That sometimes the majority can be un-American against even their own basic interests as human individuals. Except they won't make the public case for that truth. When Bill Bennett bitterly decried the majority still backing the "immoral" Clinton as a sign they could never be with them, they took active steps to disenfranchise everyone, in effect even their supporters. Hackett on the other hand is challenging the people honestly and not in any way taking steps to have some elite lording it over the wrong headed populace.

Pretty stark and true. So the wise losers up there somewhere under the GOP wing say the Wes Clark model is not the winning model, nor the populist, nor the liberal, nor the outspoken, nor the independent.

These are exactly the voices these times cry for.

[Ian David]

33. Done! K&R! Massively forwarded. n/t

[myrna minx]

36. I LOVE Paul Hackett!!! I just love him!

:loveya: :loveya:

[autorank]

37. Hackett would filibuster, no doubt about it. He's the man! Rec. this!

This guy is my ideal Democrat...unafraid to speak, unashamed of his basic values, proactive in defense of the principles that form our party.

He'd filibuster.

He'd call Bush a liar.

He'd fight to defend the soldiers in Iraq and elsewhere (he was there).

He'd sacrifice for public service.

He's a smart, articulate, energetic "shit kicker."

He's the Johnny Cash of Democratic politics (recall the last scene of "Walk the Line")

He got screwed by the Republicans when he ran in the Ohio 2nd Congressional District special election in August 2005 http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0508/S00186.htm But he won't this time.

Plus, he's got that blunt mid west deal going that's hard for people elsewhere to quite grasp. They like him there.

Send money, lend a hand, get him elected.

[Algorem]

148. He said yesterday he'd vote against Alito.Didn't mention anything about

any filibuster.

[autorank]

168. He'd just kick somebody's ass. I'll bet a couple Franklins he'd say

filibuster if he were asked that question.

[canichelouis]

41. I sent him a check and the words of Harry Truman

I never did give them hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell.

Harry S Truman, in Look, Apr. 3, 1956

[insane_cratic_gal]

44. Brilliant

I signed his petition that he had going to the republican party hate tactics. I used his words and W's

Bring it on!


but yours was much better! with money to back it up.

I start a new job in a few weeks (with any luck) maybe then I'll kick in a donation.

[Dragonbreathp9d]

43. Bout time

we have people saying things like that out in the open

[mopinko]

45. as soon as he promises to count every vote in ohio,

i will send him $50. he got robbed last time, and i was shocked at how easily he skulked away. he talks the talk very well. let's see him walk the walk. let's see him take on diebold.

[Beelzebud]

46. Take notes, folks. This is what a Democrat sounds like.

[The Witch]

48. This is what a LEADER! sounds like!

[mzmolly]

47. I would LOVE to support this man for President someday!

:toast:

[inchhigh]

50. I say we fax this article

to every Dem now wavering about whether to filibuster Alito. I just can't read those quotes without respecting that guy. They need to follow HIS lead.

[Roland99]

51. Can we clone Hackett and get them to run in every state???

[ohtransplant]

52. This is why Hackett deserves a seat at the table.

I'd love to see this kind of plain talk in the well of the Senate.

Go Hackett - Wake them up!

[sinkingfeeling]

54. I really like this guy!

[Kalisiin]

55. I Like This Guy!! Can WE Have Him In Pennsylvania...PLEASE?!?!?

n/t

[txaslftist]

56. How do I send him money?

[insane_cratic_gal]

62. Link

http://www.hackettforohio.com/

contribute in the right hand corner in red

[IdaBriggs]

57. I think I'm in love!!! (swoon)

I hope my husband understands! LOL! :) Best, Ida

[savemefromdumbya]

58. I wish all dems had such spine (Dems usually back down like lambs)

In politics the best form of defense is attack and if attacked, attack them on their hypocrisy and corruption and torture. This man is on the correct track. Just tell the Republicans they are boring - press a button and they will spew out the usual terms.

[longship]

59. Damn! Is this guy great, or what?

Damn! What a guy!!

Thanks, Paul. There are millions of people quietly celebrating your words.
Keep up the good work. We're with you all the way.

[leeroysphitz]

60. Go Paul, go! n/t

[mod mom]

61. Just sent him $ 50. This is one Dem who will draw Repub votes for

his military, pro gun background. He can win Ohio, yet he is not getting the support from the ODP that Brown is. The repugs in Ohio are afraid of him, so expect Blackwell to select (remember he controls the vote in OH) Brown in the primary.

[Pithy Cherub]

63. Now that's a Dem to be proud of and fight for! I *heart* Hackett!

Hackett stands firm in the face of adversity and says what he means and means what he says. That is a Dem to love. Looking forward to Senator Hackett - D, Ohio! C'mon Ohio! :woohoo:

[Totally Committed]

64. He's amazing.

Gotta love a person who says what they mean and means what they say. So rare these days.

TC

[madmark]

65. well that's exactly how i feel about the issue; and how that view should

be expressed

[maxsolomon]

67. Screw Senator, elect him PRESIDENT

on a personal note, i think i know where 430 Reading Rd. is!

[sarcasmo]

73. The age to be President is fifty I think. A future President I do agree.

[ohtransplant]

84. Pretty sure it's 35

Just sayin'

Peace

[cyberpj]

140. Not true. Kennedy. nt

[cyberpj]

139. That was my thought as well. Oh, if only the people had that power. nt

[VP505]

71. The more I hear

about Mr Hackett the better I like his values, I think we need him in congress as someone who will stand up for everyone and not allow the right wing bullies to push him around.

[milkyway]

72. He sounds like one of us--stating the obvious truth. No doubt he'll be

labeled a lunatic fringe conspiracy theorist.

[insane_cratic_gal]

78. Actually Republicans fear this guy

Because he calls their bluff.

He nearly won in Area that voted 70 percent republican! You don't' get redder then that across the country!
The republican party (GOP) had to shell out 500K the last two weeks of the campaign in a smear ads against him. They have to fight tooth and nail to keep the seat. He only lost by 3,500 votes.

In a show of blogforce on the campaign’s last day, Swing State Project put out the word at 10:30 a.m. that Hackett needed $30,000 for get-out-the-vote operations. Six hours later, $60,000 had poured in they had to tell people to stop giving!

here read the article! Love him or hate him he's the real deal

http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2005/11/paul_hackett.html

[CanOfWhoopAss]

102. Did he really lose or what?

Not only did Hackett make a great showing but apparently Diebold made a showing too. May be losing the house seat was a blessing if he can get a fair election and win the Senate seat. I think Sherrod Brown muddied the waters. Diebold will fix the primary for Brown and then Brown will be written off as too liberal for Ohio and lose the general election (whether he really loses it or not.)

[insane_cratic_gal]

114. Are you asking my opinion or facts?

Diebold is evil, if they did indeed flips his run... they deserve to face a firing squad. Or at least never see the light of day except from the shadows of Iron bars.

A post on DU came out today about diebold and the fl results, it didn't get much attention. I think I'm gonna go bump it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=245295&mesg_id=245295


I don't know why we aren't blitzing the media over it.

[CanOfWhoopAss]

117. Facts if you have 'em but opinion will do. Thanks for the link!!!!!!!!!!!

[stevietheman]

74. Hackett could be the signpost of a new Democratic Party...

and I think his vigor will spread like a friendly virus throughout the party.

[Chimichurri]

75. This guy is refreshing. I love to here what he has to say.

I don't agree with everything he says but the core of his message is right on point. He is exactly what we need right now.

Go Hacket, go!!

[ecdab]

79. A Democrat with a spin made of steel....

what a novel concept. I wonder if any of the jelly fish in our party will stand up and take notice - wouldn't that be something, actual leaders in the Democratic Party with actual views that are willing to stand up for them.

[jonnyblitz]

80. how cool! i wish he would lighten up on the immigrant bashing

though. :shrug:

[Quixote1818]

81. Son of a Bitch this guy is good!!!

How god dam refreshing!

[FreedomAngel82]

83. Good for him!

We need more democrats like him. Hopefully our democrats in the Senate will see Hackett and what he says and how he stands by his words and will take his path. I'm tired of wimpy democrats. They fight one minute (and that's great and should be applauded) and than they run and hide on something else or retrack a statement etc. I hope Hackett makes it to the Senate and I hope more Ohioans realize he is right. Whether you're Christian, Muslim, pagan, gay, straight, etc. we should all be equal under the law. We do not live in a theocracy.

[mod mom]

86. I just emailed this link to him and asked if he would do an online chat

with us. Wouldn't that be great!

ps I hate to brag, but I got to shake his hand last week and called him Sen Hackett! (I received a few scowls from nearby OH State legislators. One State Sen asked me "You like him?" "Yeah", I enthusiastically declared.

How about it gang, ask him to come and chat with us:

http://www.HackettForOhio.com/

[mistertrickster]

89. Hallaleujah . . . say what you mean, mean what you say. What a concept nt

[hfojvt]

90. one problem

"The Republican Party has been hijacked by religious fanatics, who are out of touch with mainstream America."

Mainstream America is probably "the 62 percent of Ohioans who voted in November 2004 to constitutionally deny same-sex marriages".

62% sounds pretty mainstream, and I am not sure how the majority of voters will react to being called un-American.

I would reverse that message instead of talking about un-Americans, talk about American principles, that the greatness of America is that everyone is supposed to be equal under the law, that we all have certain basic rights, that America has grown as a nation in living up to these ideals from when only white males were allowed to vote up to today, and that recognizing that homosexuals also have equal rights is living up to what is best about America.

Something like that.

[mod mom]

92. Remember, Blackwell, noted RW fundie, controlled the vote in '04.

[AndyTiedye]

161. And Blackwell Still Controls The Vote Today

Sorry to say, Hackett doesn't stand a chance, no matter how many people vote for him.

Blackwell flipped 30% of the vote last November to sink all the reform initiatives.
Think what he will do to someone like Hackett.


And he wants to be Governor, too.
:puke:

[Quixote1818]

95. He is speaking the truth and taking a risk. Moderate Republicans

will respect him for that and the Democratic base will be so fired up they will come out in huge numbers. I think he can get away with it in the district he is running in.

[hfojvt]

105. I think it should have been framed better

to talk in positive terms about the 38% who voted against the amendment rather than talking in negative terms about people who voted for it. It is the difference between telling somebody "you're bad, you did something wrong (un-American)" (and shouting that angrily) versus sadly saying "you should be better than that". The first way might feel good, but it seems more likely to make people angry and defensive, even some allies, whereas the second way might make them feel guilty and they can assuage that guilt by voting the right way this time - voting for me, Al Franken.

My experience is the opposite. I was doing phone banking for a Democratic candidate for the State Senate and called a voter who was angry with the Democratic party because of its positions on gays and abortion. I see anti-gay marriage amendments passing with huge majorities in Missouri, Kansas, and Ohio. Which probably means alot of registered Democrats are voting on the wrong side too. I think it is an issue which has the ability to offend moderates, which is why Republicans want to keep it out there as an issue.

[CanOfWhoopAss]

112. We've been trying not to offend moderates for a while now.

We aren't getting anywhere with that strategy. Let the moderates get over it and realize you can't vote against your own economic interests. Are you more worried about gays getting married or your family eating and having a chance at a decent living? If you are such an involved family man/woman spend time with your kids and mold them to be the sexuality you want them to be while teaching them to respect the choices of others. Assuming an alternative life style is a choice as many moderates believe. I think it can be a choice in some cases but more often it is physiological.

[Quixote1818]

127. What they did was un-American and he is calling them on it

He has to speak the truth and he is the type of person who can get away with it. Do you think Martin Luther King should have been nice to the people who wanted to lynch Blacks?

This is what you call real leadership and I think when delivered by the right person it can work. Voters want someone who believes strongly in what they believe in. Hackett understands this and he is following his heart.

[K-W]

157. There is no problem.

Some members of the mainstream oppose homosexual marriage, just because 62% of the people who voted in Ohio oppose it doesnt make that the mainstream opinion, it makes it the majority opinion. Hackett did not say that all people who oppose marriage rights are outside the mainstream, he said that the Republican party was hijacked by people outside the mainstream. He is calling some people in the mainstream unamerican for voting against equal rights, but he is not contradicting himself. You are conflating two different points.

I would reverse that message instead of talking about un-Americans, talk about American principles, that the greatness of America is that everyone is supposed to be equal under the law, that we all have certain basic rights, that America has grown as a nation in living up to these ideals from when only white males were allowed to vote up to today, and that recognizing that homosexuals also have equal rights is living up to what is best about America.

How is that reversing the message? That is exactly what Hackett is saying. He is saying that to act against those principals is to be acting in an unamerican way.

[hfojvt]

163. I may have made a very small justifiable leap

Since Hackett's discussion of homosexual marriage morphed into talking about the religious right. However, homosexual marriage is certainly a key issue for the religious right. Also, we can quibble about terms and the meaning of mainstream, but if polling at 62% does not make something mainstream, then I have no idea what the word 'mainstream' is unless people are just using it to cast aspersions on ideas they oppose by declaring them 'outside the mainstream' by fiat.

As far as 'reversing' the message, by that I meant to focus on what is right about supporting homosexual marriage instead of focussing on what is wrong about opposing homosexual marriage. The intent is the same, but the message has been 'reversed' from a negative one (insulting your opponents) to a positive one (praising your allies). Maybe I should have said 'inverting' since saying 'reversing' makes it sound like I am suggesting he should go from support of gay marriage to opposition. What I tried to say is that he should stay the same on his policy (support of gay marriage) but change the way he talks about it (the message) from negative to positive.

[K-W]

164. There was no inconsistancy.

That a group of radical religious leaders backed by an extremist minority of the overall population has significant power in the Republican Party is a fact that is not contradicted by the fact that a majority of voters in some states support bans on homosexual marriage. Furthermore, there is nothing confusing about mentioning the two together considering that the extremists use the gay marriage issue to polarize the mainstream.

As far as 'reversing' the message, by that I meant to focus on what is right about supporting homosexual marriage instead of focussing on what is wrong about opposing homosexual marriage.

That is impossible because it is the same thing. What is right about supporting homosexual marriage is equality under the law. What is wrong with opposing homosexual marriage is inequality under the law. Should we pretend that this is not the case?

The intent is the same, but the message has been 'reversed' from a negative one (insulting your opponents) to a positive one (praising your allies).

I still dont see how that is a reversal.

Regardless, Hackett wasnt talking about his allies, he was talking about his opponants. This isnt an either/or situation, so I dont see why you are bringing up praising your allies.

Maybe I should have said 'inverting' since saying 'reversing' makes it sound like I am suggesting he should go from support of gay marriage to opposition.

Perhaps you should have said that you dont think Hackett should be harshly critical of an action taken by a majority of voters in the last election, because that seems to be where you are heading with this.

What I tried to say is that he should stay the same on his policy (support of gay marriage) but change the way he talks about it (the message) from negative to positive.

He says both the negative and positive messages already, and in this context the positive message would have made absolutely no sense. The only change he could have made to what he said was dodging the question and not stating outright that yes, in his opinion it is unamerican to oppose equal rights.

You may think he should have dodged that question, most politicians would, but that isnt how Hackett operates and its great that we have some diversity in the pool of potential democratic office holders. Perhaps statements like this will sink him, perhaps they will energize people, theres only one way to find out.

[hfojvt]

167. flip-flopping is not the worst thing in the world

when you have said something stupid or obnoxious.

In this context is irrelevant to me. I am not asking him to dodge the question. It would be better to think ahead so that the question never comes up. If he had stayed positive from the start he never would have said "Asked to define being pro-gay rights, Hackett said anybody who tries to deny homosexuals the same rights, including marriage, as every other citizen is un-American."

He did not "define being pro-gay rights" what he did was attack those who are anti-gay rights.

"Perhaps you should have said that you dont think Hackett should be harshly critical of an action taken by a majority of voters in the last election, because that seems to be where you are heading with this."

Actually I believe I said something quite like that in my first post on this matter.

[AX10]

91. KICK

:kick:

[Quixote1818]

93. This guy is a born leader! He will be president some day.

If he does not make president some time in the future, then it would be a god dame shame!

[go west young man]

94. Just signed it!

As a former Marine I love Paul Hacketts stance. Confront these assholes head on and don't back down.

[kevinbgoode]

96. It's about fuc*ing TIME!

Why is it that Democrats have SO MUCH DIFFICULTY with expressing the concept of equal protection under the law? Are they honestly afraid that Americans don't understand that idea and appreciate it, even for a group of people they don't like? After all, it is the Republicans who CLAIM that everyone IS equal. . .then use their lame-ass crap about how gays can marry just like anyone else as long as they wed a member of the opposite sex. In other words, to achieve equal protection under the law, Republicans believe you have to LIE about your identity. That somehow doesn't fit into what the Founding Fathers intended at all.

Hackett is the MAN!

[Tin Man]

97. I can't believe my ears... A politician abiding by our Constitution?!?!

...while our president continues to wipe his ass with it. Hackett has my full support for whatever office he seeks to occupy.

[lies and propaganda]

99. he'd have my vote if i was unfortunate enough to live in Ohio

What a great guy. that POS state could only be so lucky.

[xchrom]

100. if he's gonna go at republicans on gay rights like this

i'll stand four square with him --

and i'll wrestle out my feeling on illegal immigration and guns later.

i'm someone who doesn't mind the illegal immigrants{just doesn't bother me} and i don't like guns.

but this is how you talk to republicans -- and this is how you let the american people know exactly what they are buying --

me, my brothers and sisters would be SAFE with this guy around and that's what matters to me. for now.

[wiley]

101. He's RIGHT! There is Hope!

I love this guy!

[mtnester]

103. That man will be my senator

We be taking Ohio BACK from the nutjobs, and that includes Ken Blackwell and the ass kissing Ohio Reformation group.

Hackett my senator, Strickland my Governor, and the repubs are SCARED SHITLESS BY BOTH OF THEM.

[0rganism]

109. Hackett can beat DeWine, but can he beat Diebold?

That, unfortunately, has become the question of our times.

His positions on the issues are generally solid, and his tenacity in the face of whining repuke spin is admirable. He can play hardball-to-win even in a heavily-republican district.

But until we have verifiable voting records untainted by partisan whackjobs like Blackwell, nothing is certain, and no margin of victory is large enough.

Mr. Hackett needs to address this issue first and foremost, or all his campaign efforts will be for naught.

[ronnykmarshall]

110. If I wasn't married and he was gay ...

... I'd get this thread locked!

[Ksec]

111. I like Hackett

He's got spine. Just what the Democrats need after the past 6 years of being doormats to the gop.

Hes like the old school Labor Dems.

[RayOfHope]

119. He just received a donation from me! n/t

[Uncle Joe]

121. Semper Fi Paul!

Kicked and recommended.

:kick:

[VolcanoJen]

123. Hackett fans might want to avoid the Ohio Forum.

It's turning into quite an ugly snipefest. It's a damned shame.

Go, Paul, Go... it's too bad that more Ohioans can't see what it is that you're bringing to the table. :-(

[mtnester]

145. No avoiding that forum..smackdowns go both ways Jen

As a matter of fact, off I go!

[Orion The Hunter]

128. Gotta love Hackett

This guy is just right on point with what is un-American behavior!

[mtnester]

129. Kick because someone kicked the other thread nt

[girl gone mad]

130. I still have the thank you card from his campaign...

last year on my refrigerator, and it will stay there. He makes me proud to be a supporter.

[blue neen]

131. I've said it before, and I'll say it again.

Paul Hackett is the real deal.

Go Hackett!

[David Zephyr]

132. K&R This Thread: Why Hackett is the ONLY choice for Ohio Dems.

Thanks WP for sharing this with us.

I'm already "on record" for Paul, but this just underscores why.

If only we had 50 state with Dems like this young man.

Kicked and recommended to the Greatest Page.

[Algorem]

147. I'm for Sherrod Brown and I actually live in Ohio.

There's 2 to choose from,a primary it's called.

[greiner3]

133. It was nice knowing ya!

It's great that you can speak your mind openly like that. I'm afraid that my fellow Ohioans, those that prove Darwin's theory (The Descent of Man one), may have issue with your views. I'll still vote for you. I doubt most of the rest of Ohioans will though. Sad state of affairs. The other side uses, in addition to fear, the right to be stupid.

[autorank]

135. Unless...

...they're just totally fed up with the bull shit these politicians hand out non stop. I'll listen to you on this but I'm hoping for a paradoxical effect. Little story. When Jerry Brown ran for Governor the first time, they'd had years of Reagan. Years of institutional dominance of the Legislature by our party. Californians were ready to throw up whenever a politician spoke. In one of the first debates, widely covered, Brown was asked an obscure policy question. He said "I have no idea. I really don't know." Then he said, he'd look at it and if it was important, he'd take a position. Otherwise, he wouldn't bother. That was huge. People talked about it for years.

We'll see. It certainly got him some great publicity.

[HootieMcBoob]

134. AMEN!

He's doing it the right way. He'll make an excellent Senator.
:toast:

[understandinglife]

136. This man should be running for President, real soon now.

Peace.

[buddysmellgood]

137. I love Hackett.

[Stepup2]

138. Oh yeah!!!

It is refreshing to hear someone else who has had enough and is ready to stand and fight!!

Too bad others are not on the band wagon. This gives me hope for 2006!!

[Mike Nelson]

142. Wow... Great stuff continues from Hackett

I heard he called Bush a Chicken Hawk and saw him not-apologize on TV, too. I say GIVE TO & SUPPORT HIM -- THEN, GIVE MORE -- It is , indeed, refreshing to hear a real person speak

[Guaranteed]

143. Just outstanding.

He's the future of our party. :)

[Dr Fate]

144. GOP ass- meet Paul Hackett's foot. n/t

n/t

[Nite Owl]

146. He's just what we need

Can we clone him? We would take the Senate for years if they all were like Paul.

[Generator]

149. If we can clone another couple hundred of him

we may be able to stop this country from whatever the hell (oh I do mean hell) it's sliding straight into. This is the future of the Democratic party. The nice, I'm so sorry, isn't it still 1995? Obama types are so yesterday. (And did you see he doesn't want to fillibuster oh surprise surprise.) One thing the hsyterical can't spell so good Generator is right about is character. It's all that counts in the end. Standing up for what you meant and not backing down seems like lesson number one in having one.

[WLKjr]

150. Hackett is the real deal

This is a real Democrat

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

151. He Needs To Move Out Of Ohio

I wonder if he ever stands a chance of winning in Ohio. Let's not forget who runs the state and their elections.

[sendero]

152. Paul Hackett..

... is now my prototype for a Democrat who can win at the polls and keep everyone's respect. It really doesn't get much better than this.

[il_lilac]

153. wow

he said it last week and he still means it this week. I'd vote for him.

[proud patriot]

154. I really Like Mr Hackett

:thumbsup:

[FogerRox]

155. K N R

[NMMNG]

158. "It was about time someone called it like it is."

And boy did he. :applause:

I'm going to send that man a donation. :thumbsup:

[PatrioticLeftie]

159. Take notes, Limbaugh

This is a patriot!

[KakistocracyHater]

160. I would love it if they had a recording of gop hatespeech on ipod or

some other playback device & played it-every Democrat carrying various audio evidence of the hate-filled right-& just threw it back in their faces. Rush, those on Fox, Coulter, all of them.

[tkmorris]

162. Signed

Kicked, recommended, emailed, saved, and printed.

I fuckin' love this guy.

[ticapnews]

165. Send this to Landrieu, Byrd, and Bayh

It wasn't long until the Republican attack machine came after me demanding an apology. They called what I said "hate speech." The Republican Party was up to its old tricks again, using fear to silence opposition.

They expected me to back down like too many Democrats have in the past.

[AuntiBush]

166. Paul Hackett: He Said It. Meant It & I Stand Behind him!

A real statesman that stands by his statements & beliefs with conviction.

How admirable. Other politicans could learn a lot from not whimpering-down, apologizing, and evading when hard-balled w/questions.

Say it. Mean it. Stand-by it. We need more Paul Hackett's in this country.

[Warren DeMontague]

169. This guy's my new hero.

I sent him a donation when I first heard the quote.

[VolcanoJen]

170. Now that's what I want to hear.

Warms my heart, impeachdubya.

Thank you, from somewhere deep in Ohio.

[Hekate]

171. Holy Cow. I am in awe. Thanks Will, for making sure his land address...

...was included in your post. I really want to send a donation to this guy.

Hekate

[Hekate]

172. inadvertant dupe deleted

[terrya]

173. GOOD

My God...a politician in this country who actually gets it right. Paul Hackett is exactly, 100% right about same-sex marriage and full equality for gay and lesbian Americans. Dead-on, absolutely correct. And he's not backing down on this. Amazing.

And I've signed my pledge of support.