What bothers me is six years, and it is still an extremely close election

[still_one]

Yes, if there is a good turnout it looks as though we will probably control the house, but the Senate will take a lot of luck

The tightness of these races are pathetic, and a lot of credit goes to the Democrats who were really afraid to stand for anything

If we win the house, and hopefully the senate, a lot will be riding on the Democrats shoulders

We DO NOT need anymore Senators like Tom Dashille.

Nancy Pelosi said if they win they will start a one hundred day plan which include:

1. Put new rules in place to "break the link between lobbyists and legislation."
2. Enact all the recommendations made by the commission that investigated the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
3. Raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, maybe in one step.
4. Cut the interest rate on student loans in half
5. Allow the government to negotiate directly with the pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices for Medicare patients.
6. Broaden the types of stem cell research allowed with federal funds -- "I hope with a veto-proof majority," she added in an Associated Press interview Thursday.


I won't look back, but IT IS ABOUT TIME

Essentially, the last six years have accomplished nothing, the next two years will be a different story

[Cooley Hurd]

1. You can thank the corporate media for this...

ANY other time in American history, with a truly unbiased and ethical media in place, these goons wouldn't have lasted ONE elction cycle, let alone THREE.

[still_one]

6. I agree that some blame is due to the corporate media

but the lack of critical thinking in the population was the real problem

I think that is changing as reality sinks in

They can say the economy is booming, but can you fool a person whose job has been offshored to another country?

They can say things are going well in Iraq, but can you fool the family of a soldier who has been killed or permantly disabled?

They can say that they are winning the war on terrorism, but can you fool the families of the civillians you have killed in Iraq, that had NOTHING to do with 9/11?

Can you fool the 50 million who don't have medical insurance?

Can you fool those who depend on Medicare or Social Security?

They have over stayed their welcome

It is unfortunate that it has taken us so long to start to figure that out

[Recursion]

2. I've already heard the RW practice this talking point:

Some talking head was saying the other day, "With all the screwups and scandals by the Republicans, if the Democrats can't win a large majority in both houses, you'll have to wonder why they don't just give up. Bob, why are the Democrats so bad at winning elections?"

I can see it already:
"Despite scandals and corruption, the Democrats were only able to eke out a razor-thin majority in both houses. Clearly, this election was a repudiation by the American public of the tax and spend Democrat party."

[still_one]

10. The American public is slowing catching on

and the first hundred hour plan by the Democrats is a good start

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. There are some complex dynamics that break the logic -

that for the most part, those that actually vote are somewhat apathetic - many are still quite comfortable (we've not been asked to sacrifice anything in six years, despite the so-called "war on terror"). The outrage is lower than it should be due to it being a volunteer army, rather than a draft. Young people still do not get out to vote nearly as much as they should. Yes, then there is the media....people have short memories and are easily manipulated. I could go on and on - the speed of the news cycle, how quickly abhorrent news items drift away from the forefront of attention, etc.

But yes - you are stating the same thought I had in the 2004 election - after 4 years of blatant idiocy, I thought that Kerry should be able to win in a landslide - if just due to those fleeing from Bush and coming to their senses.....but, surprise...it was not to be.

I am hoping that we are just in a really bad cycle and somehow we will snap out of it - but I fear it may take something truly catastrophic to wake people out of their apathetic state (I am speaking in generalities of course - if only the majority of the country had the passion of the thousands who share their ideas and energy here!)

[Bruichladdich]

8. If you don't desire me, I will leave you - your democracy

Most people realize anything thats going on too late.

They might start thinking:

When the son died in Iraq
When constitution is lost
When the election is lost
When Dem's are arrested in detentions camps for arguing against the president

But then its TOO LATE!!!

[still_one]

11. I think and hope that the apathey is ending

Turnout in this election will tell us if that is the case

[moondust]

4. At least 4 years of rubber stamping Bushturds

and somebody still believes that "all politics is local"? Yeah right.

[still_one]

13. That is what is being pushed, that midterms are only about local issues

The conventional wisdom will be turned upside down this time

[moondust]

16. Yeah, the rubber stampers wish!

Utter BS.

[madokie]

14. damn I wish I could draw, I can just see a 'puke' rubber stamping a bushturd as I type

[moondust]

21. LOL!

I'd like to see it!

[dmosh42]

5. Has been my thoughts

After all that has happened with Iraq, corruption, controlled media, illegal wiretapping, perverts in Congress, etc., and still there are many people to justify and want to 'stay the course' shows how fucked up we are!

[ochazuke]

9. Yeah. Pathetic, isn't it?

If the Dems had done the same thing, the President's approval rating would be about 16% and the party in danger of extinction.

Exceptionalism, Triumphalism, Fundamentalism and all that. There is indeed an "American Taliban", and they vote.

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

7. Never underestimate the power of ignorance

Sad to say, there are just too many people in this country who are not willing to make the effort to educate themselves about the issues. They hear Rush Limbaugh or some other talking head spouting off about something and they think they know what's going on. To be truly educated, you have to listen to what BOTH sides are saying and come to your own conclusions. You also must have at least a minimal understanding of history and how things that happened in the past relate to what's happening today.

I don't know that this will ever change, either. Democrats may regain a strong lead if the talking heads change their tune, but the empty heads will never go away.

[still_one]

15. The first one hundred hour agenda is an extremely strong commitment

for change and hope

[Surya Gayatri]

18. An alarming level of ignorance

fostered by Faux News and right-wing talk radio. I don't think the nefarious influence of these media sources can be overstated. How much of kool-aid-drinking middle America has these outlets as their only news source? Between 30 & 40%?

[Bruichladdich]

20. First step to education: switch off the TV!

Don't buy the newspaper and don't listen to the radio.

Its brainwashing shit, pure propaganda and only there to manipulate you.

Use the free time of 3 hours a day to live your life, meet friends, do sports and educate yourself.

Instead of listening to the media, go trough the internet sites of all political parties, read books of different authors and about political history.

In your specific concern I would refer to books about Hitler, or fascism in general.

It's obvious for those outside, but from the inside it seems difficult to see.

Its like a fire in the house: those who stick to deep in the smoke, don't smell it.

Its hard to understand, that you focus on "he said that, and she answered that" when you are just loosing constitutional rights!

[Nay]

26. Never underestimate the power of viciousness, either. A large

subset of fundies are cheering this shit on because they want to be raptured up, and have the pleasure of seeing all the unbelievers torn limb from limb.
I personally know at least 4 people who fit this mold.

[madokie]

12. there was a lot accomplished just none of it to write home to mom about

that is in the good section. I would like to see the third one be 10+ bucks an hour. back when I was making 10 bucks an hour in the '70s I was barely getting by, I don't know how our kids get by on what they make which is still pretty much the same.

[still_one]

17. I don't call destroying the Constitution an accomplishment

though I do understand your point

[Strelnikov_]

19. You Have A Point. But Picking Up 5 Senate Seats, And Considering A

net +9 turn around from the last elections performance, is nothing to sneeze at.

And look at the defense the dark side is having to play in safe 'red' states.

Complete validation of Dean's 50 state strategy (and people keep asking about a the need for a Progressive Rove?)


I think too many people feel that this mess will be turned around in one or two election cycles. Where we are today is the result of over a generation of 'greed is good' politics that began when the weak-minded fell under the sway of Rayguns 'morning in America' propaganda. Hell, the so-called 94 'Revolution' was probably more about the fulfillment of Lyndon Johnson's prophecy concerning the Civil Rights act than anything else.

It took us over a generation to get here, and it is going to take a while to dig out.

So the dark side holds the Senate. Ok, great. Now where do they go? Hell, things have went south for them faster than I ever though possible, particularly considering the economy is still treading water and the butchers bill for IraqNam and massive trade imbalances have yet to be paid.

[wake.up.america]

22. I've been close to banging my head on the wall. Bush still over 30%...

in the popularity polls?

Nero would be envious.

[abluelady]

23. I Consider Us In a Win-Win Situation Right Now

and they are in a lose-lose situation. First of all, remember the gerrymandering in the congressional districts. In many districts there is not a true competition. Secondly, it is an interim year--way too much apathy. Saying all that every single win we get is a message to the GOP. It is a message to GWB that he is a loser. Kind of like ABC Community College playing Notre Dame--every time ABC scores, they win. Notre Dame comes off looking bad! Saying all that, I do believe our wins are going to be very significant. And each win will be a ladder rung closer to the top in the next election.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

24. I believe it was an "One Hundred Hour" plan.

Hour

[Eric J in MN]

25. Pelosi said it's a 100 HOUR plan (NT)

NT

[MadHound]

27. Don't get your hopes up about accomplishing much over the next 2 years

After all, we won't have a veto-proof majority. So while we may be able to send up and pass legislation, Bush will simply veto it.

Thus, what we'll see is two years of gridlock, but that is better than two more years of destruction.

[AzDar]

28. Don't believe for a second that these races are THAT close...

the Corporate Media must present it that way, so they can attempt more Grand Theft Election.
Have they ever won an election honestly??

[UTUSN]

29. #1, Daschle & others are good Democrats. #2 the reason the

elections have been close and within the margin of theft is that the vast majority of eligible voters don't vote. If every one of them actually voted, there would not be a Rethug in office anywhere. The ones who DO vote are mostly committed political junkies. The difference is that the Rethug wingnuts who vote are their TOTAL constituency. We have an equal number of committed political junkies voting, but a vast number of NON-voters.

As for WHY people don't vote, I believe that many people are just sunk in their own lives, struggling to survive, living day to day, putting their energy in the here-and-now, in what they can see and touch, where they believe they can actually affect things concretely. Another reason representing a significant group are those who are like unemployed who have GIVEN UP ON LOOKING FOR WORK, the ones who don't show up in the unemployment statistics----these non-voters have just given up on the system.

And for any potential flamers over my "DASCHLE is a good Dem," please, my opinion is just as valid as yours, and no personal attacks or impugning of integrity. Thanks.

[still_one]

30. I saw Daschle and bob dole a couple of days ago

They both work for the same law firm. This event took place in California

You should have heard them BOTH talk out of both sides of their mouth when asked about public financing. You see THEY ARE LOBBYISTS, and depend on special interests

We have a proposition 85 here in California which is about changing the state constitution to prevent a minor from having an abortion, IT DOES NOT TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THAT THE MINOR MAY HAVE BEEN RAPED BY THE PARENT.

Again BOTH Daschle and Dole were pathetic

Incidently, you are entitled to your views as I am to my views, and I WOULD NEVER FLAME YOU FOR THAT

[UTUSN]

31. Thanks for the civil reply and respect for differing views

You ought to see me flamed. Just check out threads where CHAVEZ and CASTRO are worshipped, or the ones that are rooting for violence in Mexico. I look like THIS:

http://redwing.hutman.net/%7Emreed/

[still_one]

34. No need to say thanks, that is what an exchange of ideas is about

Incidently, I have also been flamed pretty bad myself when I took a position against Castro and Chavez

If for no other reason then checks and balances, and to hold this administration accountable, this election is extremely important

[SmokingJacket]

32. Also, redistricting. nt

[MiniMe]

33. Redistricting and local elections. Plus, only a third of the Senate is

up for re-election. Can you imagine if the entire were up this year?