The praise for most of the Democrats doing their job is premature.

[shance]

No doubt Senator Kennedy and Kerry deserve hearty accolades for their willingness to do the right thing.

But why are these organizations like Moveon and True Majority telling us to shower our Democratic leaders with praise when in all honesty, is such praise warranted for a failed filibuster and a nomination of an extremist Judge? The dangerous thing about granting unwarranted praise is that it rewards half-hearted measures and mediocrity.

Another honest question before we shower Senators with accolades: Did they do this because it was the right thing or did they do it because they knew the filibuster would fail? I would say some like Boxer did it because it was the right thing, because we have seen her track record and we know she stands by her convictions. There are some others as well.

I think its important to give credit when it is DUE, not when they are doing what every Democrat should have done in the first place, and when some did it for opportunism rather than for conviction. When praise is earned, then it is best received, and believed.

I believe the more productive action is to call those who did not stand up and do what is right and let them know we will do everything to make sure their Senate seat is filled with a REAL Democrat next time around.

[BillZBubb]

1. What exactly is a "real Democrat"?

I am beginning to wonder. Seriously.

I've just seen a thread here claiming those complaining about how a few of the Democrats in the Senate voted are just little dogs yapping at the feet of those REAL Democrats. And a lot of people were AGREEING!

So, what is a real Democrat? What does a real Democrat stand for? I thought I knew, but now I'm lost. Seriously.

[shance]

2. Thats a great question. For me, its those leaders who will do what

what is in the best interest and highest good of everyone and not a wealthy, exclusive few.