Boxer urges Sheehan to not challenge Feinstein

[Kadie]

Boxer urges Sheehan to not challenge Feinstein
Zachary Coile, Chronicle Washington Bureau

Tuesday, February 7, 2006


Washington -- California Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer today urged anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan not to challenge the state's senior senator, Dianne Feinstein, in the June Democratic primary.

snip...
But Boxer, a liberal former Marin County supervisor who strongly opposed the war in Iraq, said Sheehan might actually hurt her anti-war cause by jumping into the race against her fellow Democrat who is entering her 14th year in the Senate.

"I don't think having her in the Senate election helps her at all," Boxer told a roundtable of California reporters this morning. "I think it might have the opposite effect."

"Maybe she's more valuable out there not as a candidate," Boxer said of Sheehan and her anti-war effort

more...
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/02/07/MNGDLH46FB5.DTL

[Vincardog]

1. May be Feinstein should have voted for the aLIEto filibuster

[flpoljunkie]

4. Feinstein voted agtainst cloture-which is FOR the filibuster. Link below.

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00001

[cascadiance]

11. She did speak publicly against it though at one point...

... before Cindy Sheehan threatened to run against her.

Which is kind of why I support Cindy Sheehan running to some extent. If Cindy can have a strong showing against Feinstein, that would be a message to Feinstein that she can no longer take her job for granted, and that she needs to do more for us than her corporate cronies if she expects to get re-elected in the future.

Even if we still have Feinstein winning the primary, I do want someone to put a fire under her butt to let her know what's important to REAL Democrats out here in California!

[EFerrari]

19. We know our state Appeaser was against the fillibuster

because Kennedy's staff told us so.

F#ck you, Dianne. You won't live forever and you can't take it with you.

[In Truth We Trust]

103. Throw out any DINOS! Run Cindy RUN!

[Mass]

5. She did !!

[bowens43]

9. Let it go......

a filibuster would not have stopped the appointment and would have hurt us in the Nov elections.

[electropop]

88. WIth Alito on the Court, the November elections will be a sham, just like

the past few. Stopping him would have given us a fighting chance to do something about the theft. Stopping him would also have shown that Dems do stand for something, that we can draw a line in the sand and enforce it. People have no respect for wishy-washy cowards who vote against Alito, but vote for cloture. Do our "leaders" have any spine at all? They will not get any votes by playing repuke-lite.

[RazzleDazzle]

172. That's such horseshit

nothing we've done so far to "play nice" has helped, only hurt. We're the only ones concerned about what people think, or the Nov. election. You don't see the GOP wringing their hands and worrying about whether they're alienating ANYBODY.

[Beaverhausen]

13. She did vote for it

a "no" on cloture vote was a "yes" on filibuster.

I'm with Boxer on this one. I think we have to work to take back repuke seats, not fight over safe Democratic seats.

[ronnykmarshall]

30. Word!

I agree on this.

[EFerrari]

57. How "safe" is that seat?

How "safe" is it to have a DINO in that seat?

That woman is responsible for a world of hurt.

"Safe"?

I think not.

[Beaverhausen]

73. oh ok- so let's split the democratic vote and let a repuke win the seat

would you be happy then? At least Dianne would be out.

I'm all for Cindy nipping at Dianne's heels and making her shape up - she seems to have been doing that recently.

I'm sorry - I don't think Cindy would be as effective as a senator as she is as the "leader" of the anti-war movement.

[EFerrari]

76. Dianne is up for re election. She will reap what she has

sown.

If enough of her former supporters want her to change her mendacious behavior and the vote is split, blame her. She has had more warning than Noah.

[RazzleDazzle]

178. How will Cindy running in the primary SPLIT the Dem vote?

It won't. Then, in Nov there'll be ONE Dem candidate, either Cindy or Feinstein. Sheehan has every right to run, just as any citizen has any right to run.

[Freddie Stubbs]

217. Please stop posting lies about Democrats

She did vote for the filibuster:

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00001

[MadMaddie]

2. Boxer is right...

Even though Dianne Feinstein hasn't been all she could be. She still has the experience and knowledge to help our cause. We really can't afford to loose Dianne!!

Sheehan has more impact outside of the Congress than she would inside. We need her out here....

[400Years]

36. Sen. Sheehan sounds great to me, but I'm not a corporate war monger

[jsamuel]

49. Your right, Boxer is right, that is what I have been thinking too

Sheehan is better where she is than fighting for a Senate seat.

It is up to Sheehan of course, but I think someone else would be better fighting DIFI in the primaries.

[ROakes1019]

75. Feinstein vs. Sheehan

Watching the Judiciary Committee yesterday, I thought that we really do need Diane Feinstein to stay in the Senate. The questions she posed would just have been impossible for Cindy to pose at this point. I think Cindy has made an enormous contribution to the anti-war movement but she might lose her value if she becomes too political. She could end up being shrill and actually alienating voters. A good person for one cause isn't always good in all causes.

[KittyWampus]

211. Sheehan Would NEVER Get On The Judiciary Committee

[Freddie Stubbs]

226. Having no legal background would certainly be an impediment

[shanti]

barbara is right

and as my favorite senator, i respect her opinion. i like cindy too, but she doesn't have a snowball's chance...

[Greyhound]

143. She (Feinstein) may, indeed, have "...the experience and knowledge to...

...help our cause", but she refuses to use it so what does it matter? Perhaps Sheehan's running will convince her that it is time to quit the pretense and just switch to the re:puke: party.

[Freddie Stubbs]

3. This is the perfect cover for Ms. Sheehan to back out gracefully

It was nice of Senator Boxer to giver her this cover.

[EFerrari]

12. Back out gracefully? Back out?

:rofl:

[Freddie Stubbs]

72. It will save her the embarrassment of being Kuciniched in the primary

[EFerrari]

77. Embarrassment? Denis has more supporters than ever.

Hell, we even sent him money and we backed other candidates.

Some things you do because they are right. I know that's a foreign concept to Dianne and her staff.

[Freddie Stubbs]

98. Yet he couldn't translate that support into delegates

[EFerrari]

105. Because he was ahead of the curve.

Something Feinstein will never be accused of.

[Freddie Stubbs]

210. Lyndon LaRouche can claim to be 'ahead of the curve too'

[Wind Dancer]

100. Exactly, Kucinich is one of the best.

When the history books are written, it will be those who spoke truth to power that will be remembered. MLK, Jr., Rosa Parks, to name a few, were hated years ago by the "powers that be". Today, those same people are trying to claim ownership of their cause for political gain, it's shameful.

The funeral of Coretta Scott King has been so beautiful, I can't imagine the terror this family faced daily for daring to speak out, protest and march for social justice. This old lady remembers those days well, it took brave politicians to come forward and challenge the norm. Robert Kennedy was that kind of leader. We need more.

[EFerrari]

107. Kucinich is a true public servant. Definitely not DLC material.

I respect him more than I can say. :)

[ChiciB1]

6. I'm Inclined To Side With Boxer....

While I personally think very highly of Sheehan, she is as polarizing as Hillary.

Probably NOT a good move for Sheehan. Perhaps Sheehan should start a little "smaller!"

[truebrit71]

21. I agree with you...

Cindy is much better as a mobilizer of grass-roots passionate foot soldiers, and not so much as a Senator.

That being said, DiFi has got to go.....Too many votes for the GOP and not enough for the people that put her in office for my tastes...

[FreedomAngel82]

29. I think Cindy should leave people questioning

Just so Feinstein will work harder for the people she represents. But my position is as it is always: let the people decide.

[Hubert Flottz]

22. Like A run Against The GroppenFuhrer!

Let her beat Arnold! I'd laugh MAO!

[JudyM]

68. DiFi's not perfect but she's working hard on some important issues for us

Today, for example, she's speaking out against the asbestos company bail-out legislation instead of going to the higher visibility funeral of Mrs King.

[Just Me]

78. Well, I agree with Boxer because I believe Cindy is a far more powerful,..

,...pressure OUTSIDE D.C. We need her power, here, with US. Contrary to the popular opinion, pressure on the outside is even MORE important than influence on the inside of U.S. politics. And, frankly, our greatest weakness over the last quarter century or so has been the failure to unite and BE POWERFUL,...out here,...the power of the people.

[cally]

82. I am, too

I was thinking about Feinstein and Boxer today. One theory is that Boxer can be more liberal because Feinstein appeases the conservatives. Boxer and Feinstein have always acted like a team on their election campaigns. Feinstein helped Boxer in her first bids for office by taking the more risky shorter term. Feinstein has always supported Boxer. I'm far from a Feinstein supporter but I will support Boxer. If she asks me then I will support Feinstein. I admire Boxer that much.

[Greeby]

7. Hmm, sorry Barbara, gotta disagree with you on this one

I look forward to seeing Cindy become Senator Sheehan, only to be thrown out in five minutes for calling Bush a liar, heh ;)

[Mass]

8. Another reason to like Boxer.

[Tulum_Moon]

18. I would love to see Senator Sheehan

But I don't think this is the time. She is still young and has a lot of life still to live. I am sure she will hold office soon.

[JerseygirlCT]

10. I agree with Sen. Boxer. nt

[EFerrari]

14. It really is a measure of how effective Cindy is

that Boxer needed to make a statement at all.

Interesting.

[Marleyb]

39. I agree

They are worried!

[EFerrari]

53. This could BE HUGE!

Maybe Barbara just gave Cindy a lefthanded present.

Now, I wonder. :)

[rinsd]

108. I think it does.

Boxer doesn't want an ugly primary when the party is making a big push this election.

[robbedvoter]

15. Boxer is right, as usual. Sheehan is squandering her credibility

by wearing too many hats.
I hate everyone who voted for this war - but I still remember who started it - and it wasn't the Senators! It was W - and that's who killed her son! That's the inspiring story - the rest is politics...

[EFerrari]

27. She may lose the people who need neatly packaged narratives

-- the soap opera crowd.

I suspect Bush already has their vote.

[robbedvoter]

44. What qualifies her to be a senator? She seems politicaly naive to me

and I would have trouble voting for her (if that would be NY) because of her prior statements.

[EFerrari]

50. Is naive worse than bought and sold?

What qualifies Boxer to tell an American citizen what to do?

Cindy is a terrific public speaker and apparently has boundless energy. She's a natural.

I think at bottom, people are very frustrated with Dianne's very dilute Democratic values and DINO behavior. They want someone who may be packing naivete but who they can trust.

Dianne may be in trouble because most of our votes are still counted here. My .02 anyway.

[slaveplanet]

86. What makes the Gropenfurher qualified?

would be the better question?

could it be his connections to Herr Rothchild and Herr Buffett perchance?

Yes Cindy is not quite Bohemian enough, but she does have political capital

[rinsd]

218. I don't know about qualified but

Ahnuld had absolutely enormous name recoginition, a ton of money and a galvanized CA-GOP party that hadn't had a winner in years(which while supportive of McClintock certainly helped Ahnuld).

He was also going against a governor that was hated even by his own party, a virtual unknown outside of political circles(Bustamonte), a columnist that dropped out, a higher up in the GOP and a bunch of other dopey celebs.

I don't see those circumstances or that type of push for Sheehan going against a popular incumbent with cash already on hand.

I don't think qualificatuions matter so much as the ability to be elected.

[slaveplanet]

220. she need not be electable

I don't think qualificatuions matter so much as the ability to be elected.

to force enormous pressure and sway concessions from dinos that are plenty hated within their own party.

[rinsd]

221. What is this ficticious hatred of Feinstein?

I am not saying quite a few DUers don't have issues with her but she has a ridiculous approval rating from Democrats. Her inclined to re-elect numbers are at their highest in San Fran which is the place you would think would be most pissed about her being a DINO.

"to force enormous pressure and sway concessions from dinos"

I doubt it. While Sheehan will get publicity it will not be the sort that puts any pressure on Feinstein.

[NanceGreggs]

16. Cindy can do so much MORE ...

... outside of the restrictions of a political position.

[GreenPartyVoter]

26. She can, but I still see no reason why she can't challenge DiFi. It's

only a primary.. not like she's going to run against her as an indy in the general election.

[incapsulated]

17. The reaction to this should be interesting.... n/t

[SushiFan]

20. Cindy NEEDS to enter the race.......

She's the first breath of fresh air the Democrats have had since the Kennedy's were shot. I trust her more than I would trust ANY ONE ELSE in the Dem Party. She was at Bush's fucking Crawford house, for God's sakes, and has been ARRESTED by the Bushies for her challenges to the Crawford Alcoholic.


All the other Demos sat on their fat esses on Capitol Hill while Cindy was out WORKING for the cause against the self-appointed King. She better represents ME and MY IDEALS much more than any other Dem has since the 2000 election. I'd vote for her and I KNOW millions of other Americans would too. The tired old farts who have allowed the GOPigs to get away with murder (of 3000 US troops) need to make room for fresh, bold blood to keep America safe from the ugly ReTHUG agendas. That's just how I feel.

[Cleita]

23. It's the first time I have disagreed with Boxer in a long time.

I think DiFi needs to have a challenge. It doesn't have to be Cindy, but someone should run against her. I really think it's time she retired anyway. She's lost touch with the reality of her constituency, which Barbara hasn't yet.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

24. Barbara is wrong on this one. DiFi has to go.

[insanity]

38. She should not be replaced by Cindy

Cindy Sheean will loose an election for senator in any state. If we can't replace DiFi with a viable alternative, we should keep her in there because we really need the majority. Our efforts are better served gaining seats in the Senate by winning elections to unseat the republicans.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

40. Better to have a full time progressive than a part time Democrat.

DiFi's only qualification is that she's possibly "not as bad" as her possible Repug opponent.

[insanity]

47. I agree

But I'm being a realist here because we face steep odds to take back both houses. I think taking back the Congress with the all the DINOs is more important than having a bigger republican majority that will continue to destroy this country.

[MadHound]

25. Yeah Barbara, heaven forbid that we actually put somebody

Who is uncomprimisingly willing to speak truth to power every day of the week, and twice on Sundays. Can't have that sort of loose cannon in the Senate:eyes:

I hope that Cindy does indeed run, God knows we need more such courageous people in both houses of Congress. Maybe then the Dems will grow a spine and oppose Bushco the next time he wants to lead our country into an illegal, immoral war based on lies. DiFi certainly didn't do that the last time.

[Beaverhausen]

28. If Cindy wants to run she should go after a Repuke House seat

not a safe Democratic senate seat.

what's that phrase...circular firing squad?

[400Years]

34. DiFi is pretty much a repuke, corporate repuke at that

[Beaverhausen]

43. and how often has she voted with repukes?

What is her rating from the ACLU? From NARAL?

We need to take either the house, the senate, or both. Cindy running against Feinstein will not help.

Cindy should keep speaking out against the war and firing up the masses, as she has done so well in the past.

[robbedvoter]

46. Now that's sound advice. Why challenge a Dem? Difi didn't start the war!

Does Cindy get the fascist GOP grab of power or she just wants to purify the dems?
Sigh - another Nader is born...

[Catchawave]

59. Totally agree !

All this Dem bashing on DU lately worries me, we have to take back the Congress in '06, then work "with" our new leadership in getting progressive legislation passed, and set the spirit for a Democratic Administration in '08.

Would love Cindy to go after a California Republican seat, I would fully support that campaign!

[donheld]

31. I hope Cindy listens to Ms Boxer

I love Cindy and what she's done, but now is not the time for her to run.

[conflictgirl]

32. Feinstein should go, but it's not Cindy's time to run. nt

[Wind Dancer]

33. Boxer may or may not be right.

Any citizen has the right to run for office, including Cindy. Boxer has her reasons for not encouraging her, let the people decide.

[Marleyb]

35. BARBARA BOXER JUST LOST ALL CREDIBILITY!! What right does she have....

to tell Cindy what to do? Like she and her pals in the senate have done such a bang-up job of stopping the war? They would so like Cindy to remain a full time protestor that gets nowhere. Running for Senate, Cindy has a chance to expose war profiteering, the real reason behind the war, as well as raise awareness of the injustice of the war and offer an actual alternative to pro war dems. Why would anyone argue with that? Dianne Feinstein admittedly ignored her constituents when she voted for the war, and I am sure she'll do it again. And what do ya know, here comes Iran...

If Barbara really cares, maybe she should be fighting to end the war herself and sit down and have a talk with her buddy Dianne and explain to her that it is pure evil to make money off of the deaths of innocents. SICK SICK SICK!

[incapsulated]

42. Cindy, the new litmus test.

Someone as respected and supported as Boxer suddenly LOSES ALL HER CREDIBILITY, simply for having an opinion about Sheehan that you disagree with.

Classic. Really. I was waiting for this.

[Beaverhausen]

55. That didn't take long, did it?

ALL CAPS no less.

[ronnykmarshall]

202. Yeah, when's the "Recall Boxer" movement gonna start?

[fujiyama]

145. I was kinda expecting

someone to lash out at Boxer.

I don't have any real problems with Cindy running in a primary. I think primaries are a healthy way of veting some frustration...It's certainly better than running as a green or something else trying to screw over the Dem. Plus, Feinstein has no real problems getting reelected. She has plenty of money and establishment support. She's in no danger regardless. That too with Schwartzenegger's problems, I don't think the GOP is going to have a chance with this seat anyways.

But I don't see why this is a reason to complain about Boxer. She's known Feinstein for a longtime. I don't expect her to not back her.

[robbedvoter]

48. Barbara has more rights to speak than Cindy. The lone senator who

challenged the electoral votes in 2004 - is more relevant to me than the woman who says Clinton killed more Iraqis than W. Period.

[in_cog_ni_to]

70. Cindy lost a SON. That is a HUGE sacrifice. Don't you think?

I cannot believe the people who speak against Cindy. SHE alone opened the anti-war debate with the rest of the country! If it wasn't for her sleeping in a damn bug infested ditch for a month, the sheeple would still be ignoring the illegal invasion of Iraq. She's entitled to say anything she wants against this administartion and those who voted for the war that KILLED HER SON. The greatest sacrifice ANY mother can make is losing child.:( Are you a mother?

[incapsulated]

93. She is a mother

She also has lived under a dictatorship.

No one is saying that Cindy doesn't have a right to say whatever she likes against Bush, in fact I encourage her to do so, instead of losing focus. But personal suffering doesn't make one qualified for office. And I disagree with this new version of history that makes Cindy, alone, the peace movement or gives her sole credit for the polls turning against the war. Bush and the rising death toll did that more than anything else. Cindy made it personal, she put a face on the numbers and her actions in Crawford were extremely effective activism. What she has done since then and whether it has been effective for the movement is another question. Especially the idea of her running for office.

And lets remember that Cindy only became an anti-war activist when she had a personal loss. Most of us were out in the streets before the invasion even began. Millions marched around the world. The antiwar movement didn't start with Cindy.

[The Straight Story]

213. Ummm, what are qualifications for office?

I have seen some banter here and there that cindy is not qualified, can anyone explain what that means and what qualifications are needed for office?

[Ciggies and coffee]

215. Constitutional, or Corporate? n/t

[The Straight Story]

216. Generally speaking nt

[cali]

51. This is a spoof, right?

Barbara Boxer has done nothing but fight against this administration. She's done it vigorously. She's done it tirelessly. Life isn't a black/white affair. DiFi is a perfect example of this. BTW, Sheehan has no chance of being elected Senator. She's clearly an effective grass roots mobilizer, but she's not a good candidate.

[eggman67]

58. None of that matters if

She's apparently not a member of the 100% club...

:sarcasm:

[EFerrari]

91. Lol!

"DiFi is a perfect example of that."

:rofl:

[MoJoWorkin]

99. Oh Please! Boxer is about the best ever, and I respect her opinions

She has never disappointed me. I agree, DiFi is not all she could be, but also agree that Cindy is better and more effective where she is. Boxer is right.

[longship]

37. If she runs, she may not run to win.

A Senatorial race means national exposure. Sheehan would likely be a one-issue candidate and would likely not win in a primary. She undoubtedly knows this. But she might run anyway to bring her issues to the forefront and to put a bit of pressure on DiFi to act a little bit more like a progressive from a very Blue state.

IMHO.

[Freddie Stubbs]

45. But if she runs and loses to DiFi, wouldn't that just prove that

DiFi's stances have more public support?

[renate]

120. exactly--that's why I hope she changes her mind about running

It's like the way you don't want a friend who loves to sing but hasn't had any training to go on American Idol and get abused by Simon for each and every off note--or for someone you care about to attempt anything that she is not only guaranteed to fail at but will be very publicly be seen doing so. That's the more personal reason I hope she doesn't run.

I also have concerns about this politically. It's great to reach for the stars but I don't think that, as inspirational as it would be, running for the Senate would get her message across any stronger than she has already done. And then when she's defeated, she would have a big "L" on her forehead any time she tries in the future to communicate her message to the public.

[robbedvoter]

52. What is she runs and then Difi losed to a GOP-er (no primary challenge

for the future little BFEE fascist)

[Broke In Jersey]

Thank you queen boxer - for telling us what to do

Only a true professional politician can be smart enough to know what we are to do - as opposed to us dumb voters.

[robbedvoter]

54. "Queen Boxer" voted against the war, challenged the stolen election

and showed more courage every day than Cindy who sent her son to was when we were protesting worldwide, then joined us in progress and claimed she started the movement.

[ronnykmarshall]

204. Cindy never claimed to have "started" the movement.

She however put a human face on the movement.

I think it's an insult to degrade Cindy Sheehan they way you have.

Oh and BTW - I agree w/ Boxer. I don't think Cindy should run against Dianne either.

[nini]

66. Yep, she's a politician. .A DAMN GOOD ONE

Boxer is on the right side of just about everything AND has more balls than most men in the party when she speaks up.


AND she's right about this. Unfortunately Washington has all the seniority crap etc.. we need now. I am no fan of Feinstein but there's a reason why she's better than Sheehan at this point. Sheehan doesn't have any political experience that we desperately need on committees etc right now.

What WE need to do is keep the pressure on Feinstein which worked on the Alito issue. She hears us when we scream at her.

If someone else challenges Feinstein that knows politics etc.. I'll give them a good look and probably vote for them. The opposition and media will rip Sheehan apart and it will be a huge distraction.


sucks, but it's political reality

[LittleClarkie]

69. She made a suggestion and expressed an opinion

And it differs from YOURS! The HORROR!! We must STOP HER!!

[Marleyb]

133. It is not that Barbara Boxer made a suggestion or has a different opinion

...but it seems like the way whe announced it she was trying use her clout in the democratic party to discourage Cindy, and influence other's opinions.

The way I see it, she and Dianne given us no reason to believe they are working hard on bringing the troops home. I see no results. They should be raising hell about Bush's illegal spying! In fact Barbara Boxer has been writing a book during the Bush Administration reign. It seems odd, during such an important time, to be writing a novel. Cindy has done more than the two of them combined, and her standing up as an example of how we are going to take our country back will cause a ripple effect, and that is exactly what they are afraid of.

[LittleClarkie]

148. I would say that Barbara Boxer is afraid of very little

Just standing up on Jan 6th, 2004 should have been enough to show people that much. Amazing to watch folks turn on her for disagreeing with them. Doesn't take much to go from darling to demon it appears.

[fujiyama]

154. We see no results!

:rofl:

Barbara Boxer isn't speaking out? :wtf:

Of course we see no results under this regime! He doesn't care what Boxer or anything senator has to say. He doesn't care about opposition.

And wow, Cindy protests the war, and now she's doing more than one of the most progressive senators on the Hill. I don't have any real problems with Cindy, but just having publicity doesn't make one automatically capable of winning a state wide election.

[Marleyb]

212. Does she speak out against the war in the senate often?

Is she talking about what a disaster the war is and the need to get out now? Has she discussed this with Dianne? Has she explained to her friend that the lies and distortions about Iraq were all out in the open before Dianne voted for the war? Will she talk with her before she supports Iran.

Have she and Feinstein offered up a plan for getting out of Iraq? Is there a real reason to believe they are working on this?

The reason I react with frustration toward Barbara Boxer is because she should be talking about Dianne Feinstein's issues, not discouraging Cindy.

This is a big problem in congress, they seem to want to be friends. We didn't elect them to be friends, they are supposed to represent their constituents. There is too much going along to get along. They need to stand up for what is right, the TRUTH! despite how it makes their friends feel.

[EFerrari]

80. Oh, no! The voters speak!

Welcome to DU, Broke. We're rambunctious today, aren't we? :hi:

[ronnykmarshall]

206. "Queen" Boxer isn't telling us what to do.

She is expressing her OPINION about Cindy running against Feinstein. Please point out in "the book" where Boxer isn't allowed to do just that?

[Shakespeare]

214. Yeah, god forbid she actually express her opinion.

Ya know, since none of here are inclined to do so. :eyes:

I adore Cindy, totally supported her through the t-shirt fiasco, totally support her visit with Chavez--but I don't think she should run against Feinstein. Boxer is right.

And that's MY opinion, so I guess that makes me a queen, too! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[EFerrari]

41. Contact Infor for Barbara Here: (Be nice!)

San Francisco
1700 Montgomery Street,
Suite 240
San Francisco, CA 94111
[phone]
[phone] fax






Los Angeles
312 N. Spring Street,
Suite 1748
Los Angeles, CA 90012
[phone]
[phone] fax



Sacramento
501 I Street, Suite 7-600
Sacramento, CA 95814
[phone]
[phone] fax




San Diego
600 B Street, Suite 2240
San Diego, CA 92101
[phone]
[phone] fax


Fresno
2500 Tulare Street, Suite 5290
Fresno, CA 93721
[phone]
[phone] fax




Inland Empire
201 North E Street, Suite 210
San Bernardino, CA 92401
[phone]
[phone] fax



Washington D.C.
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
[phone]

[robbedvoter]

56. I'll be nice - congratulate her for sane judgement.

[EFerrari]

60. Fair is fair. : )

[shance]

61. With all due respect to Barbara, she has not had to live with the choices

Dianne Feinstein has made at the expense of Americans and Californians.

I think Senator Feinstein seems like a saavy person, and a nice person, but she has fallen very short of the necessary leadership Americans so desperately need.

She consistently has refused to take vital stands against issues that are dismantling our freedoms as Americans. In fact has supported certain aspects of horrid legislation like the Patriot Act, not to mention further writing checks to the Bush Administration for more wars and needless death. With regards to Alito, it could be argued she only came to oppose him after she realized that her constituents were overwhelmingly angry, and moreover, that her opposition would still result in his confirmation.

With those like Dianne Feinstein, there is simply no legitimate opposition. She would be actually a wonderful Republican. With Senator Feinstein, there are the "concerns about a slippery slope" however, when in reality, we are looking at Grand Canyon sized abuses that are stripping this country of everything we have stood for and have been achieving.

Feinstein is largely, no, she is hugely out of touch with the average/normal American. I do not believe she understands or grasps the magnitude of her choices and how they are affecting Americans and Californians at large.

This is very disappointing to hear from Senator Boxer. Perhaps she is more out of touch with American's reality that I had recently perceived. I hope not.

[dmkinsey]

62. It would be unheard of for a Dem Senator

to advocate the defeat of a fellow Dem Senator.
It just isn't done. The message from Sen. Boxer is to Sheehan "if you do this you'll get no support from me"

[EFerrari]

64. Alternately, "You are a real threat to DINO DiFI"

:)

[in_cog_ni_to]

71. Exactly.

:hug:

[Dr Fate]

63. I agree- Sheehan should run for Congress or a Local/State office first.n/t

n/t

[radio4progressives]

89. Barbara Lee should Replace Difi -Cindy should run for the House...

Cindy moved to Berkeley recently, she should strategize with Barbara Lee, (CBC) who currently represents the East Bay, and Barbara Lee should run for the United States Senate (Difi's seat).

[robbedvoter]

95. Now that would be a dream situation. Cindy unseating a GOP-er

instead of a Dem would also be nice.

[radio4progressives]

104. I think you might misunderstand?

I'm saying that Barbara Lee should run against Difi for the Senate seat,that way we'd have someone who is very experienced in Washington, who is an African American, very Progressive - anti War, anti-Patriot.. (very close with Cynthia McKinney on many issues)very popular in her district.

That would be a great seat for Cindy to run for. It would be a progressive passing the baton to another progressive for the house.

And it would also mean progressive replacing a pro-GOP, DLC'r in the Senate which we desperately need. Plus Barbara Lee is 100% Progressive African American Woman, which there are no AA Women in the Senate and is desperately needed.

[robbedvoter]

112. Sorry, but Barbara Lee's shoes - hard to fill by Sheehan

I cannot join your cult here.
Sheehan is someone that at some points did a lot of good, but who isn't very clear of what her role should be and can very well do a lot of harm .
I am having Nader flashbacks (greens once callenged barbara Lee BTW)

[EFerrari]

121. Challenge bad, lockstep good?

Cult?

Nice.

[radio4progressives]

177. Strong Anti-War position is "Cult " in your mind?

The Green Party tries to compete in every election they think they can, like other parties that do. Instead of concerning yourself with what Greens are doing, why don't you concern yourself with what the Dems are doing to drive out progressives looking for representation?

[in_cog_ni_to]

65. Maybe DiFi should straighten up and fly right then? Act like a Democrat?

That might help. Just a thought.

[MODemocrat]

67. There's an e-mail going around which is anti-Sheehan

The fascists are so afraid of her, so they're doing a character assassination on her. I received an e-mail from a "friend" of mine, and quickly replied with a scorching e-mail. He denied knowing what it said before he sent it to me, and just forwarded it. I told him not to send me anymore e-mails like that one. I was never sure whether or not he was a republican, but it seems to me now that he is. In the past he has sent nasty things about most democrats, and I've pretty much ignored it, but just couldn't handle this one. :evilfrown: :evilfrown: :mad: :mad: :puke:

[EFerrari]

74. Wow. Just, wow. n/t

[shance]

79. Apparently our Washington Democrats are afraid of her as well.

Dianne Feinstein needs some healthy primary competition. In fact, we need it as well.

Cindy Sheehan would be a terrific Senator. We know without a doubt she would support doing the right thing. She is not bought and does not have connection to the Defense Industry.

[derby378]

81. Screw the DLC - RUN, CINDY, RUN!!

Don't have to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows...

[LittleClarkie]

94. Boxer isn't DLC

And perhaps Mrs. Sheehan should try the House first, or a state position.

[derby378]

146. Boxer isn't - but Feinstein is

Thus, my earlier statement.

A House seat would be good, too. Let's see the Capitol Police try to throw Cindy out of the next SOTU...

[LittleClarkie]

209. In fact, since the House tends to be more partisan

A person with a stronger view will generally find it easier to get elected.

The thing is, well, look what being in office did to Kerry the anti-war activist after a while. I do think she'd end up losing focus on her signature issue.

[drbtg1]

83. For those that think Ms. Sheehan may be too green, naive, inexperienced,..

...whatever to be in DC.

There is precedence for leaders to be born from tragedy.

http://www.votemccarthy.com/about_carolyn.asp

[EFerrari]

84. I think I'd rather wrestle a grizzly than take on Cindy Sheehan.

And God help George Bush, and Feinstein too, if she decides to run. :)

[radio4progressives]

85. Cindy doesn't have a hope or a prayer to run against the DoD/Pentagon

Difi's constituents.

But Barabara Lee who is serving in Congress (Congressional Black Caucus)and who is wildly popular in the Bay Area, could run against Difi and possibly win - Cindy could run for Lee's office -

but, i don't know when Barbara Lee's next election is up, and it would have to be coordinated with a strategy that the DLC will NEVER allow to gain traction.

the DLC is in the process of purging out Liberal and Progressives in various parts of the country including certain districts in California.

So to all those DLC defenders and loyalists: if you think that the Democratic Party should be the party of and for the DLC, and that Progressives (real Liberals)should just leave the party (form a third party or just stay home) there's no better message than actually purging/ignoring progressive candidates that is going on right today.

[EFerrari]

87. Gonzalez didn't have a prayer, announced late

and you know what happened. :)

[radio4progressives]

101. Exactly... and you and i know

Matt Gonzalez was WILDLY POPULAR and I believe he actually won that election... (despite KGO's Ron Owenn's on air racial slurs against Matt's referring to his "greasy hair" - i thought that was so contemptable and pointedly racists)

the business with the three big dogs swooping into town, stumping the last minute, plus the shannigans with the ballots which was reported in the press, it's just obvious that Matt really won that election.

The smell of rotten fish wafted northward, the geographical point of where i'm perched.

i'm just sayin.. :hi:

[EFerrari]

102. I accidently had dinner with the upstart and I asked him to

do the deed that Sheehan may be considering. He turned me down. But, I only asked once. :)

[radio4progressives]

181. i'm intrigued...

A couple of times he's beein Sunday Salon, and callers would try and encourage him to run against difi, and he didn't seem interested in diving in again. the PTB are too powerful and corrupt.. it would be nice if changed his mind at some point.

[Freddie Stubbs]

225. Lee is smart enough to know that she would lose

If she wants to serve in the Senate, she is going to ahve to wait her turn.

[Pithy Cherub]

90. Adore my Senator Boxer, but

I think she is genuinely trying to extend a favor to DiFi. Di Fi, set this up by not being responsive to her constituents!

[EFerrari]

97. Exactly. You know CA voters. We've given her more chances

than a 5-way Keno card to listen up. It's not like this is NEWS to her Mendacity.

If Sheehan challenges her, she more than has it coming.

[LittleClarkie]

106. I don't think so. DiFi would whomp Cindy. It's a favor to Cindy.

And an honest opinion that Cindy's work as an anti-war activist would not benefit from a run for Senate.

[EFerrari]

109. I don't think DLCers are understanding.

Cindy isn't a PR campaign.

She's the real deal. She's already given us more than we deserve.

She's already won.

And, I hope folks that work with the DLC have other prospects because this country is about to take a big left turn.

[LittleClarkie]

110. Boxer isn't DLC.

I'm not getting what you're saying. This came from Boxer, not DiFi. And Boxer never struck me as dishonest or pandering. If she didn't feel she was correct, she wouldn't open her mouth, I think.

Can't a woman have an honest opinion and express it without it having something to do with an organization she doesn't even belong to?

[EFerrari]

114. I wasn't talking about Barbara but about responses to this thread.

I support Barbara today and will, through our disagreements.

[Pithy Cherub]

113. Cindy resonates here for a reason.

DiFi turned her back on the People Of California! I have absolutely know prob with Cindy. Boxer knows how much trouble DiFi is in with the party activist. She is trying to help DiFi out of the tight jam. Cindy doesn't even need to announce to have DiFi quesy in te shoes before se moves into her new $16.5 million dollar mansion!

[LittleClarkie]

119. You don't have to have a problem with Cindy

to think that she might be better served doing other things. I still think she'd make a better Congresswoman.

[Pithy Cherub]

122. Cindy is providing a revolutionary spirit

and how she chooses to use it is up to her. How I respond to it is up to me and i applaud her whatever her choice. Political calculus is not the language of the revolutionary. Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable and if a senate run does that for Cindy, let the chips fall where they may.

As Frederick Douglass said, "Agitate, Agitate, Agitate!"

[The Witch]

92. I think that she should run for the HOUSE

She'd be wonderful in "the people's house."

[EFerrari]

96. She would be wonderful anywhere. But the deal is,

here in CA we have been shackled with a war profiteer DLCer who has never flinched from joining the enabling ballet.

This is just what we need to get our blood flowing again. It's risky, sure.

I'd rather take the risk than mourn the opportunity, myself.

[eggman67]

111. Out of curiosity

Outside of anti-war & Bush=Satan what are Cindy's positions?

For instance:
Abortion
Gay Rights
Environment
Energy
Economy

Anything else?

[robbedvoter]

115. Separation of church and state, medicare, Social Security, budget cuts

stolen elections, civil rights, education , taxes, banktruptcy....

[eggman67]

117. Exactly

It's like all of those issues are suddenly irrelevant.

[EFerrari]

131. OOh! Cindy has RANGE! God damn her, messing up

the pecking order.

Who the f#ck is she, to have her own mind? :eyes:

[EFerrari]

116. One would think Bush = Satan covers it.

:rofl:

[eggman67]

118. That does seem to be the platform:) n/t

[EFerrari]

124. Platform? You don't even have a declaration yet.

But, you're pre emptively dissing the mythical platform?

Come on.

lol

[Disturbed]

141. Barabara Lee

"Barabara Lee who is serving in Congress (Congressional Black Caucus)and who is wildly popular in the Bay Area, could run against Difi and possibly win - Cindy could run for Lee's office,"

A better alternative IMO.

[EFerrari]

159. Barbara Lee is one strong clear person.

I'd work for her, too.

[seabeyond]

142. i would like to know too. have been saying this for weeks.

before we decide she represents our party, dont we want to know what she would represent us with. my guess is she and family was repug, and she has moved to the green party. but i would also like to know where she stands on issue before i would want her to take difi position. difi does vote A LOT for dem causes. maybe not all and not enough for some, but she represents dems a lot. she is a dem

[Rex]

123. Sounds like fear

Boxer just doesn't want to have to talk TRUTH all day long with Sheehan. The TRUTH might become infectious. :eyes:

[ProudToBeLiberal]

126. or counds like common sense

[Rex]

132. A senator encouraging a citizen not to run for office.

How republican.

[rinsd]

198. Boxer a Republican?

How freaking knee jerk reactionary can youy get.....

[Rex]

223. Don't run for public office, yeah real democratic-like

What a nice message to send by someone who supposedly supports the electorial process. To bad you don't like the truth...

[rinsd]

224. Sigh...

Giving someone unsolicited advice is hardly chilling the process. Saying you're more effective where you are vs. in office is hardly a rebuke.

The truth? You called Boxer a republican. Based on that "brilliant" knee jerk analysis, I can colcude you wouldn't know the truth if it came up and bit you on the ass.

[EFerrari]

128. Or maybe, this comes with being the junior Senator. n/t

[BuyingThyme]

125. Don't run against one of the people who killed your son?

Hopefully this is that last time I'll ever have to say, fuck you, Boxer.

[ProudToBeLiberal]

130. is this the new litmus test now?

[EFerrari]

149. Well, a representative government should be, ah, representative

shouldn't it? Or, am I getting that wrong?

[BuyingThyme]

167. Why, do you know a lot of candidates with dead sons?

[RazzleDazzle]

180. What a great idea!

Hadn't thought of that before.

Wonder if that's why there are so many Iraq Vets running for Congress this yeare??

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

127. She's 100% Right Of Course.

CIndy is most definitely more valuable right now not running being a candidate, but even more than that reason the simple fact is that Cindy is no where near ready to take on such a role. I would love to see Cindy get started in politics and run on a small level, building up to the state level, and then if proven ready years later try on a national level. Right now though I support the majority of her actions, decisions and verbal messages, I don't support at all her running for the Senate though I respect that is her decision and her decision alone.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

129. Boxer's a DINO!

:sarcasm:

[robbedvoter]

134. Thanks for using the sarcasm smilie. I thought everyone went mad here.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

137. Some already have.

When Barbara Boxer's credentials get questioned, something is seriously out of whack.

[EFerrari]

140. No one is question her credentials.

It's her judgment that we're questioning. And even so, not really. The DLC mafia has pretty much been in charge of the state for 'way to long. She knows what she has to do to stay viable.

Do you vote in California?

[Starbucks Anarchist]

147. Yes, I do vote here.

And I'd say Boxer's judgment regarding the Iraq war, choice, taxes, vote certification, etc., is quite commendable.

If she was truly beholden to the DLC, she'd be voting with the Republicans instead of with us.

[EFerrari]

150. Who has accused, lol, Barbara of the three letter crime?

I haven't.

It's not hard to see that she is doing a two handed favor. One to DINOD and one to Cindy. Barbara is the only Senator that represents me in this state.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

151. What three-letter crime?

I think I missed something here.

And I was referring to the vitriol against Boxer by some people (not necessarily you) because she dared go against Cindy once.

[EFerrari]

153. DLC. I think we're entering into a "really pissed off" period.

Barbara of course deserves no vitriol.

Feedback, sure.

It's gonna be bumpy.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

155. Everybody is subject to criticism.

But brutally attacking someone like Boxer (see post #35, for example) for straying off the reservation once is a bit much.

[EFerrari]

157. Well, let's hope no cartoonist depicts her bob as a bomb.

More and more, I notice people are frustrated beyond courtesy.

We'll be okay but there will be uglies.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

162. LOL, pretty much.

[EFerrari]

138. Al, is that you?

:hi:

[Odin2005]

135. Cindy should run for the House or CA Legislature, not the Senate.

Another problem is her meeting with Chavez. The MSM has made people think that Chavez is Castro 2.0, Cindy would be too easily bashed as a Commie-lover.

[Swamp Rat]

136. Geaux Cindy!!!

:patriot:

[WildEyedLiberal]

139. I always wondered when the day would come that Boxer would get bashed here

It was inevitable - it is IMPOSSIBLE to please all of the purists here 100% of the time. Sorry Barbara, your contributions are no longer needed in the U.S. Congress because you didn't jump on the latest lefty bandwagon.

It shouldn't have to be explained to anyone why Cindy Sheehan will never, ever, ever win. Being a single-issue "progressive" activist doesn't make you legislative material.

You all do know what senators do, right? They serve on committees, write legislation, and occasionally act as an investigative/interrogative body. What committee is Senator Cindy going to sit on? What bills will she author (other than a GET OUT NOW bill which won't make it out of committee)?

Being in the senate isn't about how much righteous outrage you can muster or how sparkly your protests are. 99% of the senate is grunt work, the dirty details of running a country. Just because someone is a demagogue you agree with doesn't mean they should be in fucking Congress.

Michael Moore for Senate! :sarcasm:

[EFerrari]

144. Bad purists want the war profiteer out of office.

Now, at most, there are only three syllables at a time in that sentence to consume.

lol

[WildEyedLiberal]

152. And you really, honestly think Cindy has a ghost of a chance?

Seriously?

I mean, come on. I'm not from California, but I have a feeling the percentage of the voting population that would actually cast a ballot for Cindy Sheehan is something like 5%. Maybe. To be REALLY generous, I'll say 20%.

I'm really not trying to be snarky here, but not everywhere in California is as royal blue as San Francisco or Marin County. Just because your circle of activists would vote for her doesn't mean she'd even come close to winning a necessary percentage of the vote.

FWIW my thread was about Cindy's lack of viability as a candidate, not defense of DiFi. You want DiFi out, I suggest you find a progressive Democratic politician who has appeal beyond the fringes of the left. You can say that I'm bashing all you want, but you are just being willfully blind if you really think Cindy Sheehan would appeal to California as a whole.

[EFerrari]

156. Honestly? I think foreclosing the debate is unhealthy.

It's bad for politics and bad for the community.

I don't know from royal blue. My circle emcompasses lots of different kinds of people

The challenge will help us in the end. Maybe Feinstein's staff would consider not hanging up on her constituents, let alone listening to them. I hope it is mounted.

If this tee shirt wearing mom from Red California wants to challenge Bechtel, well, I guess I have to help her do that.

/e

[incapsulated]

164. But you don't want debate, not in reality

People here seem to want a pledge of loyalty to Cindy, not a discussion of her viability as a candidate. In fact, other than "Cindy Rocks and Wants OUT NOW" what does she bring to California voters? The fact that DiFi is so popular doesn't seem to be a reality to you. That fact alone speaks volumes about what kind of chance Cindy would have. Obviously, regardless of what you think of her, people like her and want her as their representative. She is Dem enough for them. How in the world would Cindy appeal to these voters? What are her positions? What would she do for the State? What experience does she bring? How does she appeal to garden variety Dems who think Dianne is just peachy?

[EFerrari]

166. Bull.

Dianee has won by default for YEARS.

Now there's someone who might, might, want to take her on.

And it scares the cr!p! out of the DLC. Because Dianne is sooooo popular. :eyes:

[incapsulated]

169. Is Cindy the one to "take her on"?

Make your case. I'm waiting to hear how and why she can not only beat Dianne in the primary, but go on to win the seat statewide.

[EFerrari]

170. Make your case. Why should her challenge be killed before

she even declares?

What does that say about the confidence of Feinstein's machine?

:eyes:

[incapsulated]

185. Ok, I'll play along

While I wait for you to even invent a reason why she can win.

All the odds are that not only will Cindy lose, she will be crushed. Her message will be diluted in an attempt to appeal to voters and her credibility as "the mother of a fallen soldier speaking against the war" will be forever tainted by getting her hands dirty with politics and running for office. It will harm her cause. Unless she runs for something she can win, it's lose-lose.

She will beat up on a Democrat, no matter how DLC, who will then be tenderized for the rethug competition.

[EFerrari]

191. You really don't get it. Let me say it as clearly as possible.

Cindy has as much right to run this race as the war profiteer who steered her to it.

And you have nothing to knock yet, because she hasn't even made a decision, let alone published a platform.

All you have is the certain knowledge that some of us still have pulsing glia and that we will wait and see what she thinks before we weigh in.

If Feinstein can't take it, only SHE is to blame -- for all the years she raked in dough from defense contracts that put her own constituents at risk. Blame her. Call her. See how far you get. If you want to step into that coffin, far be it from me to stop you.

[incapsulated]

194. Of course she has a "right to run"

It's the wisdom of doing so, that I have a right to question. I have no problem running an progressive with broad appeal that can not only beat Dianne in the primaries but also keep her seat Dem by winning the State. When you find her, let me know, I'll donate.


And btw, I've made cases for potential candidates with little more than a sketchy bio. Because I could find at least one reason why they could win.

[eggman67]

161. I'm still trying to find out

wht the hell she stands for, other than troops out now.

[EFerrari]

163. Why bother? The party leadership already said no to her.

Isn't that enough? :sarcasm:

[incapsulated]

168. Sometimes, it is.

This is Real Politic. If you decide to run against a very powerful incumbent in their own party, you had better have more than a slogan and the antiwar left when you do. It's a given the leadership will fight you. This is the kind of reality that seems to be missing from the discussion. And encouraging Cindy, given what she will be up against, to run into that fray with nothing more than a pledge of "support", is using her rather harshly, imho. Someone here wanted her to win just so she could be thrown out after telling Bush to fuck off. If that isn't disrespecting the woman, I don't know what is.

[EFerrari]

173. If your post isn't condescending to the woman, I don't know

what is. Are we talking about the same Cindy Sheehan? If so, do you have any clue that she doesn't know exactly what she would be up against? Sheesh.

And so, let's not attempt anything that might not be a sure bet. Because that would be embarrassing and God knows, we will melt. :eyes:

[incapsulated]

189. No, I don't have a clue that she knows what she will be up against

The woman has zero experience in politics and her idea to run against a powerful incumbent is evidence enough of her naivete. Unless she is only doing it to attack DiFi on a public stage.

[EFerrari]

193. The woman just elicited a comment from Barbara Boxer. n/t

[seabeyond]

200. this is a good point. and this is another thing that bothers

me with sheehan. she wanted audience with bush and he refused. our dems though brought her in, only to be trashed by in, not in truth, on public stage. this is why i am weary of the woman. i just truly do not know who side she is on, besides her side, her agenda, her cause. that i can respect.

[eggman67]

171. Not necessarily,

but I can't just support the candidacy of someone whose positions I don't know.

[EFerrari]

174. Well, that's a good reason to wait until a candidate actually

declares before you come out against her as yet unstated platform . . .

[eggman67]

192. I didn't come out against it

I asked what it was. Others have come out for it so I'm hoping someone can tell me what it is.

She's the one who said she was considering running, not me.

[shance]

179. That is not even REMOTELY the point. Its called a Democracy.

Unless you selectively like to have Senators that are never challenged therefore never have to actually listen to their constituents.

[WildEyedLiberal]

182. Hey, try reading before you respond, ok?

Um, maybe the part where I suggested that if you want someone more progressive to run against Cindy, you should find someone more like Boxer who is liberal and who can WIN?

Sometimes I wonder if certain elements of the left don't get off on losing and martyrdom...

[EFerrari]

184. No, that would be the DLC.

sorry. YOU set it up. lol

[WildEyedLiberal]

187. They are no better

Seriously, most Democrats/liberals fall somewhere between "DLC DINO sellout" and "lefty fringe." Neither is more viable than the other in actually presenting a winning platform. I have no doubt that DiFi is too conservative for me, but if I lived in California and I were serious about presenting a challenger, I would find a liberal candidate who could actually post a victory in November. I'm sure there are no shortage of viable liberals in the big blue state of CA.

[EFerrari]

196. Apparently none that have the sand to do it.

Pretty disheartening, if you're in California.

And Feinstein hasn't helped this discontent from the left. She might have been able to but, at least from my own experience, she hasn't had the interest to do that.

There has been a basic disrespect -- of the type you might have seen yesterday when Torquemada was interviewed -- that one can't gloss over.

[Rex]

158. Running the country? Really?

Maybe running it into the ground. I hope she runs and beats the pants off Boxer. Thanks Boxer for all you did/do. Grunt work...laff.

[incapsulated]

160. Moore actually makes "more" sense, pardon the pun

I know his opinions on a number of issues and that he is well informed about them. I know that he can communicate effectively to a wide audience. I know that he is committed to his beliefs and the betterment of the country divorced from a very personal issue that he is outraged about.

I also know that he is a lightening rod and would create a circus if he ran for anything other than a guaranteed open seat with no competition.

[fujiyama]

165. Let me start off saying

that Sheehan has every right to challenge Feinstein and that I myself do not especially care for Feinstein and will admit I would have trouble voting for her (I would only do so if polls showed a tight race).

But what especially amuses me is this notion that just because Sheehan would make a fine senator means she has has any chance of doing so. It seems especially naive to expect support (or encouragement in any way) for this venture from the junior senator who has herself been helped by Feinstein in the past.

At this point, Sheehan's only claim to fame is being an anti war demonstrator. I have no problem with Sheehan. She has shown courage and I no doubt would prefer another no vote on such issues like the war and tax cuts, both of which Feinstein has voted on.

But having aquired publicity does not automatically capable of winning a statewide race. They are expensive (especially in a state like CA) and usually take many political connections, the latter of which she would not have from the party if she would somehow unseat Feinstein the primaries.

The more likely scenario is her getting crushed in the primaries, embarrasing her, and drying up some support with people she needs. In the end Sheehan would simply burn a few bridges she needs for the anti war movement (namely Dem office holders). I believe that's all Boxer is saying and she is correct.

[EFerrari]

175. While you are being amused, other people are thinking.

Now, I'm in the amusement busyness, so I'm not knocking that.

But, just what holy bridges would be burned by a CA citizen registering in the primary against DINO Dianne?

Really. When did lockstep become the dance?

[fujiyama]

183. Regarding the bridges...

The simple fact is that politicians sometimes can be petty, and keep grudges. You need alliances to win and running in the primaries opposing an incumbent candidate rarely wins favors in the party.

If Sheehan were to run (and worse yet win the nomination and then lose), she wuold be hated in Dem circles. Granted, I think that's more unlikely to happen. She'll likely run and get trounced by Feinstein in the primaries itself.

Hey, I made a mistake in saying I completely agree with Boxer on this. As I stated in another post above, I generally view primary challenges as a healthy way to vent and raise issues (I much rather prefer it over green party opposition that draw votes away from the Dem candidate). The problem in this case is that Sheehan's cause is very important and I would hate to see it become marginalized or discredited among those with power. As much as some would hate to admit it, in the end, you do need support from those in power to get something done.

[EFerrari]

186. Sure. But the wave of support behind Sheehan

was looking for a place to register.

It's not going anywhere and it won't be diluted. It's long past that point.

Look at all the passion spilled, rightly or wrongly, on this thread alone. :)

[robbedvoter]

205. The passion goes both ways. She lost a DU poll to Difi recently

Don't take the number of posts as votes,

[radio4progressives]

219. Really? Cindy Sheehan lost to DiFi on DU?? ..

i wonder if i saw that poll? how long was it up and running? or was it framed weird - or was it dlc'd? (in a manner of speaking) ?

just curious......

[rinsd]

222. Huh? DLC'ed?

WTF does that mean?

[RazzleDazzle]

188. Oh, bullshit

running in the primaries opposing an incumbent candidate rarely wins favors in the party.

It happens all the time, and the upstart winner gets along just fine.

[fujiyama]

195. Yes, but that's assuming she would win

If she wins the primaries and then loses, she'd be hated in Democratic circles.

And even if she simply runs in the primaries and loses, it would hurt her among many in the party. Hey, I'm not against a primary challenger for Feinstein, but Sheehan's movement is IMO too important to squander this way.

[EFerrari]

197. So, you in your better wisdom, would marginalize Sheehan

to this one issue?

That must be a lot of responsibility to shoulder.

In reality, this is why we have primaries. And if Feinstein loses, she can blame herself for her deafness.

[RazzleDazzle]

203. That's her problem, not yours or ours

Any loser gets villified, as a rule. That's the risk anyone takes when running in a political race of any kind, or indeed just about any competition, potentially.

Your "concerns" are specious.

[ronnykmarshall]

207. I could never hate Cindy.

But I think her run for the Senate isn't a wise thing to do.

[eggman67]

176. But how do we know even that much?

" just because Sheehan would make a fine senator"

I just can't see how we can know that. I've heard nothing of her position on any other issues.

Also, how would the war stance impact those positions? Would it trump other issues? Would she trade votes on say, abortion or gays in exchange for votes to withdraw troops? I'm not saying she would or wouldn't, I'm just saying I don't know, and I would need to know before I could make even the above assessment.

You mentioned her as a no vote on tax cuts. Is that a position she's articulated? If so, great I hadn't heard that. If not, then what do you base it on?

[fujiyama]

190. I'm assuming

that her overall platform would be more liberal than Feinstein's, who in the last several years has been a terrible disappointment (voting for the tax cuts IMO was somewhat symbolic in that it was the first of Bush's many legislative wins).

We don't know for sure what Sheehan's platform would be. It has not been articulated, but I cannot imagine that it would be less liberal. Plus, while there is vote trading, Sheehan does not strike me as someone that plays those games. Granted, ultimately, her lack of understanding of realpolitik may make her a poor candidate in general, which is partly why I think her role should be in helping the anti war movement outside of the senate. Now, this isn't to say she can't gain these skills, but those would be better obtained at a lower office first.

[eggman67]

201. Well we're in agreement

that a lower office or none at all would probably be better.

I do have a difference of opinion about the vote trading though. My impression is that her main cause means so much to her that she'd align with anybody who would advance it and that concerns me.

[LynneSin]

199. I was hopping she'd run but Ms. Boxer makes perfect sense

To me the Senate is practically hopeless and I feel she'd make very little leeway as a senator, not because of her lack of experience but because of the overwhelmingly large group of assholes in the senate (both dem & repuke).

If anything I think she would be more effective as a member of the house only because it seems the house demcorats are more receptive to ending this war and possibly impeaching Bush. But if I'm correct she has a pretty great representative already

[ulysses]

208. I admire Cindy and would dearly like to see Feinstein replaced

with a progressive Senator, but I agree with Boxer here - I think Cindy Sheehan is more effective outside the Senate than she would be within it.