Emanuel and Hoyer Blocking More Aggressive Dem Tactics on Ending War

[babylonsister]

http://www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1605

Emanuel and Hoyer Blocking More Aggressive Dem Tactics on Ending War
by: Chris Bowers
Thu Sep 27, 2007 at 14:59:21 PM EDT

The Politico points out the obvious:

But it's a simple truth, whether you support the war or not: There is a lot more Democrats could do to change, or at least challenge, the politics of the war in Washington, even if they do not have the numbers to impose new policies on President Bush.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) could force a vote a day over Iraq. She could keep the House in session all night, over weekends and through planned vacations.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) could let filibusters run from now till Christmas rather than yield to pro-war Republicans.

Such tactics might or might not be politically sensible, but in their absence, anti-war lawmakers can hardly say they have done everything possible to challenge the war and bring attention to their cause.

Lawmakers over the past generation have threatened and sometimes carried out such extreme parliamentary maneuvers over less consequential matters than dying soldiers.

This is one of the reasons why the Democratic base is so frustrated. Republicans, for example, were willing to go nuclear in order to force their judicial nominees across. Democrats, by way of contrast, are not wiling ot go nuclear over ending the war. There is a widespread perception that Demcorats are giving up too easily, and not playing their entire hand.

The main culprits? Apparently, Hoyer and Emanuel:

Democrats, in on-the-record and on-background interviews, said they do not do these things because they would be bad politics. Democrats in the House and Senate would splinter over such extremist measures.

In closed-door caucus meetings, members say, Democratic leaders like Reps. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) and Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) have carried the day by warning that there is no appetite for such tactics in the districts of vulnerable Democrats, upon whom the party's new majority status depends.

Maybe it is just me, but when someone is elected to end the war, I don't think their constiuents will be upset because that person is really trying hard to end the war. However, that clearly is not the way people think in what is still a very cautious party down in the beltway. To them, standing up for your beliefs and going to extra mile are apparently roads to defeat.

[movonne]

1. And these are part of the Lieberman, Hillery side of the dems...I

know that Lieberman is an Ind. but to some of these dLC dems, he is a dem...

[defendandprotect]

2. We're not going to break thru MSM . . .. but I think we need to begin to think in terms of local . .

newspapers and local government -- state government ---

Maybe we can move this issue of impeachment forward -- ????

And, of course, STOP Iran -- and get out of Iraq -- !!!!

We have to expect local and state government to take positions on this -- !!!

Right now, I'm shocked that Sen. Lautenberg voted for this MoveOn! and Iran thing -- !!!!!

Especially since he wrote an "Enough Is Enough" article in our local paper just like two week ago to sign a petition on Iraq . . . . ????

Don't understand what's going on -- think he also criticized Petraeus????

I don't have the original article anymore --

but, ironically, I pointed out that his website address was wrong and commented that the

administration should be "impeached" -- and they printed it!!!

Have to catch up with Lautenberg and Menendez!!!!

[defendandprotect]

3. How many like Hillary are accepting DLC positions and following them????

I don't want any DLC candidate elected to the presidency --

[leftchick]

4. they are DLC /AIPAC/ bushdog/ BlueDOG/ hilldog

where is the surprise?

:grr:

[GreenTea]

5. Fucking DLC! These are the moderate assholes trying to run the great Howard Dean out

of the DNC - The DLC also wants control of the DNC and then they'll have complete control of the democratic party and get their moderate candidate of choice, Hillary, nominated and pushed right on through - Fuck these corporate moderate to right DLC clowns like Carville, Emanuel, Hoyer and the rest of the DLC they want to push the Dem party so far to the center it'll become almost indistinguishable from the republican moderates....That's what the republicans want, to be able to say there is no difference in the two party's so vote republican because they are tougher against terrorist....they also want Hillary....Just no progressives like John Edwards, republicans went Edwards gone.

[OzarkDem]

11. What are they doing to Dean?

I don't doubt what you're saying and it boils my blood. I hope Dean stands up to these idiot bullies.

Perhaps we should spend some time getting rid of Hoyer and Emmanuel. Are they vulnerable in their districts?

[Individualist]

6. They're being obedient DLCers, enabling neocons.

[kenny blankenship]

7. 11%

Wake the fuck up already.

[bvar22]

20. They don't care what we think.

They are laughing at us all the way to the bank:

"Hahahahahahah!!!!What are they gonna do?...Vote for a Republican? Hahahahahahahah"

The DLC has thoroughly rigged the game.
Their candidate is leading in the polls, next in line for the Unitary Executive.

And the MILLIONS of rank and file Democrats who Work for a Living are powerless to do anything about it, because:

"Hahahahahahah!!!!What are they gonna do?...Vote for a Republican? Hahahahahahahah"

I may join the Refusenicks if Hillary is awarded the nomination.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

8. I wish they felt comfortable with being BOLD and PASSIONATE and POWERFUL.

I honestly, to the bottom of my soul believe the American people are yearning for a bold, passionate and powerful leadership prepared to fight for changing the path of this nation. Fuck red or blue!!! People want to see something other than BEING POLITICAL. They want something else, something better, something inspiring.

[babylonsister]

9. I can't even imagine a candidate like that with the hoops they have

to jump through to get to this point. Everyone is 'owned' by someone imo. And that is sad.

[OzarkDem]

10. Any Dem who believes Hoyer and Emmanuel is a fool

and is obviously not paying attention to what's going on in their districts. They may very well be at risk of losing their seats, not because they were too "liberal" but because they ignored public opinion and listened to the likes of those tools.

[bigtree]

12. "The Politico points out . . . "

nuff said . . .

[robinlynne]

13. but we feel it even more strongly. This time the politico is right.

[bigtree]

19. when you make claims without direct attribution you are just presenting an opinion

there is absolutely NOTHING in the Politico article which anyone can rely on to back up the opinion that such actions would move the debate, or even that ANYONE is blocking such action. Maybe we can ask "members" what they actually think. Supposedly these two hacks did, but they didn't see any reason to actually put some names behind the quotes. That's just slippery journalism.

I think this piece was designed to exploit divisions within the party and draw attention to their new rag. Look at the effect on this thread. These clowns could claim almost anything derogatory behind their "members say" crock. But it's not the type of sourcing which should enamor anyone to their argument.

I say these two just made those anonymous quotes up. How do I know? "Members" told me so.

[robinlynne]

23. There is so much written about Rahm's and hoyers' positions that it very easy to find

back up. there are articles and more articles. These guys are dangerous. they are helping fascism along.

[bigtree]

24. then post them

and leave this tripe where it lays

[babylonsister]

16. Gimme a break. If it walks like a duck... nt

[bigtree]

17. the 'duck' is this Politico article.

"members say?" WHAT MEMBERS? What kind of bullshit sourcing is that to bring here and bash Democrats with?

This is nothing but an opinion piece being presented as containing the views of 'Democrats.' But they couldn't get one Democrat on the record to support the claim in Bowers' headline. The quotes they did get are used by the authors of the Politico piece to argue against. They don't support the authors' contention at all.

"members say" :rofl:

[babylonsister]

18. Could it be you don't like anyone criticizing the weak leadership

we have? Nah, not you. I'm not a fan of the Politico usually, but they have been known to be right upon occasion, and I think in this case they are.

[bigtree]

21. I'll take the criticism and deal with it, but I can't defend against innuendo and rumor

which is the ONLY proof of Bower's (and Politico's) contention.

So give your opinion, just don't expect me to accept these un-sourced quotes which are supposed to support your opinion as fact.

[Richard Steele]

14. The same Emanuel who forced a Dem to drop out so he could put a REPUB in Foley's old seat?

Gee, what a shock that that scumsucking shitbag
would be helping the B*sh Cabal.

[Usrename]

15. The Lieberpeople.

Let em join the Lieberman party, but get them the hell out of our party.

[Canuckistanian]

22. They're called the 'Yoostabees'

[Usrename]

25. OMG

How did I miss the Yoostabees? :shrug: