This may be my last night as a Democrat.

[RagAss]

Most of you know what I mean.

Let's hope the big guy on the big stage, who many of us worked hard for, says what we need to hear tonight.

If not, I'll see you all in the funny pages !

[MNDemNY]

see ya under the bus!!!!

[jezebel]

1. Unbelievable. nt

[valerief]

2. Yeah, we need a real progressive party. No, a real LIBERAL party. nt

[mdmc]

3. sadly,

all I want from Obama is re-election.
I know the dem party is a little better then the gop.
so that is how i see it -
until something real comes along, i will be a corporate dem (with a socialist, green tint - waiting for something that might never come).

[Old and In the Way]

17. Sadly, I concur.

The real problem isn't Obama, but a system that has seduced too many legislators to value campaign $ and post-Congressional careers as lobbyists over doing what the majority of Americans want/need. We need to elect better Democrats who can stand up for our agenda.

I hope I here "and I will veto any legislation that does include a robust public option available to any/all Americans" in his speech tonight. Because the POS "reform" that the healthcare companies are planning on will make us indentured servants in the coming decades.

[mdmc]

30. yes yes yes

love your handle and avatar

peace and low stress

[get the red out]

67. +1

Absolutely.

I want the best out of health care that can be done, but the opposition is absolutely horrific in all imaginable ways. I can't think of a danger greater to the planet and humanity than the gop.

[lamp_shade]

4. oooooo....

[virgogal]

5. I hope you're kidding.

[RagAss]

9. I wish I was. I've just seen too many lives torn apart by medical bills..this is a brutal country to

get sick in.

[virgogal]

12. I agree,but we need you,and others like you,to stay and fight

the good fight.

[treestar]

21. How old are you?

It has always been that way. But it's not now or never, either.

Work to elect more progressive Democrats then. Work for the Lamonts to defeat the Liebermans.

That's the country you live in.

[Solomon]

93. Yeah, now's the time to quit. Right when we're on the

cusp. Spoken like a true Democrat. Find a way to lose when you're winning.

See ya.

[liberalmuse]

6. Don't let the Donkey kick you in the Ass on the way out.

As the saying goes. I'm kidding. Liberals are such drama queens. :eyes:

[polpilot]

42. Can u imagine JFK & LBJ watching this shit to-night. Their one question:

Where are the Democrats?'

[RagAss]

56. Amen !

[WI_DEM]

JFK thru much of his presidency stuck pretty close to the middle

and we had liberals/progressives then saying he was moving too slow.

[tnlefty]

78. Or what about FDR? Thom Hartmann has been playing clips of

his speech in Madison Square Garden last week and again today. I get chills everytime that I hear it.

"I welcome their hatred." Sigh. I'll wait and see.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

99. LOL! I don't think you know much about JFK's term.

Especially the first part of his term.

[Howardx]

7. thats fine

defeatist losers arent needed.

[Tesha]

10. You say that now, but next year, when DLC Democrats need people to do actual work...

...the song will be different.

But if the Public Option is tossed under the bus tonight, the DLCers will
have to do their own work next year.

Tesha

[Howardx]

11. scary threat

im sure you have the dlc quite concerned.

[DireStrike]

22. Good point.

They don't need us at all, what with all the funding from the rich and incorporated.

[Ruby the Liberal]

29. Are you suggesting that boots on the ground had no effect last November?

Not to mention the donations?

Sure, the DLC will be flush with cash now that Rahm has auctioned off the house, but lets see what kind of volunteer effort they can raise if they screw the pooch on this.

[tbyg52]

43. Bingo, and welcome to DU. nt

[Ruby the Liberal]

51. Thanks!

Happy to be here!

[tbyg52]

79. Happy to have you here.

It gets pretty old listening to the no-matter-what cheerleading. I've just been reading Thom Hartmann, who argues that all the big changes have been pushed from the grassroots up. So, we should push.

[Ruby the Liberal]

80. Thom is the best. I don't get his show here, though.

But, did just read his thread earlier.

:toast:

[RagAss]

Thank You.

[Howardx]

102. no

what i am suggesting is that progressives/liberals find it much easier to turn on their own kind rather than actually fight the republicans.

[mitchum]

26. +1

[WI_DEM]

62. Yes, and all you will succeed in doing is elect another Bush like you did in 2000

[get the red out]

70. And we all get to suffer

but those that bail will rejoice in their personal suffering, sounds too much like religion when you think about it.

[Ruby the Liberal]

71. 2010 is a mid-term election, not Presidential

[DutchLiberal]

83. Wait... George Bush was *elected*???

:wow:

[Tesha]

96. Actually, I voted (and worked for) Gore.

But thanks for the insult; it just confirms that the work of real
liberals commonly goes unappreciated by Faux Liberals.

Tesha

[midnight]

101. Bush was never elected.

[blogslut]

8. I did the no party is good enough thing in the 80's

When I got older, I decided it was time to pick a team.

[hay rick]

38. My team.

I want my team to be the good guys. Beating the other team is useless if it doesn't lead to a noticeably better outcome.

[librechik]

13. don't be too hasty--this night is really only the beginning of the fight

and the role of progressives hasn't really even begun. When we get thrown under the bus, then it's time to set the bus on fire.

[tridim]

14. Crow Kabobs will be served later in the lounge.

Gotta love DU. :)

[Ruby the Liberal]

19. I hope you are right

I am sorta regretting delurking. It seems that posting = more emotionally invested, but it is good to be with those who have the same concerns that I do.

Everything feels so heavy tonight. I don't want a taxpayer bailout of private insurance. That will destroy what is left of this country.

[Canuckistanian]

24. I was wondering what you meant by "taxpayer bailout"

After reflection, I know what you mean.

If this Baucus "mandatory" option goes through, it will indeed be party time for insurance CEOs.

[Ruby the Liberal]

31. You nailed it

My biggest fear is that when they finally pound this out, it will force people to buy from these multi-millionaire crooks (people who can't afford their "policies") and drain the treasury to cover the balance.

This has always been my issue (healthcare for all) - going on decades now - and I am afraid we are going to screw it up. Again.

[kenny blankenship]

15. I think you're putting too much stock in this speech. I think you have a lot company in that.

The persuasion that matters most is going to happen behind closed doors. This speech is unlikely to change any opinions in the Congress. I doubt that any of us will hear anything new or different tonight. He's been lukewarm at best on what matters most to most of us - he's not going to suddenly lay down a gauntlet. Conversely, there's no way in hell he's going to say "Hey Gang know what? I'm dropping the public option. Yup, gonna drop it." You'll never hear that even if he's made up his mind it can't be obtained.
What you want to hear, you're not going to hear. What you worry most about - you're not going to hear that either. The speech isn't for Congress or you or me or people like us who follow this daily. It's going to be for the drifting disengaged majority - who're going to get a recap of what we've been biting our nails over hourly for the last couple of months.

[Ruby the Liberal]

16. If they hose this

I will stick around long enough to get Joe Sestak through the primary, then I am Indi.

I hope they don't let us down, but I am not feeling happy vibes tonight. :(

[FrenchieCat]

23. Who is "They"?

[Ruby the Liberal]

35. Non-Progressives

I am starting to think that the CPC are the only ones who are going to fight for us anymore.

[Ruby the Liberal]

Oh, and BTW

Laid off now, and delurking as I have time to participate.

Just wanted to thank you for your picture threads over the last few years. Always brought a smile to my face. :)

[Jennicut]

18. I used to be an independent in the 1990's. I was in my twenties and mistrustful of all govt.

though I voted for Clinton in 1996 at 20. In 2004, I switched to Dem. Bush pissed me off. I can't see leaving now...some Dems suck, some are good. Its not all or nothing for me.

[Yuugal]

34. Its not all or nothing....

The viewpoint many of us have after a lifetime of helping this party is that we never get anything. So our attitude would be better described as something or nothing.

[Jennicut]

63. Maybe...I have only been a Dem for 5 years so....

[bobbolink]

20. I really understand. I think we can do more good for the country and the people who live here

by working hard for issues we believe in.

I thank you for your honesty. It is rare anymore, and something to be valued. :hi:

[RagAss]

27. Thank you from my heart. I've just seen too many folks torn apart...

by medical bills that they can never, ever pay. I guess I thought it would be different this time. I still pray it will.

[bobbolink]

36. You're very welcome. You have spoken from your heart, and that doesn't deserve

the silly putdowns.

You obviously have the needed passion.

In MHO, one of the mistakes was that there wasn't a large, concerted effort years ago to begin educating the populace about the basics of the health care issue, so they were susceptable to the lies.

What I think is necessary is, if the current mess fails, pull back, develop a true strategery, and learn how to talk with independents and reasonable people, on their level, sort of like how Al Franken did.

Most people in this country have either experienced first-hand the devastation of the health care industry, or know people who have. I think there is a LOT of anger about it, but it hasn't been tapped.

It might be a much larger and more important contribution for you to put your energy into something like this, rather than to stick with a party which has let you down so badly.

Best to you... you have much to offer this nation! :hug:

[RagAss]

41. Thanks....great post...I will never stop fighting...Born and bred a Liberal !

[elocs]

25. The irony may be with the prediction of the demise of the GOP, that it is the Democratic Party

that fragments. Expectations after a White House win and big majorities in Congress are being crushed and betrayed. I can see those who finally say "screw it" and walk. Maybe in the long run that will not be a bad thing. Maybe it will. Who knows? Time will tell.

[sendero]

49. Anyone that thinks..

.... Dems are going to keep our big majorities in congress is on crack.

We're now the party in power and what has been accomplished? Not fucking much, that's what. And the economy is still going to be in the shitter come next year and come 2012. Obama didn't create this mess, but he didn't fix it either. He'll get the blame.

[elocs]

My freeper friends say, "What's the problem? You have the White House, majorities in Congress."

They have a point because Republicans would get their agenda done if they were in the same position.

[sendero]

61. They get their agenda done..

... with half as good a position.

Our president and our congressional leaders are weak and ineffectual, or just bought.

[elocs]

69. Dems all protect their own pet turf to the exclusion of the common good of the Party.

Republicans are more pragmatic and understand you cannot do that and get things done. They also have discipline, and Democrats really are like herding cats.

[RagAss]

75. They'd step on our throats with this majority.

Hell, we'd be in work camps by now.

[elocs]

81. Yep, they'd say "get in line or get out". Case closed. n/t

[NNN0LHI]

28. How long have you been a Democrat?

[RagAss]

33. Thirty Three years.... first vote at 18 for Jimmy Carter in 76.

[bobbolink]

39. "Job well done, good and faithful servant."

:applause:

[G_j]

32. I stay registered as Dem so I can vote in the primaries for progressives nt

[HughMoran]

40. Yes, we all know you're just here to start trouble

What else is new - you're part of "that crowd". Have fun in your socialist playground.

[HughMoran]

37. Hide another fake bravado threat thread

These threads are stupid. Not only that, if you quit tonight, we'll never talk to you again - so who gives a fuck really.

[RagAss]

46. Sorry you feel that way. I've enjoyed being here.

[bobbolink]

48. Nobody can tell you to leave.. that is against the rules. Please alert!

Your view is just as important as the view of anyone else.... and your honestly is worth much more than the slams!

[RagAss]

52. Thanks....everyone needs to kick someone....my turn tonight...Peace to ya.

[bobbolink]

54. It is not your turn when rules are broken.

[HughMoran]

82. Did you even read my post?

Or just his response? :eyes:

[HughMoran]

50. I really don't like "threat threads"

Yeah, you're somebody today 'cause you posted this crap, but there's tomorrow, and the next day, and the next...

[Fuzz]

44. Nader getting ready for a comeback!

[Catch22Dem]

45. Whatever. Who gives a fuck?

Sorry, but I have no tolerance for quitters. Actually, I'm not sorry, my statement stands.

[bobbolink]

58. There are good and faithful people who care very deeply, but don't feel a need

to judge and look down on others.

All the name-calling get you.... what?

[Catch22Dem]

65. All what name calling?

I said "quitters" which is what you are if you quit your party, right? Not exactly calling names.

[bobbolink]

68. Right. Calling names isn't really calling names, because you say so.

Haven't we had enough of the damned right wing and their attacks?

You need to buy a new play book.

[Catch22Dem]

90. You make zero sense.

If you party, you're a partier
If you play, you're a player
If you jump, you're a jumper
If you quit, you're a quitter.

A new play book? I'm not even sure what that means, but oh well. I've been here since 2002 and I sure as hell don't feel the slightest need to explain myself to you.

[Howardx]

103. +1

[greenbriar]

47. if you leave...don't let the door hit you where the good lord split ya

you are all crazy

[WI_DEM]

53. Why don't you run for congress and win and then you can magically get everything

you want.

[DevonRex]

55. Good luck getting Nader elected.

:rofl:

[graywarrior]

57. We give up so easily.

No matter what happens, I still support Obama. I may be disappointed, I may be pissed as hell, but I will not walk away like a sniveling, whining coward just because things get tough.

[DevonRex]

59. Some people are so weak they just cut and run when action is required.

I'll never understand it.

[graywarrior]

87. Now is the time to stand strong

[RagAss]

60. Like yourself, I worked very hard for him ... but who needs workers when you have corporate $$$..

Peace to you.

[bobbolink]

77. I'm sure Obama is PROUD to have such a namecaller as a supporter.

[Individualist]

64. If you don't stand for principles, you stand for nothing.

The damn DLC will rue the day they decided to throw progressives under the bus.

[RagAss]

66. They will. But we will still be standing.

[centristgrandpa]

72. somehow i think you "misunderestimate" Mr. Obama. n/t

[RagAss]

73. Nobody wants that more than me.

[centristgrandpa]

85. it could be worse err than you think.

http://www.damnfunnypictures.com/political-pictures/5316/sarah-palin-political-funny/3/

[shadowknows69]

74. Heard.

[RagAss]

76. Thanks.

[Peacetrain]

84. okay...

[KoKo]

86. Oh..."You Jest." Obama is a great Charmer...and some still think he's a Poker Player

so...don't see him going down NOW..but it remains to be seen what the future holds. I wouldn't give up on him just yet.....

[Liberal_in_LA]

88. Good luck voting for the Palin / Cheney ticket

:eyes:

[Individualist]

89. That DLC meme is as asinine as it is stale.

[Deja Q]

91. My wiener has a first name, it's O-S-C-A-R...

[liquid diamond]

92. Good riddance.

[RagAss]

94. What?

[Mari333]

97. Ill work very hard for Kucinich or Dean from now on

and I will never do anything to help Obama unless he does a 180 which I doubt he will.

[Catshrink]

95. Yeah because the Republicans will do so much better.

[KoKo]

98. There are other ways to work for ideals...and we will find them..

Lots of new movements that go beyond Dem Party Lines...but are still Liberal/Progressive. You know where they are if you've been on here awhile!

Peace...and hope to see you somewhere along the way in one of the new movements. CHANGE we can work for..

:hi:

[condoleeza]

100. I've seen all the replies so far and would just like to hear your take on what he said

don't want to lose someone who obviously cares about the individual struggles of life.

[RagAss]

104. I'm still here. That's my answer.