"The announcement was a logo!" - What the Democratic opposition *wants* you to believe

[USArmyParatrooper]

Oh, the lengths these Republicans will go to in order to spin - just to make Democrats look bad. From Free Republic

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2589867/posts

"DNC’s bombshell “major announcement” revealed: They’ve … got a new logo" ....

Completely ignoring what the announcement was really all about.


http://www.examiner.com/elections-2010-in-washington-dc/chairman-kaine-unveils-democrat-s-new-logo-and-website

Chairman Kaine Unveils Democrat's New Logo and Website

September 15th - Democratic National Committee chairman Tim Kaine commemorated the release of the Democratic Party's new logo and website at George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs.

(snip)

The purpose of the new website is to encourage its users to act on the party's behalf. The Democratic congressional or gubernatorial candidates that are running in the user's login location automatically appear on the homepage. By clicking on the candidate, users can register to volunteer, find out about events, and learn more about the candidate. The DNC's creative director Lucas Fleischer commented, "There's energy out there and we want to grab it. If you want get involved it should be easy for you. We made the website clean and so simple that you can get to where you need to go in order to make America better." In addition, the website contains links to Democratic candidates Twitter feeds because, to quote Fleischer, "It used to be that a blog was enough, now people want constant updates."

I think we can all agree that the Republicans and Tea Parties... or should I say Republican Tea Parties have been out organizing the Democrats. This is a welcome step to unveil a one-stop source that streamlines activism for Democratic candidates all over the country. Is it "mind blowing"? No, and Kaine never claimed it would be. But obviously he wants to drum up interest for the unveiling - to get the word out.

The New Website can be found here -

http://www.democrats.org/

Freeper has also been drumming up new conspiracy theories about the logo being an Obama reference. What is it with Republicans and circles? Remember the Missile Defense logo? Or the Nuclear Summit Logo?

Disclaimer: The circle you see below IS about Obama.

[hlthe2b]

1. The roll-out was not handled well...

That, I think we should admit. A press statement indicating a major announcement the next day is pretty dramatic for the introduction of a new website, no matter how good it might be. And, yes, I think the logo is lame.

I support the party and will be manning phones prior to the election, but I won't spin this. Kaine may be well-intentioned, but ill-advised on this.

[USArmyParatrooper]

27. Now THAT is fair and honest criticism. +1

I only wish the Democratic opposition was that intellectually honest in their debate.

[Zenlitened]

2. A website relaunch just isn't a big deal, I'm sorry but it isn't.

And the fact that no graphic designers were harmed (or hired, apparently) in the making of that logo doesn't help matters, either.

Nor does the fact that the website is all about encouraging users "to act on the party's behalf" impress much.

The party acting on the voters' behalf... well that would be news indeed.

[ibegurpard]

45. thank you

[digitaln3rd]

No kidding, right.

Especially since it was touted as something that hadn't been done in a long time and would be the future of the party.

Huh, by my estimate over archive.com, the website has changed quite a bit over the last ten years (didn't they do a new design when Howard Dean took over as head of the DNC?).

If they really want to do something revolutionary, then why not change the leadership so every member of the Democratic Party (from the major people to the ordinary citizens) have a say in the day-to-day leadership - sort of like an employee-owned company. Make the website truly interactive towards all members of the party.

Maybe also hire some programmers and designers to put them to work too ;)

[USArmyParatrooper]

69. The website is for people who actually want to keep the Republicans from taking over

The people who actually want them to win.

[Zenlitened]

79. And for people who would see Democrats fail as mere placeholders, apparently...

... rather than spur them to the great achievements of which they are capable.

Sad.

[USArmyParatrooper]

81. Let me see if I follow here...

People who want to be active in their Democratic candidates' campaigns "would see Democrats fail as mere placeholders rather than spur them to the great achievements of which they are capable"?

What great achievement is an EX-Congressman capable of?

[Zenlitened]

82. Perhaps I was't clear.

My reference was to people who trot out the "you just want Democrats to fail" business when they run out of reasonable things to say.

:hi:

[Raineyb]

105. No shit. Why does this need to be explained anyway?

Shouldn't it be obvious?

I swear the things people will twist in order to puff up their own view.

[gkhouston]

120. It would be in 1994. Maybe they're trying to win *that* midtern. n/t

[ibegurpard]

3. Okay, just stop

HE made it a big deal by trumpeting his "announcement" that would excite Democrats nationwide.
It was on the CNN front page this morning that the they were going to make a major announcement.
This is a FUCKING SLAP IN THE FACE to people who are hoping they'll open their ears and eyes and realize they HAVE to give up the corporate gravy train and try to find a way to appeal to people who are fed up and angry with the way things are going.
This a fucking JOKE!
the logo is just the icing on the cake.

[emilyg]

7. +10

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[USArmyParatrooper]

Then why aren't the Freepers of the world using HONEST discourse?

Why are they beating the crap out of a strawman by claiming over and over that the announcement was about the logo? If they think they hyped the announcement too much, fine.

[ibegurpard]

63. because they're freepers

isn't that explanation enough?
It was stupid to hype this...it was setting themselves up for a fall.

[frylock]

89. they're just not into you?

who give two shits what the freepers think?! that's the problem with your party.

[Matariki]

117. Logo, website == who cares

"Big news" it was not. In light of how the base has been feeling, the whole charade was disappointing and embarrassing. If you think that the Democratic base being disappointed equals all of us being 'freepers' - well, don't know what to say to you other than 'whatever'.

[Gormy Cuss]

14. Is there a place to write that post on the new website?

That's feedback he can use.

[AnArmyVeteran]

23. Kaine is a joke. He's definitely no leader. Too bad ineptness isn't a leadership trait.

[Individualist]

32. +1

[snagglepuss]

59. B-I-N-G-----O! eom

[LoZoccolo]

70. It does excite Democrats nationwide. n/t

[ibegurpard]

72. ah, that explains it

you must have been the market tester

[nashville_brook]

80. it was a bonehead PR move. really sent the wrong message.

[gkhouston]

121. Yup. And then I find out about Elizabeth Warren during an interview on

The Rachel Maddow show (I was out most of the evening; perhaps it was on before then) without any big lead-up. The website gets a lot of press. Warren... it was like someone trying fart silently in a staff meeting.

[cleanhippie]

4. The freepers got that "its just a logo" from a DU member that posted on that this morning.

Not sure they would have even thought of that if they hadn't have been reading DU.

[chill_wind]

76. And none of them, naturally were watching for this BFD news themselves.

Psst. Freepers probably watch Colbert and Stewart now and then, too, if only to b*tch. AND to laugh.
It's a BIG series of tubes. DU or not, this wasn't going to go away after all the anticipatory hoo-haw.

[mikelgb]

5. the cookie has chocolate chips!

chocolate chips

[emilyg]

9. Now that's exciting.

[MadHound]

6. Both the logo and the website were underwhelming

And certainly didn't deserve the breathless buildup we were given.

[Name removed]

18. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

25. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LiberalAndProud]

47. It's still there.

http://www.democrats.org/

"This Wednesday, Chairman Tim Kaine will make a major announcement for Democrats. Democrats.org will be available following the announcement."


So it's a buildup to a disappintment. If it's almost a nonevent, there bound to be some guffawing and snarking, from supporters and detractors alike.

Now I'm all scared about what Stewart and Colbert have up their sleeves. I'm bracing myself for another disappointment.

[USArmyParatrooper]

48. Now THAT is fair and honest criticism. +1

[WCGreen]

8. I put in my zip and got gov, senator and house....

Now they should have every statewide person, every state rep and state senate candidates for my zip code...

[Scurrilous]

10. Thanks USArmyParatrooper.

The Democratic opposition only sees "Squirrel!"

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

11. So all the republicans are freaking out about the logo...

and, coincidentally I'm sure, so are all the people who freaked out about that Republican troll that got caught at DailyKos.

Hmm.

[Radical Activist]

21. hmmm

[JuniperLea]

55. Hmmm...

indeed

[bvar22]

104. Hmmmmmm INDEED.

and be sure to check under your bed for (gasp) COMMUNISTS !!!.
They're everywhere!
Witches too!
Find the TRAITORS and the WITCHES!

[TK421]

12. Okey-doke! Everything is just peachy-keen now, I get it

really...drumming up a new party logo is going to garner more support? This is beyond ridiculous, and defending it is just insane beyond....well, whatever the fuck goes beyond insane!

Is this their idea of strategy? Fucking clueless bunch of dopes working for ( supposedly ) us...

[USArmyParatrooper]

15. Complete and utter strawman in the purest sense.

"really...drumming up a new party logo is going to garner more support?"

Who on earth made that claim?

[TK421]

29. Before the elections, why are they deciding to do this?

what purpose does it serve? I'm asking YOU

I think it is fucking stupid

[USArmyParatrooper]

84. What's stupid? The new website or the new logo?

I think the new website is great. The logo is a non-issue.

[TK421]

93. How about BOTH?

[USArmyParatrooper]

118. What's stupid about the website?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

17. "defending it is just insane beyond"

You know what's pretty fucking insane?

Being upset about a logo.

I mean what sort of sad, pathetic person has there priorities so fucked up that they get worked up over a logo?

[TK421]

26. Worked up? no...disappointed? extremely...tell me what you think this will

accomplish?

[USArmyParatrooper]

30. What the website will accomplish?

It will...

"encourage its users to act on the party's behalf. The Democratic congressional or gubernatorial candidates that are running in the user's login location automatically appear on the homepage. By clicking on the candidate, users can register to volunteer, find out about events, and learn more about the candidate. The DNC's creative director Lucas Fleischer commented, "There's energy out there and we want to grab it. If you want get involved it should be easy for you. We made the website clean and so simple that you can get to where you need to go in order to make America better." In addition, the website contains links to Democratic candidates Twitter feeds because, to quote Fleischer, "It used to be that a blog was enough, now people want constant updates." The logo combines traditional fonts touting the motto "Change That Matters" with a modern, minimalist graphic of the letter D. "The purpose of the new logo wasn't so much to redefine ourselves, but to hone in on who we (the Democrats) are," said Fleisher."

[TK421]

34. That was never the problem to begin with...was it? to "hone in" on who we are

Change that matters? come on...

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

33. "defending it is just insane"

That's pretty worked up. So is being extremely disappointed.

[TK421]

36. Yeah..I mean, what a complete waste of a major announcement

Oh...I mean....nevermind

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

38. Walking it back now, eh?

[TK421]

39. Walking what back, exactly? care to explain?

edited to add: if you were talking about the "major announcement" comment, that is exactly what it wasn't....rather disappointing, in fact

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

42. The phony outrage.

[TK421]

49. You seem to have this incredible talent for sensing others feelings over the internet

Phony outrage, blah, blah, blah....I've heard this before

Please...come up with something new, won't you?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

51. So, then you really are outraged?

Because that's pretty pathetic.

[ibegurpard]

60. I sure as hell am

I was told to expect a major announcement that would excite Democrats nationwide.
I got a fucking website redesign.
Who gives a fuck about that?
You're really going to go to bat for this shit?

[USArmyParatrooper]

64. Can you source that?

"told to expect a major announcement that would excite Democrats nationwide."

I don't disbelieve you, but I haven't seen anything to that effect.

[ibegurpard]

74. cursory search of cnn was not able to find it

was front page item in the political section this morning.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

91. You're really upset by that?

Because that's really fucking stupid.

[Name removed]

92. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[TK421]

94. There you go again! I should call John Edward...no, wait a sec..he's a fraud

nevermind!!!

[SunsetDreams]

40. I couldn't have said it better.

A logo? seriously?? :rofl:

[JuniperLea]

57. Remember the Republican outrage over Obama's logo?

Sputter, harrumph, but but but... sputter... arms flailed.

[suzie]

123. +1 trillion

[Occulus]

16. So it's a new logo AND a new website? Well, NOW I'm excited!

....



























:rofl:

Nice try, but you just can't dress this one up. This was a pathetic, transparent grab for mindless voters easily impressed by shiny things. It means nothing, does nothing, accomplishes nothing (except to make me embarrassed for the cheerleaders), and probably won't garner a single vote.

This one was sad. Really, really, embarrassingly sad.

[USArmyParatrooper]

20. More strawman. I fully never expected you to be excited.

I was simply pointing out that all the Freepers who claimed that the purpose of the announcement was a "Logo" is lying. I don't mind disagreement, or criticism. But at least be honest about it.

[Occulus]

43. It's still poor marketing in any case

It doesn't matter if it's just a new logo or a new logo and a new website. Big deal.

Was anything of any substance announced?

[USArmyParatrooper]

54. Of substance? Yes.

But only if you want Democrats to win and decide to get involved. Many people want to "do something" and have no idea where to begin. I think the website with the content and format they announced is a great idea. Too much hype? Perhaps.

But in my opinion anyone who is "outraged" by it wants to be outraged and wouldn't be volunteering their time anyway.

Either way, if the website is equally "outrageous" then why lie and say the announcement was all about the logo?

[lumberjack_jeff]

24. But it has lots more "O"s in it. n/t

[KingFlorez]

19. They fact that they are going nuts over this proves that it takes very little to get to them

They are really unstable.

[USArmyParatrooper]

22. Yep. Obama Derangement Syndrom

[rug]

28. The need to defend a letter inside a circle explains why we're still in Afghanistan.

[Poboy]

78. Your brevity cuts to the quick. -nt

[Individualist]

31. Your attempt to catapult the propaganda is falling flat. Unrec.

[USArmyParatrooper]

35. Well, off to go eat dinner. Have fun.

[TK421]

37. enjoy your crow

[Scurrilous]

41. Bitter much?

Oh...I mean....nevermind

[TK421]

50. Blind much?

lock-step much? :hi:

[USArmyParatrooper]

58. "Lock-step"? Don't forget "cheerleader" and every other buzz phrase coined by........

The anti-Obama crowd who apparently aren't in lock-step with each other.

[TK421]

95. Yes...I did forget cheerleader....THANKS!!!! almost left that out!!!

[TK421]

97. Oh...I'll leave it up to the "experts" here at buzz phrases!

:think: wait...let me guess...hold on....


OH...was this a "secret meme"? perhaps, something passed on from one DU sect to another?

Well..I won't play that particular game, but if you like internet back and forth then honey-babe...I'm you're huckleberry!! Go on, please!!

[Beartracks]

44. Arg, it doesn't display properly in my Firefox... n/t

[tavalon]

46. Um, we did this, not the freepers

We, the Democrats or at least the tone deaf ones who are inside the beltway. I mean really, a new logo that looks like it was ripped off from Target, "CHANGE THAT MATTERS", and a keychain that says "Don't give them the keys back."?!? I mean really? Really? We're going to have to take our lumps here. This was harebrained, ludicrous, embarrassing and if the Republicans weren't in the process of committing hari kari, it would have been another nail in the coffin. We're going to win in November, not because we deserve it but because the Republicans are handing it to us on a silver platter.

This "new website" is the epitome of what Obama and his administration really aren't getting. No more talky-talky. Now is the time for walky-walky. Or they need to get the fuck out of the way. You want me to stand up and fight for you, my Democratic leaders, then you fucking stand up and fight for me, too! It doesn't go one way. Unless, of course, you just used me back in 2008 and think I'll jump right in to be used again. You didn't do that, did you, Democratic leaders?

We don't need speeches, we don't need new logos and we certainly don't need new keychains. We need action. We need leadership. We need healthcare and jobs and an end to the endless wars. We need housing for the homeless and help for the soon to be homeless. We need a President who doesn't put his finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing before he dares to do anything. We need Obama to follow through on his promises, especially the one where he said he would fight for Main Street, not Wall Street.

[tavalon]

52. Guess what?

I completely disagree with you and yet I recommended your thread. I think all of DU needs to talk about this.

Now, I'm going over to the new, improved DNC Website and see if there's a place for me to offer feedback. Because I have plenty to offer.

[JNelson6563]

53. Awesome post USArmyParatrooper!

Well done! :toast:

Julie

[ibegurpard]

56. seriously???

you really think this rollout was worthy of the hype they generated?
please tell me you're not serious...
And I'm not talking about the logo

[JNelson6563]

61. I'm not talking about the hype

I'm talking about the substance of the post, namely the organizing tools for Dems to get actively involved in campaigns. I think it's awesome.

Was the hype overdone? Yes. That does not change the fact that I am very pleased with what they've done.

Julie

[bvar22]

103. Who has ever had trouble getting actively involved in campaigns?

I never had a problem.
Nobody I know has ever come to me and said,
"I would love to become actively involved, but I can't find the Campaign HQ."

Is this website solving a problem that doesn't exist? :shrug:

[JNelson6563]

110. How fabulous for your area!

Where I live there are lots of rural areas, many counties barely have Dem parties, much less an HQ.

Julie

[bvar22]

112. I live very rural and very Red too.

Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas (West Central).
I'm so rural I frequently shoot guns from my front porch.
Finding the Democratic Party is NOT a problem.
Volunteering for the Democratic Party is not a problem.
Anyone with the slightest proclivity for helping out has NEVER had a problem.
It requires LESS skill to pick up a phone that to use a web browser.
If Tim Kaine believes that volunteers and donations are NOW going to come pouring in because of an upgrade to the website, he (and the Party) is sadly mistaken.

Those who want to help are already helping, or will find a way to help.
Those who don't...won't.

[JNelson6563]

122. "...or will find a way to help"

I dare say, they may even do so using the DNC website!

Cheers,
Julie

[USArmyParatrooper]

62. Again, strawman.

My obvious contention with much of the criticism is quite simple. LYING and saying the announcement was about the logo. If the website was equally "outrageous" then why the dishonesty?

A couple people in this thread actually made coherent and reasonable arguments - that they drummed up too much media attention. That's fair. But in my opinion anyone who is actually 'outraged' by it wants to be outraged, and isn't likely to utilize the site anyway.

It's understandable they would want to draw attention to the unveiling of the site. Perhaps they over did it. Get over it, seriously.

[TK421]

98. I've never even heard of you before tonight...get over it...seriously n/t

[Raineyb]

109. Wow you have some really low standards.

This foolishness really explains the split around here.

Perhaps you didn't notice, but the country is in some trouble. There are millions out of work, employers are using this to further depress wages of those who still have jobs and the outsourcing continues and the Democrats aren't really being perceived as doing all that much about it. They're running the risk of having their asses handed to them, they've made more than one ham-fisted comment that insulted parts of the base and then they make an announcement that they have a big major announcement coming and THIS is what they come up with? Talk about tin ears!

A fucking logo change and website? People are looking for something a hell of a lot more substantial than a change of a picture and yet another fucking website and if you think that the big thing that needs doing is to defend this it certainly explain the shallowness of what passes for thinking in some people around here.

I for one need to hear something a hell of a lot more substantial than this. This announcement is an epic fluffer fail.

[golddigger]

65. I love it. Its awesome.

I just love shiny new things. Forget about DADT,DOMA, the public option etc. Just give me a brand spanking new logo and I'm fired up.

[USArmyParatrooper]

68. DADT is already added to the Defense Bill that will be voted on as soon as next week.

The votes weren't there for the Public Option. I guess if someone else was President they would have miracled enough Democrats in the Senate to break the filibuster.

The only reason reconciliation was an option was because the CBO determined the bill was a net deficit reducer. That wouldn't be the case with a public option.

[mmonk]

66. Well that makes all the difference in the world.

From now on, I know not to be too excited.

[USArmyParatrooper]

67. I like the site so far.

Very user friendly. I live in NC but I'm registered to vote in California. I didn't even know who's running in this district - where my wife IS registered.

Front Page:

http://www.democrats.org/

CLICK


type in zip code then type in street address


Elaine Marshall
NC Senate


Larry Kissell
NC House

And for each you can click on their name to go to their site, and you can click on "Help Person X" to learn how to volunteer.

[Cha]

75. Thanks, USAP...I'm moving to another State

in October and will register online before I go.. but it will be nice to check out the Dem candidates on the new DNC site~

[sufrommich]

71. What 24 hour news channels did to the nightly news, 24

online discussion forums do to conversation, inflate the minutia, deflate the real important issues. Boredom and outrage walk hand in hand.

[RetroLounge]

73. A new logo?

:rofl:

RL

[NYC Liberal]

77. Anyone who is working themselves up into an outrage over this,

quite frankly, needs to reevaluate their priorities and get the fuck over it. That goes for Freepers or anyone else.

[rusty fender]

108. LOLOLOLOLOL!

Funniest animation, ever!:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[LostinVA]

83. The Party is supposed to act on our behalf

Not the other way around.

[USArmyParatrooper]

86. Yep, and they're supposed to miracle their way into office so they *can* act on our behalf

If you don't feel the party is acting on your behalf, then don't vote and don't get involved. I disagree so I will vote and get involved.

Such is life.

[LostinVA]

102. So, you think the citizens should work for teh Party, and not the converse?

Uh huh. That goes against everything our government is supposed to stand for. And, if I don't agree with this, I shouldn't vote or get involved or have any opinion either, I guess. Your statement really makes no sense, and is actually very undemocratic.

And, do not lecture em about getting involved. My God.

[USArmyParatrooper]

119. Since you're debating from a place of honesty and integrity...

Please copy and paste where I said the party shouldn't work for the people. Thanks.

[chill_wind]

85. Meh. Most of them sound like they're laughing

and having a pretty good time with it. I guess that's what happens when a story like this sounds like it came straight out of the pages of The Onion. But didn't.

[bullwinkle428]

87. The 88-dimensional chess thing has grown tiresome. Now is

the time on "Sprockets" when we dance.

[NJmaverick]

88. K & R

[backscatter712]

90. The new logo still looks like a target. n/t

[ShamelessHussy]

96. and a new website... but obviously some/lots were expecting something else

though from a marketing perspective if sure gotta lot of folks waggin their tongues and mice ;)

[flamingdem]

99. Thanks USArmy for making us hip to the website!

That was the point after all, missed by many with the kerfuffle about the logo.

By the way that logo is not bad, it's simple and does it's job.

[Tarheel_Dem]

100. K&R. (nt)

[Ramulux]

101. Wish they hadnt built it up so much

This is a great website with a lot of really useful features that could be very instrumental in organizing democrats in the coming weeks. But they shouldn't have hailed this as a huge announcement, I think they could have made a big deal about it and stressed how important a tool it could be but they definitely over exaggerated a bit.

[Hosnon]

106. This couldn't be less important.

Who cares?

[madamesilverspurs]

107. Can't tell if it's decent or not.

There's a long list of stuff on the left, it sits on top of everything else, white lettering, looks like subheadings but doesn't allow clicking through, refreshing the page changes nothing. Weird.


-

[BluePatriot]

111. Not Chrome compatible?

...Who did they overpay to put this thing live before testing it in at least three major browsers?

BluePatriot, miffed freelance web designer

[JerseygirlCT]

116. I guess that's why mine is all screwy

Yeah, how to launch something like this without testing it on the major browsers? Stupid.

[Edweird]

113. A website and a logo. I think a press conference was over the top.

It could have been promoted less embarrassingly and just as effectively through the grapevine or even plugged at the end of a Presidential speech.

[JerseygirlCT]

114. What's with the white text over the other pictures and text along

the left side? Mistake - soon to be fixed - I hope?

It's dull, visually. Really dull. Sort of like Harry Reid.

[JerseygirlCT]

115. Also makes me hope that the design was made by some under

or not paid intern somewhere - because if they paid any money for that logo, they're nuts.