A campaign talking point I would like to see the Pres. and all Dems. use

[spooky3]

at rallies and elsewhere.

Although this does not address many important issues, it does address one for many people in the middle class (especially middle-aged people who have been saving for retirement).

"How many of you out there have a 401(k) plan at work, and have been working hard to save money for your retirement, only to see it devastated during the Republican administration?"

(pause for response)

"Let's say you had $100,000 left in your account when the Republicans were removed from office during the elections of 2008. Today, on average, even if you couldn't afford to contribute to it in 2009 and 2010, you would have $145,000. That's 45% more than when the Republicans held all the power. 45% in two years! We Democrats have worked hard to get this economy back on track.", etc., etc.

I'm sure you wordsmiths would have a lot better way of saying this than I have. My point is that while we have a long way to go, a lot of people are out of work, still don't have health care, etc., the Democrats have stabilized some things so that people with retirement savings who were scared sh**less by the 30, 40, 50% drops even in their conservative, prudent retirement funds while Bush and cronies controlled things, have greatly benefited since then. I don't hear anybody talking about this and I think Dems. should take at least some credit.

[spooky3]

1. thanks for the recs, but no comments?

[Atticus]

2. I agree we need more practical easy-to-understand examples of what Democrats have

accomplished. Your 401(k) example brings home what we have done for tens of millions of average Americans.

[spooky3]

5. I'd love to see the Dems. make a list of Ten Top Examples

that are easy to understand and important.

Republicans are really good at driving home talking points, even when they are talking about stuff we don't like.

[Mister Ed]

3. Tarryl Clark (Michele Bachmann's Democratic opponent) used it in the debate I attended last night

Unfortunately, Bachmann never showed up, and never accepted nor declined the debate invitation.

The debate was put on by Bachmann's home-town newspaper, the Stillwater Gazette. Their biennial congressional debate is a long-standing tradition, and Bachmann has participated in it during each of her previous campaigns. You'd think she could've managed to show up. It's just a short drive from her house.

Clark was left to debate with Bob Anderson, of the Minnesota Independence Party, which typically garners about 10% of the vote in our district.

But back to your point. It's probably the most damning indictment of Republican rule, from the middle-class voters' standpoint. Clark used it to great effect by asking for a show of hands. "How many here have a 401k"? All hands went up. When she asked how many had lost a huge portion of their 401k's value in 2008, of course all hands went up again.

[spooky3]

4. that is excellent news!

I couldn't believe I hadn't heard anyone pointing out the obvious. Very glad to hear that Clark it up. But I also think Dems. need to emphasize the upward movement since they "took over." They need to give people a reason to vote for them, not just to vote against Republicans (since many demoralized people don't vote).