The direction is clear. We are voting for Downticket Democrats (double D’s?) this year. Our goal is clear: no matter who ends up president, we need representatives with strong progressive values who will stand up to the Blue Dog Democrats, the financial interests, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. In my humble opinion, that’s the best way for us to honor Hillary Clinton’s request without us violating our consciences. It is up to us to save the Democratic party from itself (BTW, whose job was it to remove sharp objects from the room whenever the DNC meets?) It’s a thankless job. Just ask Hillary about it. No good deed goes unpunished. Nevertheless, it is the right thing to do. So, to that end, I am putting together an ActBlue page for The Confluence that will allow those of us who feel so inclined to make contributions to these new leaders.
But I’m only one person and I can’t analyze every race so I’d like you to give me some direction. You know your local races better and can tell who will move the ball forward and who won’t. For the moment, I think we ought to cut a break for the candidates who caved to pressure and endorsed Obama. There are exceptions of course. For example, no one should feel obligated to donate money to John Kerry, Robert Wexler, Frank Lautenberg (Hmmm, how hard is it to run for Senate in NJ? I wonder…) etc.
I have a few people in the page already who I think would be very nice additions. Linda Stender, my personal fave, is joined by Dennis Schulman, probably the only blind candidate running for Congress this year. Eric Massa in NY, used to be an aide to General Wesley Clark, has a wonderful charismatic presence and is a good progressive.
When making your selections, you might want to use FrenchDoc’s criteria in mind (updated and edited). Use your best judgment. We aren’t looking for ideological purity. We are looking for candidates who are committed to the Common Good, sharing risk, social justice, fiscal responsibility, a healthy planet, privacy and wise use of diplomacy. The candidate should be committed to:
- take privatization of SS off the table
- prosecution of the Bush crime clan
- promotion of women’s and LGBT’s rights
- progressive economic policies
- committment to energy independence and Green Collar jobs
- Universal health care
- repeal of no child left behind; committment to world class education
- out of Iraq / no bombing of Pakistan
- reinstate habeas corpus
- commitment to appointing progressive judges on SCOTUS, no waffling
- commitment to reproductive rights, pro-choice (safe, legal, rare will do)
- no telco immunity (substitute Net Neutrality since FISA is off the table. Thanks for nada, BO)
Ok, get busy, Conflucians. Find me your candidates. You can either pitch your candidate in the comments or send them to me via email. Here’s the address: theconfluence08 at yahoo dot com. I will add your picks to our ActBlue page and together, we can send reinforcements to Congress this fall. And don’t forget that your monetary contributions are only a small part of the effort require to get these people elected. We will also need to canvass and phone bank for these new leaders. We’ll be organizing those efforts in the weeks ahead. Time’s a-wastin’!
And now an update to the Drawing the Line post the other night: According to the NYT, it seems that our heroine may be indisposed to carry Obama’s water. She’s busy, busy, busy, working for downticket Dems, probably for the same reasons we are. Obama might lose. Says so right in the article. Anyway, the Obama campaign may be waking up to the stupid corner they have painted themselves into and are realizing they are f%*&ed where Sarah Palin is concerned. Couldn’t happen to a better Chicago politician.
McCain shouldn’t get too cocky. We may be easy but we ain’t cheap. Getting our support is going to come dearly. We want to see a committment to equal pay, for example. Put your money where your mouth is. We do not subscribe to the theory “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?” R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Sock it to me, Sock it to me, Sock it to me, Sock it to me!
Filed under: Downticket Democrats, Presidential Election 2008 | Tagged: ActBlue for Conflucians, Dennis Schulman, Eric Massa
I agree is theory to support downticket Democrats. I am so angry at my representative right now. His name is PAtrick Murphy and he is from Bucks County, PA.
Even though my state and his district went for Hillary, he has been in Obama’s pocket since August of 2007 ( I think it was the 18, 000 plus reasons ($) Obama gave him to vote for him).
What would you do? Would you vote for him? His opponent is a real right winger who lost a son in the Iraq war.
I’m with you. No top of ticket for me. My choice was ignored along with 18 million others anyway. I’ll let someone else make that choice this year. I am going topless in the GE.
I had it with “progressive values”…I am only sending money to liberal Democrats who are challenging wing-nuts.
Sarah, I’d probably vote for him, but that’s it. Find someone else to give any time or money to.
I’m sorry, RD, but as far as I’m concerned, this AA / NA PA PUMA wants vengeance!! The Obot got in, but he had help on the state level, so I hold them just as responsible as Pelosi, Brazille and Dean. Can’t kick out Casey (yet) but the rest, EXCEPT Ed are fair game. THAT is the message I want to send to ALL of them, Pubs included- Do your job or make way for someone who will.
sarah: I would vote for him. I know how you feel but maybe if he has more progressive siblings beside him, he’ll find the strength to do the right thing. Also, you have to remember that Patrick Murphy was a Kossack/Firedoglake candidate and a frontline Democrat as a first termer. He’s vulnerable from so many angles it’s not funny. Support him because if McCain wins, who would you rather have as your congressman?
Meaning our elected officials of course.
I recommend Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY. She won a seat in 2006 that’s been primarily Republican and faces a tough challenge (again). She also is a staunch supporter of Hillary.
TorchWood: I strongly disagree. If you want to get even, make sure that Obama doesn’t win, fix your primary laws in your state and make sure the delegates that caved NEVER get a chance to represent you ever again. But don’t punish the American people who are subject to what the Congress legislates. If McCain is elected, he may be under a lot of pressure to appoint a Federalist Society judge to the Supreme Court. Not a good thing. We need to buttress the Progressives in Congress, not diminish their numbers. The reason they are in the position they are in is because there are not enough of them and they are forced to compromise when Republicans and Blue Dogs have their unholy alliances.
Now, I don’t like to throw commenters in the spam filter without cause but I want to put people on notice: You need to do something positive this election season. It is not enough to be firing up the torches and sharpening the pitchforks. We will have a massive trainwreck if we end up with all three branches of government in the hands of the Republicans. Put aside your anger. There’s nothing you can do to change what has already happened. DON’T LOOK BACK- EVER. Anyone who looks back with the attitude of “we’re going to make them pay” without thinking of the repercussions of not suggesting an alternative action to shore us up is going to be dumped in the spam filter. It’s the kind of game a Republican operative would play on unsuspecting Conflucians and since I can’t determine whether you are an operative or not, you will be spam filtered to prevent infection of the rest of the blog.
I hope I have made myself clear.
God, I’ve really come to hate the NY Times. Is it possible for them to ever write a single article that does not use language and framing to make the Clintons look like evil, self-serving, calculating monsters?
“Clinton advisers say that Mrs. Clinton wants to do everything she can to elect Mr. Obama, so that she cannot be blamed if he loses — yet she also does not want to be too closely associated with him if he does lose, nor to tarnish her own image by taking on a rookie national politician like Ms. Palin and possibly coming up short.”
Yea, as if Hillary couldn’t handle Sarah Palin.
And a Republican delegate describing Sarah’s smile as sincere, but Hillary has “anger and resentment in her eyes.”
Not the Hillary I know and love. FU New York Times.
“We are voting for Downticket Democrats (double D’s?) this year.”
Are we? Darn it.
sarah – vote for the man who had a dog in the fight and didn’t buckle. It’s time for Honor.
these aren’t local races for me yet, but I’m on my way to CA next spring so I’ve been checking things out.
http://www.durstonforcongress.org/
http://www.charliebrownforcongress.org/
I’ll be living in the district Dr. Durston is running for now next year, and we need some Dems there! The following year I’ll be in the district Brown is running for.
Sarah Palin is walking in Hillarys footprints .. if Hillary had not laid the groundwork in a nationally massive way Sarah would not have been able to step in so dramatically …. not to diminish Sarah in any way …. I even think she is aware that Hillary paved the way ..
I think they would work together well …….. toward some similar goals while putting differences aside
I recommend Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY. She won a seat in 2006 that’s been primarily Republican and faces a tough challenge (again). She also is a staunch supporter of Hillary.
I SECOND THAT! I was going to recommend Kirsten too. She is my Congresswoman, and she has done a really good job in the Hudson Valley. She is facing Sandy Treadwell, who has gobs of money, and is trying to buy the election out from under her. Kirsten is like a young Hillary in terms of intelligence and progressive policies. She is friendly with Hillary, like a protege, and worked really hard to get her nominated. She needs our help!
Well – you make sense that I should vote for Murphy because we will need him as a foil for McCains plans….
but he is such a weasel.
(nodding)
I agree with Riverdaughter. I’d also like to point out that the list in her post includes a wide range of issues — not just judicial. We can’t afford to be single-issue voters this year.
(sadly folding-up my “Punish Everyone” banner and putting it in the bottom drawer in the basement)
upstateNY: Yes, we are. That is the responsible thing to do. Grin and bear it. The alternative is that Democrats will be so mad at their congresspeople and Republicans so energized by Sarah-ccuda, that we could end up with 4 years of one party rule.
Did your hair just stand on end? Good.
See? Doesn’t sound so bad now, does it?
“It’s time for Honor”
I knew you were part Klingon, Carol, I knew it.
tlhIngan maH!
NYT article was almost prodding Clinton to carry Obama over the finish line in 5 inch stilletos if necesary kicking Gov Palin out of his path all the way!
I also so the beginning of the if he don’t win its hillary’s fault as the subtext-
At least they said it appears Obama might not win in the fall…getting the obots ready for the big “disappointment” that is the hallmark of democratic presidential ellections of late.
fuzzybeargville
If you vote “present” as Obama has, you have no right to complain afterwards. Stand Up or Stand Down. Plain and Simple. It is your duty to vote. Make your choice when you are ready and proceed to fulfill your obligation. No time to be coy.
CAROL HAKA
sarah: roger that. I propose that we get behind YOU in 2010. I will come and campaign for you. Howz that for a plan going forward?
swanspirit – I bet Hillary, John and Sarah will be having a lot of slumber parties.
Carol,
Why the change from PUMA HAKA to CAROL HAKA?
I crack up every time I see that little angry icon.
“Did your hair just stand on end?”
I wish I had any hair to stand on end….Damn you Male Pattern Baldness!!!!
When it is my personal HAKA I use CAROL!
If anyone blogs on Tennessee Guerilla Women, I would like to let them know that some one has messed with the website. Everytime I try to get on the site it aborts. I thought it may by my computer, but I tried to access the site on 4 different computers and it still kept aborting. Can someone who can get on that website please inform them?
Ahh…the versatility of HAKA POWER!
Carol, I am with fif on the angry icon.
I love PUMA HAKA! We got in a circle on the night of Hillary’s speech at the PUMA den and chanted it over and over again. Too much fun!
I’m still not voting for Obama until Howard Dean, Donna Brazile and Obama resign.
Oh, well, guess I’m not voting for Obama.
PUMA HAKA!
I am sorry I am in “Queen” Corrine’s congressional district will vote for her for now until another Dem comes up.
I think I was told she was in the tank for Bulwinkle too.
Someone please educate me on this…
fuzzybeargville
:heart:
Does that work?
<3
Let me just raise an objection to using Act Blue – I certainly won’t. Recently they banned The Denver Group from its membership because TDG had the gall to not support Obama. Even though Heidi Li was also asking for donations to multiple Democrats. But opposing Obama and the DNC led Act Blue to kick The Denver Group out. Let us find another way to raise money without supporting Act Blue.
umh…not quite yet.
It’s good to encourage way downticket Dems. My CA assemblywoman is a Hillary backer. I wrote her a note thanking her and politely letting her know there is a Puma in her district. I will be watching her political progress.
mawm made an interesting argument yesterday. If McCain/Palin lose, after Hillary’s loss, neither party is likely to put up another woman for higher office for years to come. Why? because they will have learned that playing the sexism card works, and that if you want to win, you can’t win with a woman. that’s a pretty strong argument for voting McCain/Palin if for no other reason than a strictly feminist agenda. I’m not sure if I’m convinced, but I do think it is worth contemplating.
What are you trying to type?
SM what do you know about Corrine Brown?
fuzzybeargville
RD, do you want only Democratic Candidates or will some Green or Independent ones be all right so long as they subscribe to the correct criteria?
In case you anyone hasn’t seen it Cannonfire has an excellent post about the smearing of Governor Palin
http://cannonfire.blogspot.com/
NØbama NØway
sorry, both comments were directed to RD and the emoticons?
I won’t be voting for ANYONE who supported Obama before Hillary suspended. I’m sorry; I firmly believe ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES.
If they had true leadership qualities they would have seen the most competent, qualified, best choice to beat the Republicans this year would have been Hillary. Even if they initially were for Obama the MAP clearly showed Hillary would win. As SD’s they had EVERY opportunity to make an INDEPENDENT decision and chose the best candidate for the Democratic Party. It was their responsibility. Instead, they chose to be paid off like cheap 20 dollar whores
(deep apologies to the service industry of whores). Kerry is a Democrat but he deserves to be kicked out!
So does any and ALL that foisted this farce of a candidate.
Reap the whirlwind is my view.
my congressman, David Price, needs to go. He not only was an Obama megaphone from the beginning, he was on the committee that gave us the horrible primary system this year to begin with. Alas, he will never lose here in the People’s Republic of Chapel Hill….
:<3:
I fear she may have issues with corruption in her past but she is a longterm serving democratic AA congresswoman… I am unsure about where she was in the primary.
fuzzybeargville
Why would you vote for Obama under any circumstance? He is still the evil doer that was brought to us by the evil doers.
PUMA HAKA
means NO OBAMA EVER! Please some respect for the mission! It’s not just a slogan!
Okay – now, I have settled down.
DYB: I agree with you that ActBlue is no hero right now. However, in the interest of time and expediency, I am willing to overlook my distaste until a better alternative is found.
michael P Varvel, on September 6th, 2008 at 11:22 am Said:
SM what do you know about Corrine Brown?
Big time Hill supporter.
Son and I placed labels on flyers for Gillibrand when we were living in Saratoga….oh “those were the days, my friends”…
Hey rd, is your e-mail addy on the site somewhere? I can’t find it, but then again – I probably haven’t had enough java yet.
Riverdaughter,
You’ve convinced me. I’ll vote for Ed Markey (my rep) even though he buckled at the end. He did stay neutral for a long time. But I am not voting for John Kerry. Truthfully, they’ll both probably be running unopposed, so they don’t really need my votes. My enthusiastic vote will be for Ed O’Reilly in the primary against Kerry. Sadly, I will not have any money to donate for some time to come.
thanks Masslib I feel better about her already-maybe call her and thank her!
fuzzybeargville
Rasmussen:
“The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Saturday shows Barack Obama attracting 46% of the vote while McCain earns 45%. When “leaners” are included, it’s Obama 49%, McCain 46%
As McCain has begun to chip away as Obama’s convention bounce, most of his gains have come among women voters. Obama still leads 51% to 44% among women, but that seven-point edge is just half the fourteen point lead he enjoyed last Tuesday. McCain leads by three among men, little changed in recent days. ”
Rasmussen and Gallup were on Fox this morning. They said their Monday numbers would incorporate McCain’s and Palin’s nights at the Convention.
I hear you RD and essentially I agree …not too much to choose from here in good ole blue Maryland land of the Blue Crab .. and i have always been proud of that too sigh… well at least we have Barbara Mikulski …..in my district Frank Kratovil is running
GOP incumbent Wayne Gilchrest even endorses Frank Kratovil he is pretty innocuous and the main thing anyone runs on here is preserving the Chesapeake Bay and the environment and we need that .. it is our life here but I am voting FOR McCain and Palin .. I have a good feeling about her
{{{{bostonbnoomer}}}} good to see you again-
fuzzybeargville
Is it true or a rumor Biden has come down with gout?
I here eddie rendell is on the short list to replace him?
fuzzybeargville
(come on carol and pat take the bait)
Denise W: Let’s make sure our consequences are directed to the right people. Failing to get the Presidency for the third cycle in a row is going to be a significant consequence. I know a lot of people think that the Party doesn’t care if it wins. But I think the opposite is true. They really thought we would all vote for the chosen one no matter what. They are counting on it. If we don’t, there will be swift retribution for Dean, Brazile, Pelosi and Reid. BUT there is a danger right now that all of US could suffer the consequences as well. We were supposed to get major pickups in the House and Senate and if McCain is the president, we are going to need it. Sarah Palin has awoken the evangelical base. They are going to turn out for her when they wouldn’t have before. We could be in real trouble if we lost the edge we have now.
So, for ALL of our sakes, I am asking you to put aside your anger. Save it for the most eregious offenders like Wexler, Pelosi, Kerry, Clyburne. Don’t take it out on the AA reps who held out til they couldn’t any longer or other Dems whose races were threatened. Do you think they aren’t just as angry as you are about the way this turned out? I’m betting a lot are. So, focus your ire at the top of the ticket but your beneficence on the Dems at the bottom. It’s for the common good.
I understand RD and will take your counsel under consideration. Live in Philly and supported Hilary’s campaign in PA, NJ and DE. Guess I’m still seeing red after Denver and not ready to make nice yet.
Adding about Eric Massa: he also went to our rally in DC on May 31 – Count every vote!
Also looky who gives McCain better numbers:
http://edgeoforever.wordpress.com/2008/09/06/rasmussen-most-of-mccains-gains-come-from-women-voters/
How absoluletey ironic! Two male candidates, neither “likeable enough” on their own, must attach themselves to the skirts of two talented women, in the hopes of having their dead weight drug across the finish line.
“Governor Palin, thanks for your Trans/Canada Natural Gas Pipeline act. It’s such a fabulous piece of legislation I went ahead and put it in my energy plan back in December. I hope you will forgive me for the hypocrisy of copying your homework while accusing you of being inexperienced.” Yours truly, Barack Obama
“Senator Clinton, help me. I’m in deep moose poop over here! I know you already gave me your policies, lines from your speeches, your blood, sweat and tears, but I need more! I started with 99 problems and a bitch ain’t one, and it’s all gone downhill from there. I heard “white women can be a real problem, we all live with that”, but damn, this is getting ridiculous. I got PUMA’s riding my ass, I got people chanting Sarah Barracuda. Christ on cracker, what’s with all these raging females and their animal totems?” Yours in complete desperation, Barack Obama.
No matter what happens on Nov 4th, women just won this election. Have yourself a good cackle and celebrate all that is shrill.
Ok I remember Corrine Brown from 2000 fighting to keep the vote count going when the other dems shut her down-but lately not much-I will vote for her on November 4th for standing up for Florida in 2000.
fuzzybeargville
yttik, this comment you made in the previous post depressed the hell out of me — like I said down there, we’re the special effects crew for their fucking lives. They soar through the sky going, “I can FLY!” while sweat pours down our faces as we haul on ropes and pulleys …
Until I have some assurance that Obama will not be POTUS I cannot support the down ticket dems. I cannot imagine anything worse for this country than Obama leading with a majority of willing sycophants to give him carte blanche.
Many of the down ticket dems are responsible for assisting with the voter fraud and I cannot in all good conscience overlook that.
If McCain moves out front with a clear lead I would help the dems who supported Hillary. It concerns me that so many here are not going to vote. If they are respresentative of the greater majority of PUMA or PUMA-like voters, BO will win. Voting not at all or voting for third party helps no one but BO. I understand that people have principles and have to do what they feel is right. But, to someone like me that says BO will be POTUS and shouldn’t have unchecked power.
For a little good news from Rasmussen, women are moving a little to McCain/Palin…
McCain has begun to chip away as Obama’s convention bounce, most of his gains have come among women voters. Obama still leads 51% to 44% among women, but that seven-point edge is just half the fourteen point lead he enjoyed last Tuesday. McCain leads by three among men, little changed in recent days.
BB: You don’t need to give money to help Ed O’Reilly. Get some friends together and canvass for him next weekend. I did it for Lamont and I had a blast. You will meet so many people who are ready and willing to kick Kerry to the curb.
We need an on the ground report from MA. I’d come up and help out but I have a company picnic that weekend and Brook is looking forward to it. (Amusement/waterpark all damn day long. Tons of fun.)
ytik, heh.
DYB, on September 6th, 2008 at 11:21 am Said:
Let me just raise an objection to using Act Blue – I certainly won’t.”"
Donate directly to the campaign or if you have to use Act Blue..don’t leave a “tip”.
If your are tempted to throw Dem Congress-persons under the bus, go look at voting records at “Progressive Punch” the difference between the worst Dem and “best” Repub. is huge. On the other hand, Chris Carney, D-Pa-10, needs to go under the bus.
48,
Did you see Riverdaughter’s policy:
As a site administrator, I’m hoping that I don’t have to put long-time friends in the spam filter.
I have one that I would like to suggest, although he may be a bit conservative to fit all of the guidelines mentioned above (are those set in stone?). But he is way better than his republican alternative.
I’m talking about Daniel Johnson for NC district 10
http://www.danieljohnson08.org/index.asp
He is running against that little weasel of a pipsqueak Patrick McHenry. McHenry is a self-loathing closet case who wants to legislate other gay people into the gas chambers. he also has been one of the most vociferous supporters of the Iraq war, big oil, and every other horrible issue you can think of. This guy is a really nasty person, trust me, or just google him. Johnson has raised less than a quarter of the money that McHenry has, so he could really use the help. Plus he is from western NC where the democrats went heavily for Hillary–not to mention the district that I grew up in
48: You are looking at the glass half empty. I think of it this way: The reason Congress has been so feckless is because Steny Hoyer and the Blue Dogs ally themselves with the Republicans to block everthing the progressives want to do. Now, what would happen if there were more progressives? And what if they realize that they get their support from us? Let’s say that Obama *does* squeak by. It will be with a razor thin margin. But what if the downticket dems win by overwhelming margins? What kind of message does that send to them? It says that their constituencies want them to resist the top of the ticket. Obama will not have a mandate but your Representative will have one from YOU. I think that it will mitigate the effect of the Steny Hoyer types.
I do not believe that Obama has as much power as has been made out. It’s just that he targeted people who were vulnerable in their races and threatened them. But if they get their seats from US, they may feel emboldened to push back.
I question the judgement of any elected official that endorsed Obama before Hillary suspended. I will not be voting for any. I live in Florida and you can bet I won’t be voting for Wexler. Shoot, he doesn’t even live here! As far as DWShultz, I am torn. I need to look at her opponent if she has one
.
I agree 100% with Carol on whether we should sit out the top of the ticket. We have the precious right to vote, which requires we exercise it. Since we are all agreed that Obama must not win, anyone who sits it out bears responsibility if Obama succeeds. IMHO
edge left a comment love your numbers alot!
fuzzybeargville
Eddy is not taking any calls from BO…… You didn’t see him on the trail with BO this week did you????? I don’t think so.
“katiebird, on September 6th, 2008 at 11:41 am Said….”
Isn’t there a saying about noses and faces??
Anyone – anywhere – who supported Obama against the wishes of their constituents needs to go. I don’t give a damn if they’re “progressive.” It starts NOW. It’s gonna be a long haul. Listen to the voters or you’re toast.
Sen. Hillary Clinton issued the following statement tonight in response to Sen. McCain’s remarks:
“The two party conventions showcased vastly different directions for our country. Senator Obama and Senator Biden offered the new ideas and positive change America needs and deserves after eight years of failed Republican leadership. Senator McCain and Governor Palin did not.
“After listening to all of the speeches this week, I heard nothing that suggests the Republicans are ready to fix the economy for middle class families, provide quality affordable health care for all Americans, guarantee equal pay for equal work for women, restore our nation’s leadership in a complex world or tackle the myriad of challenges our country faces.
“So, to slightly amend my comments from Denver: NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN-PALIN.”
Michael P: Corrine Brown is a stalwart of the FL Dems. Please vote for her.
gary: I hear you but I’m reluctant to support Johnson because it looks like we’d be putting in another Blue Dog. I used to think that having a Democrat was better than a Republican in all cases. But that is what lead to Obama. My goal is to reduce the number of collaborators and boost the number of true progressives. Electing Johnson might result in zero sum gain, even if he’s not a rabid homophobe. We need a net positive of progressives no matter where they are located. Are there any more progressive candidates in NC with a shot?
pat, how did you get out of the spam filter? naughty naughty!!
Bill said vote Candidate Y.
PUMA HAKA
Pat, love that classy smart Clinton. Stick to the issues. She’s still leading this campaign!!!
gary – Just quoting Hillary – that can’t be against the site rules, can it?
Send out the emails and letters telling these candidates why you’re not gonna vote for them now. Spell it out loud and clear. We only get this chance every couple of years. Strike while the iron is hot.
As taggles at No We Wont said the thing that seperates US from THEM is we respect that each one of us owns his own vote…We cannot be demanding any orthodoxy here we are the anti-orthodox.
Any vote not for Obama/Biden (coughs up a Hairball) is a vote for freedom and dissent. Even I Fuzzy am not sure how I will vote. Voting is a sacred thing and I plan to keep my own council on it.
I f you do not vote for Obama no matter how you vote you are a good Puma in my book!
Fuzzybeargville
Obama crys (as Pelosi and Dean lead him off the concession stage…)
“….they were mean to me they were reallly really mean to me…”
SHV,
And at 11:09 I said:
(sadly folding-up my “Punish Everyone” banner and putting it in the bottom drawer in the basement)
There is no one more angry and frustrated by this election year than me. I lost everything when they didn’t let Hillary win the nomination.
Living in Kansas, I don’t even have any downticket options that are worth a shit. Our Senate candidate was recruited by by Obama and promised 5 million bucks from the “DNC” if he ran. My Congressman is one of the original Blue Dog Democrats.
I don’t know what you mean exactly by “noses and faces” but, as a site administrator here, my responsibilities go beyond my personal feelings. Riverdaughter has very few rules. I don’t think it’s too much for her to expect some help in enforcing them.
Eddy says Hillary is still being held hostage. Follow orders from Bill. That is the only way she will be released.
Candidate Y
PUMA HAKA
RD, I don’t think there are any that would meet ALL of those guidelines, but isn’t there room for people who stood up to the Obama machine? Heath Shuler comes to mind.
http://shuler.house.gov/
He’s an admitted blue dog, and he’s not nearly as progressive as I am, but he certainly did the right thing, and he is a democrat….I just think it seems like we’re trying to fight two battles here at once. I don’t know I’m confused by what criteria we’re setting for voting downticket dems. If we follow yours, those of us in the south are going to have nobody to vote for…
Eric Massa is wonderful. I worked on General Clark’s campaign in 2004 and he was helpful and brilliant, as well as eminently approachable.
Darcy Burner, out here in WA-08, needs help and support. She didn’t endorse Obama until after the primary (unlike Governor Gregoire, whom I still haven’t forgiven).
Agree about Kristin Gillibrand.
I will also not be voting Dem on the top of the ticket. I may have to vote for Gregoire, because Rossi (her opponent) is such a weasel, but I’m not giving her any money.
Definitely Hillary should distance herself from this train wreck in whatever ways she thinks best.
After all, if he loses, and she campaigns for him, he will most definitely blame her for his loss.
Also, she does not want to be associated with his campaign or persona when she runs in ‘12. Drop his baggage Hil…run!
MG
riverdaughter, at 11:45 am Said:
I do not believe that Obama has as much power as has been made out. It’s just that he targeted people who were vulnerable in their races and threatened them. But if they get their seats from US, they may feel emboldened to push back.
**************
Love your vision! Downticket, yes!
GAgal. Good idea.
Yup, I saw how well the “their constituencies want them to resist the top of the ticket” kind of logic worked at the convention (at least for the delegations, exception of the CA -GBTH- allowed to vote before the “endorsement by acclamation” moment.
Pat – you are kidding me right? bye bye -
you have mommy issues right?
fuzzybeargville
Here in Minnesota (where the Democrats are a coalition known as the Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party), Congressman Collin Peterson was the only superdelegate to remain uncommitted all the way to the convention. But as a founding member of the Blue Dog coalition, he is probably disqualified from PUMA endorsement.
Amy Klobuchar, a liberal feminist whose election to the Senate broke a glass ceiling, waited until March 31 to endorse Obama and even then refused to join the call for Clinton to quit the race. “She has every right to continue her campaign,” Klobuchar told The Hill newspaper. “I don’t agree with those who have said things to the contrary. I think she should continue her campaign.” For this act of courage from a first-term senator, as well as for her stands on the issues, Klobuchar deserves the highest consideration.
DFL Congressmembers Jim Oberstar, Keith Ellison, and Betty McCollum endorsed Obama before the primary, so far as I know. If this act does not disqualify them, then I particularly recommend McCollum, not only on the issues, but also because she is a feminist whose election to Congress broke a glass ceiling.
Corrections and additions welcome.
gary – how did it work out at work the other day?
katiebird, on September 6th, 2008 at 11:55 am Said:
I guess my snark was getting out of control…I totally agree that burning down the house to get rid of a few rats is not good judgment. I think the saying goes “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.” I am showing my age.
MG – Hillary going to campaign for OB in Florida next week.
Riverdaughter,
I think that equal pay is an issue that the republicans will have a hard time arguing about, especially since the boys on FOX have now decided to become feminists in Palins defense. Palin has now put this election in play. McCain coming out to equal pay for women would clinch it for him. I don’t see how this issue would offend his base and there are enough pissed off women at that the dems that a switch on this issue would close the deal.
If McCain did this, I think the dems would loose the women’s vote in significant numbers.
rd-I hear you but don’t agree with you. The thought of Obama even sqeaking by is abhorrant to me. I have lurked for a long time and really enjoy your site so I will return to lurking so as not to break the rulz. PUMA!!!
riverdaughter, at 11:45 am Said:
I do not believe that Obama has as much power as has been made out. It’s just that he targeted people who were vulnerable in their races and threatened them. But if they get their seats from US, they may feel emboldened to push back.
**************
They’ve always gotten their seats from US. Obama got 2/3 of SD, the MSM, If he doesn’t have power, he is sure backed by someone who does.
I agree 48. I am aghast after all we’ve seen that any PUMA would take this risk.
SHV, I guess I still don’t see why it would be directed specifically at me.
Pat: Hillary has said all she can about Obama vs McCain. We heard her. We’re not voting for Obama. Some of us MAY vote for McCain. If you don’t want a Republican in the WH, you had a choice before the convention to encourage the DNC to do the right thing.
We told them we wouldn’t vote for Obama unless there was a fair, open and transparent election. There wasn’t. We aren’t voting for him.
The DNC called our bluff. We aren’t bluffing.
I heard that the main thing the Dems are going to immediately push is Equal Pay to make McCain vote for it.
That should be off of the table as an issue.
Also, McCain is paying all of his staff Equally. BO is not.
PUMA HAKA
Carol, I think I’m just going to ignore it. She has bigger issues that I’m sure will present themselves. yesterday she was at a conference and was trying to negotiate a settlement with opposing counsel. She actually asked ME if I would call him back and see if I could get him to go up about 15 thousand dollars!!! I politely told her that I was NOT comfortable doing that, and that it was a little beyond, shall we say, “my pay grade”. not to mention that I think its illegal. I think she’s in way over her head.
Hillary is campaigning in Florida for Down Ticket Democrats in Florida. However, the weather may prevent some of the activity.
Eddie needs to get out in the Texas Sun more I think Carol-looking a little pastie lately-
fuzzybeargville
OK I will vote Corrine Brown Like what evryone says about her here….Maybe she could take Braziles place on the voting rights committee?
fuzzybeargville
Yes, I believe negotiating without a license is probably not a good thing to do.
BTW, McCain’s not against equal pay for equal work. He is against the wording of the law. We have laws on the book that outlaw discrimination but they are not enforced. Does anyone know that this law would make any difference.
If you can prove your being paid less based on discrimination, you can sue. So the existing law is not the problem. What does this bill do that would increase the likelyhood that women are paid fairly, and what are its consequences.
We all have to watch for how we are being manipulated by everyone who has an agenda.
RD:
I understand what you are saying, and realize your intentions are for the best, but I am PETRIFIED of an Obama Presidency with Nancy and Reid running things.
It can happen you know, we are not out of the woods yet and I don’t trust voter fraud shenanigans – this time coming from team Obama, his nomination is based on disenfranchising voters. Just yesterday on questions of voter fraud he said:
“I tell you, it helps in Ohio that we’ve got Democrats in charge of the machines” Obama quipped.
Balance must be kept, bad apples should be tossed whether they have an R or a D after their name. Gary, 48, and NH are in line with what I feel.
So my local guy scores a 90% on your list but disagrees on one issue. Then why is someone with 90% still a Blue Dog pond scum degenerate? Is this an Obama type test? Total agreement or get a label?
I think we should add Charlie Rangel to the list of candidates we support. He;s actually in a little bit of political trouble right now. Because he stuck with Hillary and didn’t immediately cow tow to Obama, Obama supporters have run a primary candidate against him for the first time in years. They are also feeding the press all kinds of crap stories that are being picked up by the NY Times such as issues with his apartment in Harlem (which is complete bull) and issues with a condo that he owns in the Domincan Republic (which is even bigger bull). Charlie deserves our support and believe it or not, he might actually need it.
Add Rangel to the Act Blue Confluence Page!
* Take profit out of health care with HR 676 and don’t let profit into Social Security [SS, health care]
* Green collar jobs
* Transition assistance to greener economy for heating and air conditioning
* Restore Constitutional government [habeas, telcos]
* Truth and reconciliation commission for the government [D** and R] crimes in the Bush era
* Repeal NCLB and commit to world-class education
* Out of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan
* Cut spending on U.S. bases abroad half in 8 years; fund no new weapons sytems for 8 years.
* Publish proposed SCOTUS nominations
* Support the Equal Rights Amendment
NOTE ** Pelosi, Reid ….
fuzzy – He is still trying to recover from his trip back from the east coast.
NH, no he doesn’t have power. If he did, all the unbelievably favorable press and financial and institutional help he has gotten would have him zillions of miles out front by now.
See, they really did think they would ram him through the election process and we’d all fall in line. They believed their own hype that the Clintonistas were sheeple who would eat whatever was fed to them and turn out for the precious anyway. But the *data* does not support that hypothesis because Obama is not leading McCain by a significant margin. In fact, he is barely leading at all and in some polls, he is trailing.
It just goes to show that if you don’t appeal to your voters, if you piss them off instead, then all the money and help in the world can not get you there.
Oh, and if I really wanted to put the cat among the pigeons, I’d support repeal of corporations as persons. It’s ridiculous that AT&T has free speech.
Lambert: I *like* the Truth and reocnciliation commission.
and Carol,
!! YES !!
We have 2 months til the GE. Alot can happen in that time. We don’t have to make a decision about that yet. Just consider what to do w/ downticket right now.
wigwag: Rangel is on the page already. yep, ahead of you there. Sheila Jackson Lee should go up there too
We have so much power now that we’re Independents and UnCommitted.
They Have to Woo us now. (Reminding me of Lambert’s “And we get?”)
One other thing I would like to recommend is supporting primary challengers to those Democrats whose behavior vis a vis Hillary Clinton was particularly egregious.
Primary challenges serve to get the attention of candidates who think they have a free ride. I understand that it is too late to do this for this election, but we could gear up now for two years from now.
“katiebird, on September 6th, 2008 at 12:02 pm Said:
SHV, I guess I still don’t see why it would be directed specifically at me.”
It’s not…I agree with RDs and your position..
Pat Karma has interveiened-Hurricane Ike-has desided to visit us next week the whole state will either be evacuating or preparing for what could be a Cat 4 Hurricane-
I am so sorry Hillary will not be schilling down here next week!
See when a storm threatens Florida we stop being Democrats or Republicans and become Floridians united to fight “the storm”-right now we could give could give 2 sh*ts about Obama for AmeriKa!
Also Hillary said “NO DEAL” to personal attacks on Gov. Palin.
Oh guess what talked to my Rebublican mom she put a McCain/Palin bumpersticker on her car-says the lady has spunk and gumption!
Looks like FLorida will be a Red State again-all your fault Pat!
fuzzybeargville
I wanted everyone to see the post I saw first thing this morning. The mission is clear.
fred, on September 6th, 2008 at 8:44 am Said:
Country First: Earning The Right To Lead.
The Lady And The Warrior
That is our duty, to build that bright future, and to teach our children that in America there is no chasm too deep, no barrier too great – and no ceiling too high – for all who work hard, never back down, always keep going, have faith in God, in our country, and in each other.
If you hear the dogs, keep going.
If you see the torches in the woods, keep going.
If they’re shouting after you, keep going.
Don’t ever stop. Keep going.
If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.
Even in the darkest of moments, ordinary Americans have found the faith to keep
Hillary Rodham Clinton Denied The Right To Lead By Her Party
I’m an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what’s right for our country.
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We’re Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.
John Sydney McCain Will Earn The Right To lead By The Voters.
PUMA HAKA
For me, I’ll take McCain/Palin in 2008 and Hillary in 2012. Let the Republicans clean up their own mess for a change and let the Democrats do some much needed soul searching.
I’ll vote for the down ticket Dems, especially my Senators that stood with Hillary to the very end.
I’ll also continue to support the Green Party and Cynthia McKinney’s efforts. I’m so pleased we got her on the ballot in my state. That’s not an easy feat.
But for the first time in my adult life, I’m voting Republican at the top of the ticket. Nobama, no way, no how.
SHV, Ah — I’m glad we cleared that up! (more coffee for me)
lambert strether
katiebird , “!! YES !!”
Ditto!!!
you know this is somewhat OT but I have to say … watching Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert used to be entertainment for me .. now they are stumping hard for the misogynists and obots t… they actually made fun of the Sarah Palins childrens names Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper & Trig Palin
Now take a minute and IMAGINE …. just imagine if someone had made fun of obots childrens names Malia and Sasha …..
RD said
NH, no he doesn’t have power. If he did, all the unbelievably favorable press and financial and institutional help he has gotten would have him zillions of miles out front by now.
I guess there are two kinds of power. Power over fellow elected officials (SD) and power over the voters. I meant Obama, or his puppet master, has power over the former, but you are absolutely correct, he does not have, nor his puppet masters have, power over the voters.
We can’t afford to let McCain have coattails, but we can’t afford to have Prez Obama. As long as those polls show Obama with even a slim lead, we can’t take chances.
McCain at top (Register a humiliating defeat to Obama)
Downticket Dems!!! (We need them to hold Mac to our issues, and I think he’ll do it…Mac would like to go down as a great prez, he fancies himself as a Teddy R type)
A big tip of the hat to Minnesota DFL state party chair Brian Melendez and associate chair Donna Cassutt for their joint statement to party leaders Feb. 29:
(snip)
http://www.minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=905CA5503F7AFA6EDB51DC2A61AE1D3F?diaryId=3299
“He might nominate Hillary to the first opening on the Supreme Court”
HAHAHAHAHAHA
He wouldn’t even have her as VP, much less give her a lifetime job. His minister MOCKED her in church. On Camera.
(holding my sides and roaring)
Eddy and I are adopting Piper. We are only changing her last name with a hypen.
Hillary is going to be President. She is not interested in being a Judge.
SM hope you are safe I feel bad abandoning My Florida this next 14 days but I promised Mom we would go to her 50th reunion!
Florida Fights Ike and she will win!
Miami and space coast you are in my prayers!
fuzzybeargville
riverdaughter, 2008 at 12:07 pm Said:
They believed their own hype that the Clintonistas were sheeple who would eat whatever was fed to them and turn out for the precious anyway.
************************
I don’t think that they ever imagined that an older woman would get this much support. They erred from the get go. Note to Dems pushing Obama, “SURPRISE!”
katiebird, on September 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm Said:
Oh, and if I really wanted to put the cat among the pigeons, I’d support repeal of corporations as persons. It’s ridiculous that AT&T has free speech.
!! YES !!
just responding to the same thing from lambert in the same way, but sis did it forst…
I have heard several people that I totally agree with stating that McCain will get into office and will lead from the center. I totally believe that. I wrote him in 2000 and begged him to reveal himself as a Democrat and take down Bush.
Carol, our definitions of center must differ.
CSpan is about to show Michigan and McCain and Sarah. If you didn’t see the beginning with Sarah it is really exciting when talks about her son Trak.
I don’t see McCain caring about Social issues.
Jane Harmon!
I have another suggestion for the Act Blue Confluence Page, Congresswoman Jane Harmon.
Congresswoman Harmon is from Californina and endoresed Hillary on July 18, 2007. A press release of her endorsement is featured on Hillary’s media page.
Harmon is to the right of center on national security issues but to the left of center on social/economic issues. She was slated to be chair of the House Intelligence Committee but Nancy Pelosi hates Jane Harmon and when she became speaker of the house she took Harmon off the Intelligence Committee.
By supporting Harmon we will be supporting a good congresswoman who is an arch enemy of Nancy Peolosi, What could be better than that?
She is in a safe seat though, so she probably doesn’t need the money all that badly.
“katiebird, on September 6th, 2008 at 12:18 pm Said:
“He might nominate Hillary to the first opening on the Supreme Court”
HAHAHAHAHAHA”
That would be like sending your most feared political rival to Siberia. Hillary is not qualified to be on the SCOTUS and Obama is not qualified for anything.
She is goooooooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I accidentally posted that comment in reply to a troll on another thread.
* Truth and reconciliation commission for the government [D** and R] crimes in the Bush era
======
Love this. I think a TRC is sorely, profoundly, desperately needed in this country. However, I would only support it if it included Democrats. The Bush admin could not have been what it was without Congress, and that’s a hard, hard truth that a lot of Dems have to face. It’s easy to have an infantile “but it was Booooooosh!” mentality; it’s far harder to accept the alternative.
Heck, if I had my way, any TRC would include the corporate media as a focal point, too. I have come to see big money media the way many Soviet citizens seem to have viewed theirs: see it, know it’s all a lie, roll your eyes, and go about your business trying to survive in life.
I don’t believe we should tell anyone here who to vote for. To me, this is the haven that this site provided.
I will be punishing Democrats this year, so blue dog or yellow dog they are all going to the pound.
Divided government works well. Another simple recent example is the Clinton administration. Newt in the congress Bill in the WH .. We did fine ..
Now, as to blue dogs , we have been trying to get rid of them for years .. imo. only, I don’t see that strategy working, well, not in my lifetime anyway..
The blue dogs must get elected in these strong conservative areas .. as they have . As the ‘look’ of our country changes , which it is , perhaps then this will be possible .. I’m thinking Jim Webb right now , but there are many others .
Obama has supported blue dogs over progressive candidates .. at times – I don’t know where the democratic party is going . Yeah , yeah I’ve heard .. “they don’t really mean it” wait till they get elected.. “It will be different ” .
We gave Bob Casey a prominent spot in our convention .. Then we had a repub evangelical Pastor give the closing prayer. We caved on FISA . Obama now has a foreign policy like McCain , they are the same on glbt marriage and .. he is the leader of our party .. now. There are many other things ..but, I’m not writing a book here .
My point is , I do not know where our party is headed . I would like it to be clearer – what I am seeing now is that it will not be progressive . After all, even though it is our side – as in the past and now – progressives have been always been seen as ‘extreme’, .. except by us .. just as many, of us , view the neocons .,
Where am I going with this ..?? – I don’t know.
In my state Ca. I will maybe vote down ticket dem , My head though is asking me .. How most effectively can I get my party back ..?? , by rewarding them .. ? these are just ‘thoughts that cross my mind – I have family in N. Ca. , they love Obama but are trying to ‘oust’ Pelosi – with money and time . It won’t happen – and they know it . My congress critter Mary Bono will no doubt get re – elected .
it’s more complicated .. than just ‘getting ‘ rid of the the blue dogs, because it’s darn hard to accomplish … I’m not saying we should just give up .. I’m just saying ‘getting ‘ get rid of the Blue Dogs is not as simple as it sounds ..
Glenn Greewald had an astute piece on this subject some time ago .. and yes – he also directed everyone to act blue . Gore did not even carry his own state . we all know why Clinton got elected .. because he was always a Bubba ..
) . Another interesting writer on this is Joe Bagent . .. not sure of the spelling there .. but he is magnificent . .. he is southern , grew up there, a progressive and explains , sorta , why the people vote against themselves, and he does it with humour , wit and an accepting love of the craziness … He is a writer worth reading ..
I used to be very , very radical . and of course current administration brought that side out of me more .. but in the last .. oh 6 months or so .. what I have been struck with is how much more are parties are alike .. than different .. at least in the direction they are going now .
sheesh .. said I wasn’t writing a book , appears I’m sure trying to . .. lol ..
Good Morning Puma’s .. hope we all have a great Saturday ..
Punishment, Retribution and Reform 2008
PUMA HAKA
CAROL HAKA
In the alternate reality where McCain DID run as Kerry’s VP — how did I vote?
Mawn, agreed.
Sarah is a GOLD MINE!
If you live in the south and want to vote for a Democrat, you almost have to vote for Blue dogs. Sorry guys, but that is the lay of the land here. You guys you live in the NE don’t get it I guess, but the only reason Democrats control the state legislature in NC is because they are blue dogs. NC is more conservative than NJ.
Mawm .. I agree with you .. I think that was the beauty and safety of Puma …You own your vote .
I do so hope we still have the goal of taking our party back. that is very important to me ..
ah heck , maybe I will have to give that up also .. go along to get along .. sometimes .. you get to the place where you asking about everything .. “What’s the Point ” ..??
Mawm, at 12:32 pm Said:
I don’t believe we should tell anyone here who to vote for. To me, this is the haven that this site provided.
***************
I feel comfortable with your disagreeing with the post. I’m taking it as a suggestion I support. I doubt that there will be any “test” as to who’s down ticket enough.
I think a list would be helpful to some of us. And others can ignore at will.
We all own our votes!
You are 100 percent right Mawm .. 100 % .
that is the deal.
I also suggest avoiding ActBlue.
It is apparently pro Senator Obama and “de-listed” the Denver Group (Heidi Li and Marc Rubin) because it opposes the DNC’s selection.
Here is the story:
http://heidilipotpourri.blogspot.com/2008/09/from-denver-group-act-blues-pro-obama.html
Just make sure you exercise that Vote!
PUMA HAKA
Briana, while I think a major third party would be good for the country, would we have to have a third convention? Oh angst.
well off for a beard trim and a haircut
fuzzybeargville
“Obama has supported blue dogs over progressive candidates .. at times – I don’t know where the democratic party is going . Yeah , yeah I’ve heard .. “they don’t really mean it” wait till they get elected.. “It will be different ” .”
The worst example is GA-12. Obama “cut” radio ads for John Barrow, probably on of the three most reactionary Dems in congress. Barrow was being challenged by an AA woman. Obama made some statement like “John Barrow is someone that I will need in congress..blah..blah.
Purplefinn .. I think it’s just about as likely as getting rid of the Blue dogs .. lololol. ..
)) .. at this point in time ..
Purplefinn – “I think a major third party would be good for the country, would we have to have a third convention? Oh angst.”
mawm said the same thing up trhead it is what seperates us from the Obot/Obat collective-
fuzzybeargville
“#
purplefinn, on September 6th, 2008 at 12:46 pm Said:
Briana, while I think a major third party would be good for the country, would we have to have a third convention? Oh angst.”
The plurality election system in the US make the establishment of a major third party almost impossible. Remaking of an established party is much more likely; sometime for the worse as in GOP.
Mawm: You are free to vote for whoever you like. But a lot of PUMAs want to find a way forward. Increasing true progressives in Congress is a good way of protecting all of us. If I were you, I would probably feel the same way. You don’t have a lot of good options in NC. But if you see someone on the list that DOES support your principles, wouldn’t it help you if you supported them? Like Stender or Gillebrand or Massa?
rd, you have my e-mail address. Would you shoot me an e-mail, so I can reply to you with a suggestion for the ActBlue list? I can’t find your e-addy. Thanks.
Two questions:
Do they have to be for national office? I have a very nice lady running for state office – Joyce Elliott that I am fervently supporting.
Do they have to be Democrats? Our Blue Dog (PoS) Mark Pryor is opposed by Rebekah Kennedy and she would be a breath of fresh air.
Thank you Mawm
The coast is clear so I can once again read my new favorite blog (so much more fun that arguing about the capital gains tax with other Republicans!).
My wife “caught” me reading this blog–which I tried to hide because I knew what was coming. So I showed her the website and told her about the PUMA phenomenon.
My wife is a member of the Green party (I know, I know) and she was/is a strong Hillary supporter. (She could not vote for Hillary in the CA primary because the Greens forgot to fill out some paperwork allowing their members to cross over and she was refused a Democratic ballot! What a circus!) Now she is an Obot.
She looked at this website, exploded and said, “Can’t you see through this? Don’t you realize this is all organized by the Republicans? This website is a fake and you are falling for it!! No Hillary supporter would ever vote for a Republican!” I was laughing so hard my sides hurt. She was so upset I had to turn off my computer and put on some soft music.
So, RNC, they’re on to you! You can’t fool them anymore! PUMAs indeed!
ROTFL!!!
I don’t know, I think we not only need to increase true progressives in congress, we need to get rid of really regressive republicans, and if that means supporting conservative dems, I think its value is about the same. I guess the mindset from red state to blue state is quite different in that aspect. We take a victory where we can. I wrote a post supporting Kay Hagan who would not meet the standards set forth above, but would go a lot futher in forwarding a progressive agenda than having Elizabeth Dole remain in the senate.
Rick Noriega here in TX is challenging incumbent Republican Cornyn (he’s a toad – the worst)
Rick is a former National Guardsman, and a stand-up guy. A big part of his platform is getting some healthcare for all Texans. He stayed quiet during the Pres primary, probably for his own survival as a newcomer Dem in a Red State, but his campaign manager was a big Hill supporter.
Even since the coronation, he has done the minimal as far as shows of unity go – no ringing endorsement of Bambi, no mention of Obama at all in his emails, mailers, etc.
Rick is in a tough race against a very entrenched Repub of the worst sort, , and could use some love. He’s also a latino, which is good for the diversity I’d like to see in the Dem party.
Oh, meant to say – it’s a Senate race (Noriega vs Cornyn)
what bothers me – the Democratic congress / senate hasn’t done jack shot for 2 years. When McCain is elected – the dems will be so pissed they will refuse to get anything done and act like spoiled children.
I no longer trust the dems to do the right thing.
typo on iPhone – that should be jack SHIT
WMCB – that is who I am supporting.
gary and Mawm: You know the area best. I can get behind Kay Hagen in the Senate.
BTW, checkout this page from Dennis Shulman on LGBT equality . This is a man whose heart is in the right place. I might volunteer some time for him. His district isn’t that far away. Besides, we could probably use some blind rabbi shrinks in Congress. “What do women really want? Oy, vey!”
“You don’t have a lot of good options in NC. But if you see someone on the list that DOES support your principles, wouldn’t it help you if you supported them? Like Stender or Gillebrand or Massa?”
I am sort of in the same boat..so I look for moderate to liberal Dems who are challenging wing nuts and send money to their campaigns.
Dr Wulsin is another in that category..she is running against Jean (mean Jean) Schmidt in Ohio.
Dave: LOL! We’re like the porn site for guilty Democrats. Oooo, I feel so *dirty*. I hope you wear clothes when you read us.
I think we’ve got a new motto for The Confluence: A Democrat’s guilty pleasure.
“Do they have to be Democrats? Our Blue Dog (PoS) Mark Pryor is opposed by Rebekah Kennedy and she would be a breath of fresh air.”
But he is our POS. I was hoping that Wes Clark would have run against him..didn’t happen. Mark Pryor as, one of the gang of 14, is one of the worst. But the D after his name counts for a lot..if we lose control of the Senate, we will be SOL.
Oh, and if you decide to donate to even one candidate outside your state, PLEASE consider TX Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
She is a brave, brave AA woman, and took an untold amount of abuse for her unwavering support of Hill. She has stood up stronger than anyone I know on GLBT rights, often taking heat from her own community for it. The bastard Obots are actively trying to primary her and get rid of her.
Riverdaughter .. I agree with you on “finding a new way forward ” .. I have come here many times in the last few weeks, well , heck I’m here everyday ..
) but .. the obsession with Hillary has worn thin and I leave sooner and wait longer to come back.. Hillary has done nothing that I have been surprised by .. I am one of these silly people who take people at their word .. until they break it a couple of times .. so …
as I have read all .. the “.. ‘They’ are making her do it stories ” .. I have found it redundant .. but I do respect and honour all of our feelings here ..
I think we need to concentrate on short term goals .. long term goal .. I asked the other day is the short term goal NoBama .. ?? .. and then .. Is the long term goal still getting our party back??
If those are still are goals .. then , I’m not sure voting for downticket dems is the way to do that .. I’m just not sure.. it really doesn’t make sense . . IF we want our party to pay attention .. they will pay attention to declining votes for them even in the blue states . .
Whats worse, for me – is I have my ballot sent to me in the mail .. which means I will have more time to ‘think’ at that moment .. for me that is not always good .. lol . Most times – my 1st instincts are the best .. sadly I don’t often follow them .. I follow my head . . which is usually wrong .. especially in poker ..
)
Thanks for having us all here and thanks for your wonderful , informative thought provoking posts ..
gee … to bad your sat. post was this one ..
) . . I would have all ready been shopping .. it’s all your fault .. 
) ..
If Ds lose the senate, it means there was a total rebuke of Democrats. I believe there are twice as many Republicans up for election this year as Dems in the senate, so the math is on the Ds side. Supposedly the polls show the mood of the country is slanted to Ds, but who can believe the polls anymore as much as the media is in the tank for Obama. One poll, however, does show the D congress at like %14., That is dismal.
Re the Patrick Murphy question from Sarah, I live in Lehigh County, PA right above Bucks County and am very familiar with Patrick Murphy. He came out for Obama way before the primary, and I saw him on TV many times spouting the Axlerod talking points ad nauseum. I will vote for people who caved in late, but not the ones who were so far out in front that it’s obvious they already had the money in their pockets.
The Democrat’s Guilty Pleasure — and the Republican’s too! Interesting people who think for themselves! What a concept!
The PUMAs will go down in history as one of the greatest Republican dirty tricks since Watergate! I can see it now on the Daily Kos! “PUMAs Exposed!”
ROTFL!!!!
Wmcb .. agree .. Shiela Jackson Lee .. is terrific ..
oh … I miss Paul Wellstone .. !!! – ..
I will be regressive .. Maybe my new title is regressive dem. .. will have to study more on that ..
Briana: I can’t hold grudges for too long. I know that I’m not voting for Obama. Don’t know yet if I’ll be sitting the top of the ticket out altogether. But at some point, the grudge bearing gets old. If we lose our strength in Congress because we decided to punish everyone who willingly or not supported Obama, then the only people we end up hurting is ourselves. The GOP will just run the country into the ground and retreat to their gated communities, sort of like neo-feudalists. I don’t want that. But if we increase our numbers in Congress, we decreas the strength of the Blue Dogs and that is a strategic advantage to us.
In short, you can’t punish downticket Dems in the short term without also screwing yourself in the long term. So, think it over, take your time and when you send your ballot back, make sure you are putting your vote where it will do the most *good*.
Dave,
That’s a good story and speaking for myself, your wife would be absolutely correct if these were normal times. These aren’t. We saw a primary that was tortured to the point where it wasn’t recognizable, a sham of a candidate who is fueled by ego on Red Bull stained keyboards and suspicious bank accounts. A primary where the MSM frothed and tingled by CDS. Our candidate was shown the back of the hand by unappreciative hangers-on who conveniently have forgotten the maxim “but for the Clintons” they would be crawling around trying to be second-rate ward healers.
Many of us were there in the bad times and we are used to fighting upstream. Just like salmon on steroids, we aren’t giving up. If a fringe of the party believes they can do it without us, let them try — resistence is always stronger when there is an opposable force.
Come along for the ride — it should be fun.
Straight R
My congressman is David Price. Early Obot. I don’t even know who his Republican challenger is. I don’t care. My vote will not matter because I live in the most liberal district in the state. I don’t care.
Also, the D running for governor is Bev Perdue. I don’t have the proof, but the hair stands up on the back of my neck the same way it did with John Edwards. I just knew he was a sleaze bag, but It was only intuition, so I would discount it. I will not discount the really bad feeling I get from Bev Perdue. McCrory is her competition, but he would have gotten my protest vote anyway. As it stands, all R protest votes except I like McCain and will be voting against Perdue.
from commenter at uppitywoman, more trouble for Bambi. Remember those flags he threw away in 84 garbage bags after his Greek Temple show? Well, someone saved them…
Denise W, on September 6th, 2008 at 1:00 pm Said:
Another little bump in the road for the Obama Camp. The McCain camp recovered 84 trash bags full of American Flags for hand waving, thrown in the garbage dump after the Democratic Convention at Invesco Field. Boy Scouts, VFW (Veterans) will take an active part in showcasing this lack of respect to the flag. In today’s rally McCain, as a warm up to his speech will explain how they came to have them, and then the veterans in the audience will re distribute them to the people attending his rally.
Which I may add is attracting LARGE crowds……
riverdaughter, on September 6th, 2008 at 1:29 pm Said:
The GOP will just run the country into the ground and retreat to their gated communities, sort of like neo-feudalists.
**********************
riverdaughter, I like so many before me, am falling in love with you. Keep it up!!
I’m voting in our primary on Tuesday for my incumbent Congressman, Edolphus Towns, who stuck by Hillary till the end, despite the fact that he (an AA) got a lot of flak from his AA constituents. I live in Brooklyn, and of course most if not all NY Dems supported Hillary.
Towns’ primary challenger, Kevin Powell, is a former star of “The Real World” (now there’s a qualification for ya!) and is endorsed by, among others, George Soros. Shades of Obama.
And in November, this life-long Dem is pulling the lever for McCain, as the strongest protest I can make against the Obama-Fraud and the corrupt DNC. I understand those who are leaving the top of the ticket blank or voting third party, but in the end, it’s an individual decision. I own my vote.
I understand what you are saying RD , however , you didn’t answer my question .. Is our long term goal .. still taking our party back??
Cause , if that is still our goal .. I am still questioning voting down ticket dem. .why will our support make them pay attention to us .. I’m not getting it ..
I do not blame progressive dems in the houses , well I sorta do .. but mainly it’s the leaders of the dem party that have led us to this point and the distribution of money to achieve their goals.
I think You need to explain more clearly how voting down ticket dem will get our dem. party to pay attention to our desires .. If ..our long term goal is still taking our party back..
How will supporting down ticket dems accomplish that ?? I would like to hear more supporting info and facts to back that up …
Also , you are misunderstanding me , I am not holding grudges .. I don’t have the time .. that is exactly why I have spent less time here .. What I want is to achieve what I thought was the longer term goal of “getting our party back” ..
I really never thought anyone here was going to support Obama .. .
WMCB, cool!
I would like to support Jill Long for Governor of Indiana. She is a Hillary Supporter, and showed up at all our events during the primary. She will make a great Governor. here is a link to her website
http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/
Briana, I am with you. I want to tell the party that they broke their trust. They all did. There were no Democrats who spoke out about what was going on. I want the entire party rebuked.
I think when Obama gets pissy (as he will), and starts in on how the flag is just a symbol, and patriotism has to do with more than symbols, blah blah blah…..
Then McCain should make a strong speech: “DON’T TELL ME symbols don’t matter!” And go from there….
I don’t see it as a grudge either. I want a Democratic party that stands for Democracy. Until then, they will be denied.
A little O/T, but I got polled this morning by Quinnipiac. Very non-weighted. straight questions, about 25-30 of them, and if I didn’t like the absolute of a question or had another answer, the woman calling wrote down my alternative answer.
Example: What main concern of yours will determine who you vote for in the Presidential election? Answers were standard, i.e. war in Iraq, immigration, economy, a few others. I said none of the above, for me it’s ethics, and she wrote it down.
It’s the second time I have been polled in about a week, the first being a robocall of 5 questions about a week ago. I live in PA, that’s probably why.
If you want to build a lasting majority, you’ve got to articulate a way forward. It was clear in 2006 that Pelosi specifically did *not* want to make any proposals at all. Her whole game plan (which worked for one election cycle) was to bash Bush at every turn. Now that Bush is history, what’s the new pitch?
I don’t think progressives can win a lasting majority unless they stop the class warfare and anti-business rhetoric. That scares people because, in America, people aspire to be rich. So they don’t want to crucify the rich because they want to get there themselves someday. If progressives (unlike all other politicians, including the Republicans) stopped lying about the entitlement arithmetic, stopped vilifying business, went for something radical like a flat tax, a consumption tax and zero capital gains tax (which would send the economy through the roof), they would probably double the government’s revenues and be able to fund all the social programs they want. On the other hand, if progressives continue their tax-and-spend victimhood pitch, they won’t make any headway at all in my opinion.
A few years ago, a local billionaire tried to build a beach house here in Santa Cruz with a 10 car underground garage. He hired geologists and environmental engineers who all said his plans were sound. The city council refused to give him a building permit–basically out of spite because he was so wealthy. There were the usual statements about the house being “out of character with the neighborhood” etc. but since most of it was underground this was just an excuse.
A few months later, the school board met in an emergency session to discuss a $2 million shortfall that would force the closing of one of their elementary schools. Angry parents screamed at the school board for several hours. Lots of hysteria and finger pointing. Finally I got my turn to speak. I said, “Why didn’t you just charge $2 million for his building permit? It’s chump change for him!” Silence.
This, to me, illustrates the progressive’s failings in a nutshell. You’ve got to learn to work with people, even people you don’t like. Screaming at them and calling them names just galvanizes the opposition.
The billionaire? He built his house 5 miles down the coast in an unincorporated area.
RD thanks for the mention of the repubs infiltrating with their own agenda. Seems women especially are getting woo-ed/whapped with propaganda from both sides.
On any given day it’s flowers and red hot pokers, candy and water-torture.
Clowns to the left of us, jokers to the right.
Any sentiment PUMA folk express, there’s some Obama-ite or Repub-ite there to try and drag us off to their camp (most likely to do the dishes).
I’m voting McCain and I’m enjoying Palin whomp on Obama’s ego, but I’m no repub and never will be.
I can live with supporting down-ticket dems, but only if they put up someone who actually lives in my district! They lost the IL 6th Congressional District in an open race when Henry Hyde retired because they put up Tammy Duckworth – who lived close, but stated up front that she refused to move into the district. And gave her enough money to beat Christine Cegelis in the primary – who had come close to unseating Hyde in the previouse eleciton. Well, that and a dumb third candidate who siphoned off her votes.
This year, they again put up someone who doesn’t live in my district. Can I trade a republican for a democrat in another state?
Also, my senators are Obama and Dick Durbin – a complete obot if one ever existed. So no help from us there.
{{sigh}} I am convinced. Patrick Murphy is unworthy of support. Maybe you guys in Bucks County can talk some sense into him before election day. PUMA-fy him.
In short, you can’t punish downticket Dems in the short term without also screwing yourself in the long term. So, think it over, take your time and when you send your ballot back, make sure you are putting your vote where it will do the most *good*.
I agree…I first met Hillary 25 years ago and have been a big fan and supporter since then…and punishing down ticket Dems on their Hillary support is a bad idea.
prplvelvette, I am looking forward to voting for Jill in November! I don’t have a spare second right now to make calls or work for her, but I will be cheering for her.
#
riverdaughter, on September 6th, 2008 at 1:59 pm Said:
{{sigh}} I am convinced. Patrick Murphy is unworthy of support. Maybe you guys in Bucks County can talk some sense into him before election day. PUMA-fy him.’
If you feel the need to PUMA-fy…do it to Chris Carney..he is real scum.
Dear River Daughter,
Please understand this theory of a strong Dem congress to check the abuses a McCain presidency is narrow minded and short sighted.
It assumes there won’t be a galvanizing event like 911.
Ask yourself who you would rather handle another 9/11. The republican administration led by McCain or a Democratic administration led by Obama.
Nuff said.
You are doing your country a disservice with the mealy mouthed imaginary hedged position.
Gary – what do you think about Harry Taylor, 9th district Dem? I’m torn because he really is a progressive and publicly challenged Bush last year, but he totally supports Obama. It will be nearly impossible for him to beat Myrick in this district, so I probably shouldn’t feel any hesitation about voting for him (’cause it’s not likely to matter) but I’m still on the fence about him.
Somebody haul out the butterfly net above me, please!
Corrine Brown(FL) stuck with Hillary until the bitter end.
A member of the Black Congressional Caucus, she resisted the daily PRESSURE to join the O team.
Corrine votes Progressive, not a blue dog.
.
Gov. Mark Warner of VA is running for Senate. He was a great governor and will no doubt be a great Senator.
Mountain Sage
huh?
Why was my post deleted?
Still tepidly supporting McCain/Palin. I will vote for Mark Warner because he did an outstanding job as Gov. I’m goinjg to have to sit down with a piece of paper for deciding on Boucher(although I do give him points for being responsive e3ven if sometimes his answers are BS).
Many thanks to the DNC for this thread! Because they insisted on foisting the worst candidate imaginable onto us, we posters are left to slog through the muck seeking solutions and reasons to bypass what should have been our year.
It would appear that all we have left to us is our vote. Though our votes had little or no bearing on the outcome the first time around, we are prepared to make a statement. That statement may take many forms as individually we may never agree on the path of solution.
There are no guarantees that any of these proposals will engender the desired effect. Each must cast their vote the way they see fits. Many of us are left with attempting to ascertain the meaning of “progressive” as it now stands since it appears to have shifted and shape changed over the last 18 months.
This primary, which began on such a high note, has left us struggling with how to proceed. The DNC must pay the price upfront which may allow the impact to resonate throughout the ranks. Candidates and incumbents must be made to admit that the power is indeed with the people and by a committee. First things first.
Bostonboomer — When did Markey buckle? Did he give a reason? I was trying to get info on him after the primaries ended and all I could find was dated info.
Hillary will be the next democratic president. It’s the DNC/SD’s that decided that will be in 4 years instead of now. Don’t look at us for blame. Just had to say that.
JJ- Thanks! Are you in Indiana too? I am rooting for her too. I just don’t have the energy or time after I had given so much to Hillary. It consumed all of my time. I cannot do it anymore and work too. But I will contribute to her as well.
I think she will make a great governor. Evan Bayh supports her too!, and he never gave up on Hillary, and he also told bo he would not be interested in being his veep.
This last sentence should have read: “not by committee”.
Briana
You have to take it a step at a time. We need to be strategic about who gets punished. It’s imperative to keep a Dem majority at the moment(even if only about a third of them can be counted on). This is a chess game. If you have a progressive Dem primarying a Repub in Dem clothing by all means vote for the progressive. Keep in mind though that the masquerading Dems may be better than the stark raving mad conservatives that want to hide in your bedroom closet.
Why is a post accusing democrats of class warfare with nothing but unverified anecdotes left up, but my post asking RD to reconsider her idea that a strong Dem congress could check a McCain administration?
“CWaltz, on September 6th, 2008 at 2:16 pm Said:”
I agree and if people need to see that in “black and white” go to “Progressive Punch” and compare scores.
Briana
I am also in Mary Bono’s district.
I live in Hemet Ca.
I get calls from her and invited to be on phone conference calls about issues.
She does answer inquires about issues.
This is the first year I will vote for her. I was a democrat when I moved here.
I even volunteered to work for the democratic party.
This year I changed to declined to state..
How do the people here feel about the AA candidate that was forced to change from Senator Clinton to backtrack , I think his name was John Lewis?
You could tell it was done under duress. He was an early civil rights organizer.
COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS, AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
SHV
Some of us are punishing downticket Dems on their support of Obama- not Hillary.
I want Obama supporters to have their teeth knocked out and choke on them. Remember when all we heard was the wave down ticket Dems would have with Obama on top? And how Hillary will hurt down ticket Dems?
If anything, I want to show how Hillary was right and how she told them she was the right choice, the only choice that could win. But they didn’t listen- I’m supposed to reward that judgment?
Re: Murphy of PA- he is pond scum. Like Claire, I hope he ends up serving only one term. What a disappointment they both turned out to be
Hi all!
I think the ActBlue idea is great–also that people in these local districts can give us there insights.
I live in FL. cong. district 4–Ander Crenshaw’s (puke) district. He is disgusting but will be really hard to beat here. Jay McGovern is running against him and is going to have problems. I heard him speak at someone’s home a couple of months ago and unless he has gotten alot better, he’s in way over his head. Seems like a nice guy and is right on the big picture issues, but couldn’t be specific enough—plus lacks the big money needed. I did mention to him at the time that he needs to work on his message–sharper, more focused and do alot of homework on specifics. He kind of nodded, but I don’t think he ‘got it.’ Not that Crenshaw is that smart, but an up and comer just needs to be waaayyyyy sharper.
#
simofish, on September 6th, 2008 at 1:09 pm Said:
what bothers me – the Democratic congress / senate hasn’t done jack shot for 2 years. When McCain is elected – the dems will be so pissed they will refuse to get anything done and act like spoiled children.
I no longer trust the dems to do the right thing.
===========
I guess that’s where I’m at too, and it doesn’t help that I’m not energized by local downticket races, either.
I’m reaching the point where I feel like Dems in Congress have a lot of chutzpah laying the ills at the foot of the executive branch, when Congress was a participant, enabler, cowardly do-nothing, and boot polisher. It guess it doesn’t help that I live in a small city that’s a Dem-liberal gated community, enthusiastically part of Whole Foods Nation. That colors my ability to see that Dems will cut the crap of social hierarchies and care about people who can’t afford a hybrid car and organic cotton yoga pants.
I am not accusing all Democrats of class warfare rhetoric. And all Democrats are not progressives. My point is that the rhetoric frightens people. Frightened people vote for the other guy.
Helen . I think it sucks .
) – John Lewis ..
all the people that the Clintons gave a leg up to turned on them . and they were dems . And they were progressive dems . dean, pelosi, brazille, richardson, .. etc.. remember how Bill came in to campaign for Kerry when he was still recovering from his open heart surgery .. well. I repeat – it sucks ..
to me , it’s just a fact now. They did it coldly and with calculation , that is how I intend to do this politics bus… My ‘feelings’ of hurt, anger , despair have all ‘burned ‘ out .. now I’m all business regarding this situation ..
Yes, Mary has always been good at that .. her office runs excellently .. .. I changed to independent ..
I worked the transportation part of the dem party here in the desert .. setting it up .. then being available if someone doesn’t show up for the driving to get the voters to the polls ..
Corinne Brown—represents N. Duval County–not my district-I’m Southern Duval, but if she were my rep. I would vote for her. She was really loyal, even though her district went for Obama. Took some guts. She’s never struck me as that brilliant, but she is loyal.
New post by riverdaughter!!!
New post by riverdaughter!!!
New post by riverdaughter!!!
(pretending to be katiebird)
Dave, I have said repeatedly that any sort of “eat the rich” rhetoric by Dems will ALWAYS send American voters running for the hills.
That is not to say that Democrats can’t fight for a fairer shot for all, support for struggling citizens from government where needed, and rational oversight on corporate greed that would loot this country’s pockets empty if unchecked. Those are solid FDR Democratic values, and ought to be championed.
But if you frame it as anything even approaching “wealth is somehow shameful, and big business is the ultimate evil” you will LOSE, period. That’s a fact.
Briana
We should talk.
e-mail me at hmk-me@verizon.net.
COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS, AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
CWaltz …. it’s really sad isn’t it ..?? as it appears to me that our dems are now the ones who want to police the bedrooms ..
“Keep in mind though that the masquerading Dems may be better than the stark raving mad conservatives that want to hide in your bedroom closet.”
What kind of voting is that ..?? – the same kind I have done before .. I’m perplexed ..
do you know that I have read dems talking about when Palins water broke ?? .. and doing it over and over again, GLBT marriages .. under the bus ! .. I’m not impressed.
It sure is a different election cycle .. I think for all of us ‘old style, out of fashion dems’ .. I just gotta face it ..
my time is over … bring on the new dem party . And I will judge them by their actions and not their words .. then .. maybe , I can find peace once again.
so far their actions get a C minus -
prplevelvette, unfortunately, Evan Bayh did NOT tell Obama no for VP like many others, including Rendell and Strickland did. I am POSITIVE about this information. It doesn’t matter to me, though. Bayh is a politician and he will do what all politicians do – worry about his career. Being on the Dem ticket, win or lose, would have helped his career since his main problem was name recognition when he tried to run this year.
Darcy Burner, WA-08 — most definitely. Supposedly, it’s one of the closest races in the nation, and Burner needs our help. She’s a true blue progressive.
Absolutely WMCB .. add to that religion and guns ..and southern people are ignorant ..
(shaking my head)
Ed O’Reilly, who has been discussed here many times, is running against John Kerry for U.S. Sentor for Massachusetts.
I think most of the Mass. people already know about him, but if you don’t, here’s some info:
Ed’s Page
Ed’s blog
Ed’s Policy positions (Ed’s quite liberal — I don’t use the term ‘progressive’ anymore).
O’Reilly has been pushing Kerry for debates, and Kerry finally agreed to one — to last 20 minutes, no audience, taped and then broadcast early Sun. morning (tomorrow).
I seriously doubt Ed can win, but am voting for him in the primary (on Sept 16) and sending him some money for 3 reasons: 1) to show Kerry there’s no free rides, esp after he endorsed Obama against Mass. voters’ and before the primary had even occurred; 2) to show other Mass. liberals who may have a better chance against Kerry and who may be contemplating a challenge to Kerry that he’s vulnerable; and 3) to help O’Reilly gain some statewide exposure so if he chooses to run for some other Congressional or state legislative spot. Even a marginally successful run against Kerry would help with all 3.
Fwiw, I think voting and supporting politicians strategically is highly situation-dependent. O’Reilly and Kerry are battling for the primary now, so I can safely vote for Ed. In the general, I can safely not vote for Kerry because he’s not at risk to losing to his Republican opponent. However, I would be considering a different strategy if the general election for Senator was likely to be close.
Hey! can someone get me out of moderation? Nothing offensive, I don’t think, in my post.
Hi all…coming late to the party here with an idea to toss out…
I too had a “punish everyone” strategy but I now think otherwise. (Actually, I just have a different idea of punish.)
If you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, vote for the Kool Aid drinker. I think Obama is going to lose. This will keep the Bot Pack Candidate in the public eye as a member of The Folks Who Were Wrong; The Folks Who Defied the People. Particularly the Senators, who will have to work UNDER Palin.
Mark Warner was a good governor but he is no progressive. Even so, he is better than his GOP opponent and I am hopeful he will at least be left of center.
I am thinking that where no at least semi- progressive is available to vote for, it might be better to vote for the Repub. Blue Dogs just confuse the American public. Congress has such a low approval rating because people thought they elected Dems to change things in 2006. They don’t understand that Blue Dogs often vote with the Repubs so they blame the Dems for the lack of improvement. If things don’t improve in 2009 it would be better for the Repubs to take the blame so some actual progressives would run and be elected in 2010. That’s where I am now anyway.
When are we goingtofindout the true roll call vote of the delegates to the convention. I want to know if Debbie Wasserman Schulz voted for Clinton or Obama. As far as supporting down ticket Dems, she stated here in Florida that she would NOT be campaigning for Democrats that are challenging the 3 Republican congressmen, Lehtinen and the Diaz brothers, from South Florida. If she doesn’t support her own party, why should we?
Pat, on September 6th, 2008 at 11:49 am Said:
Sen. Hillary Clinton issued the following statement tonight in response to Sen. McCain’s remarks:
“The two party conventions showcased vastly different directions for our country. Senator Obama and Senator Biden offered the new ideas and positive change America needs and deserves after eight years of failed Republican leadership. Senator McCain and Governor Palin did not.
“After listening to all of the speeches this week, I heard nothing that suggests the Republicans are ready to fix the economy for middle class families, provide quality affordable health care for all Americans, guarantee equal pay for equal work for women, restore our nation’s leadership in a complex world or tackle the myriad of challenges our country faces.
“So, to slightly amend my comments from Denver: NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN-PALIN.”
_______________________________________
Pat, I don’t think Hillary is in her right mind! For 18 months she said he is not qualified….now she’s saying he is the one! So which time was she telling the truth?
I’m voting McCain…and there aren’t many good Dems in PA who deserve their jobs……I vote top (McCain/.Palin) and that’s it. In 2012, hopefully the DNC will increase their values and I can come back and vote for Hillary!
Rick Noriega (running against Texas Senator John Cornyn)
Not my area of the country but Cindy Sheehan (because I am mad at Rep. Pelosi)
Thanks for doing this! I would love to be able to contribute from here.
“I’m voting McCain…and there aren’t many good Dems in PA who deserve their jobs……I vote top (McCain/.Palin) and that’s it. In 2012, hopefully the DNC will increase their values and I can come back and vote for Hillary!”
I’m with you Joanna4McCain.
I honestly believe if Bill and Hillary could speak off the record with all of us,that is who they would want us to vote for and who they are voting for too.I don’t see any sincerity in her words, she is just doing what politicans have to do.
Voting for McCain/Palin. It is the only was to make sure that Obama loses.
If PUMA’s decide not to vote at all or go third party they may as well just vote for Obama.
Hillary would have no chance in 2012.
http://londonamerican01.blogspot.com/2008/09/obama-calls-waahmbulance.html
the weak one calls big sis to defend him from sarah palin, but hillary’s got “other commirtments.”
I will be contributing, but I wish to make a statement. I live in Texas and went through two caucues. The local and the Senatorial. As one of the above mentioned, Rick Noriega is a good guy, but no way in hell am I going to support any of those in my district. I would also like to point out that if you wish to reform the Democratic party you need a plan. There might be some merit to supporting the Democratic candidates, if Obama is serverely punished in the general election, but the down side to that is, the party to rebuilt, needs to be broken. If you went through my cacuses you would never vote Democratic again. I am voting John McCain and you should too, because if Obama happens to slide in, the Democratic party might be lost forever.
Won’t vote for down ticket Dems. THEY are the ones who rescued BHO as SuperDelegates and caved. This time, Straight Ticket Republican rather than Crooked Ticket Democrat.
They all go down with NObama in NOvember.
I want to support the thought expressed above that our goal should be to support progressive Dems and moderate to progressive Republicans. The major victims of the 2006 Democratic takeover in congress were moderate Republicans. Both parties are victimized by their outer “fringes”. I would always vote the Dem over the Republican unless the Dem is too far left or too far right “blue dog” and a good Republican alternative is available. I think we have to build the center of our political world because that is where most people in the country hang out. HRC was both a center candidate and a liberal. Bill Clinton was good at finding where the common ground was and moving to it and he upset a chunk of Dems who did not want to tolerate some of the social mores that cling to the center of our politics. One of the things that is catching fire with Palin is that she is profoundly in that center range. I take you back to what Clinton said about the candidate who shares all your views and the candidate who shares maybe half but can likely get that half implemented.
Gee, I’m a Blue Dog…and a 5th generation Democrat. Looks like I shouldn’t be here when I read about standing up to Blue Dogs.
my own goal isn’t to vote DD representatives. If the DNC is counting on a huge Dem Congressional Hill because of Boss Tweed-like corruption and fraud, I don’t need Obamabot followers in office.
Social Security needs to be privatized. My father worked his entire life, paid into social security, then died at the age of 66. If it was privatized my mother would have that money to live on, instead she got a measly $250.00 from the government program. You pay social security your entire life only to give it to the government to waste.
Universal Healthcare would be a great thing if you could actually see a doctor when you need one. If you get sick with a disease that requires a specialist, it could take up to 17 weeks to get an appointment, by then you could be dead. I know this from the research I did when I was diagnosed with a deadly disease. Had I had universal healthcare, I would be dead. I had to see the specialist the same day I became ill. Having insurance sounds great, but it’s not what Obama/Hillary makes it out to be. There was a woman who had a child with a heart defect here in USA, she went on vacation to one of the countries with universal healthcare, while there her child got sick, the doctor told her that had the child been born there they would have let him die and call it death by natural cause. He is now in his twenties. UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE IS NOT WHAT THE USA NEEDS!!!
I agree with prosecuting Bush, but only if we prosecute everyone that voted with him on the war including Hillary. They all voted for the war but because of politics they blame only Bush. They all voted, they should all be punished.
Judges are suppose to follow the law, not make rule on things because they feel a certain way. IT”S THE RULE OF LAW, NOT THE RULE OF POLITICAL VIEWS!!!
I voted for Hillary in the primaries, but I will be voting for McCain/Palin in 08.