The DNC's "solution" to the California Recall

[Le Taz Hot]

So, they sent one of the DNC boys to a "by invitation only" meeting last week. As one of the invitees, I was in on the DNC "strategy." Are you ready? Get people to apply for permanent absentee ballots. That's it. Oh, yeah, and of course, "no" on the recall and vote for Bustamonte.

Here's the "theory." Californians are too lazy to actually GO to their polling place so giving them permanent absentee ballot status will make them more likely to vote.

Let's forget for a minute that there is NO evidence or empirical studies to back this up. That we have less than 8 weeks to get this together (we're supposed to "walk the precincts.").

And a couple of other things. Once again, the DNC is writing off the Central San Joaquin Valley and . . . get this . . . colleges in which the majority of students do not live on campus. So much for getting the youth vote, eh? And . . . we're supposed to go to HIGH SCHOOLS to register voters. Great, except most high school campuses won't let us (Democrats) on campus -- it has to come from the elections office since they are supposedly non-partisian.

Just more evidence of the DNC's complete and total cluelessness.

[Terwilliger]

1. I fear for California

because NO will probably not win, and the Dems don't have anybody to support as an alternative (they support Bustamante, but he won't win anything without some serious progressive leaning)

The Democrats themselves do more to lose me than any other party does to woo me.

[slackmaster]

16. Bustamante has the incumbent factor on his side

The fact that he is the sitting LG will give him a leg up. He needs to be much more visible than he's been. Focus on his experience and core competencies and don't try to make the election into a beauty pageant.

[Terwilliger]

18. then he'll lose

please....think about it...Bustamante has nothing unless he can invigorate the voters...I don't see that

[joeybee12]

2. What losers

Thier initial response to the recall was pathetic--as a result, the Nazis are one step ahead and will succeed with this power grab.

[DagmarK]

3. How many 18+ y.o. *are* there in Calif high schools????

and if they are still in high school at 18......should we trust them and encourage them to vote (or drive or operate heavy machinery)

?????????????????????///

[papau]

4. permanent absentee ballots is GOP ploy - and good Dem move

but not enough time before Davis goes down in flames

Davis is at 55/45 and that 55 does not seem to be moving, and Arnold has the Dem by 20 points.

Looks like a 35% Gov for CA unless things turn around - as in Federal Court rules delay in election.

[AP]

13. I've worked on a couple Democratic campaigns, and I assure you...

...absentee ballots are NOT a GOP strategy. In fact, they want to make sure the polls are crowded on election day because they know hourly employees are likely to turn around and not vote if the lines are too long (and the lines are only ever too long in Democratic jurisdictions).

[papau]

23. Thanks for info - FL and RNC today push absentee! - New Poll below

According to a CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll out Monday, 42 percent of registered voters said there's a good chance they would vote for Schwarzenegger. The poll of 801 registered voters was taken Aug. 7-10 and has an error margin of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
Twenty-two percent said there's a good chance they would vote for Bustamante. Sixty-four percent said Davis should be removed from office, including 40 percent of Democrats


Interesting how public polls make the situation look worse - yet keep the 20 point spread between Arnold and Bushamante that private polls show.

[Atlant]

24. There's another aspect that the Dems lost control of...

> Sixty-four percent said Davis should be removed from office,
> including 40 percent of Democrats.

There's another aspect that the Dems lost control of: Apparently, 40%
of Democrats are still unable to recognize a coup d'etat when they are
shown one. They could have been edumacated, but it's too late now.

Atlant

[CWebster]

5. Wharever happened to

Tom Hayden?

[CWebster]

6. Where are all the Hollywood liberals?

It is almost as if folks are watching the entire thing unfold in slow motion, powerless to stop it.


Where is Angela davis? Where is the strong California Green party and why aren't they making a stink about the energy crisis? Dean is strong in CA, where is that citizen base? Where is the Northern CA progressive press?

[Le Taz Hot]

7. I can't answer for the other candidate base

but I can tell you the California Dean constituency has put almost everything on hold for this. We've put off some of the campaign plans in lieu of GOTV and trying to get the media's attention against the recall. We're circulating fact sheets as fast as we can make copies in order to educate voters before they vote. Remember, we have only 8 weeks to do this and we have 38 million people to reach.

[Atlant]

9. Thank you! (NT)

[liberalnurse]

20. It's great to hear the Dean people in California

are showing their strenght for the "No Recall." It can be a win-win situation.

[Atlant]

8. The fact that the recall ever got *THIS FAR*...

The fact that the recall ever got THIS FAR is a complete
and total indictment of the Democratic "leadership".

This could have been nipped-in-the-bud by an advertising
campaign that any of us could have designed. Instead, the
Democrats did little or nothing until it was far, far
too late.

I'd say there's at least a 75% chance you'll be learning
to say "Governor Ahnuld" before this is done.

Atlant

[AP]

10. This is EXACTLY the RIGHT STRATEGY!

I've said over and over that the problem with this recall is that the motivated voters who will show up to vote will be the people who want someone else.

If I did one thing in this election it would be calling up lists of Democratic voters and asking them to get their absentee ballots.

It's the Democrats only chance to win this thing.

Seriously.

[Gman]

11. So rather than air the problems you had with the strategy

over the Internet for everyone to see, did you even ask questions or voice your concerns in this meeting? You point out that this was a "by invitation only" type meeting which has the underlying implication that you're pretty important and those that were not invited are not. So, did you take advantage of your "important" status and express your opinion?

And why have you chosen to air this "dirty laundry" in front of the entire techno-savy world? Do you somehow think that by proclaiming the problems you have with this to the world that you will make things better?

Along with your "by invitation only" status goes some responsibility. Someone thought you were necessary to be included in this meeting. Is this how you are treating this responsibility by becoming part of the problem rather than part of the solution? If you want to do this, there's a time to bitch and there's a time to shut up and get to work. Your perspective is NOT the overall plan, nor should it be.

Had you considered the possibility that the "permanent absentee" status lays some great groundwork now for next year's general election and in fact is a 1 1/2 start on GOTV for next year?

Gee, they're not so dumb are they?

Sorry to be so harsh... don't take it personally. Take it as some coaching from someone that's been around for quite a while and done the grunt work you need to get done.

[CWebster]

15. Hey, that was uncalled for

It is apparent for anyone watching that the Democratic party in CA is clueless and has put forth a lackluster and lukewarm response on every level.

They needed to make some bold moves yesterday. Obviously there was little inspiration to do so.

[Gman]

26. There's no time for bitching and complaining

There's work to be done. If someone has a problem with the plan they need to address that problem at it's source and not on this board for everyone to see and talk about on the Internet.

Someone invited to an "invitation only" meeting needs to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. If that person can't do it, they need to get out of the way and let someone else do the job.

[CWebster]

28. Why the hell not?

Or is this another case of them assuring us of a strategy, while advising us to keep out of the action?

[Forkboy]

29. then what the hell are you posting for man?

there's work to be done!

[jiacinto]

31. Exactly

And I am sure that most of the information at that meeting was meant to be confidential, not aired on the Internet.

[Le Taz Hot]

38. Wrong again!

They told us to spread the word.

[Le Taz Hot]

37. Well, shit! Here we go.

Yes, I brought up my concerns. They were dismissed. I mentioned the "by invitation only" because that's what it was. If the DNC wanted to hold public hearings it was their right to do so. If you've got an issue with this, bring it up with them, I'm not the one who sent invitations to this party.

Let's see, what the hell else am I being accused of here. The "dirty laundry" is the DNC's, not mine. We're being told to spread the word about it and I think I just did that. The fact that I chose to editorialize is MY RIGHT. The "techno community" is already pretty savvy about the DNC so I seriously doubt if this is news to same community.

And I AM part of the solution. I'm getting my ass out and walking precincts. What the fuck are YOU doing? Permanent absentee ballot status is fine and we can do that WHILE we're walking the precincts but OUR PRIORITY is against the recall. Get it???

[Woodstock]

39. Le Taz, you are doing good work, don't let people get you down

:kick:

[John_H]

46. I bet your concerns were dismissed 'cause apparently

you have very little, if any, clue how campaigns work. The absentee ballot strategy is a tried and true, often used, very effective strategy for dems. I've been a part of these efforts numerous times--and every time they got a ton of votes--votes that otherwise wouldn't have been gotten. I've worked on at least two races that were won by this strategy.

In fact, in some states you can get people to vote on the spot if you can find a way to get them to the city hall or a polling place--not hard to do with a little forethought.

I'm no fan of the DNC these days, as the kids there are apparently more worried about their own careers than helping provide a spine to their party. In california's case, the strategy was a no-brainer and obvious. An easy decision.

Most people I know wouldn't go publicly bitching about an invitation only meeting they attended. Jeez, I hope you're not "helping out" the candidate I'm helping.

[kentuck]

12. No time for that type of strategy, I agree...

They should flood the media with ads the last two weeks before the election and they should be buying up the time right now. In the ads, the should say, "Just Say No" (to borrow a phrase from Nancy Raygun) and keep it simple. If they can get more "NO" votes then it will not matter how many votes Arnold gets. Go after the "NOs"! Even if people want to vote for Arnold, convince them that they can also vote "NO" on the recall. Keep it simple. There is no time for a complex strategy.

[Clete]

14. This is why that is really clueless. But I'm not surprised.

Our county has already informed us that they can't get the absentee ballots in the mail in time, so if you want one, you have to pick it up from the county offices. I suppose if you are a shut-in or overseas, you are out of luck if you can't get anyone to do that for you.

[dpl202]

17. The simple solution is

Davis should resign, thus Dem. Lt. Gov. becomes Gov. Recall cancelled.

[On the Road]

19. At This Point, the Recall Would Still Proceed

but Bustamente would be running as incumbent Governor.

[Atlant]

21. IT has been explained (quite a few times) that it's too late for that.

That's part of how it "shouldn't have gotten this far", but it's
also water down the LA River now.

Atlant

[dpl202]

22. Thank you

my bad

[Terwilliger]

25. how MANY times on this board have explained: Davis Can't Do That!!!

it wouldnt help anyway!

[dpl202]

36. As MANY

times as YOU'RE willing to WASTE your time posting it.

Sorry!

[mitchtv]

43. wrong, there is no room

for quitters on this board newby. election goes anyway

[Capn Sunshine]

27. The UNIONS are really running with the anti-effort

There is no time for dithering and the CA DEm C is really good at that in that hand wringing fear of offending anyone stance that has become so popular at the national level.

So while the dems have their "oh dear me" meetings, the unions have organized statewide phone banks to call likely voters and reach out to their substantial membership on this issue to clarify this. They have dedicated nearly 3 million in funds to the effort.

They see this for what it is:a blatant power grab coordinated on a national scale. The first salvo in the election of 2004.

I suspect even the DUers don't realize 2004 's post election plans the neocons have in store: an "Ultimate solution " of sorts for the democrats. Passing laws that make it difficult to be a democrat and work for the Govt. Harder security clearances for registered democrats. Ultimately denial of SS benefits and medicare. Sound far fetched? So did PNAC six years ago.

[Eloriel]

41. Whoaaa -

do you have any support for what you put in your last paragraph? NOT that I don't believe you, noooooo. I just want to know if that's your very well-educated speculation, of if you picked that up somewhere.

Eloriel

[Capn Sunshine]

47. the LAST paragraph

Well, no proof ...YET...but The more I read up on Grover Norquist the more I can't tell when my bad dreams start and when he begins....ther are snippets here and there of what they have in mind....and it is no less that ERADICATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY{/b] What, you think it was coincidence Ann Coulter named her book "Treason?"
:grr:

[jiacinto]

30. Well

Isn't the Central San Joaquin Valley heavily Republican anyway? And even if you target those areas you are more likely to bring out Republicans than Democrats. Maybe you should targets the Democrats living there but targeting anyone else runs the risk of bringing out people who will vote for the recall.

[Kanola]

40. I am a Dem out here in San Joaquin Valley

Actually there are two big counties here in the Central Valley, San Joaquin (Stockton) and Stanislaus (Modesto-home to Laci Peterson, Condit fame). Yes.. both valleys are conservative but not hopeless. There are a lot of Dems here but they may not be as outspoken as the REPUGS. I am from Stanislaus and willing to help stop the recall however I can.

[SayitAintSo]

The Big Dog needs to tap Davis on the shoulder to step down

so Bustamonte can step up, and end this circus. What's wrong with Grey taking one for the team ? He is not completely blameless here.

Any thoughts ?

[theboss]

33. The time has passed for that

He could have resigned before the Recall process started. Now, he has to go through with it.

[Terwilliger]

34. Maybe you could look upthread for a rejection of your suggestion

Davis can't do anything. The only leverage he has is for people to vote NO on the recall. He can't "step down"

[SayitAintSo]

35. Thanks ... on my lunch hour .... just scanning ....

Not enought time to read all ... sorry

[SayitAintSo]

32. The Big Dog needs to tap Davis on the shoulder to step down

so Bustamonte can step up, and end this circus. What's wrong with Grey taking one for the team ? He is not completely blameless here.

Any thoughts ?

[Eloriel]

42. PEOPLE! WAKE UP!

I posted this on another thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=60524&mesg_id=60524#61490

but I'm going to post it here too. Taz, I'm so glad you and other Deanies are working on this. And everyone, PLEASE read CapnSunshine's post for a chilling look at what the future holds.



For any of you -- esp. in these states (NY and CA) -- who think it can't happen, PLEASE WAKE UP. It isn't about getting the Dems to spend their precious funds in these states, tho that's a nice by-product.

They're preparing "the back story" for anouther round of vote fraud in this article and others like it. They stole FL, they stole GA in 2002 (and other races elsewhere), and with Repug governors they sure as hell CAN steal CA and NY.

Here's why they want Arnold: he knows NOTHING but he's got name recognition and adulation as a star out to yang-yang. Hell, Rove probably promised him that he'd give him all the help he needs, so he'd be a star in office. Maybe lured him with that off-the-wall Constitutional Amendment by Mitch McConnell which would erase the Constitutional provision you have to be a born native of the US to run for President.

All they have to do is this:

1. Get Arnold in
2. Send Bush to CA a bunch of times
3. Do some glitzy photo-op stuff for Arnold like Bush does that makes people believe he's doing something -- and maybe Bush does some wonderful things that make Californians happy and it looks really good for Arnold too
4. Get polls showing increasing Bush support -- that alone will make some fools who aren't paying attention think about actually voting for "the winner"
5. Steal the election. If the voting machines are all or even mostly computerized, let me tell you this: it's a done deal. No contest.

WAKE UP. Get busy on the voting machines issue and DO NOT let up. You WILL lose CA if you don't fix the voting machine problem. Mark my words. I've never been surer of ANYthing.

Eloriel

[Jack Rabbit]

44. I really hope they said more than that

They need to develop a multi-headed strategy aimed at different target goprups:

• Those opposing the recall need to be encouraged to vote to Bustamante.
• Those who support the recall need to be told why Bustamante is the best qualified reaplacement candidate.
• Those few (approx. 25%) who approve of Davis' performance need to be encouraged to go to the polls.
• Those who don't approve of Davis' performance need to be given reason why he should be given the benefit of the doubt and retained.

The idea of absentee ballots does something to address the third point, but none of the others.

Thanks for sharing, La Taz. Good job.

[AfricanDonkey]

45. That is actually a great plan

Because its how you can use democratic strength to overcome the Republican money advantage.

See, we can get them to apply to an early ballot, now, and then chase them with mail, phone, and T.V and even canvasing.

We won't need volunteers, we hire a paid canvas like we did in Arizona and New Mexico, and in the Gov races in Virginia and NJ in 01.

If you think about it, its the fastest way to make sure Davis doesn't go down.

We get them to fill out the stupid request form, then chase them and annoy them till they turn it in. That way we guarentee high performance amongst democrats.