We can't rely on Republican scandal to get Dem's back in office

[Quixote1818]

I worry that Democrats are preparing too much of a one front attack for 2006. Scandal will only get us so far. Democrats having a vision, a plan and powerful ideas is what will win elections for us, not just Republican scandal.

Republicans succeeded in 94 because they had a very clear vision (The contract with America) even if that vision was full of shit and ultimately did more harm than good to America. At the time their was a feeling that the Democrat controlled congress was corrupt however Republicans won on vision not just on attacking Dem's on scandal. I would say 75% vision and 25% focus on Republican scandal and honesty would be a good ratio. The American people are pissed about the scandal but they need a reason to vote for Dem's. If we don't provide that reason then we won't make much headway I fear!

[Erika]

1. John Edwards has an excellent vision and plans.

And that is just a fact. They will be posting here soon.

[electropop]

2. I agree, but we can start by waking people up with scandal

and it's great fun too!

But yeah, we need a coordinated talking points daily memo, always in line with real Democratic values. We will only be heard if all of our leaders are speaking in unison and repetition. We share the values, but will not present them clearly as a unified vision until we take this step.

[Erika]

4. What's fun about scandal?

Excuse me? John and Elizabeth have good ideas for education, healthcare, and one America.

[electropop]

9. Vindication and hope are fun.

I don't believe I had commented on your Edwards comment, so not sure why you are reacting as if I had.

But I will now. Edwards voted pro-war, and unless he apologizes and admits Bush tricked him, he's going nowhere. He's just too polite and soft on Fascism for my taste, not that I don't like him a lot, but tough times call for tough politicians.

Boxer/Conyers '08. They are tough enough to take on the Fascists, and have repeatedly demonstrated a 'no prisoners' attitude.

[Quixote1818]

5. I think we need to pursue the 'true' conservatives

who believe in limited government and controlled spending. They have abandoned Bush and are looking for a place to go. The Terri Schiavo fiasco and Bush running up the defecate have turned them away from the Neocons. During Schiavo they saw Dem's were much more for keeping the federal government out of peoples lives and while more inclined to spend money on social programs Dem's are quite good at paying for what we spend and keeping the debt in control.

[mestup]

8. Bingo!

I'm surrounded by the people you describe every day. But unfortunately they've been badly brainwashed by the relentless attack on the term "liberal."

One important thing Dems can't overlook, these disappointed conservatives rarely say they wish they'd voted for Gore (or Kerry.)

I fear what they're truly susceptible to is a John McCain.

[Dr Fate]

3. Honesty in government is an important issue. How we get into wars is too.

We will both agree that DEMS should continue to talk about the economy and social issues as well.

[autorank]

6. Agreed

And we can start with Reids Senate politica agenda plus:

a) Get the Fuck out of Iraq (they're asking us to leave, lets take them up on it).

b) Call to action to save the planet (everybody is on board for this, we just need to ask).

The rest of Reids Senate priorities are great.

[kurth]

7. Don't be allergic to negative campaigning

Scandal and mistrust is what negative campaigning is all about.

A winning strategy is to combine a negative ATTACK on your opponent with a positive PLAN of your own.

[seabeyond]

10. we have had and do have vision, plans and powerful ideas

i know this because i heard them from kerry and edwards during the campaign. and i was excited to see them implemented. the problem is not that we have vision, plans and powerful ideas, the problem is media, msm putting out what the dems have instead of the reflex, dems have no powerful ideas, plans or vision

[Dawgs]

11. Agree, but...

because it's an off year election, turning the perception around begins with convincing people that Republicans are the wrong choice. We have plenty of time to convince everyone that Democrats have a plan, and have always been the right choice.

Like others, I think it started this week with Reid, Clinton speaking yesterday, and Carter.

[kentuck]

12. True... Scandal and incompetence only half the strategy..

A positive agenda of our own is necessary, also.