Hackett interview: "we broke a hole through which others will pass"

[madfloridian]

Interview transcript and audio link for a Hackett interview:

http://howardempowered.blogspot.com/2006/02/ohio-2nd-paul-hackett-interview.html

Ohio 2nd blog has the audio of the first part of a "day after" interview with Paul Hackett.

"Ohio 2nd: What do you say to all the people who just say "Screw the party" and "This is just typical Democrats, why should we support them when they don't support us?"

Paul Hackett: Ahhh, well, that's like what I *normally* say. That is an emotional decision, it's an emotional response, and we've got to get beyond that. I mean, look, forgive the football metaphor. There are countless offensive linemen who play football whose names the average observer doesn't know. But they play an integral role in the success or failure of a football team. So I would like to think in a worst case scenario that I and my team and those of us who shared this passion were at least an effective lineman. And we broke a hole through which others will pass through and be successful in 2006, which is ultimately what this is about, which is winning, for the Democratic cause and issues that we hold important. And whether I'm the guy who gets through, or Sherrod Brown gets through, provided that somebody gets through who shares our interests and values, that's what's ultimately important.

And look, I would be feeding you a line of bullshit if I told you that I don't feel pissed off right now at Sherrod and Chuck Schumer, but I've got more in common with them, at least in what I think is right and wrong in this world than I do with Mike DeWine, and his cronies. So, you know, I'm tired, and I'm a little bit pissed, but I'll be over both of those in a day or so. And, I did say it before and I'm saying it even today when I'm tired and a little bit pissed, that if there's something I can do that fits in my schedule, and I don't mean that as some sort of cryptic slam, I'll be happy to do it. But I'll also be honest and tell you, I'm looking forward to going back to my life. And I'm looking forward to coming home."

[madfloridian]

1. " I'm tired, and I'm a little bit pissed, but I'll be over both of those"

in a day or two." And I bet he will keep right on working to take our country back.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

2. Better Than The Truth....

Which is that the Democratic party is FUBAR! What's he going to say, that he's suddenly become a repub?

He's acting all nice so it doesn't totally make the party look like the complete LOSERS that they are.

I wouldn't be surprised to see DeWine win now. More and more, I wonder what keeps me in this pathetic country, and supporting it's pathetic leaders....from Both parties.

[madfloridian]

4. No, there is a lot of hope for the party.

People like Hackett and Dean and others who are not afraid to take offensive postures are the hope.

I have a feeling some very good people will be talking to him. When he is over his pissed off feeling he might take Rahm up on the offer to run for the House again.

It is going to be quite painful for a while. This is not about Hackett and Brown, it is just as much about other districts in which they are doing this. It will take a while to get our point across.

Dean's statement today was very pointed on this issue.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

8. I Am SOOOOOO Fucking Tired Of HOPE!

Screw Hope! It's time for results. Are we going to have HOPE if we don't win big in November? How about if the repubs win the WH in '08, will we still have hope then?

When our country is bankrupt, and the shit is hitting the fan, will we have hope? Will it even matter then?

[Jacobin]

3. This is what the party does to the Hacketts and Deans

:cry:

They are afraid to have someone come steal the limelight, a fresh face, a vigorous voice, who will upset the business as usual of the Democrats being a 'sort of opposition party', kinda silly, a little out of touch, tree huggers, won't protect the country kind of people who are good so that the country can pretend to have a two party system....

We will never get anywhere in changing the country with pricks doing things like this to our rising stars.

committed the cardinal sin of being plain spoken.

[madfloridian]

5. Then we back up the Hacketts and Deans when they do this.

I will bet he will not be going away.

[McKenzie]

6. this is probably impertinent for a Brit to say

I have followed this guy's comments ever since he started to get attention on DU. Of course it's dangerous to form a judgement on the basis of reading a few articles about someone. That said, this guy comes across as just the sort of person I could vote for if I were an American.

Some of the more reserved types of Dem might be put off by his forthright manner. Others by his pro-gun stance. But if real Dems can't vote for someone just because that person holds a couple of views that they don't share then those Dems are likely to wait for a looong time before their ideal candidate appears.

Straight talking attracts a lot of swing voters who can identify with that sort of language. I hope you guys get more of his ilk running for office.

[madfloridian]

7. Not impertinent. You are right.

For so long we have been afraid of just straight talking, while the Republicans have trashed us. SO actually this is more about candidates being able to be themselves without being taken down by their own party.