Why did Rahm and some Dems insist the ones supported not talk about Iraq...

[madfloridian]

or getting out of there. I worry about the purpose behind that. Was it just a way he thought would get us the wins we needed? Or are there many who really don't think we should leave? Here are two examples that show Rahm demanded this of those he supported.

They have told candidates not to talk about leaving Iraq.

""EDGMONT, Pa., Oct. 12 — When Joe Sestak announced he was running for Congress, national Democrats and media consultants told him not to talk about pulling troops out of Iraq, arguing it would only encourage the image of Democrats as weak on national security.

Nine months later, having ignored their advice, Mr. Sestak has put a 20-year Republican incumbent on the run for the first time, turning a bid by a political novice into a real race. Polls show that Mr. Sestak is running even or better with his opponent, Representative Curt Weldon, and that the war more than any other issue is propelling voters toward him."

And another instance we can pinpoint was Rahm's insistence.

Rahm says do not mention the war

The internal tension has been building for months. In early clashes with progressive Congressional candidates, Emanuel drew fire for demanding fealty to his support for the Iraq War and obeisance to his stultifying command, “Do not mention the war!” Critics of Emanuel lamented his “obnoxious” style of bullying in interviews with Time magazine.

I believe Sestak won against Weldon, while speaking out against the war.

Maybe it was just being told to those candidates so we could win. :shrug: We need to not be afraid of issues.

[jgraz]

1. Just typical of Rahm's DLC triangulation

The man is a complete moral coward. If you weren't a pro-war candidate, you got no funding from Rahm's DCCC. Even people in winnable races, like McNerny vs Pombo, didn't see dollar 1 until the final few weeks of the campaign.

Of course, that didn't stop Rahm from taking full credit for their wins. What a putz.

[madfloridian]

2. McNerney won without Rahm.

He had great grassroots support, we donated to him through DFA, and the bloggers helped.

Dean gave him kudos after the election for being a truly grassroots campaign.