The Democrats are too negative

[WillyBrandt]

I tell you something: I've been a proud Democrat my whole life, but from looking how the primary canddiates' strategies are emerging, I'm starting to think again about that.

The Democrats have no message. What they need to do is identify a few areas in which they could be better performers than Bush, not assail the office itself by attacking Bush's service to his country and by attacking the National Guard.

For example, it's not clear what the perfect mix of cuts in taxes and expenditures is, but it's likely that the administration hasn't reached the optimal mix. Democrats need to focus on the practical: find a better mix, and show that to the voters, instead of spreading rumors about Bush being Awol or snorting cocaine.

Another thing: a great majority of African-Americans, and a large (but not as large) majority of minorities generally vote for the Democrats. This is evidence to me that our party has shifted to a program of identity politics instead of focusing on issues like whether we should focus more on heavy artillery or on special forces.

Fooled ya! Bush is cokehead deserter, and don't you forget it!

ON EDIT Sorry--I just meant to do a parody of Zell Miller/Susan Estrich dejected-Dem screeds. I don't mean a word of the above.

[Cocoa]

1. the AWOL stuff is a tiny part of the campaign

barely even part of it at all.

The dems have a very strong positive message, the anti-Bush stuff is really being demanded by the voters, the candidates are responding to it, as they should. Bush is the worst president in history, they can't ignore that fact.

[ixion]

2. right... and the rethugs are positive?

I think not.

[Burma Jones]

3. Fight Fire with Fire, Look Smarter, Remind Folks

That Democrats know how to run an efficient Government FAR better than the Pigs at the Trough/Republicans.

It was a Democratic Administration that built the military that won in Kosovo without one dead American. A Democratic Administration built the Military that Bush sent to Afghanistan.

Republicans ONLY approve of bigger Government when it enriches their fat-cat masters.

[MurikanDemocrat]

4. Oh I disagree. In wartime Bush's service record is indeed an issue

In a time when the Bush/Cheney/Ashcroft camp have shoved patriotism down our throats to push a radical agenda through Congress, and have insisted on an illegal war with trumped up evidence, Bush's service record is damn well fair game.

His AWOL status also goes to his credibility. The one thing Bush has always had going for him with many voters is his good ole boy, straight shooter image, and that is now being called into question on many levels, his AWOL status being only one issue among others.

[DjTj]

5. umm...hello? John Edwards?

"In Defense of Optimism"

http://www.johnedwards2004.com/page.asp?id=436

[w4rma]

6. PARODY ALERT FOLKS. Don't just read the headline before replying! (n/t)

[elfin]

7. Disagree

I would have agreed with this sentiment before - but these times call for a different approach.

While we must show how our policies will have a positive effect on the
US and the world - this year we also MUST fight tooth and nail by whatever means necessary (short of actual assassination).

The Repugs need to know we will fight back - hard and dirty if need be.

If we win in the gutter -so be it. We can lift things up very soon.

"I'm a Uniter" Chimp has brought this on and must pay.


Nice guys finish..... you get the picture.

On edit - You got me!! That will teach me for not reading the entire post. Good one.