Top 10 Reasons We're in Trouble

[sandersadu]

(1) The Corporate Media wants Bush to win, and we haven't figured out a way to beat both Bush and the Media.

(2) Kerry is not likable (or has been successfully painted as not likable). No matter what anyone says, the #1 issue for most voters is whether they like or inspired by a candidate. That's why I supported Edwards and to a lesser extent Clark in the primaries. People gotta like you/feel comfortable with you and be inspired by you. No way around that.

(3) Flip-Flop Label Stuck: Back in March when the primaries were wrapped up (due to the DNC's brilliant idea to have shortened primaries), what happened? Answer: Nothing. Kerry basically pissed off March and April as Bush said they were going to "define John Kerry (as a flip-flopper) before he defined himself" Kerry never specifically fought that charge, and it stuck. No one will vote for someone who they think doesn't have principles.

(4) Failure to develop a theme: Quick someone tell what is Kerry's overarching message and the 4 things he's going to do if elected. Didn't think you could.

(5) Mistaking Dissent for Discord: Here at DU, and I'm sure in the Campaign itself, there is a sizable contingent that says "Kerry's doing fine, don't complain." Well he's not doing fine. While we ultimately all need to be on the same page, the healthy exchange of ideas, preferably in March and April, when it would have been more helpful, would have been good. A general campaign election is like building a house. Start with the foundation, frame and then drywall. During those early periods, he needed to involve a wide array of people and ideas from all walks of life to truly get the best ideas (many of which are seen on DU), and really brainstormed about the best ideas. Call it a summit or whatever, just get on the table the best ideas. I see no evidence that happened, and we're witnessing the result: a scattershot approach to issues.

(6) Ground Operation: Do we have enough people and the right people on the ground in key states? Do we have precinct captains and the appropriate precinct level research of voters. Who knows if its a problem now, but I hear no one talking about it.

(7) Terrible use of Surrogates: Who are our main spokespeople? Seems to change everyday. Where was our response to the RNC that built up Bush as a "Strong Leader"

(8) Bad Campaign Staff: Mary Beth Cahill and Stephanie Cutter have never run an actual campaign, much less a presidential campaign, and is evident from Kerry's stumbles, especially response to Swiftboats. Why only look to Clinton's people (the only Democrats who have actually won in a generation) at the last minute.

(9) Lack of killer instinct by Kerry and Democrats in general

(10) (Reserved)

[2Design]

1. go to sleep

[SidDithers]

2. (11) Doom and Gloom posts like this one....nt

Sid

[Stephanie]

3. Who is this "we" you speak of?

Nobody at DU belongs to your party.

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

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[chiburb]

33. Spot on. n/t

[kstewart33]

4. Excellent list

I'd add one more: Karry and the Dems are not experts in, nor are they comfortable doing attack politics. The Repubs are naturals at it. Until we get more Dems who think like Carville, we'll be at a tremendous disadvantage.

[drdigi420]

5. 10 - posts like this

[Name removed]

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[Jacobin]

12. Whatever for?

I'm aghast at the attitude on DU.

WTF is going on?

[scarletwoman]

26. Why? It's a valid analysis.

One doesn't have to agree with it, but the poster's point of view is not at all out of line. I think there are some valid points being made in his/her post.

It's not an attack on Kerry, it's a critique, a critical examination. My own opinion is that if the Kerry campaign were truly effective, we wouldn't be seeing so much continuing support for bush* -- who is CLEARLY the WORST. PRESIDENT. EVER. Why is this election even a contest?

sw

[seventhson]

40. These are Rove and the Media's talking points, that is why

This sort of stuff just reinforces the Republican memes that Kerry is a failure the same way they say Gore failed for his 2000 performance.

People want to support a winner so dlamming and bashing Kerry during the election (and I bashed him plenty during the primaries myself) ONLY helps Bush. Using this same meme during the recount of 2000 helped make the ultimate theft possible.

If you have these feelings about the campaign then email them TO the campaign and try NOT to belittle and disaparage Kerry here.

Talk up the positive.

Seriously, the reason for alerting on this is that it SOUNDS like Freeper tripe in a disinfo mode (one veiled in proKerry rhetoric)

Maybe it is just honesty but I have doubts because this was EXACTLY the same tactic used against Gore during the recount by the repubs and "dem" naysayers"

[scarletwoman]

46. Oh please.

I HAVE emailed the Kerry campaign with my concerns, btw, for all the good it may do. It is my own opinion that the Kerry campaign has NOT been as effective as it could be -- I mean, look at what they've got to work with! A total disaster of a presidency! They can't figure out an effective way of pointing that out?

The original post is NOT "disinfo" or "freeper tripe", it's a considered analysis that makes some sound judgements based on fact. If we can't talk amongst ourselves about our perceptions and concerns what good is DU?

You, of all people, who have been bashed and marginalized plenty here at DU for some of YOUR posts (do you think I've forgotten all your Skull & Bones stuff?), ought to have at least SOME sympathy toward a poster expressing an uncomfortable viewpoint.

sw

[seventhson]

53. I DO have sympathy BUT I also recognize a standard Rovian approach

to Bashing our candidate

If anyone COULD make a list to critique Kerry I could.


But I do not because it helps Bush to do that here.

[cidliz2004]

51. Sorry, that is a Republican attitude

if we cannot be honest about our thoughts and observations then what is the point of anything?

So far many of us have drank the Koolaide and if out King is walking around naked, then we need to tell him to put some clothes on.

I watch Bush and Co. lie and lie and lie and lie and ask the questions that garner answers from Kerry supporters that make us appear weak. There are few of us that can speak PLAINLY and to the point.

Bush is a dumb ass in most things, but in communicating his points to his base his is anything but dumb. Kerry while so much more intelligent and thoughtfuly than Bush has problems with communicating. He has to dumb his speeches down a bit. You can show your intelligence without complexities in your style.

The answer to Bush's campaign charges have been sluggish. This campaign is more reactionarey than it should be.

Where is Wes Clark???? He could have been effectively used during the Swift Vet crap. They should have trotted out this GENERAL that also served in Viet Nam and who also was INJURED and knows how to attack back. He would have come up with some really good comebacks if allowed. Sorry, Edwards doesn't have the credibility to answer to those charges. The Kerry campaign is trotting out the Gentleman and the Choir Boy to fight the dirty scumbag cutthroats.

If you don't like people that don't "fall in line" with the rah rah mentality of "your either with us or your against us" mentality, then you are becoming as dishonest, repressive and narrowmineded as the Republicans. I have the right to my opinions, last I checked we still have some freedom of speech....Don't we?

[Jacobin]

8. Your number 9 could have overcome a lot of the other problems

I'm also tired of the cheerleaders on the board insisting that all is well when clearly they are not. Hiding your head in the sand is a bad idea.

I've still got some faith that things will work out ok, but it will be in spite of and not because of the campaign. I'm doing my part and will continue to do so. I've converted three people that I'm sure of and two others have told me they just won't vote. Driving shut ins to the polls on Tuesday. Money sent.

We have to keep the faith and keep plugging away, but not be PollyAnna's about it.

[Snow]

9. So have you contributed to any campaigns?

time or money? I highly recommend the dKos Dozen if you want bang for your buck. And, ummmmm, welcome, I guess, to DU.

[serryjw]

10. The DAMN 20 years in the Senate...

I knew this would be a problem. There is a reason why most candidates/nominees come from the Governor's mansion. With 20 years of EVERY DAMN VOTE it is so easy to lie and distort his record

[Dawgs]

11. America's hatred for Bush will Trump all of that!!!

***

[drdigi420]

14. the same america that likes SUVs, country music, and reality shows?

be real, most americans are dumb as dirt and will believe whatever the little box tells them to

[marano]

30. You are right...it's gonna be tough.

I live in South Alabama and these idiots care way more about deer hunting, Nascar, and who will be the final two on big brother than they do about who is President. They all just vote the way their bosses tell them to.

[demvoterforlife]

22. Exactly!

Kerry may not be the best candidate on the planet, but he beats Bush like a bongo. If the electorate will just look a little closer at the Bush credibility problem, Kerry will win by a whisker.

[RethugAssKicker]

13. I think you're right-on

..in your assessment.
Kerry has to do something hard and fast to stay in the game. At least that's the way the media is portraying it.

[faithnotgreed]

15. please do whatever you can to help get out the message

and get out the vote

we all need to work together.

when people are informed, when they think and when they are not belittled and made to fear their own government, they will vote for kerry

[moondust]

16. You couldn't think of 50?

Or you didn't think anybody should dwell on it quite that much?

[goodhue]

17. no thanks

welcome to DU
enjoy your stay

[Cocoa]

18. ten republican talking points

:eyes:

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

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[Name removed]

52. Deleted message

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[Zuni]

20. There is some truth in this

Kerry has been running an uninspiring campaign.
Lately though, he has been driving home the right points---healthcare, debt, social security.

[iwantmycountryback]

21. And in continuation

DOOM DOOM DOOM
GLOOM GLOOM GLOOM

[sandersadu]

25. In response

I've given $500 to the Kerry campaign, volunteered in the primaries, and will be going to Nevada this weekend to register voters. Don't question my loyalty. I want to see him win as much as anyone. My only concern is that on the current trajectory, we won't win and that's due in large part to the foundation not being laid.

But I'm going to work my heart out anyway.

[the_outsider]

38. too early for post-mortems

please keep the good work going. Do not pay much attention to polls or TV pundits. They have their own agendas. Listening to them just sags morale.

[Ruby Romaine]

23. you just discovered America? The only poll that matters is on Nov 2!

n/t

[catbert836]

24. I can summarize it down to one point

And that is that Rove and his people are willing to do anything, anywhere, anyhow, anyway, to make sure we get, as Teresa said, "4 more years of hell". It's hard to fight people like that, but IT CAN BE DONE, people.

[underpants]

10.All right! Sit Down! Shut up and LISTEN!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=784845&mesg_id=784845

[matcom]

27. wow! THANKS!!!!

i'll go crawl in my hole now :eyes:

bye

[abrock]

28. Good points, all of them, and I like Kerry a lot and believe he will win!

But he will win in SPITE of a poor campaign, not because of a good one. Bush is just such a bad president and so widely hated it really doesn't matter how ineffectual Kerry's campaign has been.

Besides, remember, Kerry is a closer. I think that is the key.

[Ruby Romaine]

29. Please tell me what's so likable about Bush? ( #2)

n/t

[marano]

31. O.K.

Where I live people like him because:

He does'nt think gay people have a right to get married.

He is pro-life

He supports the NRA.

He sends them a $300.00 check at tax refund time every year.

He is tough and he likes to kill ragheads.

Deep South, Nuf said

It's sad, sad.

[Generator]

37. You forgot his supreme likeablity point

He sends their children to die in wars. Only because there are no jobs here that they can make a living at, and no education.

But, thankfully, the war is killing those that killed us on 9/11. It says so right there in that there new resolution. And if Congress says it's so, by Jesus, it's so! God Bless America.

[abrock]

32. He's STUPID, just like the average American.

[WI_DEM]

34. As you can see the response has not been overwhelmingly positive

You make some good points. I agree that kerry, unfortunately waited too long to respond to the Swift boaters. He also, imo, should have had a convention which spent less time on his Vietnam era past and more with what is wrong with the country and what he and Edwards plan to do to correct the problems. I'm also not sure Cahill has been an efficient campaign manager.

That said, I think since the end of the GOP convention when Kerry reasserted control over his campaign that he has been fighting valiently. He has taken the gloves off. He is trying to talk about the issues. You are right the media is a major problem because they don't want to talk about real issues because if they did their lord and master GW Bush would win.

But frankly, Given the month of August Kerry had and the way the media has propped up Bush--it is a fucking miracle he is only four points or so behind (according to Zogby--I don't buy the crap that he is 8-11 points behind). I think Kerry is a strong closer and I think he will tap into the discontent there is regarding Bush in this country. Bush's job approvals are under 50% and 55% of the country thinks we are moving in the wrong direction. In three-four debates Kerry and Edwards will have an opportunity to convince wavering Dems and Independents (swing voters) that they are a credible alternative to Bush and Cheney. I don't think Kerry has to be the guy everyone wants to have "a beer with" all he needs to do is reassure them that he has a plan which will make a difference in their lives and hold Bush accountable for the blunders he has made. If he does that--I'm convinced he will win.

[LiberalEsto]

35. #10 -- Nader-- but here are a few ideas!

A few suggestions -- get more people involved! What needs to be done now is the nitty-gritty precinct work of reaching into the voting community. None of these ideas are new.

1. get the DNC Grassroots campaign kids away from going door-to-door for donations (most donors say they've already given all they can) and GET THEM ON THE COLLEGE CAMPUSES! Lots of college kids are pro-Kerry, now give them something to do. Register classmates, send for absentee ballots, organize rides to polling places (for commuter students), send them into communities to register voters.

2. Local Dems should start doing voter registration drives outside supermarkets, etc.

3. Start organizing volunteers to provide rides to the polls on Election Day. Go for buses if possible.

4. Pro-Kerry high school kids can hold car washes and give out campaign material.

5. Get some leaflets and go door to door in your own neighborhood. Just leave them at the front doorö donät waste time arguing with Repugs.

6. Hold a yard sale or bake sale with a group of friends. Put up campaign posters, give out leaflets and bumper stickers. Send proceeds to DNC.

7. Hold a $10 a plate fundraising meal. My congressman, a Dem but clueless - holds $50 and $100 a person fundraisers that I can't afford to attend. Make it a potluck, assign various people to bring things, but charge everyone $10, $5 for kids. This is more about getting together and getting out the word than about raising money.

Anyone else want to come up with 3 more?

[Gregorian]

36. One good reason why we should win-

Gore voters will be voting for Kerry. And Dems are upset enough, that those who didn't vote, will.

[HelenBedd]

57. Agreed, BUT

The key is gonna be TURNOUT! The media is doing its job in trying to discourage turnout. That kills us. There is no guarantee that we will have the turnout that helped Gore be the real winner in 2000.

Rove and his gang knows this and the goal is to make John Kerry look like everything that's listed in the orginal post here.

We must stay strong no matter what. Keep fighting as if we are 20 points down. John Kerry needs to just be himself and work his magic.
He needs to let his charisma and charm be seen.

I'm not giving up! EVER!

[capriccio]

39. Does this make you feel better?

From Brian McGrory (Boston Globe)



Indeed, I've always thought that if Kerry comes into Labor Day with a lead in the polls, then he's all done. But if he trails by six points or more to President Bush, then you should assume that he has a very strong chance to win.

That's the way it's always been with this often maddening campaigner who has no sense for the political jugular, yet is like a caged animal when he's about to lose a race.

When the polls are friendly, Kerry's worst tendencies are revealed in all their duplicity. He becomes cautious and hesitant. He trips over his meager ideas and convoluted message. He tries to say all things to all people, and consequently ends up saying nothing at all.

This is the John Kerry of affirmative action, or the John Kerry of teacher tenure, or the John Kerry of Iraq. This John Kerry projects an air of impatient entitlement. The race, in his mind, isn't about the voters, but himself, and he's never realized how limited his offerings are in that regard.

But when he's staring at defeat, he is a man apart.

That John Kerry is focused in his thought, clear on his agenda, and pointed in his speech. There is none of the languid navel-gazing that has typified too much of his political life. It is then that he understands what Bill Clinton made clear: Voters are more concerned with their problems than with the biographies and idiosyncrasies of the candidates they elect.



http://www.boston.com/news/politics/president/articles/2004/09/07/down_kerry_far_from_out

[Mr Blond]

41. Stay positive!!

Sometimes things like this need to be discussed in a positive light. Kerry is going to win as long as we all get out there and work for him...Use this list in order to prioritize that work.

No doom and gloom!! Work and win!!

[Name removed]

42. Deleted message

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[hiphopnation]

58. very constructive

:eyes:

[Awsi Dooger]

43. Your #1 is way too high, otherwise an astute critique

The cheerleaders here will flail at you and anyone who agrees. Fine. That list is 99% more relevant to Kerry's current problems and potentially on Nov. 2 than all this forgery baloney, etc.

I would put the media bias no higher than 5th, for a very simple reason. If Kerry were more likable, and the flip-flop label had not stuck, and there was a memorable coherent daily theme, he would be coated with teflon and leading in every poll, a decent chunk of the media at his mercy. I will always believe that would be Edwards' status now, the rightwingers in continuing desperation to sling anything with a chance to stick.

Our spring handicapping was remarkably flawed, as I wrote at the time. The likability gap was ignorantly ignored and the military background absurdly overemphasized. No chance Kerry, or any Dem, was going to win, or compete for, the military vote, and Edwards had much greater potential pull on independents. The DUers who will scream that Edwards' light national security background, and thin resume in general, would doom him in this era and against Rove, were very likely among the ones convinced Kerry was the ideal candidate for 2004. Let me emphasize I hope they are proven landslide correct. Fact: Edwards would have the same 44-45%, Bush-hating base as Kerry (or Gore from 2000), but much superior chance of easily expanding that.

The sleeper concern on that list is #6. Agreed, few are mentioning GOTV specifics at all, especially in regard to GOP advances since 2000.

[zulchzulu]

44. Thanks Karl!

1) The first thing you don't do is aim at the media and complain.

(2) Kerry IS likeable. Ask the 15,000 people that show up for his speeches if they don't like him.

(3) Defend yourself against the Flip-Flop LIE. If you can't, get out of the way and let someone who knows do your work for you.

(4) Plenty of themes are going on. Again, do your homework.

(5) Kerry IS getting out his message. Stop pouting, start watching.

(6) Instead of pointing fingers about the "lack of a ground operation", get off your duff and go volunteer.

(7) The surrogates I've seen are doing a good job. Could be better, but perhaps you have some specifics other than the usual whining I hear from some people who don't really know what they're talking about.

(8) August was a month where the campaign knew they had to keep the powder dry, due to only having $75M to play with until November. The SBVFT story has been debunked and is falling apart.

(9) Watch and learn... Kerry and Dems HAVE an instinct and are swinging back hard. There is a fine line between going too far and getting the message out without looking too negative.

[JI7]

45. so called Democrats who repeat right wing talking points as fact

[NYsocialworker]

47. I wish people would just stop.

We are going to win in November. We simply have to win Please stop with all this negative bullshit. We are going to win!

[demwing]

48. (4) Failure to develop a theme: WRONG

Help Is On The Way
Hope Is On The Way
We Can Do Better!

4 Things Kerry Will Do:
1) Straighten out our national security- Focus on fight against terrorism not a fight for foreign oil, and never lie us into a war.
2) Use the tax laws to punish companies that export jobs and reward ones the create jobs.
3) Restore our place of respect in the world
4) Send Bush home to Texas.

There are many others, but all you wanted were the first 4 in my head.

Maybe you didn't think anyone could, but honestly, what do you know?

[AmerDem]

49. HIT PIECE, poster never responded once

37 posts by this person and they aren't wuilling to stick around and discuss a severly negative thread they started. MAJOR HEADS UP HERE!

[hiphopnation]

60. wrong

he/she has responded

[bigtree]

50. sounds like you're the one who is troubled

do you also view Bush's release of a top campaign aide yesterday and his hiring of Peggy Noonan and that other shill as a Bush meltdown? I do. Why reserve all of your criticism for our candidate? Why do you insist that Bush is seen as a strong leader? Polls? Pfft! This is a one sided, backhanded slap at our nominee, not constructive criticism. Compared to the lying, prevaricating campaign of Bush our candidate stands tall.

I suppose you would have us running the same type of bullshit, lying campaign as Bush and his cabal. Pathetic reasoning. If we can't win by being honest then we don't deserve anyone's vote. Get a grip.

[BillZBubb]

54. Very good post.

No doubt the everything is peachy "ostriches" will be pissed at you. But you have nailed all the main problems. There are two more:

1) A colossal failure to respond forcefully and quickly to smears. And to respond in kind with more power. This is not only a staff problem.

2) Kerry's continual painting himself into corners. "I voted for it, I voted against it". "I would vote the same way knowing what I know today", etc.

[rucky]

55. Numbers 2-10 can be attributed to Number 1.

Kerry is saying and doing all the right things

corporate media is stifling and distorting the message

[Mr_Spock]

56. And the number one reason - stupid fucks who post crap like this

those who have nothing good to say should find something good to say or offer solutions - quit yer friggin whinin'!

[dennis4868]

59. well thats it.....

i wont volunteer for Kerry anymore....just give Bush another 25 years.....

[Moderator]

61. Locking....

I am locking this thread since it has
become flamebait. I would like to remind
everyone that DU does have rules.

It is a rule violation to personally attack
another member.

It is a rule violation to call someone a
freeper/disruptor even if he/she may be one.

I think you all know the song by now. If
you think that someone is a freeper/disruptor,
please use the alert buttton so that the
moderators can review the situation. When
you break a rule, the only one who gets in
trouble is you.

Thank you.

DU Moderator