"...the insufferably strident “national syndicated columnist” David Sirota..."

[eleny]

This is how Wendy Norris of the Colorado Independent has characterized Sirota for continuing to ask Sen. Michael Bennett, D, Colorado to make public his stand on the Employee Free Choice Act.

Sirota has been sitting in mornings recently for the ailing Jay Marvin on Colorado's liberal radio station KKZN. And he's repeatedly called for Senators Bennett and Udall to come forward with public positions. Too bad the Colorado Independent, a progressive paper here in Colorado, gets all squishy over Sirota's outspoken voice.

Wendy Norris quotes Ron Brownstein "...Democrats’ North Carolina and Colorado Senate victories last November self-identified liberals provided only 31% of the vote for both Kay Hagan and Mark Udall respectively"

Wendy goes on to say "Despite what the insufferably strident “national syndicated columnist” David Sirota may contend, Udall — and likely Bennett too — represent a state in which only a third of his voters (not all voters) identify as liberal."

"identify as liberal" ~ This fails to acknowledge that when Americans are polled on individual issues, the country, including Colorado, falls to the left of center.

Her article is online here with priceless comments below.
http://coloradoindependent.com/25075/math-doesnt-add-up-in-progressives-complaints-against-udall

[tularetom]

1. Although the punditry has poisoned the word "liberal"

As you point out, the majority of Americans support positions that would be termed "liberal".

Nobody knows exactly what a liberal is - they just know it ain't good to be one.

But they still like the idea of a single payer health insurance system, government regulation of environmental polluters, higher taxes on the uber wealthy, food and drug inspection and regulation and a whole shitload of other issues that are normally regarded as "liberal"

[eleny]

2. What bothers me is that she objects to asking a Senator to take a public position on an issue

:wtf:

The bottom line is that Bennett has refused to be accountable to his constituency. Word is that he wants to collect donations from both sides of the issue for his election campaign of 2010.

[omega minimo]

10. thanks to the "insufferably strident" Limbaugh, "the punditry has poisoned the word "liberal" "

[leftofthedial]

3. "Democrats" had better stop bashing liberals.

Need I point out that as this Norris creature recognizes that "self-identified liberals provided *only* 31% of the vote for both Kay Hagan and Mark Udall" (emphasis mine). Without that 31% they would not have won.

Also, I do not believe that any group other than far-RW repukes self identifies as 69% conservative.

[eleny]

7. Interesting that Norris is getting increasingly snarky in her replies to the comments

Even a bit "strident".

Sirota talked about her article this morning and got quite a bit of support. No surprise there. Looks like Norris doesn't exactly have her finger on Colorado's blue pulse.

[leftofthedial]

17. David Sirota is as good a commentator as there is.

I fear the possibility of a fascist future for our country.

Obama and his rabid, zealous defenders are alienating liberals by the millions. They seem dead set on losing in 2012, maybe even in 2010.

I no longer take Obama at his word. I trust only three or four Congressional Democrats. Why would I vote for people I don't trust.

In my circle of 30 or 40 liberal Democratic friends, all of whom supported Obama last year, 15 have now told me they won't vote for him again.

[eleny]

18. I doubt he'll have a challenger for a Primary

Do you plan on voting for a third party candidate?

[leftofthedial]

19. It's way too early to have a plan.

I won't be swayed by his rhetoric again though.

If he represents a liberal Democratic view, let him govern like it. Otherwise, he's not my guy.

[eleny]

20. What if he's the Dem candidate in 2012?

A lot can happen between now and then.

I'm ticked with Reid as leader. He rolls over too easily. I want to see cots and thermoses next time the Rs make a peep about 60 votes.

[leftofthedial]

21. The Senate is a mess.

Now with the Conservadems, it promises to get much, much worse without some strong leadership.

Sadly, I see no strong leaders in the offing.

[eleny]

22. Certainly no strong leaders from Colorado's Senate delegation

:(

[Truth2Tell]

4. Recommended for David. He rules. nt

[eleny]

5. Thanks for the Rec - Sirota has been great on the radio

Marvin has been out for about a month and DS has been sitting in for him most mornings. It's been a joy. David and stridency rock the house.

[alarimer]

6. Michael Bennett is in for a rude awakening.

He has never faces the voters. When he does (In 2010 I think) I hope he has a primary challenger so he will have to explain his refusal to take a stand. I suspect he is going to vote against and that is why he is not saying. Any Democrat who votes against this bill should have a primary challenger.

[eleny]

9. Sirota has also almost daily been calling for a Primary

I agree with you about how he might vote.

Playing coy has worn about tissue thin at this point.

[MonteLukast]

14. Hickenlooper's term ends in 2011...

Is Bennet just a placeholder until Hick can run next year? That's what I've been curious about all along.

Of course, all of this leaves my chosen candidate, Andrew Romanoff, out in the cold. :-(

Unless he could be the new mayor of Denver, of course...

[eleny]

15. If he's a placeholder for Hick then is he reflecting Hick's positions on issues?

I hope not. This playing peek-a-boo is driving me nuts.

[MonteLukast]

8. I love David Sirota.

And I usually love the Colorado Independent too, but this Wendy Norris sounds "insufferable" herself... too distracted by tone and style to pay attention to David's message. This phenomenon is by no means limited to Republicans, either.

[eleny]

11. I feel lucky that Sirota is here

He worked for the Montana governor during his campaign. I'm grateful to Al Franken for having him on his old show as a regular guest.

And to think, Sirota is only 33 years old. He's got a lifetime ahead of him to influence the political scene.

[omega minimo]

12. "insufferably strident" = "speaking truth to power"

:kick:

[Cleita]

13. Hmm. Al Franken used to call him a sexy wonk.

So which is it?

[damntexdem]

16. Calls to mind Al Franken's "song" when Sirota was coming on the old Air America show: "My Sirota."

And how many of Colorado's voters identify as workers?