Biggest threat to Democrats this fall is voter apathy..

[DCBob]

And I don’t mean the disgruntled left, I mean the millions of regular Democrats across this county who will likely be no shows this fall, not because they are angry or pissed at Obama or the Democrats, but because they are simply not motivated, for whatever reason, to get off their asses.

It seems that many feel after the elections in 2008 their work is now done.. we got our guy in the WH, we have majorities in both chambers of Congress, why worry about politics anymore? Of course there is always less participation in mid-terms but based on recent elections in VA, DE and MA, the Democrats were almost non-existent. Something needs to done to get these folks to the polls in November. If they show, we win, if they don’t, it could be ugly. Just my opinon... fwiw.

[jobycom]

1. Then volunteer.

Call your local Democratic HQ. Volunteer now for voter registration drives and get out the vote drives. Volunteer on election day to help people get to the polls.

[DCBob]

5. Yeah, that will help and no doubt needs to part of the strategy but..

that may not be enough. We still need to motivate the masses.

[jobycom]

8. That's how you motivate the masses.

The grand things are beyond your control. Do the local things. That's where elections are won and lost.

And things which motivate the masses always favor the challenger over the incumbent. People who don't normally vote don't get motivated by things going well, they get motivated by things going wrong. That's why the first election after a new president takes office is always bad for the incumbents. The only people motivated are those angry at the way things are. If the opposition party is in control of Congress, the other party's voters turn out in droves. If the president's party is in power, the opposition party turns out.

People don't pay attention unless they are angry. Those of us who pay attention all the time already vote all the time, so we don't need motivation.

Unhappy voters are the ones who are motivated by grand events. We don't want unhappy voters because they will vote against us. We want happy voters to turn out in greater numbers, and the best way to do that is to work the local stuff to get them out.

[DCBob]

9. I thnk fear is the biggest motivator and clearly the GOPers are using that to their advantage now..

But perhaps we can try to counter that with our own fear card. Fear of what the GOPers and teabaggers will do if they take control of congress. I think that would be the most effective general strategy at this point giving the circumstances.

[HowHasItComeToThis]

79. REMEMBER THE CHAOS WHEN THE REPUBS WERE IN POWER THE LAST

THAT SHOULD GET YOU OFF YOUR BUTTS :dem: :kick: :dem: :kick: :dem: :kick:

[melm00se]

2. very astute observation

and probably something that should be studied (voter apathy as the reason that the majority party almost always loses seats at a midterm election).

if folks get out and vote at the levels that "normally" occur during the presidential elections, those outcomes might/should mirror what happened during a couple of midterms that occurred under FDR where his party actually gained seats.

[Wilms]

3. Obama acting a little more like FDR would more likely have that effect. n/t

[DCBob]

4. That will help Obama but I dont think that translates into mid-term votes for Democrats.

Actually I think Obama is already acting a bit like FDR, buts its a much different era, with much different issues.

[Wilms]

73. I recommend you run that by your imagination one more time. n/t

[Donnachaidh]

75. it's quickly becoming the EXACT same era, with the same issues

NO jobs, people losing their homes, no help from the government. Unless, of course, they happen to be a corporation that needs a bailout.

[DCBob]

6. The biggest reason is that there is no "enemy" to defeat.. If you already own the WH and congress..

Why bother? I also think most Dem voters dont realize there is significant threat by the GOPers to take back conrol of congress or what that even means in a practical sense.

[Bluenorthwest]

26. The 'enemy' does not have to be, nor should it be, the rival

Party. There is only no 'enemy to defeat' if the bulk of the people are happy and content with both the state of things and the direction of things. Massive unemployment, underemployment, poverty, homelessness, hunger, these are the enemy. Environmental degradation should not be defeated?
To be blunt, it should not be necessary to get voters to vote 'against' the enemy, actual talent motivates people to vote for us, actively, so that we can continue acting on their behalf. It seems that never crosses any Democratic minds. The votes could be won, for ourselves, as opposed to taken in the form of votes against the others. Such things are possible.

[DCBob]

36. The only way to defeat that "enemy" is to first defeat the GOP..

If they win in Nov you can forget about making progress on anything you mentioned.

[Lost4words]

52. the enemy is Establishment Elites on all sides!

IMO.

[Lost4words]

51. May I say, you are in exelent form today Bnw!

:toast:

[theothersnippywshrub]

7. No one cares about apathy anymore.

But you are right that many will not vote because of it.

[DCBob]

10. Ha! thanks for that profound comment "Yogi"..

;)

[Robb]

21. !

:thumbsup:

[Lost4words]

11. what could cause voter apathy? Broken Promises Maybe???

i didnt vote for someone to cater to the repukes and the Industrial War Complex! Not all those who voted for and had faith in BO are still hanging on to HOPE.

I wanted someone to steamroller them as they steamrolled us! I have seen very few changes only enough to falsely claim progress is being made.

And when Rahm called Democrats/me a F*ing Retard, well it made me think they really dont care for anyone but themselves as they are at the top of their game, it isnt looking so good for the rest of us.

[DCBob]

15. Most Democrats are happy with the President.. but they still might not vote for Dems in Nov.

Last numbers I saw he had >80% approval rating among Democrats.

[Lost4words]

44. I felt the same way with Clinton, was I in for a dissapointment.

And the todays Happy Democrats will learn in time just as I did. Its a hard lesson to learn.

[Skidmore]

95. So shall we just all join in an act of communal suicide then?

Would that make you happy? Will we have learned something well enough for you? Or, would you care to do the slitting of everyone's wrists for the unworthy?

[TheKentuckian]

81. 80% is loser territory unless you get the lion's share of independents, which ain't happening

Especially in a mid-term that party favorable needs to be much higher but the problem would remain in a Presidential year. We'd probably would be bitching about President McShame if Obama only had 80% of the Democratic vote.

This has been a failed and fruitless bid at triangulation, the pukes are foaming at the mouth, the independents are leaning puke, and the Democratic wing of the Democratic party is dropping off.

Maybe Rahm and company should cease and desist trying to replay the 90's and deal with the world and the problems in it as they exist in the 21st century.
The more in the "center" they try to be the more the wheels fall off.

[KeyWester]

25. Congress, perhaps you have heard of it ?

[Lost4words]

45. Gee KeyWester, Congress, is it a new fruit rollup?

I have never heard of congress, does it cure flatulence?

[jenmito]

49. Rahm did NOT call Democrats/us F'ing Retards. That's a lie...

According to a report Tuesday in the Wall Street Journal, Emanuel told a liberal strategy group in August that a plan to run advertisements against conservative Democrats who were "balking at Mr. Obama's health-care overhaul" was grossly unwise.

"F—ing retarded," Mr. Emanuel scolded the group, according to participants cited by the paper.

"He warned them not to alienate lawmakers whose votes would be needed on health care and other top legislative items," the reporter said.

http://rawstory.com/2010/01/fire-obamas-chief-staff-calls-liberal-strategy-fucking-retarded/

[Lost4words]

54. I am basing my opinion on the final version of HCR, corp giveaway

and a screw over for the people! Not even a public option! Its shamefull.

[jenmito]

53. Obama has broken 19 promises and has KEPT 119 promises, so that's a lame excuse.

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/

[Lost4words]

56. 2 Phony Wars, DADT, GLBT, BP, Rendition, Kill Americans abroad,

Blackwater-Xe, NO FUCKING JOBS PROGRAM, wall street, Fin-Reg, and I could keep keeping on if you would like.

[jenmito]

60. He didn't start either of the wars. He's ENDING them. Just like he's ending DADT,

working on closing Gitmo, he has improved the economy GREATLY and DOES have jobs program. We were losing nearly 800,000 jobs a MONTH. Now we're gaining jobs. We have healthcare reform where now children with pre-existing conditions get covered, student loan programs have passed, and I could go on but you could just read the facts at the link I posted.

[Lost4words]

62. Will that be after november when we lose the majority?

you will learn much in the coming years grasshopper.

[jenmito]

63. Nope. It'll be in the lame duck session BEFORE we lose the majority thanks to

people like you, grasshopper.

[Lost4words]

65. I have voted straight dem for 36 years and will do so again

how bout you?

[jenmito]

67. I couldn't vote for 36 years since I'm 43 now, so no...

but I HAVE voted straight Dem. since I got into politics only 10 years ago. The way you're "talking" doesn't sound like you plan on voting Dem., and judging by the enthusiasm gap, many Dems. WON'T.

[Lost4words]

80. Thats their purgative. Many people dont vote at all, they dont see a reason. Thats apathy!!

I reserve the right to withhold a vote and or even maybe someday voting for an Independent or other. But I will not give the current federal administration a walk just because the other side is bat shit crazy. We needed to get things done.

My biggest fear was that Obamas greatest accomplishment would be getting elected President, but its looking more that way every day to me.

IMO the federal government is hopelessly broken, the corporations and banks get what they want, the war lovers get a kill count and we get to pay ever increasing health care because the for profit delivery model is still very much in place after all isnt it. But now I have a mandate to purchase Ins I cant afford to use due to my long term unemployment my only hope is Social security in 6 years when I'm 62, but guess what is being kick around due to the deficit, raising the min age. After years of working and saving and doing everything right I have lost everything, can you comprehend that, I have to. The policies of the federal government tossed my livelihood to anybody that would do it for less(NAFTA). I wasnt given the opportunity to bid for my job. I thought if my Hero Bill Clinton was for it then it must be good for the country, apply "L" sticker to my forehead.

I have insurance now I cant afford to use between the copays, additional charges and meds, I am screwed, I'll never have a full time job again, I am doing brake jobs in peoples drive ways for parts plus $50.00 for a days work, thats all I can get, I used to be a corp suit guy. I am just lucky to have the tools and skills for what I am now doing, i used to restore autos for a hobby.

This is my life observation, When profit is king Human Beings come in second. And second in a winner takes all game aint so good.

I hope the best for you jenmito, we are on the same side, mostly, but thats enough for me, thank you for taking the time to read my posts and replying.

I am old and its your world now, my political participation didnt produce much of a positive effect I am sorry to say.

I hope you are spared all that I am experiencing.

[jenmito]

101. Then they think having a Repub. majority is just fine and dandy...

you're unhappy with what Obama has done so far? Do you really think keeping 119 promises so far vs. 19 broken is not tremendous progress? He's not rated the 15th best president already for nothing!

Regarding health care reform, if you can't afford it you can get subsidized. I am VERY glad HCR reform passed because I am disabled with a severe level of MS. I had to quit work 10 years ago and now if my husband loses or changes jobs, I won't have to worry about medical coverage which, without insurance, my medications alone would be about $35,000 a year, not including the nurse who comes to my house once a month. It's not my world now. My age is just a number.

I don't believe that Obama is a "Corporatist" or on the side of the MIC. I think if there were 535 of him in Congress, he'd have NO broken promises. He'd doing the best he can with the congress he has.

If every Dem. thought like you did about your political participation not producing much of a positive effect, we'd have Repubs. taking over and turning our country into a theocracy with young kids learning a distorted version of history. I don't want to live in a world like that.

That all being said, I hope the best for you, too.

[Lost4words]

105. Lets revisit this subject in December, hopefuly it will turnout in our favor

[jenmito]

106. Deal.

[Lost4words]

71. I dont think so

and I meant no disrespect with grasshopper. But then "people like you" clearly have no sense of humor. Are you sure you are not a GOPer, cause you are pretty much insulting an allie

[jenmito]

72. By "people like you" I meant people who constantly talk about how POORLY Obama has supposedly done

so far, and those who don't give him credit for the tremendous amount of good he HAS done. Like I showed you, he broke 19 promises but kept 119 so far.

[Lost4words]

82. I wouldnt call it tremendous, I 'll keep my own talley if you dont mind

I think you correctly meant people like me, cause thats who I am these days.

[KeyWester]

12. Don't 'misunderestimate' the President

nobody is better at firing up the voters than Obama , the guy who received more votes than anybody in our history.

[DCBob]

13. Agreed. Obama is best campaigner on earth.. I just wonder if he will have time..

to help everyone in trouble.

[Lost4words]

57. You are correct he can talk a mean game, its the implementation that needs work!

I am tired of talk, I am tired of phony wars for profit.

[kjackson227]

90. +1000, and when he reiterates his accomplishments and his vision for the future...

compared to what the other side has to offer, I'm hopeful that he'll get the base fired up enough to make that run to the polls.

[Stoic]

14. "Apathy" is an outward response to anger and depression.

If you can't sell your house or have lost it to the "bank" or can't find a job or are about to lose your job and the people who you voted into office the last time can't do more than pay lip service to your agony, you're not going to make the connection to the "bought-and-paid-for" media or some wack-job teabagging Repuke. You're going to blame the guys in the driver's seat. Trying to "rally" voters who are at heart extremely angry against your side is a NOT GOING TO WORK.

We live in a binary political system and the guy who voted for Ted Kennedy over and over again and turned around and voted for the right-wing Republican is the guy with actual power in the election. Not us who vote for the Democratic candidate no matter what the circumstances. The Republicans know this and know that monkeywrenching the Dems is a winning proposition for power and to hell with governance.

It would have been better if Obama and the Dem Establishment had just declared war against them and fought hard for a true progressive agenda instead of fighting for "incremental" gains. At least people would see that the Dems were on their side in the struggle. Coddling Big Money and Big Corporations only tells the guy who can't find a job that you're not on his side. He may not be able to find a job but he will be able to find the voting booth.

We are going to lose big in the upcoming election and the Democratic Party has no one to blame but their own leaders.

[DCBob]

16. Not necessarily.. many are not angry at all but still might not vote.

Those are the ones I am talking about. We need to figure out how to motivate them to get off their asses.

[Stoic]

19. Sorry, but the Dem base has shrunk...

...and continues to shrink. Rally them all you want but they won't be enough to overcome the bad (and worsening) economic condition in which we find ourselves. I'm not apathetic, I'm enraged. After busting my ass helping to put the Dems back in power they squandered it all trying to be Republican-lite. Rahm Emmanuel and his boss don't give a fuck what I think or believe in and my vote (the one where I voted straight Dem for 36 years) doesn't make one iota of difference. Blackwater still gets government contracts and BP can use local cops to hide their crimes and my Democratic Overlords ain't doing an effing thing to stop them.

Vote Democratic!

[DCBob]

40. I am not talking about people like you... cleary you have other reasons for not voting..

I think it may be hopeless to get the votes of those on left who "enraged". I am talking about the everyday regular Democrat who is basically happy with Obama and the Democrats but is too complacent, apathetic, lazy, whatever to vote in the mid-terms. Those votes should be easier to come by... just need to figure out how to get them off their asses.

[Lost4words]

48. I cant believe there are democrats that are not enraged,

But I will vote Dem in November in my state where the repukes are totally energized! And allot of Dems are demoralized, the blame for this, IMO, can be laid at the front door of the White House.

[Lost4words]

64. Bob you are addressing a lifetime Democrat voting straight Dem for 36 years

as the poster stated, and I am the same voting STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC for 36 years also. Why do you discount what the older folks are saying, do we not count, are we not NEW enough Democrats that our obversations would be so quickly dismissed. You Happy Dems just push us aside as if we were know nothings, what could we know, its a different world now and we just dont understand.

And its being perpitrated by Happy Democrats more than anybody! Net Net, there is a good chance the opportunities for change will end in November. I am saddened to say but I will vote again straight dem not that it will make any difference.

[DCBob]

87. You got me beat by a few years... I have been voting since 1980 but not always Dem..

I have voted Third party a couple of times. I guess I am more a realist/pragmatist than folks like you. I give Obama and the Dems the benefit of the doubt given the difficult circumstances they are dealing with. I am also so incredibly relieved to not have Bush/Cheney, McCain/Palin in the WH, I find it hard to criticize the administration for fear it might allow the "evil empire" to resurrect. Right or wrong that is how I feel.

[Lost4words]

46. WOW! will you be my new BFF, there are one hell of allot of us!

I could only add additional examples following the same vein and there are many.

[Lost4words]

58. +1

[hulka38]

17. What is the greatest cause of voter apathy?

For Democratic voters, it will most certainly be the gutlessness displayed by our leadership.

[DCBob]

22. Disagree on both counts.. some may think that but most Dems do not.

Most are relatively pleased with Obama and with most of the Democrats in office.. at least in comparison to the Republicans. But many will still stay home in November. Those are the ones I am talking about.

[hulka38]

24. Why will they stay home?

What's your theory? Laziness, complacency? It doesn't take much apathy to sway an election the other way. And how large a role do you think the gutlessness of our leadership plays in voter apathy?

[DCBob]

31. "Laziness, complacency". yes..

and also lack of understanding what the consequences are.

[Bluenorthwest]

29. A 'pleased' reaction that is not motivated is worthless

And I suggest that it indicates a lack of being pleased, when people do not feel like voting. Your are contradicting yourself if you ask me. They are pleased but will not vote. Your concept is that they are pleased, but will refuse to express that pleasure? That makes no sense to me at all.

[DCBob]

30. It's called "apathy"....

see OP.

[hulka38]

42. It's called marginalizing the impact

of Dems who are dissatisfied with the current party leadership.

[DCBob]

43. Not marginalizing the impact.. just suggesting a strategy to minimize its effects in November..

Maybe some you dont care if we lose control of the House and Senate, but most Democrats do.

[hulka38]

47. You acknowledge your concern about

Democratic dissatisfaction with Dem leadership and it's effects in November, then.

[DCBob]

50. Of course, any idiot can see that.. but at this point, there is not much can be done about it..

between now and November.

[hulka38]

55. It seems like you were dismissing it in post 22.

Just wanted to be clear. I think if the party leadership isn't functioning properly then the party needs to change one way or the other.

[DCBob]

89. Not at all. Its a serious problem that needs to be addressed...

but that may take some time to heal those wounds.. in the meantime we need to win some elections in November. If most of the non-angry Democrats show up, I think that may be enough to keep control of both the House and the Senate.

[Lost4words]

59. Bob they most likely wouldn't vote midterm anyway and there are about the same percentage on the

other side of the isle. You get votes by satisfying the voters who put the candidate in office, not by trying to woo the center or the right. It was our turn, and most long term Democrats feel victims of BAIT and SWITCH!

Because you are happy with things dont assume the rest of us are.

[DCBob]

88. Republicans are getting votes by fearmongering the electorate..

They have nothing to offer but anti-Dem, anti-Obama rhetoric and its working. We need to fight fire with fire. A GOP majority in the House or Senate would be disaster for this country. That is the message we need to put out.

[Lost4words]

61. No, Most Happy Democrats feel BO is doing a good job!

The rest of us do not and the administration has no incentive to point out how large our ranks are growing.

[YvonneCa]

68. He's losing teachers...

...by the minute.

[IndianaGreen]

18. I am sure we can count on the DLC to go door-to-door to GTVO

It is their Administration after all!

[KeyWester]

28. *yawn*

[Lost4words]

66. may a Palmetto fly into that yawn!

[treestar]

34. You don't realize what you just said

If the Green Party worked that hard, they might get somewhere. Just sitting back and bashing the Democrats is not getting any Green candidate elected. Notice that the idea of a Green President or even Senator or congressman is illusory at this point. Maybe sitting around judging and carping doesn't get things done.

If the DLC works the hardest, then of course it's their party. They are not going to change their ways for people who don't work but just find fault.

[Nite Owl]

20. I've been walking doing

petitions for the September ballot and it's more than apathy, people are very angry, here anyway. I've been doing this for years never have I seen it this way. Most signed but would not sign for our congressperson, a Blue Dog. They don't like what has been done so far, they feel like no one is listening to them. These are all dems and likely not to vote or vote for the republican this time. I was surprised that they felt so strongly this way. Healthcare and Finance Bill were what most didn't like.

[IndianaGreen]

23. Local elections is what I am concentrating on

Luckily my congressperson is not a Blue Dog. He is a solid progressive, which means he is pro-choice, pro-LGBT rights, in deeds as he is in words.

[MikeW]

27. biggest threat to Democrats is lack of jobs

and I hear no jobs jobs jobs from the Obama administration

thats all we should be hearing right now

[DCBob]

33. No doubt the jobs situation as we near election time will be a major factor..

But even people with jobs and doing relatively well often dont show up to vote. Those are the ones that need motivating. They could make the difference.

[Lost4words]

69. i voted in every single election since reaching voting age

school boards, primaries et al, the people who dont show dont give a shit and most folks I knew were the same as I. Do you know people who do not intend to vote in November and if you do tell us something about them.

So that we might get some insite into their character type.

[MikeW]

70. the problem wont be with turnout

the problem will be voting against whomever is currently in office.

[treestar]

32. This is always true of Democrats

One thing we have to admit about Republicans. They have perseverance and they don't quit just because they don't get everything right away.

There is one thing we could learn from them.

[DCBob]

35. Most Republicans have a lockstep simplistic mentality..

Even if that helps win elections, I still prefer to be "herding cats" Democrats.. arguing, debating and disagreeing is the only way to progress.

[treestar]

37. That would mean admitting the Rs can make five steps of progress

for every one of ours. And in admitting that, it would make the current accomplishments stand out more, rather than be bashed as not enough.

[DCBob]

38. I think that is bascially true.. its easier for them to make "progress" (backwards), than..

for Democrats to make real progress forward. Reality sucks sometimes.

[Lost4words]

83. no democrats are guilty of that are they,.....

[golfguru]

39. I don't think democrats will be the turnout problem, it will be the

fricking so called independents.

[DCBob]

41. Agreed. Independents will be a huge factor too.

I am just saying there are alot "easy" votes out there if we can just get those "happy" but "lazy" Dems to the polls.

[Donnachaidh]

74. when you vote for change and then lose your job AND your benefits

it's pretty hard to feel positive about voting for the same people who did nothing to help you.

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

77. I'm sorry things suck for you. My wife's benefits are about to run out so I

understand your sentiment. One thing I do know is that the pukes have voted against it how many times? Every Dem but one voted yes last time. I also know that a puke/teabag majority isn't going to improve this situation.

[Donnachaidh]

84. we're coming out of the bad times, but spent 18 months in it

And I'm watching my neighbors lose everything. When you're down so far there is no up there is no good guy/bad guy. What *is* is the FACT that our government (both sides) are working AGAINST the people who need a bailout.

What I'm doing right now is trying to get info to all my neighbors in need. Do you think quite possibly that our representatives should be doing something similar, rather than taking a f*cking vacation? Perception is going to get the House handed back to the other side, and no one but the Dems will be responsible for THAT. All the fearmongering in the world won't take that away from them.

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

85. No argument there. The Dems aren't shoving the pukes nose in this enough.

I don't get it sometimes, this is such a clear opportunity to make the point about just how low the cons are, that they don't give a shit about people who really need help.

[TBF]

76. Or they might be "angry or pissed"

Losing your job while bankers get bonuses tends to piss people off. Even "fucking retards" as Rahm likes to call anyone who doesn't agree with him.

[NJmaverick]

78. Point of fact

"fucking retards" was directed at groups spending money on ads attacking Democrats (which only helped the Republicans).

[TBF]

97. Not quite - which is why you failed to provide the cite.

http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2010/01/26/rahm-emanuel-liberals-are-f-king-retarded/

"The friction was laid bare in August when Mr. Emanuel showed up at a weekly strategy session featuring liberal groups and White House aides. Some attendees said they were planning to air ads attacking conservative Democrats who were balking at Mr. Obama’s health-care overhaul.

“F—ing retarded,” Mr. Emanuel scolded the group, according to several participants. He warned them not to alienate lawmakers whose votes would be needed on health care and other top legislative items."

Mr. Rahm was worried about alienating the precious bluedogs. My response to that is that Mr. Rahm and his bluedogs can kiss my ass.

[FirstTimeVoterAt37]

86. You are so right

I'm partly to blame for Bush getting a second term. And I am really REALLY sorry.

[branders seine]

91. Uh-oh. Blame the left doesn't seem to be getting traction.

Better find other Democrats to blame.

It certainly is not the administration's fault, or the congressional group-with-"D"-by-their-names.


So to sum up...
The Democrats have blown their chance to reshape America according to the broad lines that won the last two elections overwhelmingly, so it's (dun dun DUN!)

The fault of the fucking retards on the left! those extremist purist bastards!

No wait, we're fucked bigger than that, so it the fault of the fat, happy mainstream Democrats whose lives are so secure and prosperous now that they have become as apathetic as a python that just swallowed a goat.

Jesus Christ. Which WH drone thinks up this shit?

[DCBob]

92. Its not about blaming anyone.. its about stopping the Rethugs from taking control of Congress..

Something wrong with that? BTW, I have no idea what the WH drones are thinking.

[branders seine]

93. They already seem to have our legislative agenda firmly under control as it is.

so maybe apathy is in order...

[DCBob]

94. You aint seen nothing.. If the Rethugs take back control it will get serious butt ugly..

Maybe you want that, but I dont.

[SoxFan]

96. Remember the consequences of not voting

[TBF]

98. I hope that is sarcasm,

if not you have no idea what you're up against.

[Kitsune]

99. The biggest threat to Democrats this fall is elected Democrats who act like Republicans.

The party leadership can act as surprised as it wants, but this is their own god damned fault.

[DCBob]

100. I think most Democrats are satisfied with the President and with Democrats in Congress..

especially in comparison to Republicans. My point is that many of those relatively "happy" Democrats might not show up for the elections this fall, not because they are angry, but because they are complacent. If we can get them motivated again to vote, it could make the difference in holding control of both the Senate and the House.

[depakid]

102. Now there's an inside the beltway rationalization if I ever heard one!

Sorry Bob, they're "not motivated" because of the sorry spectacles they've been witnessing in the Quixotic quest for "bipartisanship" and the never ending search for ways to put corporate priorities above the public interest.

Spend a year insulting key constituencies and pandering to the corporate right and you're not going to get cheery volunteers to help GOTV.

And Democratic candidates rely on volunteers and enthusiasm to a far greater degree than Republicans to win elections.

[DCBob]

104. Nothing to do with beltways or rationalizations.. just trying to salvage the upcoming elections..

I have pretty much given up on the angry left for this election cycle.. maybe by 2012 they will come to realize Obama and the Dems are generally doing the right things.

[Milo_Bloom]

108. And therein lies the problem...

"I have pretty much given up on the angry left for this election cycle.. "

The "angry left" is your money center and most passionate work force.

[DCBob]

111. Yes, it is. You got a solution?

Besides telling Obama and the Democratic leadership to stop acting like Republicans.

[Milo_Bloom]

115. The democratic leadership is where energy needs to be focused.

This seems to be the big difference between democrats and republicans. Republicans focus on their party base and let the "angry right" do most of the work for them. They spout what are the most inane positions, but those disinterested voters who are trying to appeal to don't hear the crazy.. they just here the torch bearers singing the praises of the candidate and that is enough for them.

Democrats try to parse positions and capitulate to appeal to everyone, thereby annoying the "angry left".

The result. The members of the "angry left" with exposure and appeal critize Obama and democrats. While members of the "angry right" just praise the candidate who keeps throwing them red meat.

What does the semi-disinterested voter who doesn't pay that much attention out of this hear.. "Even members of their own party don't like the democrat, while the republican is getting rave reviews."


It was a lesson I THOUGHT the democrats learned in 2000 when Al Gore's refusal to move more left to pick up the nadar voters allowed the vote in florida to be close enough for bush to steal.

I THOUGHT they learned it again in 2002 when they got creamed in the midterms elections after supporting the Iraq War Bill.

I THOUGHT they learned it again in 2004 when they put up a war voter and wound up, again, allowing the election to be close enough to steal.

It SEEMED they learned in 2008 when the country voted in progressive candidates in force with the most help from the "angry left" who all mobilized with single focus purpose.

At this point, the real energy needs to be focused on convincing the higher ups in the democratic party that the ONLY way to win is to appeal to your money base.. to your most passionate work force.

[DCBob]

116. You may be right, but its a little late for that for this election cycle...

Seems the damage is done.. HCR is not going to change in the next few months, the wars are not going to stop by Nov, the FinReg bill is not going to change to satisfy the left. There is not much the Dem leadership can do to fix this problem by November? IMO.

[Milo_Bloom]

117. They need to present an AGENDA that fires up the left in some way.

[DCBob]

118. Yes, that seems possible.. not a bad idea..

The Dem leadership also needs to make the case better of why they are doing the things they are doing.. why is compromise necessary now? And also what is the plan on how they are going to fix the weaknesses in the current bills passed. That might help a bit.

[Milo_Bloom]

107. Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding!

[Beacool]

103. It usually happens to the party in power.

The Republicans are motivated now like the Democrats were motivated in 2006.

Some people also feel that the country runs better when one party doesn't control Congress and also the WH.

But, the most important factor will be the economy. If jobs are still as anemic as they are now, don't expect people to be running to the polls to vote for the Democrats.

To quote Carville in 1992: It's the economy, stupid.

:shrug:

[DCBob]

110. Yeah, and its likely the economy will not improve signiticantly by then..

Most analysts think we are in for a very slow incremental recovery.. at least for the near future. I think Dems can make the case that it would be much worse with a divided Goverment with the GOPers controlling either chamber. But that's a bit of a hard sell. I still think there are alot "easy" votes out there among Democrats who are relatively satisfied with the way things are going but are complacent and may not show up to vote unless they can be convinced otherwise. I think we need to do some convincing.

[Beacool]

112. Dems are going to do a lot of convincing.

It's not a good year for incumbents. On the other hand, the Republicans may shoot themselves on the foot by running some nutty candidates.

;-)

[DCBob]

113. For sure.. the wacko teabaggers may actually save our asses..

God bless em!

[Zavulon]

109. Well, let's see...

...we got a terrible Republican health care plan in which we're forced to enrich insurance companies, we got a troop surge in Afghanistan, Gitmo is still open, we got the okay for offshore drilling, we've had broken promises regarding no tax increases for those earning below $250K...all with us having the WH and both majorities on Capitol Hill.

I'll go vote, but I know lots of Democrats who won't. They say "We busted our asses in 2008, and this is what we get?" You're spot on - there's a lot of apathy, and it's hard to blame those who suffer from it. The only benefit we seem to have gotten is that McCain would have been worse, which is why I'll be voting, but "We suck less than they do" is still a hard sell for many.

[DCBob]

114. I think the Dems could make the case that the GOPers have nothing to offer except obstruction...

and if they get control of either chamber it will just get worse.. much worse. Nothing at all will get done.. no laws will get passed, it will be complete total gridlock. You think its bad now, it will be ten times worse if the GOPers have their way.

[Zavulon]

120. You're preaching to the choir...

...I'm well aware that it would be worse with the GOP in power. What I'm saying is that it's sad how this is the best selling point our side seems to have these days.

[w4rma]

119. Obama took a big dump on progressives by not hiring any into his administration.

Of course Democrats are apathetic. Someone tell him to hire a few and bring Dean back in an *official* capacity.

Oh and fire Rahm and Duncan the enemies of public education and unions.