Kucinich is Wrecking the Dem 2008 Strategy

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/28516

Kucinich is Wrecking the Dem 2008 Strategy
Submitted by davidswanson on Thu, 2007-11-08 04:16. Elections | Impeachment

By Simplify, Daily Kos

Kucinich, his H. Res. 333 co-sponsors, several other Democrats, and most of the Republicans threw a wrench into the Democratic political strategy for winning the 2008 elections for federal office, with their vote against tabling the resolution.

Good.

So far as I can tell, the Democratic Congressional leadership's plan for the 2008 campaign is to complain about how mean and awful the Republicans are. They figure most persuadable voters are motivated by things that get them angry, not things they are in favor of. They want things in November 2008 to be just like they are today. They pass legislation on pet issues but capitulate on our most important principles. They want to appease Republicans such that no one will say nasty things about them.

This is a strategy worthy of exposure and evisceration, for their own electoral good and for good governance.

snip//

The Republicans helped Kucinich today, in their view to show the Democrats up as fools.

Good. So long as the Democratic leadership pursues these failed electoral strategies, they are fools. Democrats say, "Look how horrible the Republicans are?" And I say, "Yes, that is absolutely true, but what did you do with the real power you have today to stop them?"

Would only they pivot and emulate Kucinich in making stands of real consequence on core democratic principles. Besides, with all the damage Republicans are doing at home and abroad today and for the next fourteen months, we cannot wait to save the country until January 2009 (presuming a Democratic victory). Impeach now.

Otherwise, we are the fools, for we may also conclude that the Democratic leadership does not believe in the rule of law. In my book, "does not believe in" equates to "unwilling to take a political risk for." And in this case, I don't think impeachment is even a risk, it's a winner. The two main political image hits against Democrats are:

* They don't believe in anything.
* They have no spine.

Let us prove that wrong, once and for all.

Good opinion. The Democrats are playing things way too safe.

:hi:

Glad you've joined us.
Hope you'll stay a long time.

Thanks for the welcome.

Glad to be part of the team...

to DU :hi:

I think if I understood that term, I'd agree even more, after reading your profile.

:hi:

to DU Rabo Karabekian!!:hi:

Welcome.:hi:

Welcome to DU! :hi:

Way too safe, indeed.

One might say they're trying to stealthily fly 'under the Radar', avoiding any REAL conflict.

Screw 'em.

Stand up and fight.

:toast:
:hi:

Oh, and

:hi:

You and I have something in common... :thumbsup:

Hence the rock bottom approval ratings.

:kick:

Dennis should be President!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

right now, but 14 more months of Democrats displaying no backbone and displaying a real lack of belief in anything can turn a lock into a close thing. Where is the Democratic "leadership" getting these ideas? Who is telling them that ineffectual wimpiness is the way to win votes? Constantly crying that the big mean Republicans are not playing fair, to me, just makes the Party look weak and irresolute. How can these pols think that this is the "winning" strategy?

it is static, predictable and unresponsive and/or ineffective against all GOP intiiatives and fraud. it alos leaves the media world that is specifically hostile to them untouched in the public perception. Impeachment is one thing that can burn right through media resistance if it engages the people on issues so harshly exposed that it makes Nixon look like a jaywalker. The losing stance also in the short run gauaratees successful stonewalling and entrenchment of the worst WH practices leading up to and past the election no matter who wins. Without impeachment the people are kept in the dark and the GOP in the driver's seat, the situation that has led to the past two presidential thefts at least- and much more.

Monkey wrenches are better than national riots facing microwave weapons and tasers and media blackouts. That wrench also goes into the untouched juggernaut slaughterhouse of GOP impunity.

it is static, predictable and unresponsive and/or ineffective against all GOP initiatives and fraud. it also leaves the media world that is specifically hostile to them untouched in the public perception. Impeachment is one thing that can burn right through media resistance if it engages the people on issues so harshly exposed that it makes Nixon look like a jaywalker. The losing stance also in the short run guarantees successful stonewalling and entrenchment of the worst WH practices leading up to and past the election no matter who wins. Without impeachment the people are kept in the dark and the GOP in the driver's seat, the situation that has led to the past two presidential thefts at least- and much more.

Monkey wrenches are better than national riots facing microwave weapons and tasers and media blackouts. That wrench also goes into the untouched juggernaut slaughterhouse of GOP impunity. The GOP Congress, in their fear of consequences for themselves against the static Dem advantage could not resist taking advantage now and spinning Dem chaos later. If the big game, the will of the people explodes on them it is their worst mistake to date. THEY are always willing to take risks because they do not represent the people and cannot trust in their steady support.

actually

every day to get the sympathy vote.

skull·dug·ger·y or skul·dug·ger·y (skl-dg-r)
n. pl. skull·dug·ger·ies
Crafty deception or trickery or an instance of it.

saying somebody go after the bastards and the other half is saying to either play dead or act like they're on the republican's side. The only one who has a viable strategy and is acting on it seems to be Dennis. It's a shame more didn't rally behind his cause before as it is our cause. Instead you let others and the msm say things like he's unelectable. Take a real good look as I'd say he's the most electable.
Those that love the polls to throw can save it as it is railroading candidates and giving false impressions of how others will vote. If that whiner is so much already our elected nominee that my vote doesn't count, then those that were going to vote for the whiner do not have to show up at the polls either seeing as how it's already a done deal.
:hide:

He's kinda funny looking. And short. You have to remember that a large section of the American public, even those that vote, are stupid motherfuckers who, probably without even realizing it, will vote for the candidate with the best hair. And Romney has fucking presidential hair.

So, as much as we all love and agree with Dennis Kucinich, if we're going to get a full-on, unrepentant liberal to the white house, it will have to be a sharper looking unrepentant liberal. Russ Feingold comes to mind. Shame he sat this one out. It would make casting my primary vote so much easier.

I do know what you mean though as some go strickly on looks, but it still doesn't explain W so this isn't the general rule. If Dennis' height or his looks were really that much of a factor then he never would've been mayor of Cleveland let alone a congressman. Even if he were butt ugly and a midget it has nothing to do with his performance and anybody who would think so is an idiot as well as prejudice.

..they're no good to anyone especially themselves.

... America loves a figther Democratic party, it's a case of stand for something or fall for anything.

Edit: s/Expalin/Explain/;

or Passing the Kyl Lieberman march to war in Iran? or allowing waterboarding and torture?
or would tat be giving away habeas corpus?..or giving away more of our media to the corporate repigs?


slap me silly but i haven't seen any strategy that supports my democratic values ..yet..

oh ok i will give them increasing hourly wages..but who can live on it???????? and of course that was stuck on the bill giving pissy pants billions and billions and billions of my tax dollars for a war the dems told us they would stop!

what a joke..the dem strategy for 2008...

and what would that be?? sit on their democratic values..like..say..Diane Feinstein and Chuck Shumer ..or start another war lieberman and Clinton?????????


SHAKING HEAD HERE..

fly

write to thank them today!

One of my four phone calls was to a Republican . Rep. Peter Hokestra. A part of the Iran liar scam.

Excellent article.

...Thus, your post continues to encourage my calls to those who would and should lead "us".

Kucinich will be seen as so much wiser too late, it seems. The party managers on the hill, their marketing plans to stay in office- it disgusts me and keeps others from voting (fulfilling the Republican's objectives to have less numbers of voters).

Why are they afraid of ANYTHING (yeah, I know why). They should take their lead from the people. Why, just this last year, I left a perfectly well paying job not because I found anything more stable, but because I understood the right thing to do, while understanding that my principles trump what I do for a living.

Not so with this Democratic "leadership". I am so tired of people who are placed on the treadmill on their way to office and congressional seats, then, for the sake of re-election, performing whatever tap and dance number to STAY in office, forfeiting legislative responsibilities.

:hug:

Seriously. Look at what we have ...

We have supposedly progressive Dem leaders making decisions against our interests.

We were so happy to see Nancy Pelosi become Speaker. Finally, we thought, someone with the guts to do what's right. But it didn't happen.

We had Chuck Schumer support a AG who can't verbalize "waterboarding is torture".

And then, there's Joe Lieberman .... what happened to that guy?! He's always been conservative, but this bush kiss-assing is ridiculous!

My conclusion: they have become Stepford Reps and Stepford Senators. They have been replaced by creatures that do the bidding of Dick Cheney.

Meanwhile, we have our hero, Dennis Kucinich, fighting them ....

Sigh! When crap like this happens, my imagination runs wild because reality is far more terrifying.

The great thing about how Kucinich's courageous act is being spun is that the DLC Democratoids are no longer burdened by accountability. Should the Democrats blow it in 2008, they can blame Dennis this time. Perfect. I can already envision the "Fuck Dennis" avatars that will inevitably show up on this site (assuming that there is anything left of free speech by then).

Act like a loser and you will lose.

Dream big, and the world is your oyster.

You're a Democrat, for sure.


:evilgrin:

they are still getting elected in local positions across the country. Here in Venice Florida, for example, the republican mayor was voted out and liberal ideas are being voted in.

My only guess is they think they can ride on the anti-war/anti-Bush/Cheney sentiment, not make any REAL changes and be voted in anyhow.

Please don't make baby Jesus cry. Go democRATS!

:kick:

I used to not like the guy, but he's doing a better job than 3/4ths of our Congresspeople.

Just ranting against the other guys doesn't work. You've got to say what you can do better -- and right now, we not only have a chance to say it, we can SHOW it, if Congress would just get off its ass.

is on the right track.

Surrender Monkeys

Pardon me, have you seen my country?

These spineless idiots have it coming to them and the Repukes they and we despise so much deserve to lose too. I hope they are all replaced with folks who will try to get the people's will done.

What was the final vote on this for/against tabling bit? I had to work and never heard the final outcome.

how the Democrats don't understand that by playing it safe they are worse off than by going for broke. Impeachment is a winner, both morally and politically. How can they be so blind to this fact shown repeatedly through history? They keep saying there are more important things to do, but there aren't. They certainly are a sorry bunch, and they all need to grow a spine like Kucunich and his supporters.

I'm proud as hell to be able to say my rep in Congress is a co-sponsor of House Resolution 333! Cheers Jim McDermott!

Every piece of legislation will get vetoed, and Bush can't veto impeachment, nor can he fall back on executive privilege. Impeachment subpoenas can't be brushed off. The executive branch is a criminal cartel that must be held accountable. Now if they only had a stained blue dress.

i have a hard time believing we really live in a 2 party system anymore these days.

He's the perfect person to put out feelers for impeachment.

Go Dennis!

but there is anger among the "base" and they are in for a shock in the next election if they don't start doing what we the people demand

Just so they could justify forcing the party to nominate a candidate that left the grassroots, workers, and the poor totally out in the cold four years later.

They just didn't WANT to elect Dukakis, let alone Jesse.

They wanted a Democratic party that kept Reaganism but put up pictures of JFK in the offices of the poor-bashers.

And we're still fighting to rebuild from the damage this did.

a majority, to make changes. Where are we a year later? More troops are in Iraq. The U.S. is rattling sabres toward Iran. A new Attorney General Bush puppet is about to be installed. The U.S. is still practicing torture. Gitmo is still in business. No one involved in Plame's outing has seen the inside of a jail cell. Americans are still being spied on by their government. Inflation is up. Gas in my area is $3.50 a gallon. The dollar is in the toilet. Millions of Americans still have no health care coverage, and no hope of getting any. No Child Left Behind is leaving children behind all across the country. The Housing boom has gone bust. More jobs are being outsourced. The chimp has an approval rating on par with Nixon, and yet the Dems refuse to impeach him for numerous criminal acts.

I wish I could believe that Pelosi and Reid are working for the good of the American people, but that's about as far-fetched at this point as believing in the tooth fairy.

the dems are taking this straight out of the NFL playbook

the Dems are playing Martyball, as immortalized by Mr. Schotteheimer.

Playing not to lose, ugh. :-( MKJ

Get them the fuck out of office.

incumbents. An anti-war progressive challenged Sen Cantwell in 2004 and was quickly bought off, literally bought off. He gave up his challenge for a job working for Sen Cantwell. If you want to replace a Democratic incumbent, you will get no help from the Democratic party machine. Look at Lamont. He was fought by the party machine even after he won the primary in CT. The party is no longer responsive to the grass roots. Ask Nancy. She took impeachment off the table without even asking the grass roots. 70% of the party disagree with her. To bad for them.

than win and have more of the same.

I don't think the Dems will lose should they suddenly collectively grow spines. But even if they did, at least we could say that they tried.

Winning and getting more status quo is not a victory at all. It's a failure of the democratic institutions of this country.

Which I laughed out loud for-in a happy way.

Yep the Dem insider Beltway Mark Penn DLC strategy is Hillary will be elected by default. By being a little less evil. Same old shit. And like the same old shit we had in Nixon and Iran/Contra-ignore and pardon the evil fucks that have killed thousands and messed with our liberties and Constitution because after all-happy days are here again! a dEMOCRAT is in office and will save us all and those last years were all a bad dream-except for the mighty enabling done by said democrats.

Well, I don't have much faith in Kucinich getting anywhere with these weasels, but a spanner in the works is good for liberty.

that the repulsives are striking out violently and with exceptional malice against Dennis Kucinich.

I think that a nerve has been struck here. Why else would a repulsive come down so hard on facts, logic and patriotism?

The dems are fools are they? (Well I will give you that a lot of the dem politicians are fools). That aside, Dennis Kucinich is not a fool. He is a patriot. Plain and simple.
Time after time tonight while watching the senate debate the confirmation of Kucinich, I have heard terms like Lawlessness, Disregard for the Constitution, it has been illegal for over a hundred years, we have prosecuted and convicted Japanese for doing the same thing to American soldiers, it is without a doubt illegal and unconstitutional.

Holy crap impeachment man!

I detect a sharp turn from within the democratic (and some republican) legislaters from submissiveness to in your face constitutional protection and restoration.

Maybe they have finally had enough of this imperialistic, fascist regime.

...the one that shows the country that the Democratic party is so inept that the part that gave us the worst administration in our country's history will nonetheless be rewarded with another four years because people figure that the 'effin' Democrats are too weak and too indecisive to be trusted with both the Congress and the White House. God how lame can we get?

They think that the American people will just hand over the white house without the Dems having to do anything. That strategy will just give us president Rudy Giuliani.
Dennis, you've got it all figured it out. We'll never give up the fight for justice!

voters have not seen congress doing anything since the elections although I think Dems will win in 2008

however it seems that Dennis has certainly put that cat amongst the pigeons

I am one of the ones that thought the majority of theDemocratic party would get votes on pity by the fact they rolled over and played dead! Most of Vermont and many in my new home town of LA agree with you! Impeach the .... sons of bushes...(and Cheneys)

I don't care if they get Jeb in as veep because doing nothing insures we have 14 more months of war criminals in the White House. Taking a stand is not what the majority of our "leadership" has done... GO DENNIS!!!

little weasel rats, living off pork and power. Time to stir the trash and force them into the light.

as a strategy----they will surely Snatch Defeat from the Jaws of Victory.

Gingrich and Co are working up a Plan. American Solutions.
They plan to go out to their districts and states do a Mea
Culpa---and have grand plans Republican Solutions to Americas
Problems. Health Care Environment the War and Foreign Policy.
By then they will have thrown Bush under the Bush.

If all the Dems plan is more complaining. they are more clueless
than I thought.

They know Newt engineered the Rout of 94 and he will not let
the Republicans go down without a fight. He is traveling the
country listening and developing his plan.

I am not here to promote Newt, but rather warn our side. Be prepared.

And I love him for that.

something that is a wreck....

There is such a disconnect with the Democratic "leadership" and what the American people want....They really don't have a clue....

Don't you just hate it when that happens?

You can access the video via the Countdown homepage at www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677

See also www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x67821