Impact of this war funding vote on the 2008 election

Putting the morality of a thousand plus more needless American deaths in Iraq aside, how much is this going to cost us in electoral terms? Can this be seen as machiavellian manuevering instead of just idiocy, or will this actually piss off the base enough to make it a mistake?

How much grassroots support are we going to lose, how much donations are candidates going to lose, how much public trust is squandered?

Will the delay on Clinton and Obama's in declaring their opposition actually cost them any support?
-(I'm an Edwards man, but I was before this. Clinton and Obama didn't lose my vote)

And the reverse of the coin, what are the possible benefits or mitigating factors of this vote. Would defunding the war have really hurt us that badly in 2008 with moderates?

Even looking at it from a cold and emotionless perspective, it feels like a mistake. Are there any viable arguments out there to support what they did?

They should both resign.

Just an FYI

and chose not to.

First of all the election is over a year away. If this was going on in September of 2008, I'd be worried. People forget things and time heals wounds, even when you think it won't. I think the more important vote (politically) on war funding is coming this fall.

Second, grass roots Republicans and conservatives are just as mad at their party right now over the immigration bill. That will be the Senate's next order of business in June, and this time it will be the Republicans hearing shit from their base. So the loss of grass roots support on our side will be offset by the same phenomenon happening on their side.

Uh, OK.

It is stuff like this that makes people disillusioned with politics and avoid the process altogether. We already have one of the lowest, if not lowest, turnout rates.

Bluestateguy seems to feel that's OK as long as the attrition is somewhat even.

I think that's a dangerous analysis.

on that imigration bill. It wont only be republicans feeling the heat on that one.

This current bill, is it only a few months worth of funding? Hmm...

I hope something a little for substantive happens with the fall vote if thats the case.

And yeah, a year is a long time. Plenty of time left for all sides to screw something up.

You heard it here first.

By the way.. I happen to know that if Richardson wins, Wes Clark will be top VP choice.

Or at least, the guy who answered my e-mail said that it's scary that I can read the governor's mind..

I kinda-sorta took that as a yes on Clark anyway..

Then again--

I'm hoping the good General isn't only on the top of Richardson's list..

I hope every candidate is considering him as much as Richardson is!

The governor has his flaws, but he's my favorite so far.

At least, Dave Contarino, one of his staffers (I believe?) and one other guy (Steve) do!

We had a great time joking about him because, like Hillary, he's also trying to find a campaign song.

They told me some lady suggested a song called "Big Bad Bill is Sweet William Now"

I've never heard of that song, but I told him I'd look it up when I got a chance.

He asked me if I had any suggestions, and I joked that if he wasn't married.. I'd suggest the oldie "Won't you marry me Bill?"

Ok.. I'm having too much fun with his campaign staff.

But hey - - so far anyway, at least they write back!!!

But at the same time, I was already an Edwards man, so I can't say this really swayed me.

I'd be content if Edwards won.. I'd be content if Richardson won.. and I'd be content if Obama won..

And I'd be very content if General Clark won!!!

Well.. ..SURPRISED and content.

Seein' as he doesn't seem to be running..

Ralph Nader to throw his name in the '08 presidential election. I believe that he would get more votes than in the past attempts because of the many Dems feeling betrayed by the current representation and this vote on this Iraq Funding Bill. It will be enough to allow the Repugs to eek out a win in '08 and live out Rove's dream of Repug domination over this country.

Be afraid - be very afraid.

Democrats will win with or without Nader, Bloomberg, or Hagel.

If you believe anything other than that --- --- you've been listening to the wrong crowd.

but this is the perefect storm for a third party

No, I am not silly enough to even mention the three you just did

Whne it appears it will be out of the blue

Nor am I silly enough to say that they will challenge the Presidency... but if you read your history, which you have not... there are two occasions when third parties were effective

One of them even took the presidentcy on its first try

Care to guess who I am talking about? (On both counts)

Are you always this friendly?

Excuse me for interrupting your otherwise enjoyable evening.

The point is that Biden was the only member of Congress running for President that voted to continue to bring bodybags from Iraq. He is dead meat as far as I am concerned!

Let's get ready for the next battle!

performance (as the MSM has labeled it) coupled with Biden's strong performance (again, as MSM labeled it) switched the 2nd tier momentum to Biden. I think this vote and Biden's wrong-headedness on the issue coupled with Dodd's early and strong opposition will shift the 2nd tier momentum from Biden to Dodd.

I'm just waiting for my man Kucinich to get a turn as captain of 2nd tier momentum.