Armchair strategists unite!

We have nothing to fear but fear itself!

I figured that, since we are obviously in a mode where we start new threads to address issues raised on the original threads, I would do the same.

So the issue at hand is this: is the Kerry campaign fighting back effectively, or are they dropping the ball? I think that to some extent, they're dropping the ball. I understand that they can no longer spend their campaign funds, so are hampered somewhat. But what about our 527 organizations? Isn't there something they could do? What about (as others have suggested) getting some of our guys out there -- people from Kerry's campaign, others from the Dem camp -- who are well informed and quick on their feet, to counter this BS? What do you think they should do?

Oh. By the way. Professional strategists and self-appointed experts are welcome to contribute to this thread, if you so desire. Seriously. Does no one else note the irony of name-callers trying to squash dialogue about political strategies in the run-up to the election? I mean, this is the Democratic Underground, fer cryin' out loud! It's a board full of political junkies and, yes, armchair strategists, who are obsessively following (speaking for myself anyway ;-) ) what is arguably one of the most important elections in our lifetimes... and we should what, keep our mouths shut? Not voice our concerns?

You'd think they were afraid of hearing strong opinions.

Personally, I'm under no illusions that any my recommendations would necessarily be followed by anyone. And, as a non-professional w.r.t. politics, that's as it should be. But I don't get it that people want to just silence our opinions, not hear our concerns, put us down as having "fat doughy asses". I for one will continue to post my opinions, and will continue to be dismayed when I perceive the Republican slime machine making inroads because (in my perception) the Dems don't fight back as vigorously as they ought to.

Armchair Strategists shou;d get out there and practice what they preach. Think Kerry's getting beat up, well right your local paper, host a house party, give out bumperstickers. We all can do our part to make Kerry's voice be heard.

Just please leave the armchair once and awhile, but remember to return and post on DU with your updates! :toast:

Yes, understood about the 527s and the Kerry campaign. I just wonder why a couple of them haven't come back with something to counter the smears... But again that's just me.

And yes, we do all need to get our voices out there on behalf of Kerry. Many of us do so already. That's one of my gripes: why is it assumed otherwise? Be that as it may, I will continue my activities as hopefully will all of us here, and contribute to Kerry's victory in November.

Personally, I was a little annoyed with Move-on.org not defending Kerry as much as just slamming Bush. But they might be doing that to get shrubs negatives higher (and keep them there) while JK is using optimisim and keeping voters satisfied. Believe me negative-negative-negative will hurt bush in the end. I've talked to so many people just sick of the attacks and no plans for the future.

Sorry if it seemed I was alluding to the fact you didn't do anything to help Kerry's campaign. I just wanted to let everyone know even if we do feel frustrated sometimes, we still hold an incredible amount of power (more so sometimes than high profile strategists, and expensize consultants).

I did not take your remarks to be about me personally, was just noting in general that it's sometimes implied that we who post here are not doing anything outside of this venue... Ironic, since the doubters are themselves DU posters, go figure! :shrug:

From the folks I talk with, I don't hear anyone saying that they believe any of the lies Bush has floated lately. What I am hearing is that Bush is an idiot.

Think about it-we're trying to persuade a small percentage of 'undecideds'. Now, I can't believe that these people have really looked at the news or even political commercials that much, or they would have a better clue as to what is going on and would have made up their minds.

What will change their minds is personal experience or experiences of people they know. What I see as the best thing we Democrats can do is to be ready with facts and figures when these folks talk about things in their life that they deem important, be it the economy or what is happening with their local Guard unit.

Another group that we must reach are people who haven't voted-and I'm finding the usual cynicism about 'it doesn't make a difference' isn't around this time. Folks seem to realize that this election is important. I've made sure that unregistered voters have the forms-this is something that is very important to do as well.

I sincerely hope that people see through Bush's and the SBVFT's lies. I worry that it settles in with the undecided's, for exactly the reasons you state: they don't look at the news or political commercials that much -- and when they vote, they vote with their "gut", their perception that has been shaped by the sound bites. Which is exactly why we need to get our own sound bites out there. I'd like to see the meme "He's following the leader" regarding Bush's campaign schedule, and how it uncannily seems to be following Kerry's.

And I really, really hope you're right that more people are getting over their cynical "it doesn't matter anyway" attitude, that I think can only help Kerry.

lead by example.

Undoubtedly is difficult to address the current spate of slime
attacks with the campaign somewhat hobbled this month.

We mustn't stifle discourse in any measure.
Thanks for the post.
...O...