Crushing the Democrats' Base

Crushing the Democrats' Base
Republicans aren't just attacking Democrats' policies -- they're attacking the fundamentals of what it means to be a Democrat.
Paul Waldman | March 15, 2011 | web only



Crushing the Democrats' Base


Both Democrats and Republicans tend to believe that their opponents are more efficient, organized, and ruthless than their own side is. This may partly be a result of each side's belief that, in a fair fight, they wouldn't lose -- the American people must surely vote for their opponents only when manipulated into doing so. But the fact that the left and the right are each envious of the other side's skills doesn't mean that both sides are, in fact, equally skilled. The unending battle between the two parties isn't only a matter of who can devise a clever argument or air the most memorable ads. It's also about conflicts that take years or even decades to play out, ones more lasting and fundamental than the outcome of today's legislative debate. And on that score, it's clear that even as they fight over the budget and health care, Republicans are taking a longer view.

The presidential race of three years ago was the first in many years in which Democrats showed themselves superior at all the disciplines that make up modern campaigning, from fundraising to messaging. But that extraordinary campaign (seems a long time ago, doesn't it?) didn't change at least one fundamental fact: Conservatives know how to go on offense. And when, after victories at the state and local level in 2010, they got their chance to strike back, they took it. With a vengeance.

Put simply, Republicans are conducting a radical attack on the Democratic Party, aimed at the roots of Democratic power and sustenance. The battle is occurring in Washington and around the country, and even if the right doesn't succeed completely, the fight will almost certainly leave Democrats weakened and defensive.

Look at the targets conservatives have taken aim at in the last couple of years: access to the ballot box, unions, organizations representing the poor, organizations protecting reproductive rights, and more. The assault is not just on ideas or policies (though there's plenty of that, too) but on the institutions that undergird the Democratic Party and the progressive movement.

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http://prospect.org/cs/articles?article=crushing_the_democrats_base

For not being good enough, therefore they should be thrown out. :eyes:

Is caused us to awake from our slumber. And we are ready for this fight.

Elections god damn well have consequences. THAT is the great lesson of 2010 and D's need to damn well learn it. So SHAME on those who bitched and whined and wouldn't donate and wouldn't volunteer and wouldn't phonebank and wouldn't canvass all because they either "didn't have time" or said "The Dems aren't progressive enough so we're going to punish them by not voting." Obama and many others warned like hell against giving them the keys back. Well, it happened. So this is what they get. Not happy? Then next time, become an ACTIVIST in the election and don't "slumber" in the first place.

as the Repukes have acted like Repukes, we wouldn't have slept through the election. "Live with this half-assed health insurance reform because it could be worse" is not what we need to hear.

or flipped GOP.

The youth vote cratered. The black vote was mediocre. The Obamcans went home. "Centrists" went back to Survivor or whatever they actually give a crap about.
The "Reagan Democrats" went back to worshiping St. Ronnie.

I'm sure some disgruntled liberals stayed home but this effort to frame this as you have is a disgusting joke that is devoid of almost any anchor to reality when the truth is that playing to the center or whatever label you have for capitulating to the radical regressives and corporate honchos didn't buy the "independent" vote at all, in fact they ran like rats from a sinking ship because they don't want what you are selling and in exchange you are completely demotivating and even enraging liberals.

Meanwhile, this disappointed Democrat volunteered to elect my Mayor, Rep, and to defeat Randroid.

No slumber for me but I won't be working for Obama in 2012. Maybe some "centrist" or "reachable Republican" will take up the slack. My work will be for re-electing my rep and sending decent folks to Frankfort not on a fake ass mid 90's Republican with a (D) next to his name and a bunch of friends at Goldman Sachs.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x630400

NGU.

Dare I say Baucus? I could list 25 DINO blue dogs who scuttled health care bill.

Republicans aren't the worst enemy of change and progress. The collaborators are.

that should go on the list of republican campaigns.

Mr. Waldman misses entirely what is happening. It is not the GOP that is attacking the fundamental values of the traditional Democratic base, it is gargantuan corporate interests and the tiny wealthy elite that are attacking. The GOP has merely been the most recognizable face for these people over the last decades. What these interests are doing now is simply privatizing our election process and our government. In short, you do not get elected to any office above dog catcher without their blessing and money. The level of entry to get elected is extreme and that does not even take into account trying to overcome the problem of corruption in our mainstream media to get a message out. No, our battles will first have to be within the Democratic Party to remove the candidates that will play ball with these powerful corporate interests. That must come first!

Cheers!