I do not understand the lack of Democratic enthusiasm. I was enthusiastic in 2008 because I was inspired. Today I am enthusiastic because I am angry. After 2 weeks of Republicans blocking unemployment benefits, healthcare for 9/11 workers, campaign finance reform, small business lending, after 18 months of Republicans purposely voting 'No' to prevent economic recovery, hoping for the failure of this president, voting against the American worker, I feel like Anthony Weiner. We should all be screaming like Anthony Weiner.
Democratic enthusiasm levels for campaigning this fall should be through the roof. Why isn't there more discussion on this website about organizing and taking action for the fall campaign ? Anthony Weiner doesn't need to be POTUS, the POTUS needs Anthony Weiner right where he is in congress. The POTUS needs alot more like him in the house, in the senate, in governors seats. The POTUS needs more supporters that fight like Anthony Weiner.
At Netroots Nation 2010, Nancy Pelosi pointed out, "101 days from tomorrow we get the results and on that day we want no regrets. We all have to say we took the responsibility."
.... Now less than 101 days. Is anyone planning on taking action of their own this week, make calls, do some canvassing? All I hear on this website, on MSNBC, from Dems in general is doom and gloom. WHY DO WE HAVE SUCH A COLLECTIVE, PERPETUAL SELF DEFEATING ATTITUDE?? I hope young people who are paying attention will have more vision and optimism. I hope they do not take on negative,jaded attitudes when all they hear is negativity and snark.
We still hold majorities. We have passed historical legislation on health care and financial reform. We need to start talking about accomplishments right now because the average voter is not paying attention. Its not so bad folks, YET. We have made progress the last 18 months. We can win in November. We can maintain our majorities and make more progress only if we work hard and hold the democratic majorities in the house and senate.
We need to snap of this annoying funk and start fighting. We can continue to have policy debates amongst ourselves only if we maintain majorities. If we do not hold our democratic majorities in the house and the senate, you can forget about progressive policy debates.
Did we work in 2006 and 2008 just to let it go because everyone, didn't get everything they wanted overnight? Progress is long term, not short term. Progress takes work. Progress takes sustained attention and people commited to collective action and a collective philosophy.
We have less than 100 days. We need collective action starting today. We as supporters need to make sure every voter know this:
Republicans voted: Against the stimulus bill, middle class tax cuts Against state and local assistance Against funding for firefighters, police and teachers Against Wall Street Reform Against a Deficit Commission Against Pay as you Go Against 9/11 healthcare bill Against Disclose ACT Against Small Business Lending and tax breaks Against Unemployment benefits
What are the Republicans fighting for ? Extending TAX cuts for the rich. Protecting corporations like BP. Eliminating Social Security.
Voters need to know these facts. They do not know this yet. At this point it is not too late. We can choose to take action. See Gallup latest Generic Ballot: Dems maintain 48 to 44 advantage. See Charlie Cook's latest report on Democratic chances improving slightly. If we waste the next 100 days arguing over details and distractions, tearing down our own democratic candidates, if we sit back and blog and argue and don't talk to voters, we can kiss any chance of even a moderately progressive legislative agenda goodbye.
Update: Added tip jar. Thanks. Also, First Read Are Democrats closing the gap?