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In reply to the discussion: Democrats do not have a challenger against Cotton, and the only alternative may not [View all]crickets
(25,896 posts)36. We seem to have different memories.
The strategy didn't always work as well in all areas, and some election eras were easier for the Democrats than others, true. But to say 50-State strategy been continued through from its inception to now is false, and it's not revisionist to point that out. I live in one of the states that got dropped like a hot potato, so ask me how I know.
I sympathize with Arkansas for getting stuck with the likes of Mark Pryor, but I don't see how that really negates all the good that the strategy managed to accomplish.
Looking Back at Howard Dean's 50-State Strategy MAY 2013
Dean has long since left the DNC -- he served four years, departing in early 2009 -- and the 50-state strategy has faded from memories. But looking at it from today's vantage point, the project offers a nifty example of how modest investments in party infrastructure can pay tangible dividends -- and how those dividends can disappear once the investments dry up.
Races Dems narrowly lost show party needs to return to Howard Deans 50 state strategy DEC 2018
In 2005, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean became chairman of the Democratic National Committee and embarked on a movement to create infrastructure, influence, and engagement in every state in America. He called it, the "50 State Strategy." Dean believed that Democrats should have an operation in places that it usually ignored in order to secure the future. This plan was met with consternation by many of the DNC's top brass and slowly disappeared. Failure to embrace Deans vision is one of the biggest mistakes the party has made in recent history.
Party folks at the national level love the fat war chests for their high profile darlings and seem to find the hard slog of bothering with national outreach in less lucrative areas of the country to be beneath them. The 50-State strategy netted sometimes modest, but still important, gains. Given how razor thin the difference can be in gaining majority in the House and Senate, seems like the effort would be worth it if the DNC could be bothered.
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Democrats do not have a challenger against Cotton, and the only alternative may not [View all]
jorgevlorgan
Jun 2020
OP
yeah. so now we have an independent who could be formidable if he gets on the ballot
jorgevlorgan
Jun 2020
#2
I wouldn't count on *anyone* being competitive against McConnell. Trump voters will be out in force
DTomlinson
Jun 2020
#29
that same poll that shows Booker down 14 has McGrath down 20 versus Moscow Mitch
Celerity
Jun 2020
#55
To be honest, I think the "Democratic" label is often what scares some people away.
DTomlinson
Jun 2020
#24
To spend more time with the spouse and kids? Or was it some underhanded and dishonest...
NurseJackie
Jun 2020
#3
Thank you. I get a laugh at the liberals who talk about the 50 state strategy.
Drunken Irishman
Jun 2020
#30
There's no different memories. There's the right - and there's the wrong.
Drunken Irishman
Jun 2020
#46
True. But recruitment efforts usually involve some persuasion, and a state with 3 million people
jorgevlorgan
Jun 2020
#14
vet, and keep recruiting. if the vetting comes out poorly, recruit harder.
jorgevlorgan
Jun 2020
#22
yes. he is filing as a write in candidate just in case he doesn't get on the ballot
jorgevlorgan
Jun 2020
#28