General Discussion

jeff47

(26,549 posts)

76. They don't respond because they fear the right, not the left.

Tue May 6, 2014, 12:05 PM

May 2014

A Democrat has to worry about losing their seat to a Republican. We have not been challenging them in primaries, so the only threat is the general election. As a result, they moved to the right to scoop up general election votes.

A Republican has to worry about losing their seat to Republican - primary challenges abound. Even if the sitting candidate manages to win the primary, it's caused them to leap to the right to fend off primary challenges.

Why, for example, should we even be worried about whether Obama and his hand picked appointee to chair the FCC are going to screw us on the Internet or not? It should not even be a question.

Because we didn't bother to pull the party to the left. Instead, we whined about not having good choices, but failed to make the left a threat to centrist Democrats.

Keep in mind Republican activists have been working on turning their party insane since Goldwater lost. It's going to take quite a bit of time and effort on our part to turn our party to the left. Complaining about us not being there is only useful inasmuch as it gets people to work to get us there.

If "I don't like our top-of-the-ticket" is not followed with work to improve that situation, then it's the same as the kid whining "are we there yet?" from the back seat.

Vote. In every fucking election. Don't like the candidates? Recruit better ones or run yourself.

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All I want is for the Democrats to watch my back -- without a knife in hand [View all] Armstead May 2014 OP

Watch it sonny, that thar' is "randroid" talk. Pholus May 2014 #1

ya dirty naderite Armstead May 2014 #3

How did I ever forget that one! :) Pholus May 2014 #4

A BIG K&R hobbit709 May 2014 #2

Just this week net neutrality, toll roads, internet IDs, insulting those opposed to TPP... Demo_Chris May 2014 #5

And why not? zeemike May 2014 #7

Yep. When so few demand representation we will not have representation. nt Demo_Chris May 2014 #16

One problem is the Tea Party types and Corporations demand representation and get it Armstead May 2014 #20

That's because the Teapublicans have the political backstop and the $$$... elzenmahn May 2014 #41

Obama made a good start on tat -- But once elected turned his back Armstead May 2014 #56

Hmmmm...I think the money is the largest part of the problem... elzenmahn May 2014 #127

The democratic party of today often ignores those that built it, as well as, millions and RKP5637 May 2014 #57

And that's my point... Armstead May 2014 #21

what are you going to do? <- The plantation or the pits aren't the only choices. jtuck004 May 2014 #107

Also the USDA has decided to change what ORGANIC They_Live May 2014 #19

Fuck! CrispyQ May 2014 #55

Also, if RMoney or McCain were pushing any of this crap and they would be, SammyWinstonJack May 2014 #87

You are absolutely correct Armstead May 2014 #148

Sssshhh, every time anyone mentions the Republican/Corporate Cabinet members there is some sabrina 1 May 2014 #174

Amen billhicks76 May 2014 #125

Excellent post MissDeeds May 2014 #128

I Like Your Name billhicks76 May 2014 #147

Unfortunately, well said. pangaia May 2014 #158

An excellent rant. The hits have been coming hard and fast lately. Autumn May 2014 #6

re: Net Neutrality: Tom Wheeler's response NorthCarolina May 2014 #8

Well, he's certainly not going to be honest -- Nor is his boss Armstead May 2014 #17

I feel your pain. ctsnowman May 2014 #9

Glad to kick this eloquent rant. I feel much the same. Scuba May 2014 #10

You can start by acknowledging just how clueless you are. Trust Buster May 2014 #11

How naive you must be to think that the 'game' and money just entered the equation with Bluenorthwest May 2014 #13

Given the current rules, money is the only thing that matters. Trust Buster May 2014 #22

That cart has long been in front of the horse -- Dems heped put it there Armstead May 2014 #27

You show weakness with your personal attack. Very telling. Thank you Trust Buster May 2014 #52

You started out on this thread with a personal attack Fumesucker May 2014 #132

you are the one who attacked us. nt hopemountain May 2014 #136

Says the person that apparently can't remember what he wrote three posts ago. JoeyT May 2014 #142

Elizabeth Warren. Read her new book, A Fighting Chance. That's where the answers are. JDPriestly May 2014 #100

+1. n/t Laelth May 2014 #160

"Us folks?" Maedhros May 2014 #110

Oh screw that cop-out shit -- This predates Citizens United by decades Armstead May 2014 #18

Chuck Shumer receives enough money from Wall Street...... Trust Buster May 2014 #25

A compelling message can overcome a lot of financial obstacles Armstead May 2014 #29

He didn't win without $1 billion in direct donations and another half billion... Trust Buster May 2014 #36

Votes. It's about votes. Money is one means to that end. But not the only one. Armstead May 2014 #38

Once Obama wins his second term he'll be free to take off the gloves and follow his heart pursuing GoneFishin May 2014 #84

What we "need" and you all always seem to forget..... VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #48

Winning the midterms is very important but we must also have one eye on 2016. rhett o rick May 2014 #99

No it doesn't matter 6 of one....half a dozen of the other...without winning the Midterms VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #111

I think H. Clinton will allow Wall Street to continue the looting of America. We need a progressive rhett o rick May 2014 #112

there's your problem right there... VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #115

But of course you would. I guess it doesnt matter what their principles are. rhett o rick May 2014 #122

My principles say I am a Democrat....got a problem with THAT? VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #129

"got a problem with THAT?" Really? Really? rhett o rick May 2014 #133

and I vote for the candidate my fellow Democrats and I select in the Primaries VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #138

I trust people that are worthy of trust not because the are Democrats. Not all rhett o rick May 2014 #151

I am talking about your fellow Democrats....not the politicians VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #155

"what do you hate about Primaries? " Insinuation by question. rhett o rick May 2014 #163

You mean like that heretic Elizabeth Warren? VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #167

And even Joe Lieberman is better than ANY one the Republicans have... VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #131

Yes I agree. But I wouldnt support him over Ned Lamont A TRUE DEMOCRAT. nm rhett o rick May 2014 #134

Then you JUST took back what you previously said.... VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #137

Your case is a little confusing. You support all Democrats regardless of their positions on issues ? rhett o rick May 2014 #162

Only to those that backpedal! VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #168

Some it seems are easily manipulated by the oligarch-overloards. By making the rhett o rick May 2014 #169

it has nothing to do with any of that drivel....I am a Democrat... VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #170

I know I've mentioned it before, but please do read Elizabeth Warren's new book. JDPriestly May 2014 #101

Of course I will read it.....BUT E. Warrren has endorsed Hillary's candidacy and VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #113

Elizabeth Warren doesn't run for jobs. Jobs run toward her. JDPriestly May 2014 #143

Elizabeth Warren doesn't lie......I don't need to read the book to know that. VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #161

Another good reason for drafting her for president if necessary. She doesn't lie. JDPriestly May 2014 #172

she doesn't want it...and HAS said so numerous times...AND she doesn't lie VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #173

I haven't said that she wants it. I have said that many of us want her. JDPriestly May 2014 #175

Are you planning to tickle her with feathers until she agrees to run for President.. VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #176

To some the only test of a candidate is whether or not they are a Democrat. rhett o rick May 2014 #126

Yes because just BEING a Democrat is not enough... VanillaRhapsody May 2014 #139

You're wasting your time and energy JDPriestly,. 2banon May 2014 #144

If money were the end-all you claim jeff47 May 2014 #60

First off, "pal," I don't appreciate you Le Taz Hot May 2014 #71

First of all you can start by acknowledging just how rude it is to call someone on rhett o rick May 2014 #97

Plus 0ne thousand times one hundred! Auntie Bush May 2014 #141

Minus one thousand times one hundred Armstead May 2014 #165

You can start by acknowledging how clueless your detractors are. They deny you the right to want Vincardog May 2014 #12

Denying the significant influence of special interest money.... Trust Buster May 2014 #26

My position is the the OP is correct in wanting Democratic office holders to watch his back not Vincardog May 2014 #28

More of the same apparently Armstead May 2014 #30

The OP is correct but unrealistic. We are not the people who fill the politicians campaign coffers Trust Buster May 2014 #35

Actually inspire enough people to give a small donation -- Thats one way to overcome that Armstead May 2014 #40

Unrealistic? bvar22 May 2014 #82

IT is only "unrealistic" if we think our job is over on election day. They think they can forget us Vincardog May 2014 #85

What is realistic is to assume they migh do what they claim to want to do Armstead May 2014 #89

That would be and should be and I want it too, I was jsut responding to another nay sayer Vincardog May 2014 #91

To be accurate, Obama's Army for CHANGE was told to go home. bvar22 May 2014 #90

+1 nt laundry_queen May 2014 #185

Here is what I want and expect from my office holders. totodeinhere May 2014 #62

amen Armstead May 2014 #70

You summed up how a Republic is supposed to work Harmony Blue May 2014 #14

I know howyou feel. I've finally given up on the GOP. And a lot of "centrist" Dems seem mildly ... marble falls May 2014 #15

I just got a email from the head of a Union classykaren May 2014 #23

EXACTLY - You Hit Nail on the head. Armstead May 2014 #24

Because that President had to raise in excess of a $1 billion to win re-election. Trust Buster May 2014 #32

Candidates need votes. People have votes. Armstead May 2014 #37

That was cute. "Money is a means to an end". Trust Buster May 2014 #39

"Real World" a true cliche if ever I heard one Armstead May 2014 #43

Until we can figure out a way to change the system, it's all we have right now. Trust Buster May 2014 #46

You dont change the systenm until you start challenging the system Armstead May 2014 #51

The "real world" pap is just another way to demoralize the populace by driving expectations lower. myrna minx May 2014 #54

Demoralize the populace ? You're kidding, right ? Trust Buster May 2014 #78

I find your arguments thorough out this thread to be weirdly disingenuous. myrna minx May 2014 #81

People saying that surrender is "real world" answer are the ultimate cause of demoralization Armstead May 2014 #88

agreed. and challenge involves risk. tomp May 2014 #156

I believe they want to win -- it's governing they have a problem with Armstead May 2014 #166

you missed my point. tomp May 2014 #187

Well I agree with you about the bones and crumbs part -- but it doesn't have to be "always" Armstead May 2014 #189

You can throw all the Mbrow May 2014 #45

We lost the House because after the 2010 census, Republican controlled state legislatures Trust Buster May 2014 #47

*Democratic myrna minx May 2014 #50

+1000 noiretextatique May 2014 #72

... SammyWinstonJack May 2014 #92

Good catch Armstead May 2014 #103

LOL Enthusiast May 2014 #106

pwned bobduca May 2014 #140

And how did the GOP get the wherewithal to be able to do so much gerrymandering? totodeinhere May 2014 #69

I especially hate that part too. Octafish May 2014 #31

Here's how I see it. JNelson6563 May 2014 #33

We've had strong Dem majorities -- It will require much more than that Armstead May 2014 #34

...but look who is powering their money machine... elzenmahn May 2014 #42

Sadly the last time this was true JNelson6563 May 2014 #65

The average 2012 Senate campaign cost $10 million...... Trust Buster May 2014 #44

I would like that too but have we EVER had that? Kablooie May 2014 #49

Never 100 percent -- but a lot more than now Armstead May 2014 #53

I agree that the system has tilted a lot. Kablooie May 2014 #73

I worry that is may soon reach that point Armstead May 2014 #75

The Third Way has a message for you. Jackpine Radical May 2014 #58

And i have a message for them -- Armstead May 2014 #64

+100000000 I was just about to comment on the "rebuttals" in this thread. woo me with science May 2014 #66

It f'in amazes me Armstead May 2014 #77

you underestimate the Tiger Beat crowd Skittles May 2014 #120

LOL laundry_queen May 2014 #186

OMG go read some of their posts Skittles May 2014 #188

they're "Reagan Dems"--like all the neocons, in fact MisterP May 2014 #95

HA! SammyWinstonJack May 2014 #93

du rec. xchrom May 2014 #59

This is precisely why I have been arguing with the just vote crowd nadinbrzezinski May 2014 #61

The pool of candidates for those higher offices come from the lower offices. jeff47 May 2014 #67

Then show up at the polls. And bring your friends who don't bother to vote in midterms. jeff47 May 2014 #63

You're absoutely right in theory -- but in practice Dems always squander victory Armstead May 2014 #68

They don't respond because they fear the right, not the left. jeff47 May 2014 #76

One diagreement with that Armstead May 2014 #79

You are looking for instant results, given that you are complaining about jeff47 May 2014 #80

I used that as one example -- Armstead May 2014 #86

Again, doing anything about it requires an immediate change. jeff47 May 2014 #102

I'm not sure of what you are getting at Armstead May 2014 #104

Gotcha. It appears we were talking past each other. (nt) jeff47 May 2014 #105

K&R.... daleanime May 2014 #74

This is why I'm reluctant to let Hillary get behind me pscot May 2014 #83

+1000 I would not trust Hillary even with plastic cutlery. woo me with science May 2014 #96

We continue accepting the "lesser of two evils" argument. pa28 May 2014 #94

That, in a nutshell Armstead May 2014 #108

K&R. Thank you. My sentiments exactly. JDPriestly May 2014 #98

Kicked and recommended a whole bunch! Enthusiast May 2014 #109

Yep BlindTiresias May 2014 #114

I wonder that too Armstead May 2014 #119

Ordinary citizens can't even keep up with the Bills for Legislation because they are modified KoKo May 2014 #124

HUMONGOUS K & R !!! WillyT May 2014 #116

this is why you'd want politicians out front smiting. firebrands actually work. NuttyFluffers May 2014 #117

Best OP on DU right now. woo me with science May 2014 #118

Amen! scarletwoman May 2014 #121

Thank you, you speak for me. scarletwoman May 2014 #123

Thanks, the feeling is mutual Armstead May 2014 #149

This is what I have been... WiffenPoof May 2014 #130

+1000 Raksha May 2014 #191

Sorry. No. Can. Do. DeSwiss May 2014 #135

^^^This! 1000+!^^^ n/t 2banon May 2014 #145

K&R'd Excellent Post, Armstead. 2banon May 2014 #146

Excellent Rant. blackspade May 2014 #150

The DEM Party has long been the Party of "We suck a little bit less than the GOPee." blkmusclmachine May 2014 #152

You Speak TRUTH. Thanks. K&R'ed. Tommymac May 2014 #153

Sadly, I must agree nikto May 2014 #154

In all honesty... 99Forever May 2014 #157

I don't totally agree with that Armstead May 2014 #164

k&r for a righteous rant. n/t Laelth May 2014 #159

I think you have it backwards treestar May 2014 #171

I suppose you didn't comprehend my post Armstead May 2014 #178

No party can represent your beliefs treestar May 2014 #184

Why do you think they want "fast track" trade deals? Armstead May 2014 #190

They want to fast track it. Egnever May 2014 #193

Concessions to whom? Armstead May 2014 #194

That's great rhetoric Egnever May 2014 #195

I'm well aware of that Armstead May 2014 #196

knr n/t slipslidingaway May 2014 #177

Respectfully, if that's what you want, move to Western Europe or Canada Hippo_Tron May 2014 #179

With all due respect I'd rather see attainable progress Armstead May 2014 #180

Okay, so get mad and do something about it! Hippo_Tron May 2014 #181

Well in my own tiny little ways I've been there done that for about 40 years now Armstead May 2014 #182

I get it, we're on the same page... Hippo_Tron May 2014 #183

K & R Raksha May 2014 #192