Reply #50: The problem is not with the tactics, but with the times we live in.

[ReadTomPaine]

The current style of compromise leadership is designed to combat the GOP of the 1980's by taking away their strengths - the GOP at that time was much more institutionally respectful and prepared to give and take.

Against Bush I, it would have been quite effective. The problem is that it isn't 1988 anymore. While that might not seem long ago in the overall scheme of things, it's a lifetime in terms of the accelerated politics of the 90's and 00's. The problem is that the old guard refuses to change their tune - or simply can't play any other music. They cling to the tactics that won Clinton's elections (right down the tired, 12 year old "It's the XXXX stupid" slogan) even tho the GOP have learned how to beat that hand comfortably and have gone on to rig the table & buy the casino. In a way, you can't blame the Democratic leadership, however. They get paid the same whether they win or not, and they obviously enjoy playing the game even when they lose. It's a living.

I don't know how much more complete their defeat could be at this point, but it's long past time for these people to step aside or we will have no choice but to dismiss them or take the long road around them. It's a matter of survival now - they simply don't win anymore. The current situation is what we call 'the worst case scenario' given all the viable outcomes we had before us. Why give them another chance or break? How many more will they get?

And you're right, the loss of incumbency is nothing to gloat over, no matter how inevitable it was, and it's not easy to deal with and that may be the problem. They would rather not deal with it. It is something worth fighting over though, and it won't be pretty. The weak stomachs of the current leadership don't seem up to the task, frankly.

As an example, just look at Al From's comments over the last day or so regarding popular progressive messenger Michael Moore. From seems more concerned about what their GOP & corporate friends think about them then they do about utilizing the excellent resource of a popular celebrity who has a group of strong supporters and who stood behind their candidate since his nomination. Surely there was a better way to direct the Democratic party's energy than this. If you are looking for an example of Democrats badmouthing other Democrats to the party's detriment, that's an example that's hard to top.

RTP