Green Party Taking the Plunge for 2004

[Stoic]

Common Dreams: Green Party Taking the Plunge for 2004

"...In discussions about races for the highest offices, sobering reality checks can be distasteful to many Greens, who correctly point out that a democratic process requires a wide range of voices and choices during election campaigns. But that truth does not change another one: A smart movement selects its battles and cares about its impacts.

A small party that is unwilling to pick and choose its battles -- and unable to consider the effects of its campaigns on the country as a whole -- will find itself glued to the periphery of American politics.

In contrast, more effective progressives seeking fundamental change are inclined to keep exploring -- and learning from -- the differences between principle and self-marginalization. They bypass insular rhetoric and tactics that drive gratuitous wedges between potential allies -- especially when a united front is needed to topple an extreme far-right regime in Washington."

[cprise]

1. Whether or not they mainstream

...they are pulling politics to the left.

[philosophie_en_rose]

2. Really?

How does splitting progressive votes and empowering Republicans "push politics to the left"?

[Tinoire]

4. Not pushing Politics to the left

but sending a clear signal to the Democratic Party that unless it turns around and returns to the Left, it can forget about having enough votes to win.

A Party is supposed to represent its voters after all and if the Democratic Party wants to cater to the Centrists then it has no right to complain when the more Leftis voters crop it.

Contrary to popular belief, we are NOT beholden to the DNC. A vote is EARNED. And if you don't think the Republicans have the same problem, think again.

[LiberalLibra]

3. cprise: "...pulling politics to the left"?? I've certainly seen.....

...much of the country voting rethug because liberals can't speak in one voice, but I'm not sure I've seen politics moving to the left.