Idea: run as Republicans.

[CarbonDate]

The tides of history are shifting, and the Democratic party seems to be moving to the right without much we can do about it. Since we can't stop this movement, I'd like to make a suggestion: instead of trying to salvage the Democratic party, abandon ship and take over the Republican party.

The two major parties shift ideologies every so often. If you look at past Republican Presidents like Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Eisenhower, any one of these guys would be Democrats today. Then look at Democrats like Strom Thurmond back in the day who became Republicans when the party started moving to the left. They successfully took over the Republican party back then, and so can we, today. Arnold Schwarzeneger's corporate whoredom aside, his other political views are quite a bit to the left of even many Democrats. It's a start.

Obviously, this is something we'd have to take our time thinking about, but historically, it's not such an outlandish idea. Establishing a third party isn't a viable option given how the Electoral College works.

I'm seriously considering running for office at some point down the line as a liberal Republican.

Thoughts?

[Liberty Belle]

1. Will you have the guts to stand up and fight when they

threaten you for not towing the party line? This is what happens to Republicans who aren't neocons these days.

If so, go for it. Infiltrating the GOP could be one way to break their stranglehold on power, if all else fails.

[CarbonDate]

6. Well, if not, what would be the point?

The point is to change what the party line is. They can only maintain their fascist level of control for so long. Nature has a funny way of breaking that which does not bend. That's what I intend to do.

[SharonAnn]

10. Moderate and Liberal Republicans don't make it in the Primaries

They get creamed by the Conservatives and right-wingers.

We had a moderate Republican incumbent State Representative in the adjoining county. A right-winger went up against himin the primary and beat him.

They have no compunction about killing off their own.

[Bronco69]

2. Why not?

If Zig Zag Zell can run as a democrat and win even though he's insane, why can't a well rounded liberal run as a republican and win?

[Lenape85]

14. Actually, he was appointed

...to fill Paul Coverdell's spot when he died

When he was elected, he at least still acted somewhat like a Democrat

[villager]

3. as American street theatre it might be worth it...

Showing up, as registered Republicans, at candidates' nights, etc., to argue for global warming policies, tolerance of all religions, etc., etc....

Make them all crazy about who is --and isn't -- a Republican!

[absolutezero]

4. traitor

j/k :)

Actually I was thinking something similar. Only as soon as I got into office I'd switch parties or delcare myself independant.

Then again I'm from an area where Greens outnumber Republicans (I love Northeast Jeresy)

[Somawas]

5. Neither smart nor realistic

but after 45 years as a Democrat, if the party keeps heading right and acting Republican Lite, I'm going Green.

[CarbonDate]

8. Ha, ha

You talk about "smart and realistic", then you say you're going Green? Come on.

[Cleita]

9. Actually, going Green is what has to happen.

Our Democratic Party has been infiltrated by conservatives who are changing our agenda by not fighting the attacks from the right. Why was it the Libertarians and the Greens that tried to get the recounts in Ohio? Shouldn't it have been the Democrats?

It seems to me we need to come up from behind and surprise the neo-cons. If the Democrats don't come up with some really sharp leadership and some real tactics that convince me that they are going to tackle the right wing fascists head on, and pretty soon, then I too will be going Green.

It isn't just some of us mal-contents on DU who are talking about it. It was mentioned on AAR yesterday by Tom Hartmann. He also thinks we are going to have to go Green to be able to call ourselves, left-wing, liberal or Democrats.

[Somawas]

15. Absolutely

Third parties are beginning to make a few gains. Greens may not elect a President, but they can elect a local official or two. And quite honestly, if democrats are going to act like Republican Lite, I'll go to a party that acts consistent with my beliefs. And work to take votes away from Democrats who lack principle. Either stand for something or stand out of the way.

[lenidog]

7. I LIKE IT!!!!!!

The best way to takeover, destroy or change a group is to do it from within.

[Sara Beverley]

11. I've been saying this forever. Most dittoheads don't even know the

candidates in their local elections. They just vote straigt Republican. That's why you can run a dead person and have him get about 13% of the votes.

[David Zephyr]

12. I Will Be Posting Something Along the Same Lines in January, CarbonDate

I'm serious and I am not kidding.

If the Democratic Party veers further right with Al From and the DLC gang, then the real Left who do all the work, raise the money, work the streets, might consider that since we are not welcome, since we are ridiculed, since we are treated like smelling hippies, then perhaps we should put our activity into play within the Republican Primaries pulling that Party our way. I've been tossing this around for some time now, especially since the further demonization of Howard Dean, Michael Moore, MoveOn.Org and others by the power elite within the Democratic Party.

Otherwise, it is clearly to move to the Green Party and begin to build up that party to where it truly has muscle.

In any event, the Democratic Party is a toothless joke now. It has no voice within even the most insignificant committees in Congress. It is a toothless joke.

Keep me posted and write me anytime at my inbox here.

Peace.

[booley]

13. camaflouged canidates?

do what the repubicans do and run as a conservative..and then switch gears once elected to become an ultra liberal.. Just like they run as moderates until they no longer have to present a public face.

IF you're going to beat them at thier own game, play it.

[Telly Savalas]

16. Bob LaFollette was a Republican and he kicked ass.

Granted that was nearly 100 years ago, but there used to be a Progressive wing to the party.

Check out his bio at Wikipedia.

[NVMojo]

17. shit, why not?

Be an effective wolf in sheeps clothes ....if you can ...

[metisnation]

18. Social Darwinism

Become the alpha and conquer other alphas. Do you seriosly think that we as humans as so much more adept at inate survival skills.