Feingold to support Obama for president in 2012

[Lunabelle]

Former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, a Wisconsin Democrat, has told supporters that although he’s still considering seeking an elective office in the future, he will not appear on any 2012 ballots.

And more to the point:

In 2012, he says he’ll work for the reelection of President Barack Obama, but following the actions of Gov. Scott Walker, he says he also understands that “retaking the state governments from these corporate-backed operatives” must be a priority.

“The entire political climate is more infected by the domination of very wealthy individual and corporate interests than perhaps at any time in our nation’s history. That is why I founded Progressives United, an organization devoted not only to overturning the Citizens United decision but to challenging those involved in the political process who, for short-term political gain, are willing to seek and accept unlimited corporate contributions. This practice should be strongly opposed regardless of party and regardless of whether I otherwise support these candidates,” he said.
No Democrat who has any chance of ever becoming president will challenge President Obama in 2012, and as was the case immediately after the 2008 primaries season ended, when Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign and announced her support for Obama, anyone who thinks Russ Feingold has the character and judgment to be president in 2013 needs to consider his character and judgment in deciding who he wants to be president in 2013. It may not be the most savory option for those yearning for a more liberal, progressive, and yes—pragmatic— political agenda, but the only options for 2012 are President Obama and a batshit crazy Republican. And when every credible Republican candidate denies or wants to do nothing about climate change, and is otherwise at war with basic scientific facts, it is not hyperbole to call them batshit crazy.

Punishing the Democrats didn't turn out so well in 2000. The Democrats themselves weren't punished, but millions and millions of people around the world were. Many at the cost of their lives. This isn't a game.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/08/19/1008728/-Feingold-to-support-Obama-for-president-in-2012

[gateley]

1. This is the truth:

"Punishing the Democrats didn't turn out so well in 2000. The Democrats themselves weren't punished, but millions and millions of people around the world were. Many at the cost of their lives. This isn't a game."

[TheWraith]

3. I can't imagine it being said any better than that, really.

More evidence why we need Feingold. I really wish he were heading back to the Senate.

[Kahuna]

9. When good Democratic leaders like Gore and Feingold are abandoned

by Democratic voters, they lose their stomach for politics. Who can blame them?

[ZombieHorde]

6. That is true, but just expecting voters to vote for the lesser evil doesn't seem to work

well either.

What does seem to work well is getting people excited to vote for someone. Of course, getting people excited can be tricky.

[JDPriestly]

8. Precisely, Zombiehorde.

And in 2008, people were excited to vote for Obama.

I would like to have a more concerted effort to identify and support truly strong progressives for the House and Senate.

What about Dianne Feinstein's seat. She is progressive on some issues, but almost as right-wing as Joe Lieberman on some really important ones -- like balancing human rights with security. She leans far too much toward surveillance and violation of people's rights, especially the right to privacy.

[swilton]

10. She's a defense hawk and her husband has

benefited greatly from contracts in Iraq. Although I don't follow her that closely, she has been supportive of women's choice...She opposed justices Roberts and Alito - but the opposition was criticized by some California Democrats as lackluster...never threatening to filibuster.

[handmade34]

2. excellent! n/t

[Tuesday Afternoon]

4. k/r

[elocs]

5. Isn't Feingold one of the DU favorites to primary Obama whether he wants to or not?

Now he goes and says he supports the President. Well that's got to be a real kick in the teeth to the Liberals and Progressives who insist that Obama must be primaried.

[tblue]

7. Selfless and magnanimous. I love Russ like no other!

A truer American patriot you won't find anywhere. Hope he runs again. I'd travel to his state to work on his campaign if I had the $$$.