Anyone else just see Harry Reid's *weak* performance on Zahn?

[jefferson_dem]

I have been willing to give Harry the benefit of the doubt. But, based on that performance, i sure as hell hope he's better "behind the scenes" than he is when he "goes public." Cause shit...i sure don't see much of a fighter. Basically, he came across as just too fucking accomodating.

Sure, there was token talk of how the Dems have a responsibility to defend the values of those who support the party, and the Senate should not be a rubber stamp for chimpy. And i realize the newly selected Maj Leader does not want to come in with a big confrontational attitude. BUT SHIT.

What concerned me most was his weak, softsoap reponse to Paula's question about changing the filibuster rule. Reid just rambles with words about how "the Dems won't always be minortiy" and "the Reps will someday be on the other side of the rules if they change them." What the fuck?! I thought that was the fucking NUCLEAR strategy. The other day, Schumer's brushback on this issue was so much more assuring. Basically, he warned the Reps that there would be HELL TO PAY, if they monkey around with the rules. That's what we need. Fucking hardball! After tonight, i have serious concerns about whether Reid has it in him.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. WOW you still watch CNN?

That said, look much of our leaders will need to find their way, and learn how to fight... they have no idea yet how to

But they need to see us as well, leaders will emerge in this fight, some of them may be already in place, most will emerge in the commong years, who knows? We may be those future leaders

[Leilani]

2. I think we should give him a chance

I have read he is VERY tough behind the scenes

He is not a big media guy

I'm more concerned with deeds than spin

[jefferson_dem]

4. I agree Leilani. I am not one to lambast our leaders (old and new)

for one bad performance or one weak statement. And i've noted that about Harry. He has not been unimpressive as whip. I caution to not discount the importance of the spin-game. I fucking hate it. But that's what the people (including us) see.

[DELUSIONAL]

5. Well the fucker does NOT support women

so he can go . . . . fill in the blank.

Dem senators are IDIOTS.

If the fucker can't project strength ON TV -- then the dems choice was STUPID.

A spokesMAN is one who commands attention -- but what do dems know about leadership anyway -- the idiots they choose -- might as well have a brick wall -- at least a brick wall looks strong.

I give no ground when it comes to women's reproductive right -- anyone who is against women's right to control her own body is my enemy.

[serryjw]

8. Give him a chance? F*CK That ........

He is PRO LIFE with a 29% voting record with NARAL and has a 40% with ACLU......we will soon have Patriots 12......I have no idea what you guys are talking about but this guy is republican!

[Leilani]

7. I saw Patrick Leahy on C-Span this AM

& he talked about Harry Reid very, very positively. And Leahy sounded sincere.

Said Reid was a boxer at one time, & he is tough.

I think he's been a terrific whip, & he had overwhelming support, so I think they trust him.

[0007]

9. I like Harry Reid on every issue except Women Right.

[ohioan]

15. Anyone with any doubts should consider this . . .

Harry Reid, as minority whip, managed to whip reluctant and skittish Democrats into virtually unanimous support for the filibusters of Bush's right wing judges (all of them anti-choice, by the way, in case anyone worries that Reid's pro-life stance will get in the way), something most insiders thought would NEVER happen. And not only did he get them to line up and fly right on the first and second filibuster votes - an achievement in itself - he kept them in line for the 18th, 19th and 20th votes.

Handling the Democratic caucus is like herding cats. But Reid whipped the hell out of them and made them like it. Just because he's not breathing fire and doing cartwheels on television night after night doesn't mean he's not effective. He's as tough as they come.

Do NOT underestimate this man!!!

[librechik]

3. join the club

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooo tired of wimpy overly polite Dems selling us down the river with wedgies and our lunch money gone.

[DELUSIONAL]

6. You said it better than I did witch fewer cuss word!

[blue agave]

10. and Kerry was a war hero once ...

not any more. He even came home and fought for justice because it was the right thing to do ... not any more.

These guys are compromised. All they care about is their retirement.

It will be up to the new generation now to find the courage to fire up the smoldering remains of the party and bring it back to life. It is time for the elders to step aside and get the hell out of the way.

[angrydemocrat]

11. And Kerry is still a hero

To say not anymore is complete BS! No matter what you think about him personally that will never change the fact the man is a hero. Yes he did come and fight for justice and done a very good job I might add and yes it was the right thing to do. But again to say not anymore is complete BS! Kerry always has and always will stand up and fight for what is right. That's the kind of man he is. To say all he care's about is his retirement is complete total BS! First off this man is set for life and has been for many many years. He doesn't have to work. Kerry does what he does because he loves his country and cares about others. This man works to try to help the poor and middle class people of this country. He wants everyone to be able to live the American dream not only the wealthy and privaleged in this country. You say it is time for him to get the hell out of the way well let me remind you this man is there because the American people want him there and he sure as hell won't step out of the way until the American people want him to. And if you think it is going to happen anytime soon you are fooling yourself because the people respect this man and his work and don't want him going anywhere!

[blue agave]

12. Thanks angrydemocrat, I needed that.

My sincere apology to the honorable senator for all he has done for our democracy in the past. He has served us well. And I was out of line to imply complacency.

But, with all due respect, we all knew that the real battle would begin on November 2 when the neocons were expected to launch their offensive of electioneering fraud. I do not feel that this was the appropriate moment for Kerry to turn his boat around and head back down river.

If he is still fighting to preserve our voting rights, it would certainly be more reassuring if he would make his effort known.

I am not blaming him for the coup redeaux. It has been a frustrating time for all of us, and the future will obviously require more activism on our part. Nor do I wish away the wisdom of our elder statesmen, for that would be foolhardy. But I think the charge must now be led by someone with more fire in their belly.

[ohioan]

16. THANK you!

[okieinpain]

13. and yet some folks around here have a problem with dean. hmmm!!!

[blue agave]

14. Most all of the primary candidates were favored

by someone here ... except for Lieberman maybe. We are a diverse group, from left to center, and we all have a different perspective on whom the ideal candidate should be.

I did not vote for Kerry in the primary, but I did throw all of my support behind him once he was chosen to lead the party. I tend to be idealistic initially but, in the end, fall in line to battle the repubs for the good of us all.

In retrospect, who knows how the other candidates would have held up to the onslaught of media bashing. I think Dean was forced out too early by the ABB movement. Edwards and Clark fought in Kerry's support to the end, as well, and deserve our appreciation also.

[ShaneGR]

17. Let the bashing begin! Perhaps Nevada can replace him with a wing-nut?

And so many will chear here when that happens too. Perhaps in the next decade we can narrow down our seats to under 30 in the Senate and under 150 in the House. But oh boy, then we'll have a PURE Democratic Party.

Bah.

[blue agave]

18. Then, how to keep our diverse coalition united ?

.

[ShaneGR]

19. Perhaps we focus on the REAL enemies

Visa Vie, the Republicans.

[blue agave]

20. Thanks ShaneGR, I was getting off topic.

.