Dean says GOP will say anything to win. Tells why hard to allocate funds.

[madfloridian]

Interesting interview with Dean by US News. He speaks on the things going on now. He also expresses his fears about the upcominng elections, that anything could happen with the Republicans.

On Rep. Mark Foley

For those who have known what this group of Republicans is about, it's not a surprise that this should happen. They've put the interests of their party ahead of the interests of America and they've done it for six years.. We're staying away from it, to be honest with you. I don't want this to be seen as partisan. We'll do gentle reminders, of course, and people will use it in their ads, but you know, I think that this is just a firestorm. I had airport mechanics talking to me about it on the road. I mean, when that starts to happen, you know this is an issue that matters a lot.

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/061005/5dean.htm

And about the elections coming up, he expresses some fears about the Republicans.

On his biggest concern about the upcoming election

What worries me the most is that willing to say anything and they're willing to repeat anything whether it's true or not. They did it in order to invade Iraq and they'll do it in order to win elections. And I have some worry about the voting machines. We know that the don't work right, the electronic voting machines that don't have a paper trail. We know they're corruptible by accident or on purpose, and it's a major concern.

He explains why it so hard to allocate funds to candidates, because so many keep becoming important races.

On allocating money to campaigns

One of our problems is that the races keep expanding. By this time, you're usually narrowing the number of races and pulling funding away from people who can't win. We've got people who were not on the radar of either the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee or the Republican National Congressional Committee and they have a chance.

[MrCoffee]

1. Is there a :throw up your hands in frustration: smiley?

"We're staying away from it...We don't want this to be seen as partisan." But, the airport mechanics want to talk about it, because "this is an issue that matters a lot."

Does this make sense to anyone at all? Stay away from an issue that matters a lot?

[longship]

2. Yes, when your opponent has lit themselves on fire...

You stay away from the conflagaration.

[MrCoffee]

7. or you go to the gas station and buy more fuel for the fire.

they are already spinning this into "what did the democrats cover up", so we're going to get our suits dirty, whether we like it or not...i've said it before and i'll say it again. This election is a bar fight; there ain't nothing civilized about this. We have to *take* Congress back from these bastards. They're not going to *give* us anything. Unitl we learn how to play in the NFL, we aren't going to win the race for dog catcher.

[madfloridian]

8. Nothing Dems do will ever please some here at DU. Let's face it.

Your statement about the dog catcher is really silly, and playing the NFL as you say..is silly stuff as well.

The Republicans are not the big league, as you indicate, they are pathetic.

If they all went on TV and screamed loudly, you would say they did not scream loudly enough.

This was a classy interview, and you are demanding the impossible.

[MrCoffee]

11. Oh, well, you've taught me a valuable lesson, haven't you?

If the repubs are not in the big league, please explain the current make-up of the US Congress? Oh, it's Diebold's fault. It couldn't possibly be that we are featherweights when it comes to campaigning, could it?

If one of them went on TV and screamed at all, i'd give them a standing ovation. Pelosi came close on C-Span, it it was great to see.

You still haven't explained why "gentle reminders" are a good thing. i'm open to suggestion, but if all you have is denigration, then thanks for nothing.

[Dr Fate]

16. It's what they refuse to do that displeases so many...

...and yes, that will continue if their past inaction is an indicator.

But dont blame the hard working DEM activists who want action- blame the DEMS who sit on their hands & wont move on this.

[The Magistrate]

19. In This Instance, Ma'am, Gov. Dean May Be Mistaken

It seems to me the best course for Democratic spokespersons and candidates would be to hit this thing hard, stressing the "corrupt cover-up" line, and in ways that point up the hypocrisy of the Republican jihad against homosexuals. We want the faces of the moralist right rubbed in the spectacle of a Republican homosexual predator being shielded for years by the Republican leadership, till they are raw and bleeding. We want them whimpering that "there's not a dime's worth of difference" between the parties when it comes to homosexuals in Washington....

[madfloridian]

22. Go to the front page of the DNC....Hitting the leadership hard.

www.democrats.org

Read the DNC press releases.

http://www.democrats.org/press.php

Read the DNC blog.

http://www.democrats.org/blog.html

That is what I am saying, they are hitting it hard while saying they are not. The GOP is cleaning house.

[Dr Fate]

24. Swingvoters dont go to the DNC page- where can they see this on TV?

????

[The Magistrate]

27. Precisely, Doctor

[madfloridian]

29. Well, as I said.

I am not very smart.

[Dr Fate]

35. If you think all we need is some blurbs on an all DEM website...

..then that would be true.

But you dont really believe that is all we need, do you?

You would be standing on your chair and cheering out loud just like me if Dean was on TV saying the stuff on that site-

I hope he and others do- but they need to move. Where ARE they today?

[longship]

13. But this is *not* a national election.

It's 435 local elections in 435 different, individual districts, plus thirty-some state-wide elections. Why would *anybody* expect that the Democratic Party should preempt all these campaign committees and run their campaigns from the national office? We are *not* the Republicans. We don't do that.

[The Magistrate]

26. Every Attempt To Nationalize It, Sir, Must Be Made

To wrest a majority requires making most people see their local representative as a symbol of a larger institution they despise, and to do this requires a cohesive national effort.

[MrCoffee]

40. This *is* a national issue...

and can be run on in any district you care to name. A resignation in disgrace, a cover-up by Congressional leaders, the promise of more revelations to come...The DNC should be at the forefront of the charge against the repubs. To expect anything less is to relegate the DNC to a second-rate operation, and to leave 435 Congressional races out in the cold.

[longship]

43. But it is up to the various campaign committees to do that.

The national committee cannot dictate policy. That's what the Repukes do, and the Democrats do not operate like that--thank goodness. All the national committee can do is encourage and support.

BTW, Dr. Dean and many of the rest of the party leaders have been speaking out loudly on many of these issues. It's just that we don't see or hear it because the "liberal media" doesn't cover it. And so it goes...

[MrCoffee]

46. Encourage and support...what do we have a DNC for, then?

If all they can do is encourage and support, what good are they? They're the Democratic NATIONAL Committee...who else can develop a NATIONAL platform? Who else can develop and implement a NATIONAL strategy? What other possible purpose could the Democratic NATIONAL Committee have???

As far as the "libral media doesn't cover it" argument goes, you can either resign yourself to that fate (waaaa, they won't cover me, waaaa), or you can use the Foley scandal as the foot in the door. Find me a news director who would turn away a Democratic candidate or spokesman who wanted to go on the air and talk about Foley. Then once you're in, take Woodward's book and club the repubs to death with it. Make them choke on the NIE. Bring up whatever you want. But to make "gentle reminders" about something the media is in a lather about is to piss away a beautiful opportunity to turn the debate into "What ELSE are they covering up? Why, a whole host of things!"

[longship]

47. Apparently you don't get it.

Each campaign is completely under the control of the Rep's campaign committee. The national party has no say in those operations. All they can do is raise and distribute money and give global, big issue support. They are doing that, in spades.

And how is a campaign committee or the national committees going to get the word out when media won't give them time on the air?

Buy ads? Well, it appears that they are doing just that. But, in general, you're not going to see ads from the Congressional district in Outer Slobovia, North Carolina on the national networks. So all this screeching about "The Dems aren't doing anything" is meaningless. They are doing lots, but since these are *all* local elections, you don't see what's happening on the street at the national level.

Relax about this. Things *are* happening. You can see it, but you have to look for it at the district level.

[MrCoffee]

48. I really don't get your "strategy" at all. It doesn't make any sense.

You're telling me the DNC/DSCC/DCCC has no control over an individual candidate's campaign? Is that really what you're saying?

Then why in the world are we wasting our time with the DNC/DSCC/DCCC? What DO they do?

I don't follow your argument. Either it's too big for us to see (global big issue support), or it's too small for us to see (on the street).

[longship]

49. That's right.

Congressional races are run by the local campaign committees, not by the national committees. All the DNC, DSCC, DCCC do is provide support for the various campaign committees. Each candidate committee runs their own strategy, etc.

There are rules for financial support, too. I know. I was treasurer of a county Dem committee in the 90's.

What about this do you not understand?

Specifically what do you perceive that the national committees are not doing? I'm interested in knowing this because you seem to think that there's something amiss.

[Dr Fate]

15. That is an excuse for not confronting these crooks & liars. n/t

n/t

[madfloridian]

6. Read it all...candidates are using it in their ads. Leadership failure.

I think they are very right to be careful on this. The DNC has a whole front page devoted to the corrupt Republican leadership who did not investigate. They are going after one aspect, the leadership failure.

www.democrats.org

[MrCoffee]

9. According to Howard, the leadership failure is "just a firestorm".

Regarding the page program and the leadership's failure to send Foley packing: "they never even told the Democrats who were supervising the page program about this. They didn't let our side of the aisle know. Why? Because, they considered this a political problem. This is not a political problem. This is a human problem, and it should have been dealt with a year ago."

This is in every way conceivable a political problem for the repubs.

[madfloridian]

10. A huge firestorm that airport mechanics are even griping about to him.

"I think that this is just a firestorm. I had airport mechanics talking to me about it on the road. I mean, when that starts to happen, you know this is an issue that matters a lot."

This is silly. He made good statements.

[MrCoffee]

12. I was quoting him. He said that. In the same breath as "just a firestorm

[madfloridian]

14. Are you thinking he was downplaying it?

He wasn't. He is saying it is very serious. Maybe you took the words "just a firestorm" the opposite way that it was meant.

[MrCoffee]

39. I read it differently..."just a firestorm" and "gentle reminders"

do not equal the mobilizing event that can bring swing voters to pull the Democratic lever in November. And that's what this is all about. Howard Dean doesn't have to sell the Democratic platform to me. He has to sell it to those who aren't true believers. Why he's stroking my ego is beyond me. I (and I assume you as well) aren't going anywhere.

This issue can and should be used to galvanize the great middle mass of voters that we MUST win if we are to take Congress back. To downplay and soft-peddle the importance of Foleygate (or whatever we're calling it) is to completely ignore those voters.

[Dr Fate]

41. Why we are supposed to give any DEM leader the benefit of the doubt...

...is beyond me. If they had won some major battles in the past, then that would be different.

We have seen them fail to fight and then lose WAY to many times.

We need to make DAMN sure the DEMS know that we do not approve of even the suggestion of the failed "Sit back and let them hang themsleves" method.

[blm]

20. It's ALREADY out there - Voters have issues that AREN'T being heard and

I think Dean is saying the right thing, here, and by keeping a cool head about the scandal itself.

Foley coverup is just PART of the GOP culture of corruption that includes Iraq war and Katrina policy and taxcuts for the rich.

[napi21]

3. I agree with Dean. This is definately a situation where the

Pubs are shooting at themselves! Back out of the way and let them kill each other!

If directly asked, all the Dems seem to be on the same page. Pubs are Party first, people last! Beyond that, we need to let them go on digging that DEEP HOLE!

[DinahMoeHum]

4. "One of our problems is that the races keep expanding"

Heh heh, let's be HAPPY we have this problem, folks!

Looks like the good Doctor's "50-State Strategy" is starting to bear fruit. They are becoming competitive in nearly EVERY STATE and a whole lot more districts than before.

:kick:

[KoKo]

5. The whole interview is a good read....thanks for the post. n/t

[trof]

17. "people who can't win"

I sent the e-mail below to Vivian Beckerle, the Dem candidate running against repug incumbent Jo Bonner. She was one of those perceived "lost causes". And now, thanks to Foley/Hastert, she has an actual shot and she still can't get $upport from the state or national party.
(on edit: District 1, AL)

Dear Viv,
1. I've read (in several places) that it was "common knowledge" on the hill for years that Foley was gay* AND that he had an unnatural affinity for young male pages. Jo Bonner is the "assistant majority whip". As such I would think he is in frequent contact with whip Roy Blunt (R-MO), and majority leader John Boehner (R-OH).

"On Wednesday, another member of the party's leadership, Representative Roy Blunt of Missouri, pointedly criticized Hastert's handling of the matter in unusually frank terms that seemed to suggest that he saw Hastert's hold on power as endangered."
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/10/04/news/cong.php

"Boehner was on WLW Radio in Cincinnati this morning for an interview during which it sounded to many like Boehner was hanging the bullseye on Hastert's back.

"I believe I talked to the Speaker and he told me it had been taken care of. In my position it's in his corner, it's his responsibility. The Clerk of the House who runs the page program, the page board all report to the Speaker. And I believed that it had been dealt with." http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_theswamp/2006/10/top_congressman.html

So...this puts Bonner in what I call the "Nixon corner". Either he knew about this and chose to go along with the cover-up, or he's so far out of the loop that he really has no idea what's going on in the house and in his party.

Which is it Jo? It's time to fish or cut bait.

2. Given this unexpected turn of events, isn't there any way the national and state party will take another look at your chances and SEND SOME MONEY down here for TV commercials? We need a last minute blitz in the 1st district.

* I have nothing against gays, and we could have an interesting discussion about that sometime. Most gays are not pedophiles and most pedophiles are not gay.

[madfloridian]

21. Which is why I highlighted that paragraph. Exactly.

There are not as many "people who can't win." Funds are being quickly spread thinner and thinner because more candidates are relevant now.

[trof]

23. Yeah, it's sad. Our local Dem club has given her $1000

which gets you bupkus TV time.
:-(

[madfloridian]

18. Some here do not do subtle at all.

Some here simply do NOT do subtle at all. The whole damn front page of the DNC is going after the leadership scandal. Dean says it is a firestorm that everyone is approaching him about on his trips....it is huge.

The GOP is taking care of its own right now. The Democrats are as Dean says in the interview stoking the fire when needed.

The interview was filled with the fact of how serious this was, then he said the Republicans will say anything to win...anything. It is all there.

www.democrats.org

Read the DNC press releases.

http://www.democrats.org/press.php

Read the DNC blog.

http://www.democrats.org/blog.html

That is what I am saying, they are hitting it hard while saying they are not. The GOP is cleaning house.

[Dr Fate]

25. Great- but where can swing-voters find all that on TV?

They dont go to DEM websites for info, in case you didnt know.

The only people who go to those sites you posted were already voting against the GOP -Foley or no Foley.

[madfloridian]

28. I am not very smart.

And all I need to do to remember that is come to DU for 5 minutes, post something I think is a great way to go, and get promptly put in my place.

I am not very smart, but I do know that our going on TV right yelling loudly might just be counterproductive in some areas like ours.

One of our neighbors said she was so sad about her party's failures, and she appreciated the Democrats were standing down on it for now.

So, whatever, I not known for my smarts here.

[Dr Fate]

31. So you think some words to the choir on an all DEM website is "fighting"?

Not me.

When Dean or whoever says all this on TV, where EVERYONE can hear it, then ya got something.

No one said he needed to "yell loudly"- that is strawman. He, or whoever, can say it on TV in calm voice, for all I care- so long as he says it. ON TV.

[madfloridian]

33. Hilarious and sad. I just posted the interview he gave

in which he attacked Republicans, which everyone is saying is not good because he did not attack.

Oh, gee. I think I need some air.

[Dr Fate]

36. I said I want to see him on TV saying this stuff. A very resonable request

That way more folks see it.

I'm sure he & others will (I hope)- but they need to move

[MrCoffee]

42. Why is questioning the wisdom of DNC strategy a personal attack on you?

I certainly never questioned your intelligence. IMHO, you are very very defensive when it comes to Howard Dean and the DNC. I challenged you once in an earlier thread, and I said a very stupid, very mean thing to you in response to what I saw as being insulted for not toeing the party line. I apologize for that, and hope you can forgive me.

That being said, why do you equate honest questions about DNC policy with personal assaults against you? I ask because there were 4 references to you "not being smart" in the above post, when nothing I've read so far in this thread indicates that?

[madfloridian]

32. And at least he remembers Iraq,...which DU does not do anymore.

It is all about Foley, Foley this, Foley that. And Hastert, this and that.

[Dr Fate]

37. Bull crap- we have been exposing Iraq lies since day one.

And even though it does not make sense, no Repubs resigned or had their positions threatened as a result.

See the difference?

No one is faulting Dean for his correct postitions on Iraq- this about hitting the GOP as hard as we can in what is now their softest spot...

Dean is off to a good start- but if you think we are going to give anyone in the DEM leadership the benefit of the doubt after all the failures we have seen, you must be kidding.

We need to keep pressing these guys to hit and hit hard. ON TV.

[madfloridian]

30. This is so funny. Dean is giving an interview "blasting" Republicans..

and people are posting on here saying the Democrats are wrong for not attacking them.

Some simply don't get it at all. He is blasting them while saying he is standing down on it.

I give up.

[Dr Fate]

34. I would be happy if he just went on TV and said that stuff.

I'm not blasting him- I wish he would take all that great stuff on the website and say it where EVERYONE can hear it.

It case you didnt notice, Democratic activists will not accept any excuses for letting this scandal did down. We have seen the DEMS let the GOP/media get away with literally hundreds of scandals and we are not giving an inch.

Dean and every other DEM w/ media access needs to be on TV- TODAY- asking "What elese are they lying about and covering up? Iraq? 9/11?"

Will they?

Is that really "DEM bashing" of too much to ask for me to demand this?

[MrCoffee]

44. Can you please point out where Dr. Dean "blasts" Repubs in that interview?

Honestly, I don't see it. I read where he says "They've put the interests of their party ahead of the interests of America and they've done it for six years.."

"They should get rid of the people who run the page program, and that's the Republican leadership. In the past, when things like this happened, they acted in unison in a bipartisan way to deal with it. Here they keep Dale Kildee in the dark; they never even told the Democrats who were supervising the page program about this. They didn't let our side of the aisle know. Why? Because, they considered this a political problem. This is not a political problem. This is a human problem, and it should have been dealt with a year ago." --is that blasting? Seems more like explaining than blasting. Which is fine, but he's not doing what you commend him for.

The rest of the article is about Democrats. So could you please explain where Dr. Dean "blasts" Republicans?

[madfloridian]

45. I got your message.

I find it hard to fight alone when I am being tag teamed. Perhaps organized elsewhere.

I posted a good post, and it did not deserve to turn into this.

I requested it be locked because there is enough tension here today. But I guess they don't want to lock it.

And I requested a 2nd time.

[Name removed]

38. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[madfloridian]

50. How he feels about the 50 state strategy.

On his 50-state strategy

"I think partly due to Republican propaganda and partly due to the fact that we haven't shown up in those places in 20 years, people have a completely skewed view of what Democrats are about, and that's why I want to be in all 50 states. This is not a matter of remaking the party and changing our views on these things. It's a matter of making sure people know what our views really are. And saying it in a way that people understand that we're listening to them first and we understand what they're doing instead of being so anxious to spout off about our policy programs. Six-point plans are not the same things as a message, and I think that's something that Democrats have to learn. We can win elections anywhere. We've won elections in Utah, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi. We've won four out of four special elections for the House in Mississippi, the mayorship in Mobile, Ala., the mayorship in Tulsa, Okla., the mayorship in Salt Lake County, Utah. There's a third of this country in which it's become socially unacceptable to say you're a Democrat; that's simply a matter of us not showing up."

[Dr Fate]

51. The Foley scandal shows just how right Dean was in that strategy.

Ya never know when something might "open up"- showing up is half the battle.