Time to Stop the "Blame the Liberals and Progressives" meme

[Exilednight]

There seems to be a massive onslaught of "vote Democrat, or else", which goes on to blame the liberals and progressives for what is shaping up to be a pretty bad election season for Democrats.

Now here's the funny part, (not haha funny, well maybe haha funny; I guess it depends on which side of the line you are standing on) these are many of the same people who just a few weeks ago were stating that it was not progressives and/or liberals who put Obama over the top, but rather that it was independent swing voters.

But now that many Democrats are lagging in the poles, many on here have already begun blaming progressives and liberals.

So, here it is. Democrats are going to lose seats; and probably lose one, slight possibility of both, chamber(s) of Congress.

Now the above mentioned people need a scapegoat. The easy targets, since swing and independent voters don't hang out on DU, are liberals and progressives.

The funny (again, not haha funny) is that I have yet to see anyone say that they weren't going to vote for Democrats in the upcoming election. Personally, I like my rep and I can tolerate both my Senators who happen to be Democrats.

The base is going to vote for Dems in the midterms. The base turns out for midterms. It will not be the base's fault when some Dems lose their seats. Obama managed to win over swing voters and managed to get the young vote to turn out.

But that's okay. Just keep blaming the liberals and progressives. For the simple minded it's the easiest thing to do.

[ClassWarrior]

1. Progressives DID put O over the top. I know die-hard liberals who turn up their noses...

...at the mere mention of the Democratic Party who worked full-time and more on a volunteer basis to get Obama elected. It's the simple truth.

NGU.

[Exilednight]

2. I agree with your analysis ...........

swings and independents put him over in the voting booth, but liberals and progressives are the ones who campaigned endlessly to get those voters to turn out.

[ClassWarrior]

3. Yup. Folks shouldn't forget that "independents" include a large, fairly disillusioned base...

...of liberals/progressives. And that they can "swing" the election as much as the mythical "centrists" by volunteering or not volunteering, and by voting or not voting.

NGU.

[karynnj]

6. Partly right - Progressives, liberals were everywhere in my state and in a few other

states I know of, but you also had the unions there, and the ... DLC wing out there. I personally knew NO PUMAS in my state. Everyone was working. That also used to be the norm. It was in the years when any segment of the party sat on their hands or didn't make a really decent effort to really understand the candidate and find what THEY liked about his (her) vision/accomplishments and positions.

As a liberal woman, Bill Clinton was about my least favorite choice in 1002. When it was clear he was going to be the candidate, I read his book. While I hated his dissembling on issues like Genefer Flowers and the draft and was unimpressed with his Arkansas record, especially on the environment, I saw that his positions were ones I far preferred to GHWB's. As i had a 2, 4 and 7 year old that fall and worked full time, I didn't volunteer, but we did give money. I did advocate for the ticket with friends, neighbors and co-workers.

To me, other than a few obvious years, 1968, 1980 (with many going to the more liberal Anderson), and 2000, the main people I knew who were involved were the liberals and progressives. Note that with most of the candidates since 1968, we RARELY got our favorite, but we were there. Though I wish more liberals and progressives would have made the effort to understand more of who Kerry was, even though many were disappointed by the primaries and took as Gospel all the primary attacks on him, the fact is they were the majority of people going door to door. Some more conservative Democrats were already speaking of Hillary. In fact 2004, was an example of not the progressives (who hated Bush) sitting it out, but that wing.

[Nite Owl]

4. K&R

Good analysis.
Why do the unreccers have to unrec every damned post that one of them doesn't start. It's been ridiculous lately. No discussion and if they do reveal themselves it's for name calling.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Exilednight]

11. It's only because they have no good defense. I will say this ..........

Obama's speech on Monday sounded like the Obama who ran for office. Hopefully this will be a turning point in his presidency.

On the other hand, he's done this before. After about a year in office he gave his "the gloves are off speech", but quickly went quiet again after Rahm probably chewed him out for speaking up.

[chill_wind]

7. Independent voting bloc- big jump since a year ago and more right leaning

In politics, as of today, do you consider yourself a Republican, a Democrat, or an independent? (Asked of independents: As of today, do you lean more to the Democratic Party or the Republican Party?)

2010 Aug 27-30 Repubs 28% Independents 41% Democrats 30%

Republicans(including "leaners") 47%

Democrats (including "leaners") 45%

more at http://www.gallup.com/poll/15370/Party-Affiliation.aspx

I posted this in a thread a week or two ago, but it's worth pointing out again:

The Jobless Effect: Unemployment Is Fueling Independent Voters' Anger

By PALLAVI GOGOII 07/20/10

It's an axiom of current political analysis that Independent voters have become an increasingly important, influential and powerful voting bloc. That this power is fueled by dissatisfaction coupled with the fact that the ranks of Independents are growing should trouble all lawmakers, especially Democrats, who currently have a majority in Congress.

And one look at the unemployment rate among independents makes it easy to understand their growing discontent. In an analysis prepared for DailyFinance, Gallup monthly polls reveal that in the last six months, the jobless rate among Independent voters is higher than for both Democrats and Republicans at least 50% of the time. In March, for instance, when it was at the highest level, a Gallup poll revealed that 12% of Independents were without a job, compared with 11% of Democrats and 6.5% of Republicans.

"The Independent voter anxiety started with TARP money for big banks, then shifted to unease over the stimulus package," says Jennifer Duffy, senior editor at The Cook Political Report. "Then, when the Administration completely ignored their increased anxiety over the economy and jobs and instead chose to focus on health care -- that was the end of it for Independent voters."

Frustrated With Both Parties

According to the latest Gallup poll, 40% of Americans identify themselves as Independent, a higher percentage then either Democrat (30%) or Republican (26%). That's up from 33% Independent, 29% Republican and 37% Democrat at the same time last year. Clearly, both parties have lost affiliates, though the Democrats appear to have lost more than the Republicans.

http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/careers/unemployment-fuels-independent-voters-anger/19557419/

http://politifi.com/news/The-Jobless-Effect-Unemployment-Is-Fueling-Independent-Voters-Anger-952121.html

[JamesA1102]

8. Don't confuse the demagogues with facts. nt

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

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[Liberal_Stalwart71]

10. I'm a liberal and don't give a shit what anyone says. I'm getting out and voting Dem...

And I'm going to do my damn-dest to make sure that everyone gets out to vote Dems.

...and that's that!! :toast:

[JTFrog]

12. Time to Stop the "Dems ARE gonna Lose" sky is falling screeds.

It doesn't take much effort to throw your hands up in the air and hand over victory to your opponents.

But that's ok. Just keep trash talking Democrats and the President. For the simple minded it's the easiest thing to do.

:eyes:

[Exilednight]

13. So, in your mind, holding the president accountable to his words =

trash talking Democrat?

And here's a bit of political reality for you: Dems are going to lose seats this election cycle. Hell, even Gibbs came out an openly stated this. And no one on the left is "handing over victory".

We're going to lose seats, it's that simple. But when we do, it will not be the fault of liberals and progressives. But the progressives and liberals will be the ones that are blamed because the simple minded don't know any better.

[JTFrog]

14. Instead of trying to convince me that "Dems are going to lose" how about

doing something progressive and phone banking for Progressive candidates instead.

http://www.thephonebomb.org/gotv/vol?Annie

That's how my simple mind has been working all summer. How about you?

[Exilednight]

17. How about me?

I volunteer every Saturday and Sunday four hours a day to canvas for my rep.

Here's and FYI from a marketing perspective. Political elections are another form of sales. Phone banking doesn't work. Those lists are composed of link minded people whose minds are already made up before you even make the call.

[JTFrog]

19. More defeatist bullshit. n/t

[Name removed]

20. Deleted message

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[alcibiades_mystery]

36. "holding the President accountable"

"I'm sorry if trying to hold Democrats accountable irritates you."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/9/7/899749/-KY-Sen:-Rand-Paul-staffer-caught-posing-as-progressive-at-Daily-Kos

[JTFrog]

42. Excellent find. n/t

[Exilednight]

43. You're comparing me to someone who works on a Rand Paul campaign?

This is a new low, even for DU.

You can go back to the General Discussion Primary pages and see how I supported Obama in his primary bid. My big argument is that he has failed to achieve the MAJOR parts of his legislative agenda.

HCR was gutted of the real change. Same with financial regulation.

And here's the bigger difference, I stand by someone who stands on principal - win or lose. But you have to fight to win or lose, giving up before the fight starts is just forfeiture.

[Dr.Phool]

15. Simple excuses for Simple People.

[CTLawGuy]

16. what "liberals and progressives" don't get is

that Obama cannot wave a magic wand and pass progressive legislation. It has to be approved by Congress, especially a very hostile US Senate. The Senate is dominated by Republicans who filibuster everything as a matter of course, plus several blue dog democrats who could care less if progressive change is made. There are maybe about 48-52 liberal/center-left senators. the dynamics of the body say "cater to us blue dogs or accomplish nothing."

Why do Russ Feingold, Bernie Sanders, Sherrod Brown, etc. vote for these bills that progressives bash all the time? Do you think that if there was a realistic possibility of getting a better bill, at least one of them would vote against the worse bill to hold out for the better bill? That they don't suggests that they know this is the best bill they are going to get.

A good example is the public option. contrary to popular belief, the public option was not "given away" by the white house. They had no power to give anything away, there wasn't even a single bill at the beginning of the process. The PO passed the house originally, and was in the final combined senate bill until Joe Lieberman said he would filibuster the bill if it had a PO, leaving the entire HCR with 59 votes (at most). At that point it was taken out and the bill passed, with 60 votes, just enough, including--Sanders, Feingold, Franken, and (Sherrod) Brown. ANY ONE OF THEM COULD HAVE KILLED THE BILL SINGLE-HANDEDLY. the house then passed the senate bill and the senate passed some "fixes" via reconciliation.

So, what is giving republicans and blue dogs more power by not voting going to accomplish?

[Exilednight]

18. On the other hand, Obama could of stood up and said something .............

I mean seriously, just look at the board today. Why couldn't he of given the speech he gave yesterday during the health-care push? We might of actually gotten a public option; and even if we didn't, at least he would of gone down swinging.

[Jakes Progress]

21. What "conserocrats and blue dogs" don't get is

if Obama can't deliver legislation, the electorate will decide his is impotent. Every post that starts making excuses is a post that tells people Obama can't get the job done. The sorry truth is that if he had stood and fought for the people instead of making goo-goo eyes with the blue dogs and republicans for a year and a half, we wouldn't be so worried about the election.

His best strategy now would be to admit he made the mistake of thinking republicans cared more about the country than about their seats (butts) and that he wasted precious energy and time trying to get them to help fix the mess their man left. He would ask for another chance to do what he said he would do and that this time he wouldn't waste his time trying to get those who care less for the people than they do for their corporate sponsors to go along. Only chance we have.

[green917]

25. Well said!

Oh how I wish he would give that speech (& in the same breath, fire Rahm, Geitner, Bernanke, Summers and a few others).

[Jakes Progress]

34. It's the best chance he has to save the Democrats.

He is getting fiery, but the actions to back it up is missing.

[ClarkUSA]

28. Good thing DLC darling Hillary Clinton wasn't elected president then!

<< if Obama can't deliver legislation, the electorate will decide his is impotent >>

Oh really?

"Credit Card Reform Makes It Easier To Pay Down Your Balance: Center For Responsible Lending"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/06/credit-card-reform-makes_n_566617.html

"CBO: Health-care reform bill cuts deficit by $1.3 trillion over 20 years, covers 95%"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x43338

"Senate Passes Massive Wall Street Regulation Bill"
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=10696150

More examples of Pres. Obama getting the job done:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=433&topic_id=375811&mesg_id=375811

[Jakes Progress]

33. Oh my. You really miss the primaries, don't you.

All that drama drama drama. Like the just graduated quarterback of a small town high school, you hang around trying to relive the only excitement in your young life. Take a clue from your hero and move on.

As for Hillary, I doubt there would have been much difference in the tenor of the administration under Hillary. I do suspect she wouldn't be as enamored of the republican approval as Obama. But, all in all, a corporate centered, right of center administration would have been just like the one we got.

Your links are weak. Credit card reform? Have you been reading what is happening with them? And that's the peg you want to hang your presidency on -- credit card reform?

Your health care link goes nowhere and self references.

You give one cite (from a major corporate interest) that says the reform is massive. Would you like about thirty from economists that say it is nice but too weak and doesn't address the issues that caused the meltdown?

And a PS post on DU itself as evidence? Come on. Even I could find a more credible resource of Obama's accomplishments. I can see the little things the congress helped Obama do.

But he hasn't delivered the change that he said he would. My post just mentioned that the more the enablers make excuses for his tepid accomplishments, the more it makes him seem incapable. He is storming now and going after the republicans the way he should. It's just that he should have done it 18 months ago instead of kissing their rings for so long. Plus, all his rhetoric now, while fiery and exciting, is less convincing in the light of performance.

[Lilith Velkor]

53. +eleventy

[Proud Liberal Dem]

31. Not being able to get everything passed (and in the exact way he/she wants it)

is NOT "impotence". It's called reality. Even icons like FDR and LBJ weren't able to get their entire agenda enacted (or necessarily as envisioned) even though they both had some significant accomplishments. Does anybody consider THEM to be "impotent"? Obama has a pretty good list of accomplishments so far- even one that no POTUS has ever succeeded in achieving, specifically HCR. How could anybody seriously consider him "impotent"?

:wtf:

[Exilednight]

39. HCR is a fucking joke. He gutted the legislation that would of addressed ...........

the real problem; namely the rising costs of premiums. Nothing in that bill prevents insurance companies from raising premiums as high as they want. But, Obama's "big" help to states is to give 45 of them $1 million dollars each to investigate insurance companies who have billions of dollars to counter any investigation.

[CTLawGuy]

38. Ok

tell me how you would have gotten the public option or, better yet, single payer, passed through congress. Step by step. Lay it out. And it better more specific than "fighting harder".

[Jakes Progress]

41. If you will tell me

how you would get control of drug prices and a public option if the very first thing you did was make a deal with Pharma not to push for a public option. Go on and tell me, I just don't get those higher level chess matches. In my simple world you don't get something that you make a deal not to get before you even start. Must just be me.

[CTLawGuy]

44. the public option was very much alive until near the end

when Lieberman threatened to filibuster it. Obama favored the PO in his speech before congress in the middle of the process. and also, congress is an independent branch of government that can do what it wants.

This "deal" that I keep hearing about, is that the one that was "confirmed" by an "anonymous health care lobbyist" on Huffington Post?

[Jakes Progress]

45. The deal that was never denied.

That's okay. We need blind followers. They are very handy during campaigns. I hope you get to the Dem headquarters and start the canvassing.

[CTLawGuy]

49. well that seals it then

it was never denied. I'm convinced now :eyes:

[Jakes Progress]

50. Good. I'm glad that is settled.

[ChiciB1]

46. Yes, It Must Be Done, ONLY If He Really, Really Means It This Time... n/t

[LaurenG]

23. What centrists don't get is that the bashing of a good part of the base

does not help. There are too many loose lips flying around Obama. Gibbs and Rahm to be precise. Maybe you should give the progressives the benefit of the doubt, most of us are voting for the democrats. We aren't stupid, we do realize how things work but we won't become meaningless without a fight either.

[niceypoo]

47. Agreed, it is politically stupid

Almost amateurish

[Cherchez la Femme]

37. There's that 'can't wave a magic wand' meme

Well, I'm convinced! :sarcasm:

[CTLawGuy]

40. well he seems to be the only one at fault for everything

so what else am I to conclude???

[Cherchez la Femme]

52. Where does the buck stop, then?

[zipplewrath]

51. So congress is stopping all of this?

Congress is the reason he can't find anyone in the previous administration, the CIA, or the military that did anything wrong on torture.

Congress is the reason he has tripled the number of troops in Afghanistan.

Congress is the reason he chose to follow the SOFA in Iraq.

Congress is the reason that he chose cadillac taxes and mandates.

Congress is the reason that he had the torture photos classified.

Congress is the reason that he has Bush's Sec Def, and his entire staff, still on the job.

Congress is the reason he's trying to buy a prison in Illinois so he can keep running Gitmo on a permanent basis at a new address.

Congress is the reason he wants to hold people indefinitely without trial.

Congress made him go on Fox and talk about rejecting progressive positions.

Congress made him honor Rick Warren on inauguration day.

Congress is the one that wants the military to do a 1 year study before deciding whether to repeal DADT.

Congress is the one that had Axelrod giving the most twisted response to the Prop 8 case, saying he liked the outcome of the case, even though he'd prefer that gay marriage not be legalized.

Congress is making him prosecute a larger number of whistle blowers than any previous president.

That's one powerful congress we have there. To bad congress couldn't seem to make Bush do anything.

[LaurenG]

22. Very nice Exilednight K&R nt

[Phx_Dem]

24. As soon as they stop the unrelenting criticism, much of it unwarranted, maybe they'll

stop getting some of the well-deserved blame. They've helped create the meme the the President and the Democrats are weak little losers that everyone hates, including their own party. Who the hell would vote for Dems if, even their own party, has nothing good to say about them?

[SoxFan]

27. +1

[Teaser]

26. "Vote Democrat or else" is the only rational strategy at this point

I am not interested in a blame game as to who is responsible for letting us get to this point. I'm interested in averting disaster. We can pick each other apart after the election.

[ClarkUSA]

29. Time for Democrats to stop the circular firing squad, period.

If we want to keep the House and Senate, that is.

If that's not a priority, then by all means, let's keep firing at each other.

:sarcasm:

[NJmaverick]

30. Time for people to stop tearing down the Dems, is more like it

Tearing down the Dems ONLY serves to help the GOP and their prospects at this point.

[DevonRex]

32. LOL. So you want all the credit but none of the blame. Got it.

A word of advice, though: if you're going to take credit for something that you DID, you also have to take the blame the result of NOT doing that very same thing.

For example, a guy named Ed takes Mrs. Jones to her regular doctor visits. He goes to the door and rings the doorbell and Mrs. Jones comes out and gets in his car. Then, the last time Ed goes up to the door but decides not to ring the doorbell. Mrs. Jones doesn't come out and misses her doctor appointment so she ran out of her medicine and passed away.

The doctor asked Ed why he didn't bring Mrs. Jones in. Ed replied that he went to her house and went up to the door but decided not to ring the doorbell, but rather to wait and see what happened. When nothing did he simply went home, thinking that certainly nobody could blame him since he was there on the doorstep. Surely Mrs. Jones should have come outside, right?

[Name removed]

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[AtomicKitten]

48. Climb down off the cross, we've got an election to win. nt