A lot of us hope that Howard Dean will keep speaking out. We heard Ed Schultz today bash Murtha for his comments about not joining the military. How dare he! How dare he go after Murtha, a true patriot.

Ed went after Howard Dean the same way, over and over. We have not listened in months.

Gee, when you have your own supposedly liberal radio attacking your courageous leaders....what have you got? You got nothing.

Keep speaking out Howard Dean and Jack Murtha. Shut up, Big Eddie.

Be sure to check out David Van Os. I met him at DemocracyFest in Austin last summer. He is great and we could really use a person like him as the Texas Attorney General.

(Click on my name to see his site)

As long as the Party doesnt take too much of a lurch to the left, the signs in Texas are promising. Only 14% of people in TX describe themsleves as liberal, 45% as conservative and 40% as independents (Source: 2004 exit polls). We're going to have to take a sizable chunk of the moderates and disillusioned conservatives to make gains in Texas

did you hear that we dropped a bomb in Iraq killing an innocent family of 12 while they slept today???!!! where is the f#cking outrage!!??? where!!??? that slimeball bush has blood on his hands. he is personally responsible for these deaths and 100,000 others. impeachment is too good for him. drop him off in baghdad.
WHERE IS THE F#CKING OUTRAGE PEOPLE!!???
I wonder if queen hillary still stands by her war vote? will she ever admit she was wrong? any Democrat who supports this war can rot in an obscure hell with zell miller. I will never vote for anyone who supports this nightmare. never. they can admit they were wrong or be tarred and feathered and run out on a rail. end of story.

This is exactly the Democrat's problem. The more the Michael Moore wing of the party makes everyone think we're all a bunch of Liberal Extremists, the more we alienate the moderate electorate which the Democrats rely on much more than the Republicans (as their natural base is quite simply larger). And although I am against the war do spare some thought for those who owe their lives, and now their futures, to US intervention. And spare some thought for the domestic 'victims' of Republican tax, social security and healthcare policies who are not going to get any help if the angry Dems keep blowing our electoral chances.

There is more to being a Democrat than just defending choice or wildlife!

limey,

I hate to be the one to break it to you, but Michael Moore is NOT a Democrat. He just happened along and was interested in pointing out the truth, about this illegal Invasion and occupation into Iraq, same as I am sure a lot of moderate swing voters were.

It does not matter What Shade of Blue one is, every open minded individual should be appalled at the lies which started and have continued this killing in the name of liberation of Iraqis. Remember, this was the last reason they grabbed onto, after no WMDs and no AlQaeda/9/11 link were proven.

(And the Republican Base if approx 30%, same as Democrats. There is about 40% swing voters)

PamB:
The 'Michael Moore wing' was just an expression to make a point.
Secondly, I am also absolutely appalled. Even if there is a small aspect of nobility in liberating the Iraqi people, it wasnt justified by the President in that way and we've fairly well blown it (thanks to the Defense department completely blowing off State when they sent a memo pretty much predicting exactly what has happened).
The thing is, if you want to get people to listen to you and to appeal their own sense of reason you can't be so aggressive, angry and downright hateful (If McDonalds simply said Burger King sucks and Burger King just said McDonalds sucks, the end result is that no one goes to either). I have no objection to Michael Moore calling the President on his lies, but then supplementing that with his own lies and exaggerations just makes him sound like an utter lunatic. People judge you on how you conduct yourself generally as well as on what you think, and maybe if we behave reasonably and proportionally finally people might actually open up to persuasion and reasoned arguement.
Finally, i would like to qualify my statement on the Democrat/Republican base. There are many less self-described liberals than self-described conservatives in the US, and if the Party becomes associated with childish 'liberal' ranting, instead of reason, its not going to do dems any good.
Hope this has cleared up all my views. Thanks for the criticism.

I'll take a Michael Moore over a Jack Abramoff any day of the week.

Well, i'd take a George W Bush over a Jerry Falwell or a Pat Robertson any day of the week, but that doesn't say much.

PEOPLE DO NOT VOTE WITH REASON

On every occasion, the liberals have been right and the regressives have been wrong. Still regressive republican politicians get the benefit of the doubt. No one calls Rusty's childish remarks as regressive "ranting". So it seems that there is a double standard here. Their base can do it, but our's can't. That is even more disturbing when one considers that our's is closer to the truth than their's. Since their people "rant" more than our people, one has to conclude that "ranting" isn't the problem. The regressives have always tried to put a wedge between liberals and moderates. The only thing that has changed is that there are more regressives today. The solution: WE NEED MORE LIBERALS. After that- elections will take care of themselves and the state of Texas will change for the better.

Actually, their ranting works only because there are simply more people who agree with them than there are people who agree with liberal ranters. Not to mention the fact that the greatest threat to the Republican Party is in fact Social Conservatives irritating the hell out of Business Conservatives by pursuing neanderthal social policy. Trust me, the republican party doesnt win by ranting. The more racist, homophobic and xenophobic remarks the religious right and people like Rush Limbaugh come up with, all the more ammo for the democratic party to persuade moderate republicans that they're in the wrong party. May they rant from here to kingdom come.
Why do people not vote with reason? Because we dont expect people to. Politicians dont ask people to think for themselves, political debate is quite frankly a joke in this country - and the Party that returns to the politics of persuasion will prosper. I just hope to hell that it's us.

Let me put this another way.

When there were more liberals than regressives, there was a Democratic majority (60's early 70's). Why are moderates always vulnerable, but liberals are almost always re-elected? Is there a difference between a republican and a Democrat? Has King George been more honest than Michael Moore? How many people go to political rallies or town hall meetings? Did the regressives lose on the Terri Schiavo issue or did they expand their base? Is this fake "war on Christmas" turning moderates against the regressives or are they winning over Christian Democrats? One has to understand that there is a regressive movement. The connection is emotional not logical. Their rants do work. Their echo chamber is loud and large. And the proof is that some moderates on this blog are helping them out by repeating their false talking points. Political parties don't persuade- political movements do. Consistency is what we need and only liberals can provide that consistency. Moderates look hypocritical when they say they are for the poor, but vote for the bankruptcy bill. (or how about crying about jobs going overseas while voting for NAFTA and CAFTA). We need to reverse those liberal to regressive numbers; otherwise, we will end up with moderate (and regressive) Democrats whose efforts will push this country more to the right- creating an environment where liberal "rants" hurt the Democratic party. [SUCH A VICIOUS CYCLE]

When someone uses the term "Michael Moore wing" I know they are either a southern regressive or a viewer of Fox News.

By the way, I am not a 'southern regressive', or a 'Fox news viewer' - I am in fact half british what my grandfather would describe as a 'European pansy-assed socialist' even if i am probably what you consider a 'moderate'. Hence the name 'limey'.
Moderates are almost by definition more vulnerable, because they can be challeneged by candidates who are similar by the opposite party. Because of the insane gerrymandering that goes on in the US (in the UK, we have an independent group of judges decide the constituencies) it is naturally going to produce classically liberal and classically conservative constituencies, with as few in between as possible.
I am not disputing the fact that their rants work. What I do think is that their rants signify everything that is wrong with politics in this country. How are you going to reverse the conservative/liberal trend? By getting in everyone's face until you irritate them enough to change their mind?
Their are alot of Republicans who vote with their brains and not with their hearts. Not to mention the fact that I honestly reckon if you put me in a room with your average Christian Conservative voter, I reckon I could persuade them to vote for a moderate Democrat. I know this because, well, I've done it many times.

Michael Moore is killing this Party, even though he isnt associated directly with it. Im sorry, if you want to call someone for lying, you can't go make outrageous, unsubstantiated claims yourself. You lose all credibility (oh yeah, and if he cares about the poor so much, how come he has private jets and about 5 houses?).
And by the way, it is not hypocritical to care about the poor and vote for free trade. I can refer you to every single economic study ever done about trade barriers and show you that free trade creates way more jobs than it loses, and also reduces prices. I'll even refer you to an economics paper I wrote (im a bit of a nerd in this area). I'll also tell you that only about 3% in US job losses are due to outsourcing. Though in fairness if we didnt pay farmers to produce nothing then it should be way more. The average american family pays outrageously higher food prices that they would if the US government stopped protecting agriculture. Now, i care about the poor (oh, and the people overseas who are way poorer than us, who are helped by trade) because I want to make food cheaper for families, and the reduced prices means everyone has more disposable income, therefore more jobs created. Im not going into the whole arguement now, but what I am saying is that even if our political views differ, probably i suspect on many subjects, we fundamentally have the same objectives - social justice etc. What we finally need (and maybe if someone with enough brains comes along we might actually get it) is to actually (Gasp) debate within the party and with the people what is the best way to help the poor, help he sick and make Christian Republicans realise the Bible says a thing or two about the poor and sick as well, and if they actually look at what Jesus says about loving thy neighbour, and that we are all sinful by nature maybe we can persuade them to stop holding up signs that say 'Fags go to Hell'. Just shouting at them saying 'I hate you I hate you You're stupid' is admittedly kinda fun, but not going to get them to vote for democrats or, just as good in my view, persuade the republican and democratic party together to come up with meaningful social programs. I dont care which party does it, as long as one of them does.
I realise this is a rather long post. Let me know if anyone is interested in talking more, because it is this kind of energy - all of you who take the time to blog - that could be harnessed to slingshot the Democratic Party back to where it belongs. People can be persuaded, people have been persuaded, and maybe we can stop saying 'I must find out where my people are going, so i can lead them' and finally have real 'leaders' again in America.
Yours, Limey

So the 50 State Strategy dies in Texas? Tim it only works if we fight everywhere. Now the entire Southern and Midwestern delegations will have an excuse to ignore their tough seats, because the Texans did it. And the Republicans will be able to suck all the money out of those districts and pour them into districts where we are weak. Is there anyway we can get someone on the TX-11 ballot now? A write in campaign maybe?

good grief!
always nice to cause a heated discussion.
I dont mind being compared to michael moore. and I have a reason to be angry. of course bush has caused more problems than the war in iraq but the war is and always will be the #1 issue for me.
maybe if the Democrats showed that they were angry more often, people would take them more seriously. when they lie down and cover their heads like obedient lapdogs, they dont show me much. I WONT VOTE FOR A LAP DOG TO BUSH.
NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!

Michael Moore is not destroying this party- Bill Clinton is. The term "Michael Moore wing" comes straight from Karl Rove's notepad.

John Thune and Saxby Chambliss were not moderates.

Republican voters don't vote with their brains; otherwise, King George would have been challenged in a primary or John Kerry would be president (and yes, King George is a liar). In business jargon, our American voting habits would be called brand loyalty. Frontline did a whole show on this concept.

There is a purpose to "ranting". It has nothing to do with persuading. How are people getting their information? How did you learn the term "Michael Moore wing"? If you know that answer, then you know how the liberal/regressive numbers will reverse. Even The New Democrat Network is starting to catch on.

The rich are getting richer (I am talking percentages). Quality of life for the lower levels are decreasing. GDP increases while poverty increases. Dow Jones moves sideways while personal debt increases. Young kids in Asia are making more money, but are dying much younger. Wages in Mexico are lower than before NAFTA. Where are the labor standards? Where are the quality of life standards? Where are the small business protections? Any politician voting for that arrangement has no business crying about jobs going overseas!

I am sure anyone willing to listen is a persuadable person. How many are willing to listen? Why did voters say King George made them feel safe? Why are most veterans coming home as Democrats?

The Michael Moores of the world are not dumb. Democrats can't win without them. Liberals will not tolerate double talk or flip-flopping in the name of being moderate. Consistency gives us credibility. King George is a liar. Almost all of the presidents after Eisenhower were liars. Political partys don't persuade- political movements do. Quit repeating republican talking points. If a David Duke republican said Jesse Jackson is destroying this party, would you believe him?

Name the outrageous, unsubstantiated claims.

Obviously since you have all been indoctrinated by your hate, Im done with this.

Michael Moore is dumb because his points are drowned out with the number of lies he tells. Like the whole NRA thing in bowling for columbine? You know that every org. like the NRS is required by Law to have an annual meeting, and because the shooting occured so close to the time, they couldnt even legally change the location. Out of respect, they cancelled all events that were not required by law. Oh and you know the speech Heston made in B for C? Moore spliced it. If you notice, in the second half of the clip Heston is wearing a different coloured shirt. This is what im sick and tired, in fact im 17 and im already sick and tired of being sick and tired of it. This 'He said, She said' politic has got to stop. I despise the NRA and what it stands for, but im sorry i think Moore deserves to be shot for the way he made it.

Oh, and if 'Frontline' said it, it must be eternal truth. I take the Jon Stewart position on the media - its part of this insane left/right red/blue system, that stifles out anyone trying to make any other kind of point. To be quite frank, if the democrats win by squealing and ranting and raging, frankly they aren't going to do much of a better job.
There are plenty of people out there who for better or for worse agree with many of Bush's policies, domestic and foreign. They voted for him because they are persuaded by his arguements!

Sadie: I respect your views, and I practically agree with you on the war. I just think acting with anger and rage simply makes your view more extreme, and less like the mainstream view that it is.

And finally, pee wee. Quality of life is not decreasing for the lower classes, it just is relative to the upper classes. The rich getting richer? It always happens. It almost has to happen in order to create an effective incentive system to make an economy work (and i agree, somethign should be done about it. The fact that only 12% of social security money goes to those below the poverty line is a scandal). As for personal debt, comparing it to the Dow Jones isutterly meaningless (most people dont own significant stock, so unless you are concerned about the personal debt of those with several hundred thousands of dollars of stock...). Compare it to economic and wage growth, and its not so bad. The reason wages in Mexico are down are due to mismanagement of the Mexican government and subsequent inflation. And as for small business, well there's a reason they vote overwhelmingly republican.

I am not a flip-flopper or a double-talker. I take positions that aren't your standard left/right and i stand by them. As a result, I am labelled a flip-flopper and a double-talker by you and this insane system you all help to prosper. Maybe once you all realise that people like me are on your side, then finally you'll realise how to make this country better.

Someone once said 'people tend to get stuck with the leaders they deserve'. He or she couldnt have been more right.
Yours, Limey

Holy Father, My prayer to you is one of confusion
I have read your Word and it seems to me that under this dispensation, you are against killing your people, no matter if they are believers or not? If you are with our Nation in the many people they have killed then, Bless us to kill even more! Should we shout every time an insurgent is killed because we have done your will? Help our leaders to do your bidding on all things pertaining to war and defeat our leaders in all things against your will. Let it be, let it be, Amen.

First of all: You are a moderate. You just don't know it yet.

Second of all: Poverty is increasing. (Everyone on this blog knows this. Just ask them.)

Third of all: There are a lot of republicans that did not like King George or his policies, but they still voted for him.

*No one labeled YOU a flip-flopper.* If you do not like Michael Moore's techniques, quit using them.

To all of the Texas candidates: I salute you. Be yourself and don't let anybody tell you that you can't be yourself. If you are a calm person, be a calm candidate. If you are an angry person be an angry candidate. The people will respect your authenticity. All politics are local. Michael Moore's name isn't on the ballot- your's is!

BRING FORTH WHAT IS WITHIN YOU, FOR WHAT YOU BRING WILL SAVE YOU
IF YOU DO NOT BRING FORTH WHAT IS WITHIN YOU, WHAT YOU DO NOT BRING WILL DESTROY YOU

Is Jim Wright who filed for TX-8 the ex-speaker of the house??

My comment is why does the vets of world war2 have go wait a year for a appointment to drive 100 miles to a V A hospital.
My Brother Patrick A Fox
served in the war saving your butts. All you can do for him is ask us for a contributition.
Well I am seventy legally blind and disabled how about you hlping the people of the forgotten war and the forgotten Hurricane Rita. I still don't have my house appraised. I have to drive 3 1/2 Hours. tomorrow to meet with my insurance investergator. All I hear is Hurricane KATRINA. Well they were in bad shape and still are but they sure are not the only ones.
Did you ever think of the Texas side.
What in the Hell has happened to all parties.
Betty A. Shaw
317 Hargett St.
Clute, TX. 77531
bass2003@sbcglobal.net

My comment is why does the vets of world war2 have go wait a year for a appointment to drive 100 miles to a V A hospital.
My Brother Patrick A Fox
served in the war saving your butts. All you can do for him is ask us for a contributition.
Well I am seventy legally blind and disabled how about you hlping the people of the forgotten war and the forgotten Hurricane Rita. I still don't have my house appraised. I have to drive 3 1/2 Hours. tomorrow to meet with my insurance investergator. All I hear is Hurricane KATRINA. Well they were in bad shape and still are but they sure are not the only ones.
Did you ever think of the Texas side.
What in the Hell has happened to all parties.
Betty A. Shaw
317 Hargett St.
Clute, TX. 77531
bass2003@sbcglobal.net
Pass some laws for the insurance people to pay off. or you give me a controbution. It will cost me 2000.000 to rebuild. then I'll send you your measly $25.00