More hearings? Didn't we go through this a month ago?

If the Republicans can't come up with any legislation, why don't they just go on vacation? Are they that afraid of going home and facing their constituents?

I'm sick of them crying we need to secure the border. They should have done that after 9/11. Hell, Reagan passed legislation 30 years ago. Enforce it and quit complaining.

Republican incompetence and hot air. It's going to start another killer hurricane season with FEMA still as inefficient as they were after Katrina.

Give us a break.

An ad is only as good as its reach. Are we really going to win over those who hear this ad?

Righties listen to rightwing radio. Lefties listen to what little alternatives exist. Are either of those groups the ones you think this ad will win over? I'm getting more confused by the moneyhole called campaign ads.

I want the money I donate to go to (1) making sure we never need these money-evaporating ads again--campaign reform. We need (2)our own media -- radio stations, tv stations, network holdings. No more giving our hard earned donations over to the corporate media that locks us out!

Our ads will never do the phenomenal mindbending tricks the Republicans' ads do (like the ads against Dukakis and Kerry), because we don't deal in raw sloganeering, daft lying, and unethical propaganda. And since we are buying ads to INFORM, then we should just purchase access to mediastreams that can inform 24-7! That's what I consider proper investment and spending of donations.

nora, you have that right. Is the party just talking to themselves? Why waste money for ads if the message will never reach the desired audience.

They are radio ads. What makes you think they won't reach the desired audience?

Nora, there is work being done on building a left media. It has been going on a while.

"Now, instead of acting to secure our borders and pass immigration reform; Republicans are holding hearings, just so they can keep scapegoating immigrants. They think that's how they'll win elections in November."

Nora, you have hit the nail on the head. This ad will be ignored by Republicans and be found offensive by those more open to a Democratic point of view on this topic. Elected officials actually talking to their constituents on a topic that many people have strong views about. What a concept.

Somebody should fire the ad guy. How inept.

Fire the ad guy?

the DNC will be airing a spanish language ad

What's your plan to contact a target group where very many are illiterate in two languages?

Republican Gridlock: They've got a majority in Congress and a Republican president and they still can't get the job done.

Republicans have spent more money on advertising, marketing, and publicity than anyone in history and they still can't get it right.

This crowd needs to get back to Washington and do some work for a change, instead of prancing around in front of the TV cameras like a bunch of buffoons.

Nora: the "ad guy" you're talking about is our Chairman, Howard Dean. He's the one who determined that the GOP is scapegoating immigrants. And, a powerful charge it is.

I would go a bit further however, and I encourage the DNC to be as welcoming to immigrants as possible. We already support what amounts to an open border, why not make that official policy? Wouldn't that be the best way to get the Hispanic vote?

The DNC should just come right out and say that our party supports a completely open border. Voters appreciate honesty!

biff,

get a life, man!

Everyone has read Howard's views on immigration and OPEN BORDERS is not one of them!

don't look like an idiot just because you know how!

Here's how the ad could have been improved:

Current verbiage:
"Now, instead of acting to secure our borders and pass immigration reform, Republicans are holding hearings, just so they can keep scapegoating immigrants. They think that's how they'll win elections in November. We can't trust Republicans with our security or with immigration reform. Democrats want to act now."

It's counterproductive to use the "just so" phrase -- it adds nothing to the argument and degrades what should be a postive thing in democracy, talking to your constituents. There's nothing on the list of bills blocked that backs up that "just so" claim. It sounds like a gratuitous knee-jerk remark that completely dismisses any concerns as rascist or bigoted. You're telling the listeners that their thoughts on this issue don't count. Besides, do you think the listener is so stupid as to not think that that isn't your motivation too, to win in November?

Here's an alternative if you still must bash the "meet with the people" idea:

"Now, instead of forming a conference committee and reconciling the public's concerns with the bills at hand, the Republicans have decided that the safest postion is to delay taking what may be a difficult but principled stand on this issue prior to the elections. You elect them to do their duty and solve the complex problems facing this nation, and they are shirking it."

Or how about having done this instead:
"We welcome the chance to discuss this issue with the people we represent in open forums, where the will of the people and the best interests of this nation can be examined in more detail. The Democratic Party has long been pushing for [insert X from the long list of bills blocked] and we believe we have the plan and the vision to solve a problem that has long languished under this Republican-controlled government. Our plan includes [XYX]."

PamB: I've studied Howard Dean's remarks, and I can assure you that his proposals are quite in line with my proposals. He supports "de facto" open borders. I say we make our support "de jure", and just come right out and say what we want to do.

While talk of enforcing the laws is a good talking point, most people realize that we aren't going to do that. Can you imagine the Chairman ever actually deporting someone? No, once someone is here they're here permanently.

If they haven't already, I'd suggest that our leaders get together with Hispanic leaders such as Nativo Lopez or Armando Navarro to craft a truly humane immigration policy that will resonate with most Americans.

We have the power, now let us rise again this year and take over the election by winning back the majority. Watch our powerful Senators and Representives take charge of the Government and turn it to another direction.

ITS STILL NAFTA, STUPID!