Democrats leery of call for censure(Rebuke of Bush may backfire, some fear

[sabra]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0603170142mar17,1,4018338.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed

Democrats leery of call for censure
Rebuke of Bush may backfire, some fear

<snip>

"It's not impeachment, but it's not something you apply lightly," Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) said. "And whether we want to start applying censure motions or impeachment when there are questions about a president's authority in national security is something that you have to be judicious about."

Four days after Feingold announced the resolution on the Senate floor, Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa was the lone Democrat to lend his name to the proposal. At a news conference Thursday, Feingold conceded, "You know, many in my caucus don't want to talk about this.

...

"Democrats have to focus on average voters and their needs and not get diverted by other things," said Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, who leads the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. "That's where we'll find success."

When asked about the censure resolution, Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, paused for several seconds before wrinkling his face and trying to change the subject.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. What are they waiting for?

Bush's poll numbers to be negative? I bet some of them would still hesitate even then.

[Warren Stupidity]

17. They are very comfortable where they are.

Why rock the boat?

[Castilleja]

57. I think they are just patiently waiting for it to be their turn

I don't think they are interested in "rocking the boat."

[Terry_M]

2. The democratic party must maintain it's image

of being useless cowards.

[leftchick]

26. useless wankers

obama has not quite lived up to expectations. Another repuke in dem clothing. :puke:

[tatertop]

31. When push comes to shove Obama is gutless

my great expectations have vanished

[Radical Activist]

3. They took an oath to uphold the Constitution too

If the Senators and Congressmen aren't willing to hold Bush accountable when he violates the Constitution, then they aren't upholding their oath of office.

[fooj]

47. Definitely. Well said.

Peace.

[katinmn]

4. You call these leaders? Pitiful.

and out of touch

[WestHoustonDem]

5. I am so sick of being represented by a party leadership

that won't take a stand. Every DUer needs to get involved at the local level so we can work to divest ourselves of these wusses.

[Mithras61]

6. So tell me, Chuck...

How does keeping W_rong and the Dick in office help address the needs of the average voter? These scumbags are pillaging this country wholesale and the best you can do is come up with some wimpy windbag excuse? Gimme a break!


As for impeachment, I really think we need to wait until after November, because I believe (hey, ya gotta believe in SOMEthing, and this is as good a fantasy as any I've heard of recently) we will take control of BOTH houses of Congress and can replace these two scumbags with a Dem and start repairing some of the damage that these bastards have engendered.

[KoKo]

10. Schumer is the one who said when the "Left pushes...We Push Back"

A reporter asked him how the Democrats are dealing with the angry left at a Press Conference a couple of months ago...and he said "when they push, we push back." I was so shocked that I posted it here on DU and others heard him say that, too.

I'm sorry I don't have the post....it's somewhere in archives...but that disgusted me when Schumer said that. I know he can be very forceful when he cares about something like the "UAE Ports Deal" where he took a lead...but I will never trust him again after he said that. AND...Rahm Emmmanuel...well we all know where he stands...DLC forever....sheesh..with Dems like these it sure is frustrating.

[saigon68]

39. Chuck is a worthless DINO

He has the courage of a Gnat

He should just get on his knees and SERVICE the Chimpanzee

[msgadget]

7. Centrist and 'average' voters don't like integrity or the rule of law?

"...fear that Feingold's measure goes too far and could alienate centrist voters. Criticizing Bush is one thing, they worry, but a move to humiliate the commander in chief could make them look mean, out of touch and perhaps irresponsible--not to mention energizing the Republican base."

[European Socialist]

8. What we really need is a Feingold for the stolen elections and WTC#7...

now that Russ has got his foot in the door.

[Rose Siding]

9. This average voter wants THREE branches of government

NOT a monarchy :grr:

[kurth]

11. Fucking spineless wussies

Are they so fucking gutless they're waiting for a REPUBLICAN to do it for them???
GEEEEZ.

[flashdebadge]

37. This is why I will probably abstain from voting this year. I want to send

a message to our representatives that I'm tired of the spineless march. I want action and if we don't get it we don't vote. I can't vote for someone who is not willing to stand up and fight this madness and unfortunately very few of our reps are willing to do so. On voting night I will be watching re-runs of Seinfeld. :smoke:

[wordpix2]

12. when WILL these senators get a clue? Repuke ads in '06 & '08:

"Democratic Senator ______ supported Geo. Bush on the Feingold censure resolution because (s)he KNEW Bush did nothing wrong in spying on terrorists. Vote for Republican ___________. (S)he's strong on national security."

[kurth]

14. Easy

"Republican ___________ supports George W. Bush 9X% of the time. George W. Bush tried to sell our ports to an Arab country with known terrorist ties. Etc. etc."

[anotherdrew]

13. right, like the Clinton impeachment which over 70% disapproved of

NOT DOING JACK SHIT ABOUT CRIMINAL ABUSE OF POWER MIGHT BACKFIRE TO YOU DAMN COWARDS!

[DamnYank]

15. I did have a glimmer of hope for Obama

When he won election, but he lost my respect long ago.

What a coward.

[MrPrax]

16. Crazy...

The American people seem to be way out ahead of the Democratic Party?

So Sen. Schumer--what things are you focussing on that is keeping you too busy to notice you have a insular 'cabal' that has effectively jettisoned the other two branches of gov't? What if they attack, against all advice, Iran?

Is that the strategy? Give'em enough rope...while the sages of the Democratic Party, chant 'morning time'

[Demeter]

18. Middle Managers, All of Them

There are no leaders in the Democratic Party, because all those born to middle-manage stomp on them, chew them up and down, spit them out, and bad-mouth them in public. The Party doesn't WANT any leaders, because if they did, they would develop, nurture, and support them from DAY 1. Then the middle managers would have to admit that somebody outranked them. They don't want a Kennedy, a Martin Luther King, hell, they don't want Howard Dean!

I'm willing to bet that Obama got early notice of his not being wanted, either. And as for Hillary, she isn't capable of leadership, and she knows it. She is well-suited for the Senate, and the Supreme Court after, but she knows her limitations. Would to God that the rest of the middle managers, all dreaming of being Top Dog, would be equally insightful.

[Stand and Fight]

19. Oh, jeebus...

Are these guys ever going to stand up and show some real backbone? America needs strong and decisive TRUE leadership. Democrats have it in them, but no one will believe that -- outside of the extremely party faithful -- until they prove it by putting up like Russ Feingold. Enough is enough with the pussy-footing around already.

[buddysmellgood]

20. Hand wringing, navel gazing, hemming, hawing. THE ASSHAT BROKE THE LAW

Even Bush admits it. Pathetic.

[savemefromdumbya]

21. Pathetic! We need new Democratic senators

clean this lot out and replace

[Ximines-MN]

22. GIVE ME A BREAK!

I can't believe we are even debating whether or not it is appropriate to censure a president who clearly broke the law on matters of national security! This is as close to a no-brainer as it gets!!

THIS NAVEL-GAZING AND OVER ANALYSIS HAS GOT TO STOP - NOW!

Lately I've been having that urge to jump through the TV/Computer Screen/Radio, and throttle members of MY OWN PARTY! The Dems that go on national talk shows are more concerned with proving that they are in favor of the NSA eavesdropping program than explaining to viewers the importance of conducting the NSA program LEGALLY.

The dems have got their strategery all backwards. The REASON why the craven and lying repubs are able to get away with making comments like "dems are more interested in protecting terrorists than protecting the american people," is because dems send horribly mixed messages about where their priorities lie. WHY CAN'T DEMS SPEAK CLEARLY, FOR CRISSAKE?!!!!!!

EVERY GOD-DAMN PUBLIC APPEARANCE BY EVERY GOD-DAMN DEMOCRAT NEEDS TO HIT SOME VARIATION OF THE FOLLOWING BASIC MEMES:

(1) If the WARRANTLESS WIRETAPPING program goes forward, the rule of law is dead. Variations: Bush is not above the law/Bush has taken the position that he is above the law/nobody is above the law/we are a country of laws, not men; republicans believe Bush is above the law, and will never do anything about this for political reasons.

(2) The Constitution requires Checks and balances. Variations: Bush and the republican congress want to do away with checks and balances/without checks and balances our democracy will fall apart/The republican-controlled congress has refused to investigate Bush's WARRANTLESS wire-tapping, because of political reasons.

(3) Due process is important. Variations: warrants are important, because they help to ensure that AMERICAN CITIZENS receive DUE PROCESS/wiretapping without a warrant violates the 4th Amendment to our Constitution/wiretapping without a warrant is dangerous, because it skips the step where a government official makes a judgment that there is probable cause to wire-tap US citizens/why doesn't Bush want to tell a neutral judge why he wants to wiretap you? What is he hiding?

(3) FISA explicity outlaws what Bush admits he did and CONTINUES to do: Variations: Bush has given no coherent explanation to show why his WARRANTLESS WIRETAPPING PROGRAM is legal; Bush has the BURDEN to show the American Public that what he did was legal.

(4) Dems are AGAINST warrantless wiretapping. PERIOD

(5) This is a naked power grab by the Bush administration, and has nothing to do with the security of our country. Instead, the GOP has USED the war as a pretext to grab unconsitutional power

(6) This isn't a Democrat/Republican issue. This is an American issue.

THIS ISN'T ROCKET SCIENCE!!

By constantly acting as if they have to PROVE they are not weak on security, Dems are telegraphing the message, loud and clearly, that they don't have a firm grasp of their own priorities, and that they are more worried about how their message will be received than standing for firm principles. It's all about projecting qualities of leadership, and dems have a real problem doing this.

Dem congressman need to lead or get the hell out of the way.

The GOP are laughing at the dems, because they are laughable.

[sabra]

23. Welcome to DU!

peace.

[Mithras61]

24. Well said...

one of the best and most concise posts I've seen on this subject.

[Norquist Nemesis]

32. Reid and Pelosi need a hearing check

Every Democratic Congressperson needs to stop ignoring their base, and start listening to their ever-eroding supporters.

[Norquist Nemesis]

25. Then they need to just get out of the way!!!

Any more waiting is going to give a talking point to Cons that they're being 'opportunistic'. They need to get behind it 100%, stand on the Rule of Law and upholding the Constitution.

If they cannot listen to a base that has 70% behind them, and something like 25-26% of Republicans agreeing with the Censure Resolution, they have a Death Wish for the Democrats (both themselves and the party).

The only possible explanation that I see for them dragging their feet is because they already believe it will be defeated. That is a loser strategy out of the gate! If it's defeated because every Con votes "no", then so fucking what?!? "RULE OF LAW" boys and girls! When you have the numbers from the public on this, it is pure idiocy to not have it as the front and center issue pushing day after day. If they did this, the Cons would be getting calls in support of it as well (at least they would hear from 26% of their base on it!), and it's quite possible there WOULD be a few "ayes" from the other side of the aisle.

[BlueInPhilly]

28. What's Dean doing about this? N/T

[Norquist Nemesis]

30. Crickets are chirping

I wrote the DNC about it. There wasn't a thing on the DNC site's front page. I had to 'search' to find one posting (with 163 comments).

Yesterday, Ed Schultz made an aside comment how strange it is that Dean hasn't had a word to say about it. I have to wonder if Reid, Pelosi, Schumer, and Immanuel haven't given him specific orders to *ahem* keep his powder dry.

[Teaser]

34. Not his fucking job.

C'mon. Read his fucking job description.

Do everyone a favor. If you don't understand what the DNC chair is supposed to do, then keep your hole shut about it, OK?

[Norquist Nemesis]

36. That's uncalled for n/t

[young_at_heart]

27. Haven't they noticed the extreme "damage" to our country?

The list goes on and on and yet so few in Congress are bothered by all the destruction...hard to understand!

[Radio_Guy]

29. It is a simple question

Do you approve censuring Bush, or do you approve his illegal spying on innocent Americans? Because that is exactly what Bush will do if he continues unchecked.

[2Design]

33. they like their pay but not the american people - they are voting

so far right they are no longer our representatives

I too had high hopes for barack but so far he has lean to the right more than the left

what happens when they cross that beltline
maybe it is the only place they can make that kind of money since they have allowed low wages take over the world

[Mandate My Ass]

35. Is there an exemption from the oath of office they take

to defend the Constitution if doing so makes them look like a meanie or might offend a centrist? It seems there must be yet I can't recall ever hearing about it. :eyes:

[IA_Seth]

38. Where are the apologists now?

Benchley?

Benchley?

I mean for cryin out loud...I have always been one for moderation and rational action, but this is ridiculous. If they can't stand for us now, when the hell will they?

I hope they realize what they are doing. I can't be the only one becoming disillusioned.

[booksenkatz]

40. I'm sure they're just keepin' their powder dry

:puke::puke::puke::puke::puke:

[Breeze54]

41. This is a crock from the MSM and Limpdick!!

"Rebuke of Bush may backfire, some fear..." Updated at 10:45 AM

http://www.nysun.com/article/29311?page_no=1
Feingold Says Critics Misjudge Reaction to Push for Censure

By Staff Reporter of the Sun
March 17, 2006

Senator Feingold yesterday dismissed suggestions that his effort to censure
President Bush for authorizing warrantless wiretaps in America could backfire
by unifying the Republican Party,
which has splintered recently over a variety of issues.

"I think the press decided immediately that this was a bad thing for Democrats
and a good thing for conservatives," Mr. Feingold, a Democrat of Wisconsin,
said at a press conference in the Capitol.
"The facts don't bear it out. You don't have the polls to prove it."

Mr. Feingold's motion to censure Mr. Bush drew immediate opposition from a
wide array of Republican lawmakers and met with little public support from
Senate Democrats.
SOME conservative commentators said the specter of investigations and perhaps
even an impeachment of Mr. Bush would be enough to scare voters out of supporting
Democratic candidates in November.

Mr. Feingold said yesterday that he was convinced that his critics had misjudged the issue.

"If the right wing really believes in this country - Rush Limbaugh and others -
that they can somehow turn the president's reputation around by saying,
'You're darn right he violated the law, and it's a good thing,' I think they're -
I think they're just as confused as they are about their Iraq politics," the senator said.
"People aren't buying it anymore."



Join Feingold! Censure President Bush!
SIGN IT!!
Almost 400,000 already have!!
http://political.moveon.org/censure/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let's Make It a Million!
670071 : the number of people who have already voted in the referendum to Impeach Bush!
(figure updated daily)

1.To cast your vote, enter the information below.
http://www.impeachbush.org/site/PageServer

[Norquist Nemesis]

42. The only problem with "SOME conservative commentators"

saying it is that two or three say it, then the rest begin joining in like round robin chorus of Row, Row, Row Your Boat.

[Breeze54]

44. Exactly!!

Then a lot of "others" jump on the band wagon...argh!!!!

Remember that crap about the MSM's "new" thing/phrase?

"some say...." and then "others say" ??
without EVER citing their sources!!! :grr:
Same shit, different day!

Are we going to let the MSM dictate what the majority wants??
:banghead: :banghead:
I think everyone needs to call their Senators and Reps!!!
ASAP!!!

Read this!
Fully 70% of Democrats want to see Bush censured!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2519134

[Emillereid]

43. Why are these people SO TIMID! This president has so arrogantly

mis-used his power and trashed the constitution and these wimps shouldn't have to think twice about a censure. The list of the grievances against him is long -- the wiretappiing is just the tip of the iceberg. And his poll numbers show that the American people have had enough.

I feel so frustrated I could spit. On the one hand I am fed up with the Washington Dems and do not want to support their cowardice anymore, and yet there is no viable party to turn to. I believe we are in a constitutional crisis that might well be the end of democracy in this country and the democratic party has its head up its ass.

[depakid]

45. Same old, same old

losing ways.

It really is difficult to believe that they don't realize how pathetic they sound.

And they actually think people will trust them to lead?

[fooj]

46. Backfire? I am so fucking sick of hearing this bullshit excuse...

They talk about the Repubs (when they impeached Clinton) and how it backfired on them. HOW FUCKING SO? They have the presidency...the Senate...the House AND SCOTUS! How the hell can ANYONE frame this as a BACKFIRE??????????????

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr...


THE PRESIDENT BROKE THE LAW!!!!!!!!! It's that simple.

Peace.

[rodeodance]

48. k and r

[rodeodance]

49. k and r

[Rex]

50. Fear and loathing

in the Capitol Dome.

[rodeodance]

51. Feingold says he...has no intentions of driving the matter. Good!

..Feingold, a fierce critic of the Iraq war, made no apologies. He said Bush should be censured for adopting an "illegal program to spy on American citizens on American soil."

While Feingold conceded Thursday that chances of passing the resolution are slim, he said he wanted "people to be talking about ways to bring accountability whether censure succeeds or not." He Feingold, a fierce critic of the Iraq war, made no apologies. He said Bush should be censured for adopting an "illegal program to spy on American citizens on American soil."

While Feingold conceded Thursday that chances of passing the resolution are slim, he said he wanted "people to be talking about ways to bring accountability whether censure succeeds or not." He said he has no intention of dropping the matter and suggested Democrats were misguided in their attempts to quash it.

"Why would people cower at a time when the president's numbers are so low?" he said.

and suggested Democrats were misguided in their attempts to quash it.

"Why would people cower at a time when the president's numbers are so low?" he said.

[worldgonekrazy]

52. Its called TAKING INITIATIVE

Every time something like this comes up the Democratic leadership refuses to take action because they are afraid of how the Republicans will spin it. Well thats why you gotta get out there first and establish the terms of the debate! If the Dems came out strong on censure they would put the Republicans on the defensive. It would be the REPUBLICANS who would have to explain why they don't think that the President violating the Constitution is a problem worthy of addressing.

Jesus Christ, the Democrats are truly pathetic. Bush's approval ratings keep going lower and lower but it doesn't really translate into much support for the Democrats. Why? BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO OFFER ANY ALTERNATIVE! If they did so those big bad mean Republicans might disparage it.

[TomClash]

53. Following polls isn't leading

They simply read the polls which say this issue doesn't matter much to voters.

So we have one party that is leading us into the abyss and another party that is afraid to lead us anywhere. No wonder the country is in trouble.

The FISA law says you need a warrant to wiretap phones. Bush ordered wiretaps without a court order. That's breaking the law. If a cop did that he'd be disciplined - why shouldn't Bush be censured?

[Generator]

54. Average voters?

GET IT folks? We are fucking nutball radicals who don't believe the propaganda that we see on TV. We aren't the mainstream that refuses to go along with every lie shoveled down our throats. Iraq is making us safer. The Dems can't look weak-because we could all die!-the great president needs to spy and torture and break every law he sees fit to keep us safe. And if you want to know someone angry, some average voter I-I was originally for the war because I was lied to and bought the propaganda. I will never get over this anger. LOOK in GD: 39% still believe Saddam was behind 9/11. Propaganda works. I was an average voter-and then I learned the truth. All this shit is lies. Iraq is a sham war. The war on terror is not making us safer. Until the Democrats come out to end this war they will never have any power again.

Every law this president breaks is related to the "war". It's related to 9/11. Stop the sham useless war and you can have America back. Without it it's a long stumbling into the abyss of history.

[Sacajawea]

55. E-mailed Schumer & Clinton (NY) on Wed., Mar. 15....NOT A PEEP.....

from either one of them! WHAT A BUNCH OF PITIFUL COWARDS!!!!!

I reminded them both that I have ALWAYS voted since 1972.

WIMPS, ALL. :thumbsdown:

[SlavesandBulldozers]

56. they're spineless.

Democrats are beginning to believe, and manifest, their critics' accusations towards them. They behave like a dog that's been hit all the time, cowering in fear.