Democrats must stop taking "the high road"

[patrice]

against an opposition that will do ANYTHING!

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4144.htm

Sexual Assault case against the Chosen one gets little attention.

This article also contains a long list of other Republicans with sexual histories. I guess the Democrats avoid discussing it because they can match the Republicans case by case with their own problems.

I propose that we have an all out Sex War, get ALL of this stuff out there. Yeah, some of it is questionable, but lets just have some fun with it anyway, a real Sexual Foibles Fest!!! Take the hit, and in the ensuing fracas, perhaps America can address a truth about itself, AND GET OVER IT!!!

[markus]

1. The GOP has openly declared that we are in a "civil war"

The high road is for loosers.

I think its time to stand up and starting asking people if they're Republicans or Americans.

This is a bigger subject that just sexual misconduct, but there is no reason not to hold everyone in public office to the same standard.

Which side are you on, boys?

[patrice]

4. It would be better to stand up and be strong NOW!

Than to wait, hoping that fences can be mended, until the economic and environmental issues are much worse, which they ARE quite rapidly.

Some people are uncomfortable with homosexuals, for instance, because they have an Agenda. That's what I LIKE about them! Own who and what you are and what you value, before it is too late.

[samsingh]

2. i 100% agree

we are getting kicked around by the repugs who use every dirty trick available to them and more.

[Loonman]

3. But can we be aggressive without being hysterical?

Do it subtly, like Rove does.

Remember, when a candidate runs for office, their whole personal life is under a microscope.

[ProfessorGAC]

9. Assertive, Not Aggressive

One can strongly assert one's belief and one can strongly assert their opinions of what is wrong with the otherside without aggression.

Too many people don't see the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness. Liberals need to be far more assertive and quit taking the slaps and insults.

I'm ready!
The Professor

[BlueState]

5. I can't find the links but I don't think the allegations on W are credible

This has been discussed on DU before and even most of us, who would jump on it if it seemed true, are sceptical. Does anybody have links to threads where this is discussed?

To the ultimate question- I do agree that Dems take the high road to their own peril. Think about 9/11. Is there anyone who doubts that had Al Gore been president the Republicans would have taken about 15 minutes to morn the dead before the attacks and calls for impeachment began? The republicans would not have behaved honarably and support unity as the Democrats did (as they should have). Many republicans have even conceded the truth of this. We would now be a demoralized depressed, and fearful nation because of constant attacks on any institution not controlled by conservatives. They would not care about anything other than positioning themselves for '04. As it is they used this tragedy to advance the boldest power grab I have ever witnessed.

The question is how to beat them at their own game? I am not sure that sex scandals would be the way. I really do not have any suggestions. I do agree with the movement towards developing an equivalent media to the conservative radio and Fox News. This would help educate people to the flaws and hypocrisy of conservative leaders and keep Democratic candidates and officials "above the fray" just exactly as the Limbaughs, Drudges O'Reillys do.

[nannygoat]

7. Dems vs. GOP: Best Weapons Are the Facts

Excellent article:

Dems vs. GOP: Best Weapons Are the Facts
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpwil043401278aug04,0,641483.story?coll=ny-viewpoints-headlines

Next month, progressive Democrats will open a new think tank, the American Majority Institute, that has an expected yearly operating budget of at least $10 million. This level of support means the institute can challenge the conservative
Republican policy shops that in recent years have been much more heavily funded and have clobbered their Democratic counterparts in selling ideas to the public.

The key question is whether the new institute has to emulate the Republicans from President George W. Bush on down in using deceptive information to mislead American citizens about their policies. Its decision whether to employ such chicanery goes to the fundamental democratic issue of informed consent.

<snip>

When sound numbers support a strong case, the American Majority Institute should go for the jugular. The attack on Republican politicians and think tanks must be unrelenting in exposing deceptive information and dishonest analysis. Be
partisan and be honest - it is not an oxymoron.

Such an effort can serve the interests of the Democratic Party and the public. Fighting deception with deception to win the presidency and Congress makes a mockery of the critical concept of having an informed electorate.

[Dem2dend]

8. Here is a link to politicans on both sides

http://www.comedyontap.com/features/congress.html

[jpgray]

6. Become what we hate? A new group--Straussian Democrats?

Nah. I want the Republicans out of power in this country, but I won't set Democrats up to do the same things under a different banner.

By the way, the media have more to do with this than Democrats. You know all those people who complain that the Dems never criticize Bush or go after him until the wind is blowing the right way? You just don't hear about it unless the wind is blowing the right way. Those who watch C-SPAN are often frustrated by those who keep tooting that particular horn. Unless we get in bed with corporate interests beyond the point we currently are, Repubs will get the advantage of friendly media, and that is that. Don't blame the Democrats for refusing to harp on personal scandals the media refuse to cover.