I'll Say it Again: Dems Need To Shut Down The Senate re Rove's Comments.

[Devil Dog Dem]

My understanding is that -- based on what the Talking Heads were saying this weekend -- this issue has not generated anything near the outrage that Durbin's comments did.

If that is so, I fear Dems are in trouble, as clearly the repugs are making this traitor allegation their new meme (as well as stepping up their claims that only they can protect us from the evils of terrorism because Dems want to coddle terrorists).

We have to draw attention to these BS comments and show how outraged we are. The only way we can do that is by shutting down the Senate until he either apologizes or Bush fires him (neither of which will happen, I know, but that isn't our real goal, so keep reading).

We should pepper floor speeches with statements about how we won't work with a WH that sends its number 1 guy out to call us traitors, and how they lied about Iraq and are lying now about our response to 9/11.

After a few days in which no business is conducted we can agree to compromise by having a vote on a Senate Resolution condemning Rove's statements and calling on Bush to fire him for failing to apologize. We make Senate repugs go on record either supporting Rov'e statements or rejecting them. Either way, that helps us in swing states that have Senate races in '06 (like Santorum in PA).

More important though, is the fact that if we don't display outrage and beat the drum that Rove is a lying scumbag then this type of language will go from where it is now (where the MSM reports the statements, and then says that Dems take issue with the allegation) to seeping into the public psyche.

Writing a letter expressing our disappointment is not enough. We have to remember that, even if people don't actually believe the allegation, they will think Dems are weak for not adequately fighting the charge. Josh Marshall calls it the Bitch Slap theory and Dems can't be seen as just standing there and letting repugs bitch slap us (the best example was Kerry and the swift boat liars; even if people didn't believe the charges they thought Kerry weak for not calling those guys out forcefully).

It isn't enough to just to sit back and let Bush's numbers tank over Iraq, or to talk about Social Security and heath care. We must display our outrage and be seen as trying to make them pay for this crap.

Shutting down the Senate is the only way I can think of to exercise some power against these goons, but I'm open to other suggestions.

[FreedomAngel82]

1. Of course it hasn't been as big as Durbin

Obviously. He has a (d) next to his name and not an (r). If he had an (r) next to his name it wouldn't have been a big deal either.

[zinndependence]

2. McCarthyism all over again

the republican smear campaign against Democrats is today's McCarthyism...unfortunately shit is really going to have to hit the fan before Rove is publicly chastised and hopefully, like McCarthy, whithers up and dies an embarrassment to his country....

[karynnj]

3. Was this really true or do people believe it because the media said it

<(the best example was Kerry and the swift boat liars; even if people didn't believe the charges they thought Kerry weak for not calling those guys out forcefully). >

Two Cases: Tang Accusations, SBVT Accusations

1)Who: Rather (CBS, 60 minutes)

What:Reports Bush problems in TANG - substantive information verified by multiple reputable sources, but a memo MAY be fake

Candidate Reaction: McClellan doesn't challenge memo prior to broadcast.

Other Media reaction: Outrage, discussions of irresponsibility

End Result: Long Time high quality professions fired, CBS apologies, the ENTIRE story disappears other than references to its unfairness and lack of truth

2) Who: O'Neil (a slimy Colson/Nixon operative) and Corsi (a rightwing nutcase who wrote disgusting things on Free Republic) and Admiral Hoffman (devised action that Kerry was in that was a disaster on all grounds)

What: Hundreds of self conflicting charges on Kerry's war and anti-war record. All contrary to official records

Candidate Reaction - when they first surfaced Kerry cited the Navy records, put 140 pages of them on his web site, noted that when he left VN they thought highly enough of him to make him an aide to an Admiral.

Media reaction: to give equal credence to SBVT EVEN those with obvious lies as to Kerry surrogates. Very little outrage.

End Result: The SBVT sold a lot of books, Corsi claims he'll run against Kerry for Senate, the media that DID NOT ask Hoffman or the others for any proof, demanded that Kerry after losing, sign to release all his military records TO CLEAR HIS NAME. When Kerry does and the records are the same as those that were on the web site (except a recommendation for accelerated promotion and a top fitness evaluation - which Kerry didn't have), most of the media ignored everything except Yale grades.


Conclusion: No matter what Kerry would have done the media would not have helped him. Note - Bush had something bad on his record, Kerry didn't, even now what % of people know this.

[Imagevision]

4. Where's Hillary and Obama when you need them - they just can't

get too involved can they!

[berni_mccoy]

5. I've been saying this since the DSM

Take back America!

Force accountability on these crooks by shutting down the legislative branch. Fillibuster EVERYTHING:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1875248

[maxrandb]

6. Here's My Letter to the Editor

Karl Rove, with malice and forethought, questioned the patriotism of nearly half the United States. He needs to be reminded of some basic facts.

“Liberals” are fighting and dieing in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Liberals” were among those viciously killed on September 11. His comments were an insult to every “liberal” currently serving this country.

I’ve spent more than 20 years proudly serving my country. It’s bad enough that the Department of Defense provides an avenue, through Armed Forces Radio, for Rush Limbaugh to tell my “Shipmates” that “I hate America”, and, “wish more Americans are killed in Iraq”. It’s bad enough that I can’t get a traffic or weather report on AM Radio without first hearing that “I am a communist, terrorist sympathizer”. But, when the most trusted advisor to the President openly questions my character, my patriotism, and my commitment to my country, that is taking it to far. Perhaps I, and other “liberal” Democrats currently serving should reconsider our commitment. No one wants to continue to serve if they are not welcome. Mr. Rove should immediately be fired before he does any more harm to our country, and the military.

[Imagevision]

7. Dems are displaying no guts whatsoever!!

[Devil Dog Dem]

8. Yeah, I know.

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