Democratic Party subject on NPR talk now:

[Algorem]

http://wamu.org/programs/dr/

Wednesday August 24, 2005
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10:00 The Democratic Party
Guest host: Steve Roberts

Several political analysts talk about what's going on in the Democratic party and new efforts to build a unified national strategy.

Guests
Matt Bennett, vp for public affairs, Third Way

Ben Brandzel, advocacy director,
MoveOn.org

Donna Brazile, founder and managing director of Brazile and Associates

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Show archives will be available approximately one hour after the program ends.

[kentuck]

1. Democrats need to stop trying to have a "unified" message....

Just say what they believe and if another Democrat disagrees, let them disagree. I think it is an over-rated "strategy" that we have to be united on any one subject. For example, the war in Iraq. Nobody is united on this issue. By attempting to be united on one position only paralyzes the Party. Speak up if you are against it. The voters will decide who is on the right side of the issue. If you wish to support Bush, go ahead. But don't expect everybody to get behind you. And vice-versa. Just stand up for what you believe and speak up. Stop being manipulated.

[DJ MEW]

2. do you remember the mid term elections in 1994

Gingrich and friends came up with a unified message for all republicans to use all over the country, and it worked. That was how the repubs got in to power.

I totally agree with you about how it should be, but too many people want to believe that the party they endorse when they go vote has a unified plan for the country. It is easier then having to think for your self about how you want the country to be.

Unfortunately we need to have some kind of unified plan or core value system or something to show the voters that the Democrats know what we are doing and are capable.

Edit:
Happy Birthday to me.

[mmonk]

3. The only problem

is some dems answer to a "contract with America" is it will look the same with a few words in it to look like a progressive direction. It's hard to con those that have a problem with the way things are going and looking for a real change.

[mmonk]

4. And happy birthday

Of course the republicans used to lose when they went along with dems when they were in the minority (just like us now).

[kentuck]

5. I think we may have misinterpreted that....

The fact that they were speaking out against the Democrats was the important issue and the fact that the Democrats were not effectively defending themselves, gave the Repubs the landslide in the House. It is the indecision and the silence that hurts Democrats more than a divided message, in my opinion. It would be preferable to have a unified message, such as over Social Security, but silence is not preferable to a divided message, in my opinion. Because we do not know how many people might agree with the message, even if it is presently in the minority?