Where is the backbone of the Democratic Party

[ProudToBeLiberal]

Why did Davis concede so early without a fight. Why did gore concede without letting us take to the streets. Why are the people in washignton cowering from the Bush administration. Is this what the Democratic party has come to? I want my party back. Maybe we need younger blood that will invigorate the democratic party. Let's put our faith in the younger generation.

I know that many of the younger generations are leaning towards conservatism but I believe that the core liberal activists will pull through. I want to fight. No more hiding. No more accepting everything that is given to us. I make my stand. Let's make our stand together and forge a new alliance. From now on the Democratic party will fight.

[Carmerian]

1. It's indeed time for a purge

Regardless of whether you support the man, Dean's grassroots campaign is indicative of what we need to take the party back from the Gray Davises and Terry McAuliffes who are flying us into the ground.

Ultimately, it all comes down to winning the primary spots away from the party apparatciks. Unfortunately, there is no real Progressive Caucus of the Democratic Party, to be an alternative to the DLC. Even if it were created today, there are only four months until primary season opens. How on earth could we field candidates in such a short time? It seems daunting.

[even]

2. Dean is a loser.

He hates Democrats. His ego trip really stinks he is Mcgovern X10.

[Carmerian]

4. I'm not talking about Dean

I'm talking about his grassroots organization. Something like that is the only way we're going take the whole party back from the faceless lifers who are dragging us all down.

[ProudToBeLiberal]

5. I like howard dean

I'm 18 and I'll be able to vote in the primary in washington and the general election. Maybe you should articulate why you disagree with Dean policies or his character instead of blurting out that "dean is a loser." Maybe then people will listen to you.

[VOX]

9. even, you're odd. Tell us how the view is up on boot hill...

as I expect that you'll be enjoying it there *real* soon.

Adios!

[gully]

11. hmmmmm, who do you support?

:shrug:

[jpgray]

3. This is the thing I am most afraid of

If there is a purge, and people wholly abandon the "milque toast", we are going to find out that as distasteful as moderates are, they are absolutely necessary. Lose too many seats trying to reinvent the party, and Caesar may get a dictator-for-life (no term limit, coupled with voter fraud) handed to him. Control, or at least a close contest, of Congress is not something you can throw away to get back later. There may not be a later if we abandoned everyone that didn't pass muster.

[Carmerian]

6. Sorry, I didn't mean to imply purging moderates

In re-reading my other post I see it implies that.

The problem we have is that the party is being held hostage by bunch of people who seem only interested in preserving their gravy train instead of fighting for the good of the party. They are politically inept. It just so happens that in this case they are centrists. In an alternate universe they could just as easily be liberals.

The people right now who seem the most in the mood to fight the Right are the liberals in the party, but we are being shut out of the decision-making process by the lifers like Terry McAuliffe. If we can gain currency in the party, then we can use our power to oust losers like him who won't go by themselves. I agree that I would hate to see that mean kicking out moderates who nonetheless have fighting spirit - but are there many of those right now, anyway?

[jpgray]

7. Sorry I misunderstood--here's my take on that:

McAuliffe would like nothing better I'm sure than to have a popular band of liberal Democrats fighting the Republicans tooth-and-nail at all hours, while getting plenty of fair media coverage on the way and remaining eminently electable. What he has is a party whose polices are generally less favorable (being generous) than Republicans to those who own the media outlets. What he has are many hangers-on and worthless fortunate-son dilletantes who want to remain in the system for fun and profit. He has situations in many states where turning more to the left, or becoming more active and unified on Democratic issues, will lose the seat to a Republican. To get media capital and to maintain balance he has to whore himself quite a bit. He is at a permanent disadvantage where the media is concerned, because even "Third Way" Democrats will not measure up to the corporate-friendliness of the mildest Republican. The DNC outlook has to reflect all those problems, and the people it is most likely to piss off is the base of his party, unfortunately. :(

That's just my take, of course. But we are sort of stopgap right now, holding on to what we can while we try to revitalize. It may not work.

[blkgrl]

8. Democrats would NEVER get away with recalling a duly elected Repub

I think that point is very clear. So why are Dems always accepting these tactics?

[RummyTheDummy]

10. It's in Terry McAullife's checking account....

NT