Why Doesn't the Democratic Party Make Election Reform an Issue

[Leilani]

I don't mean talking about Ohio, or stolen votes, etc.

But many people on BOTH sides of the aisle are suspicious of the new voting machines, & are unhappy with the way things are run.

Why don't they do a big promotional pitch for "certified paper trails"?

Also, as mentioned in another thread, why not return to REAL debates, where candidates can really debate? The League of Women Voters used to do a terrific job. Now the parties control things, & the debates are a joke.

Also, allowing some third parties into the debates would make things interesting.

I'm sure the Democratic Party wants to maintain control, but it would be very favorable for them if they were seen working for ALL the people.

[chomskysright]

1. because they are headed for Republican lite w/ Roemer as DNC chair

[andyhappy]

2. exactly....

I dont know what has stunned me more. The stealing of the election or the democrats reaction to their loss.

the more they move to the middle the more they will lose people like me...

who is the base of the democratic party? Is it progressives? Or is it the middle of the road people?

[Leilani]

3. The Dems do everything on the defensive

Why don't they come out with some new ideas & proposals that most Americans would like?

Where are some new ideas?

[andyhappy]

5. its so frustrating

why won't someone stand up and fight!

Kerry should have made a HUGE deal about the assault weapons ban expiring but he was afraid of losing the 'gun vote'

by trying to appeal to EVERYONE, the dems end up alientating their base and coming across as having no ideas of their own

people blame gavin newsom for losing this election because he stood up for gay rights.

Newsom is a leader. Newsom is the future ...but the dems wouldn't even let him speak at the convention ..pathetic...

[slackmaster]

9. Kerry's proxies in the gun control extremist movement did that

They tried to make expiration of the "Assault Weapons" ban into a huge public safety issue starting in about March 2004. Funny that they waited until six months before its expiration to do that.

Kerry should have made a HUGE deal about the assault weapons ban expiring but he was afraid of losing the 'gun vote'

So he put on camouflage and stomped around in the mud pretending to be an avid duck hunter. The part of the gun vote he hadn't already alienated with his support of the AW ban saw right through it, so he lost them too.

[OneBlueSky]

4. and why didn't they make it an issue for the past three years? . . .

did they really believe that having the voting (and counting) process controlled by Republican corporations would be to their benefit? . . . or fair and impartial? . . . do they really believe that Max Cleland lost in 2002? . . . talk about shooting yourself in the foot . . . or the head, maybe . . .

[Stinky The Clown]

6. Your question and posits are right, but

who can make it happen?

I agree with you that many - of all political stripes - see the issue with BBV. But like so much that we talk about here, it ends up as just so much mental masturbation. I can see this as being a winner for us and an issue that truly *can* be bipartisan, but with us in the lead.

But who listens to us? We're just the grass roots.

As to the debates, you could not be more right. The debates are a farce. Lawyers prescribing silliness like the color and visibility of timing lights, height of podiums, etc. How about an open exchange of **real** ideas, with the normal thrust and parry of real debate?

As to third party, I'm less convinced. Can you imagine a debate that allows some guy on who has one issue and no support, but technically qualifies as a candidate? We have to have some limits on this.

I'd also like to see more, not fewer, debates during the primaries, even when one guy is a strong front runner, as was Kerry this last cycle. That would be a good way for the lesser known candidates to get some serious exposure. Again there would need to be some way to eliminate the truly fringe candidate, but, overall, more is better than less.

[Leilani]

7. Right you are!

We're just the "grass roots."

I would imagine we could "brainstorm" a list of proposals to make the Dems more attractive, more user friendly, etc.However the party doesn't seem to think anything needs to be changed. And I'm not talking about changing principles, I mean reaching out to all Americans on things they truly care about.

What about an end to gerrymandered districts...every year more incumbents have safe seats.

What about fiscal responsibility? All approriations bills should be on line for voters to see, BEFORE the reps vote. Get rid of all the pork, etc.

Anyway, we need some of our so-called leaders to step up.

And I see your point about 3rd parties; I threw that in as a discussion point. I'd like 3rd parties to get some voice...it might help move issues along.

[KnowerOfLogic]

8. Why don't they make *anything* an issue? I don't know. nt

[Leilani]

11. All we hear is a grand silence.

[leftofthedial]

10. the "leaders" of the Democratic Party are in business with the Repukes

they built the system. It rewards them.

[Leilani]

12. I am getting really fed up

because there's so much that could be done, on behalf of ALL voters.

It would help the people & party at the same time.

Either they truly are corrupt, or they don't have a clue.

[leftofthedial]

13. it is impossible for them to be that clueless and out of touch

they are willingly complicit

[Leilani]

14. I'm slowly, but painfully reaching the same conclusion.

[leftofthedial]

20. I hate to believe it

but it's becoming apparent.

they are okay with fascism.

[manhattanite]

15. Because they are too busy fighting each other.

[paulk]

16. HR2239 was introduced in the House in May 2003

The bill was sponsored by a Democrat. It would have required verifiable paper trails on electronic voting machines. Despite bipartisan support, the bill was killed in committee by the Republican House leadership.


There won't be legislation introduced in a lame duck session, you'll have to wait for the new Congress to be sworn in next year before anything happens. That's just the way things work.


I realize it's a lot easier to just generically bash the Democrats, but a little homework now and then really wouldn't hurt.


And that goes for all you people upthread.

[Leilani]

19. Please don't patronize me.

I know about the bill. It was sponsored by A Representative from New Jersey, & I know it's tied up in committee.

I was talking about going directly to the people with some fresh ideas & a pkg of reforms that will appeal to ALL voters.

The Dems might get some media time if they had something NEW to say.

Because they're in the minority, they have to think of creative ways to try & accomplish some things.

[robbedvoter]

17. No voting rights, no war, not even Social security.No Gonzalez.

Nothing that matters. Nothing.

[journalist3072]

18. Two Words: Political Cowardice!

[Redleg]

21. Your guess is as good as mine.

It ought to be issue 1 or 2.