Democratic "tough guys" -- How it's done

[Adelante]

There are several threads discussing "tough" or "courageous" Democrats. But Democratic leaders have to be smart as well as tough while they beat Republicans with a stick.

Frank Lautenberg shows us how to do this extremely well, in my opinion, and with wit and political savvy, in fighting the threat to Public Broadcasting.

Press Release 6/10/05

Lautenberg: Republicans Target Elmo and Sesame Street for Destruction - House Committee Launches Attack on PBS Broadcasting

WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to Republican efforts to cut off federal funding for children's public television programs such as Sesame Street and Arthur, United States Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-.N.J), a grandfather of ten children, sent a message to his Republican colleagues; "Pick on somebody your own size."

Lautenberg serves on the Senate Commerce Committee which has oversight of public and private broadcasting, and pledged to use his position to thwart any efforts to cut off funds for PBS.

"With so much filth on the airwaves, public television is an oasis for parents," said Lautenberg. "As a grandparent I take comfort in the knowledge that my grandchildren can watch safe, quality programs like Sesame Street, Caillou, Arthur and Between the Lions. And as a Senator I'll fight to save these shows.

"The Republicans who are targeting Elmo, Arthur and other PBS characters should pick on somebody their own size," Lautenberg added. "Parents across America trust PBS, but these ideologues in Congress think they know what is best for other people's children."

Yesterday during a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor/HHS/and Education, Republicans approved a measure that would drastically cut federal funding for all public broadcasting beginning next year.

"Elmo and other PBS characters are now on the right wing's "Most Wanted" List," said Lautenberg. "Instead of focusing on our nation's pressing problems, they are picking on children. It's unconscionable."

http://lautenberg.senate.gov/~lautenberg/press/2003/01/2005610731.html

Sharp, funny, effective. Offending nobody but the right wing and the Republicans in Congress. Hitting straight at all voters regardless of party. Either you've got a kid who watches these shows or chances are you watched them growing up.

Don't defend PBS, defend Sesame Street. Leave no weasel room for the Repugs. Humiliate the bastards on their policies and force them to defend their own brutality against the most revered children's shows in America to the parents of America.

For those who may not remember, this New Jersey Senator defended Kerry against the chickenhawks by calling them chickenhawks on the Senate floor.

Defending Kerry, senator blasts 'chickenhawks' - Lautenberg criticizes Cheney for questioning record

Wednesday, April 28, 2004 Posted: 4:25 PM EDT (2025 GMT)


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg on Wednesday called Vice President Dick Cheney "the lead chickenhawk" against Sen. John Kerry and criticized other Republicans for questioning the Democratic presidential contender's military credentials.

But Sen. John McCain, a decorated war hero and former prisoner of war, scolded Lautenberg for attacking the Bush administration during the Iraq conflict and said it was time to "declare that the Vietnam War is over."

In a scathing speech on the Senate floor, Lautenberg, D-New Jersey, said that he did not think politicians should be judged by whether they had military service but added that "when those who didn't serve attack the heroism of those who did, I find it particularly offensive."

"We know who the chicken hawks are. They talk tough on national defense and military issues and cast aspersions on others," he said. "When it was their turn to serve where were they? AWOL, that's where they were."

-more-

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/04/28/lautenberg.kerry/

This is a fighting Democratic Senator who knows when to punch and when to pull. He uses wit when he can and a blowtorch when he has to, but for the same purpose of calling out the other side. This is how it's done.

Go Frank!! :thumbsup:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Brilliant!

I think a "save Elmo" letter campaign along the lines suggested by the Senator would be in order. Thanks for posting these words. The Garden State should be proud to have such a Senator.

[iamjoy]

2. Maybe This Time The Media Will Help Us

and when they do the story show clips of Sesame Street and Arthur.

The Republicans are against Sesame Street.
They don't like Big Bird.
They want to evict Elmo

(better not to bring up Ernie & Bert, I'm sure Falwell would decide that the pair is gay and therefore must be removed from television)

[ClarkUSA]

3. GO FRANK!

Now, this Democrat knows how to mock and shame Republicans with finesse.

I feel better - that idiot Republican at PBS had me worried.

Senator Lautenberg :yourock:

[Smarmie Doofus]

4. Lautenberg has been a pleasant surprise, especially....

in his senatorial reincarnation ( served; retired; returned to save the seat Torricelli held from going GOP).

Like Byrd, I think he's made a conscious decision not to be so cautious. Not much time left; lots to be done.

[ClarkUSA]

5. He has been a quiet mentor to many, too.

He is very much the elder statesman and his heart is still as fiery and wily and liberal as any.