Dr. Dean if you are listening = Please Send Talking Points !!!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

If anyone has an in with Dean, please let him know the results of this thread and ask him to send some talking points.

I am SICK and TIRED of "Democratic Strategists" ("Democratic Strategist Donna Brazille" is an oxymoron) of not having a freakin clue as to what to say to the following questions, which I have heard asked of Democrats a ZILLION times with no good response.

I list them, and offer just one idea, off the top of my head for a response.

Please add your own and if no one has an in with Dean - I will mail the responses "special delivery signature required."


1. Don't you think we are better off without Saddam?
One possible answer:
Our first priority, after 9-11, should have been to capture Bin Laden and cut his network down to the nub. At that time the whole world was behind us. What Bush did was to squander our resources by invading Iraq, without world support when there was NO IMMEDIATE need to do so. Saddam was completely contained. Many said that his arsenals were depleted and ineffective. But the most important thing, is that the weapons inspectors had unbridled access. And they were finding NOTHING. Now a PRUDENT president would have slowed down at that point before sending our innocent men and women in. BUT what did Bush do ? He sped up. The American people and the Press should be asking everyday, why did he speed up?


2. Don't you agree with the president's position that we need to fight the terrorists in Iraq instead of the US? (This was Donna Brazille's question on Wolf's Situation Room today and she did NOT HAVE A FREAKIN CLUE HOW TO ANSWER)
One possible answer:
It is a proven fact that invading Iraq has created many, many more Al Queda terrorists than there were before 9-11. They have grown exponentially. The "deal with them over there policy" implies that our policy is to kill every last one of them. This is impossible because due to our incorrect policies, more are recruited each day. And furthermore, how inhumane of us to subject the Iraqi people to this horror. They did nothing to deserve this. To wake up every day to bombings, killings, and sirens.

[TomClash]

1. Who needs him?

I used to have great respect for him but Gary Hart is right. The cowwards have all sold out. I am beginning to hate the Democrats almost as much as the Repukes.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

3. Well, now that you mentioned it, Dean hasn't been anywhere has he?

I agree. I smell independent option

[NYCGirl]

5. No, he hasn't been anywhere. He's been everywhere. Only in about 12 states

in the past couple of months, helping the local parties build their structures so we have a chance in the upcoming elections. Doing his job, which is NOT to tell Donna Brazile what to say, not that she'd listen if anyone did that.

As the Democratic senators told Dr. Dean, his job is NOT to make policy. Maybe one of them might speak up from time to time.

[TomClash]

7. That's just great

The leading antiwar spokesman and he can't talk aobut the war.

And who benefits?

[Laura PourMeADrink]

10. So who the hell does make Democratic policy? Anyone that

feels like it? No cohesion? There is no doubt what he is doing is worthwhile and needed on the local level, I agree. But it doesn't seem like that would preclude him from organizing Democrats and leading them into a cohesive stance and then communicating it.

[NYCGirl]

13. Did McAuliffe make policy? Try your Senators or Reps. NT

[Laura PourMeADrink]

15. Again, I never said I wanted Dean to make policy. Just organize

the dem policy makers to present as cohesive message as possible.

[Al-CIAda]

2. Fucking pathetic, ain't it? nt

[The Traveler]

4. The Democratic "leadership" has got to learn

it is hard to get through life without a backbone.

[OzarkDem]

6. Here are some from Center for American Progress (APAF)

Talking Points for Today - Bush & Iraq

Extended military presence in Iraq is weakening America’s fight against terrorism.

The war on terrorism goes well beyond Bush’s war in Iraq

Patriotism means far more than blind allegiance to failed leaders and a misguided war



More at Link:http://www.americanprogressaction.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp?c=klLWJcP7H&b=700005

Check their talking points archives for more.

[MaineDem]

8. Here's something:

I got this from the DNC this week.

KEY POINT: Before he can expect to regain the trust of the American people, President Bush needs to explain his strategy in Iraq and lay out a plan for success. He needs to start listening to the military experts telling us what's happening on the ground there. And he needs to start listening to the concerns of people here at home.

On Sunday, Republican Senator Hagel warned President Bush against ignoring the advice of his military officials when putting together a military plan for Iraq. And, he is right. Our troops deserve better.

The President can't make up for the mistakes he made in taking the United States to war in Iraq, but he can do the right thing going forward.

When President Bush speaks this week to members of the military and veterans, he should lay out a clear plan for future success in Iraq based on the informed advice of his military command.

It's long-past time for the President to show some leadership, for the sake of our troops, their families and America's security.

[elperromagico]

9. Considering the number of Democratic leaders Dean "doesn't speak for,"

I wonder if they'd even heed his talking points.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

11. You're right. I am not suggesting Dean formulate the policy or

talking points -- just to have Dean organize the Dems to reach some concensus and distribute talking points. Dems are and have been very fragmented and they are losing a great opportunity to push a specific message --if they'd get one.

[MaineDem]

12. I understand there is a messaging effort going in all states, lead by Dean

The plan is to get 50+ "messages" (including US territories and Dems Abroad)consolidated into one that Democrats can run on and push as our basis for being Democrats. Each state should be working on this now.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

14. Thanks Maine. This is a wonderful, and much needed effort.

As far as Iraq though, I guess we are all very divided between leaving or staying. I am still in the Kucinich camp. Back in the debates he called for withdrawal. His reasoning, you will have to get out sometime, why wait months and years when the outcome will be the same.

[LetsGoMurphys]

16. talking points should be left to the republicans

I think they are very damaging to intellectual debate. Lets not become the robots they have become i.e. dont think while delivering talking points.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

19. I disagree. You have to be able to say SOMETHING -- I have

yet to hear anyone answer these questions at all. They hem and haw. If people are going to get on tv, and represent the Democratic party, and they haven't a clue what to say....It is not like they would be saying anything they don't believe in.

[DeepModem Mom]

17. Blast-fax talking points daily -- please! nt

[DeepModem Mom]

18. And consult Paul Hackett for advice. nt

[Laura PourMeADrink]

20. OMG You are SO right !!! I saw him on Bill Maher and fell totally

in love with the guy. So sincere and didn't give a shit what anyone thought, he spoke from the heart. Not too bad on the eyes either, huh Mom

[DeepModem Mom]

21. Not bad at all!

:loveya: