Should the 06 Message be for Balance or for Impeachment?

[Armstead]

Poll question: Should the 06 Message be for Balance or for Impeachment?

Looking at the current scene, it seems like there are two basic, but mutually exclusive, messages that might be a basis for the 06 Congressional races. Both are based in voter dissatisfaction with Bush and the GOP Congress and their excesses and incompetence.

One approach is for the Democrats to go all the way, and push for wholesale change through Impeachment -- or at least the implication that impeachment would be possible with a Democratic majority.

The other is to downplay such talk, and push for a Democrtic Congress as a check and balance against the administration and the GOP. This would still be a message of change, but less dramatic and less potentisally scary to voters who may dislike Bush, but don't want to see the country dragged through another impeachment battle.

What do you think?

[Mass]

1. Accountability

We have a terrible administration and the Republican Congress refuses to ask for any accountability. (I guess that makes it the second option, that is what I voted anyway).

[Fovea]

2. I do not see these strategies as mutually exclusive.

And even if we lose on one, we are not affected in our ability to win the other.

In fact, the mere act of pursuing impeachment, even without success shows the base that we are serious about corruption, not just using it as a rhetorical device.

[radio4progressives]

3. False Dichotomy

I believe your observations are accurate in terms of how the issue is presented to american people vis a vis the MSM (no thanks to dp leaders and spokespeople) but i believe the argument (inside politics)to be a false dichotomy, and the political kabuki dance being played around this is doing more harm to the nation, (and potentially the world) outweighing the perceived benefits of such a strategy (down playing impeachment).

the people occupying the white house are dangerous sociopaths (some say psychopathic)and for the sake of the world and our nation, need to be removed - that's why it is insane to me, to discuss the question of calling for impeachment as a political problem - i believe other measures need to be taken outside of the political arena.

through the judicial system.

[Armstead]

8. The dichotomy is political

Individually, people can rage and organize for impeachment all they want. Maybe the idea will take hold, maybe not.

But there is a need to consider the implications in a partisan sense, if the politicians and leaders of the Democratic Party hop on that train too.

I'm not saying one is right or wrong. Just that there are implications for either approach -- the cautious "party balance" approach and the enraged impeachment one, in terms of how voters perceive the choice in November.

[iconoclastNYC]

4. Extremism In Defense of Liberty is No Vice.

We need to channel our countries anger, not just Democrats but the Republicans who feel betrayed by thier party.

IMPEACHMENT should have happened by now, and we need to make it front in center in our arugments. The rubber stamp congress must be replaced.

[paineinthearse]

5. Pelosi set the tone yesterday - downplay

When asked live at noon if she supported the SF city council's call to impeach.

[Pirate Smile]

6. Checks and balances which will include Investigations.

Investigations by a Dem Majority with subpoena power has to come before Impeachment.

An end to the rubber stamp Republican Congress is what most people want. That idea is wanted by Dems, Independents and even many Republicans. I think that is a more winning argument then yelling for impeachment.

[Armstead]

9. Thanks for that -- I added that as an answer

[Pirate Smile]

10. I already voted so I can't vote for the new option.

:)

[Armstead]

11. And i don;t even live in Ohio

}(

[longship]

7. Accountability is the key

The lies, the corruption, the backroom deals, Congress-for-hire, etc.

We need to beat the drum of accountability. We don't need to say a word about impeachment even though that is the only Constitutional accountability that will fix this criminal regime.

Then, when the Dems take over in Congress, the hearings will lead inevitably to the forgone conclusion that the only accountability will be kicking these criminals out of our White House.

[Jai4WKC08]

12. Don't put the cart before the horse

The average voter is clueless about the "high crimes and misdemeanors" of which Bush is certainly guilty. They will see impeachment at best as partisanship, at worst as an act of revenge. At their core, they don't WANT to believe their president is a criminal. They have to be brought along gradually.

If we can take back the House, hold a full investigation, I'm convinced the truth will become obvious to everyone but the most die-hard Bush apologists.

[radio4progressives]

15. You really the average voter is clueless ?

Then why do you suppose Bush's approval ratings have hit the skids? VP Cheney's approval rating is lower than I think Agnew's was if memory serves, (check me on that).

Clearly before the 2004 elections, they were blind as bush bats, but now?

[iconoclastNYC]

16. The average voter was clueless about Lewinsky

And coudln't tell you the first thing about why he was even under oath.

DId that stop them?

When the president is at 34% approval ... selling Impeachment as the reason to vote is a winner, IMHO.

[Doctor_J]

13. #3 = appeasement

no thanks.

[Armstead]

14. kick

[mandyky]

17. I chose accountability

I also hope we can talk about other issues like health care, the economy and oversight(that ties into the 2 party argument).

[FreedomAngel82]

18. I say impeachment

They got Clinton over lying about a private personal affair. And I do remember there was a poll a few months ago that told how 54% of Americans weanted Bush impeached if they knew he lied about war.