Feingold supporters: Can A Jew Be Elected President?

[ruggerson]

That's the big question that's never openly discussed.

My guess is yes, if every single card falls in the right direction.

But there is not a doubt in my mind that the Republicans will start a whisper campaign in the South and Midwest that electing a Jewish person will inflame the Muslim world and worsen the "war on terror."

The word on the street, put out surreptitiously by the RNC, will be that if we elect Feingold, we will be attacked.

In more receptive parts of the country it will be even more vicious: do you want the Knesset controlling the White House?

Granted, they will use the terror card against anyone we put up, but Russ will be especially vulnerable.

I have no doubt they will try to politicize Russ' faith and turn it into a negative.

Watch.

[RagingInMiami]

1. "Can a Catholic ever be president?"

They asked that before JFK was elected in 1960. You would think we could move beyond those type of questions.

[ruggerson]

4. You would think

but that's giving the Republicans far too much credit.

[RagingInMiami]

6. Maybe that's why Lieberman had to become a democrat

Even though he is an obvious republican

[cali]

17. That meme is

so flawed. Go look up his ADA ranking. I can't abide Lieberman, but except on defense, he's a dem.

[RagingInMiami]

28. I'm not going to bother

It's not that big of a deal to me.

[CatholicEdHead]

73. Not in today's climate

There is so much talk about not being "Catholic" if you do not follow the Vatican 100% (which I think is utter crap). That will not go well with most of the population. The JFK era has passed, may return but not for a while.

[Zapatero]

123. I Think it is a Valid Question

We had ONE Catholic president and he was quickly killed. Do you really believe this country would vote for a Jewish, Black, female or another Catholic president?

[rodeodance]

2. nothing really to discuss-He does not wear it on his shirtsleeve.

...That's the big question that's never openly discussed.

[IndianaGreen]

3. Feingold is no Lieberman

This is like comparing a Rabin to a Sharon.

People will react accordingly, it is not the religion but the person that practices the religion that counts.

[radio4progressives]

45. Hear! Hear! IG

If memory serves, i beleive Feingold is a staunch proponent of Separation of Church and State - Religion has no place in Government or Politics.

[MADem]

5. Sure, that isn't the elephant in the room, so to speak

It's the serial marriages that are problematic.

[BrklynLiberal]

7. The RNC will sling any mud they can against an opponent.

They took Kerry's VietNam actions and medals and tried to make them look like negatives. Look at what they did to Max Cleland. They have no mercy!

Look what they did to McCain in the primaries against Bush! They even slaughter their own.

The mud they sling can come from anywhere. It does not even have to be true for them to sling it.

Feingold's Jewishness is the least of the things from which they will create mud to sling at him.

EDIT: Their usual plan is to attack their opponent's most positive, strongest points and make them look likenegatives. Feingold's Jewishness is not his strongest point, so it will not be what they attack headon. It may be the object of some whispering campaigns, but it will not be the thing they attack with the most force.

[TAPat]

8. I so hate to say it...

but I've always said that a black man or a white woman, in that order, will be "elected" (what an old fashioned term!) to the WH before any person of Jewish faith - the Jews killed Jesus and all that crap... No room in this country for anything other than good 'ol American Christians. :cry:

[UrbScotty]

9. A Jew was elected VP in 2000

Granted, he's a traitor, but that's for other reasons.

[ruggerson]

11. That was pre 9/11

We live in a post 9/11 world. Haven't you gotten the RNC email?

[UrbScotty]

14. Feingold - 55% of the Wisconsin vote in 2004

Carl Levin: 61% in Michigan less than 14 months after 9/11

Aarlen Specter: Re-lected at the same time Kerry beat Biush's @$$ in Pennsylvania

[ruggerson]

15. Getting elected senator or governor is a very different

proposition than getting elected President.

[UrbScotty]

20. But they still make US policy (nt)

[meti57b]

10. Jesus was Jew. I would think they'd love having another Jew for president.

[BrklynLiberal]

13. oops. Don't remind them.

:rofl:

[Arkansas Granny]

16. Jesus taught what we consider to be liberal values, too, and you

see how far that has gotten.

[UrbScotty]

19. But Jesus preached TOLERANCE, COMPASSION, and LOVE

If Jesus ran in 2008, the GOP's attacks on Hillary and Kerry would seem calm compared to their attacks on Jesus.

[President Jesus]

89. no, he taught FORGIVENESS and LOVE

and yes, there's a substantial difference. He wasn't very tolerant of the money changers, was he?

[UrbScotty]

119. He? I thought YOU were Jesus! (nt)

[Clark2008]

95. Something like this:

[Hippo_Tron]

126. LMAO That's great

I think the best frame is the "I'm George W. Bush and I approve this message".

[zulchzulu]

12. Yes indeed, Russ could be elected President

Here in Wisconsin, Feingold has a lot of cross-over voters, i.e. Republican moderates and Independents, that vote for him because they know he speaks his mind, is open to intelligent discussion, is consistent and generally an authentic character. They might not agree with his stance on the so-called "Patriot Act" or his views on the war(s) or abortion, but they know he is willing to cross the line politically if an issue needs to be addressed, such as the McCain-Feingold bill...

The fact that he's Jewish doesn't come as a big issue for them. The fact that he is going to divorce and may be single in 2008 may be an "issue" though.

Those that would view him as a Jew and therefore not worthy of being President are going to vote Repuglican anyway...hopefully they stay home on Election Day and fester their hate on their dog.

[radio4progressives]

40. Condi Rice isn't Married... and she's being heavily promoted

in GOP circles.

What's good for the goose, should be good enough for the gander...

i think there is a political tsunami of the sorts that we haven't seen in my lifetime - and i'm hoping and praying it's a sort of shift that will set our nation on a saner course - about restoring our Constitution, Bill of Rights and the basic tenets of a democracy...

I know that Feingold can do this, and I know that he knows all this war on terra is a huge canard to lay waste to our national treasury and our system of democratic principles and governance.

I feel that he can communicate this across the spectrum very effectively, and I feel that America no longer needs to have a "married" couple in the WH.

[zulchzulu]

51. On Feingold's impending divorce...

They are still best of friends. From what I've heard and read in the local Madison rumor machine (where he has a very modest home), she just doesn't like DC and the time he needs to spend there.

For all we know, Russ may be remarried by 2008...who knows...and frankly, who cares.

People are seeing that personal lives and privacy are off the radar with so many more things to be worried about...like you said...addressing the basic tenents of democracy that are under attack bby the Repug Machine.

Like you said, let's hope there is a political tsunami about to unfold...and Russ certainly could lead the charge.

[radio4progressives]

57. With his Looks I'd be surprised if women weren't lining up... (grin)

Seriously, that's interesting about his relationship with his wife. I'm very glad to know they are on good terms - for the sake of the stability of the kids (aren't they teens?)which I've read he is very close to.

The one thing that's going against Feingold, is that the Washington Elite (this especially includes Corporate Lobbyist AND the PRESS CORP) consider Feingold as a "goody two shoes", because he doesn't hang out and party with them or pander like a whore with them. Can you imagine?

I recently read or heard a report about Clinton having the problem of being outside of the Washington Elite (hard to imagine)during his presidency which is why they felt like it was ok to go after him, not just the campaign period, but with "Travel Gate" gave fodder to their emboldened attack mode early in his presidency.. I don't know if there's any truth to that. (sounded like disinfo to me)

But if Feingold is being snubbed because of his strong principles and advocacy for accountability and transparency but considered by the DC Elite as "goody two shoes" - I might think we could use that as a great PR .. dunno...

But I thirst for a leader like Feingold, and I think the entire country does as well.

[zulchzulu]

82. Having met Feingold on a number of occasions, he is like a brother...

..or something. Very approachable, honest, look-you-in-the-eye, decent fellow. Willing to talk to anyone with the same level of interest and attention...

One memory of him was at the Kerry 2004 Madison headquarters on Election Eve where people were phone-banking, doing last minute plans and such (I was doing database stuff) and he went to each large room and personally thanked everyone that was there, shook hands, did some phone banking for about an hour and hung out with the people in the trenches. Not a poseur at all. Serious yet willing to interject some humor in the situation. He was off to Milwaukee after that... He indeed is the real deal.

[radio4progressives]

85. I keep hearing about his humor... I'd love to get to know a little more

about that..

but i appreciate this report on other aspects, approacable, eye to eye, interest in straight talk.

When i hear or read transcripts of his Senate speeches I am simply amazed and overwelmed with his passion, conviction and deeply held passions on matters that go straight to the core of doctrines that binds us all.

[flpoljunkie]

105. Thanks for posting this anecdote about Feingold.

[durtee librul]

99. Let me tell you about Russ' ethics....

My son and his wife, who live in WI, adopted a child from Russia and got stuck in Russia due to some political snafu - - We live in MI, my DIL parents live in Iowa and her brothers in MN. NOT ONE OF THOSE A**HOLE 'representitives' would TAKE MY CALL TO GET MY SON AND HIS NEW FAMILY HOME! NOT ONE - - except Russ. He personally took an interest in the case and expedited matters to get a new family back to the safety of the US.

When I sent him a donation and a hand made quilt, I got them both back as it would appear as 'payment' for services that his office provides to all taxpayers.

The letter I recieved went along the lines of him being the head of the Ethic committee, it wouldn't look right and may compromise his position on the committee.

Call me stupid, but I would vote for Feingold in a heartbeat after what he did for our family. The man 'gets it' when it comes to caring for his constituents.

As for the voters in WI, we have many friends there (we are from there and are on temporary hell duty here in MI due to the wonderful job market)....they all LOVE him and really enjoy the town halls he does around the state as they are informative and open....in other words, he don't have to have pre-screened audiences to get applause!

Russ can make a real show if people would just listen to him. My dream ticket - him and Edwards. Both men get it.

I will have to practice saying, "jesus was a jew" to all my fundy 'friends without laughing at the look that I KNOW will cross thier faces! LOL!!!!!!

[radio4progressives]

107. What a Fabulous Story!

Thank you so much for sharing that with us! :applause:

I'm in California and have no personal reference to Feingold's actions as a Senator in terms of home front represntation - only what i've read and observed him do on the Senate floor and Senate Judiciary committee.

However I read about his etics especially with regard to contributions and they are so strikingly and most unfortunately incrongruous to the way business is conducted by Washington Politicians on every level, which is why i have such deep admiration for him as an individual and a politician and look to him for leadership that this country so desperately needs.

[Jai4WKC08]

65. Condi Rice has ZERO chance of winning the Repub nomination

There really are Repubs who would like to have her, but the majority doing the pushing are just trying to help their image with minority communities.

She MIGHT get a VP nod, but I doubt it. One thing Repubs don't do is turn away their base, and it's a very racist, misogynist base indeed.

[radio4progressives]

70. I essentially agree in theory..

but the freepers are desperate to show how much they are not racists, (even though they really are) and are also pushing her - so... i dunno.. we'll see.

[Jai4WKC08]

74. Yeah, but freepers reflect the GOP

About as well as DU represents the Dems. (If we did, Dean or Clark... or even Kucinich... would have won the 2004 nomination)

Freepers are a very small and far more politically aware segment of Repub primary voters.

The average Repub voter will barely peel himself away from NASCAR and NCAA basketball long enough to vote. Unless Cheney resigns and she's made VP, he probably won't even know who Condi Rice is, and there's no way he'll vote for anyone named Condoleeza when there's guys with good Amurikan he-man names like George (Allen), Bill (Frist) and Sam (Brownback).

If he does figure out who she is, he won't vote for a black OR a woman.

[adriennui]

94. condi as prez is lip service for the repubs

they want to APPEAR to be open minded. it will never happen.

[raysr]

18. Ask Lieberman,

Besides all the other things that stopped Al Gore, Lieberman was a piss poor choice for VP.

[UrbScotty]

21. Lieberman was piss-poor for other reasons

A Gore/Feingold ticket would have beaten Bush/Cheney by a wide enough margin to beat Jeb's shenanigans.

[lyonn]

30. Lieberman wore his religion on his sleeve

He was so obviously playing the "I'm not a heathen like Clinton" game.

Feingold speaks to me. A combo of Clark and Feingold is exciting.

[radio4progressives]

22. HRC claims to have Jewish Lineage

And AIPAC adores her. So, why not Feingold? Personally I strongly support Feingold not because he is jewish but because of his progressive positions and his fierce defense of our Constitution and our Bill of Rights, which i think will resonate with more people than most folks realize, if only he can get that message through the media - they give him very little coverage, so he's going to have to find away around the media or do something so dramatic as to cause the media to pay attention.

I also appreciate the fact that he is one of the few people who is not mealy mouthed, is not wishy washy about the issues - he is very clear without talking down to anyone - without resorting to rhetorical devices that duck what ever issue is being addressed.

I think Feingold could win, and win big, if he can find a way to cut through the Ruling Class machine controlled by party elites of both parties.

But right now, the message to progressives is that the Democratic Party already has their candidate in the bag, and her name is Hillary.

So in effect, according to pollsters and party operatives, this is a done deal - HRC won the party nomination for 2008.

Progressives have to sit that election out, don't eve bother even going to the polls. the 2008 presidential primaries is already over.

Move along and get on with your life now, i'm sure you and I have far better things to do than dream of a Feingold ticket.

[IndianaGreen]

24. On St. Patty's Day Hillary will be claiming Irish heritage

I am sure she will find some Polish ancestry in her family tree!

Hillary v. Condi would be the great race to perdition in 2008!

:eyes:

[dsc]

25. I think Clinton is an Irish name

though she is Rodham so she wouldn't have ancestry but she did marry someone with Irish ancestry.

[Aaaargh]

36. Trivia: Bill Clinton's real name was Blythe

Clinton was the step-father's name. His father's name was Blythe. Clinton's mom claimed her husband Mr. Blythe was part Cherokee, but this has been judged as dubious.

Hillary herself is a total WASP. Her own grandfather was an immigrant from England. She ain't even a 'Murcan if you ask me!

[radio4progressives]

39. True enough, but HRC discovered her Uncle is a Jew

right now i can't remember if she made this discovery before her election in 2000 or after 9/11 - just remember reading the reports about it..

it was probably connected to the question as to why AIPAC was such a strong supporter of HRC... don't remember right now, though she makes reference to her Jewish lineage in certain speaking engagments.

[IndianaGreen]

44. So? Madelyn Albright discovered she was born Jewish

Albright was the one that said it didn't matter that a million Iraqi children had died as the result of sanctions.

One can be Catholic like Ted Kennedy or like Alito. Alito sucks, while Kennedy rocks!

It is not the person's professed religion that counts, is who and what the person is that matters.

Frankly, having Hillary do a poor Kerry imitation in discovering her "roots" is part of her pandering personna.

[radio4progressives]

46. I agree IG, my point was to indicate the contradiction

why should Feingold's "jewishness" be a hinderence to his candidacy, when HRC claims to be descendent from Jews .. if Jewishness isn't going to hurt her chances for the nomination, why should it be an issue for Feingold?

that's all i'm saying...

I'm a fierce proponent of Separation of Church and State, HRC is NOT, but Feingold IS. :hi:

[dsc]

80. that is right, I forgot

[radio4progressives]

26. LOL

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Joanne98]

23. Eliot Spitzer could win. He has a 67% approval rating

among REPUBLICANS!

[SaveElmer]

27. Why limit to Feingold supporters...

I don't support him in the primaries but I have no doubt a Jew can be elected

[radio4progressives]

41. Feingold is a solid Progressive...

and a fierce defender of our Constitution and Bill of Rights..

That will resonate with most everyone i know..

[SaveElmer]

54. It may...

And I would have no problem voting for Feingold...in fact there is no Democrat being talked about as PrResidential material I would not happily vote for...I prefer Hillary.

Having said that, I really don't think the fact that Feingold is Jewish will have any impact.

[depakid]

29. I think so- and maybe a Jew would have a better shot

Because it wouldn't be so self-defeatingly tempting to pander to Southerners and lower Midwesterners- who aren't going to vote for you, anyway.

When the Dems stop trying to appeal to Texas, Indiana and the Carolina's- and stay on a progressive message, that's when they'll win a national campaign again.

[ulysses]

31. I think so.

It'll doubtlessly be politicized, though.

[flpoljunkie]

32. Feingold discusses Israel, Palestine situation in a May, 2002 interview

http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Politicians/Russ_Feingold.html

Q: What about the current crisis in Israel and Palestine, which just seems so despairing? What is your position?

Feingold: Well, I have long believed that Israel should seek to give up the so-called Occupied Territories in return for security, and that a Palestinian state should be established. I have felt that way all my life. I think it is unreasonable to ask the Israelis to do this in a context where there is no guarantee at all that suicide bombers will be controlled.

Even though Ariel Sharon would've been my last choice for prime minister, I do agree with his spokesman who said given what has happened in the last few weeks that Israel is, in fact, on the front line of terrorism. I think that is true. But that doesn't mean that the Palestinian people themselves don't deserve self-determination and a state. They do. So the tragedy right now is that the people who are running the show are the very conservative elements in Israel along with the scariest people on the Palestinian side who, quite frankly, are big fans of bin Laden.

Q: There is absolutely no defense for these suicide bombings. But I have to believe that Sharon isn't helping anyone's cause by attacking Arafat the way he is.

Feingold: I don't know what he thinks he's accomplishing by this image of Arafat holed up in this building. I don't get it. If there is some rationale, I'd love to hear it. I don't think it's helpful.

Q: And the Israeli military seems to be taking steps that are going to sow resentment among Palestinians for another generation.

Feingold: That's true. But they're in a terrible dilemma. I don't know how you explain to your families that you're going to sit back and twiddle your thumbs while suicide bombers strap bombs to themselves and kill your kids. Who would put up with that?

I believe that the Israelis and the Palestinians, by and large, want peace, they each want their own country, and they want to get along, and they are going to get along. I know it sounds unbelievable, but I know enough about this, having been there, that these are sophisticated people. It's not like in Pakistan, where people have been told about Jews for a thousand years but don't know any. The Palestinians know the Jews. And the Jews know the Palestinians. And they know they're not really different. And they know they are from the same background. And they know if they coordinated that they could be an economic success and a real basis for a rebirth in the Middle East.

[radio4progressives]

42. thank you for posting this transcript

it's an important insight on Feingold's thinking on the ME question.

Totally, Feingold is the leadership we so desperately need right now.

[catmother]

33. i hope so, but i don't think so. he's also a liberal which some

will say is a jewish trait. a "good" one i must add. coming from new york it was always the jews who hired the blacks -- treated them fairly. my jewish friends were all liberals. now to us, here at the DU that's an honorable trait, but to some it's scary. people are afraid that liberals will give away too much.:dilemma:

[stray cat]

34. Of course

If repubs attack based on a Jewish heritage I think they will offend more people than they convince including their base.

[leesa]

35. I hope so. He would be trashed for his anti-American opposition of the

'P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act' and for opposing the war. I think he will be trashed for being a leftist anti-american commie before being Jewish.

[radio4progressives]

43. Conservative Libertarians were and still are ademently opposed to PA.

And they are a significant faction of the traditional Republican party.

[serryjw]

110. Hey just like me!

I would support him/vote for him/work to get him elected...It will never happen for the above reasons...NOT because he is Jewish

[sandrakae]

37. I don't see why not an ape was.

Now to get serious. Someones religion should not matter.

[Aaaargh]

38. I don't know, but

since we don't seem to have any other '08 hopefuls who are worth a shit, maybe we'd better take a shot at it.

[radio4progressives]

47. Ruggerson, You're right about Whisper Campaigns...

but their crafted whisper campaigns will be created for every single candidate no matter who it is.

The issue should be Separation of Church and State, and I believe MOST Americans support that - regardless of what the wacko bush supporting fundies claim, with the help of the CM.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

48. Not as much of a problem as people think

Both Minnesota and Oregon have negligible Jewish populations. Minnesota has had three Jewish senators in my lifetime, and Oregon has had a Jewish governor and currently has a Jewish senator.

I'm old enough to remember how scared some people were of Kennedy becoming president. They were seriously worried that he'd sell America out to the Vatican. It sounds silly in retrospect, but even though I was only in grade school at the time, I remember people talking about it.

[radio4progressives]

58. I'm old enough to remember that too...

it seems silly, because we know that Kennedy wasn't married to the Vatican... and during his presidency came Vatican II - so there was already a very liberal shift within the Church..

But now it's back to Vatican I, and we have 5 SC Justices who are Vatican I Catholics and at least three if not four "married" to the Vatican.

I adored Kennedy, as my family did. But it had absolutely nothing to do with Catholism, Regligion or faith.

Feingold is a fierce advocate for Separation of Church and State.

That's says it all for me... (on that issue):hi:

[PassingFair]

49. I believe that the people of this nation will vote for ANYONE

who will speak the truth and conduct government affairs
with transparency.

We are in DIRE STRAITS. People are losing their
jobs, their homes and their dreams of college
educations for their children.

People are desperate for a real leader.

Feingold is the human that comes to my mind.

[Minnesota Libra]

50. Hell Yes a Catholic was President so why not, plus........

.....I'd vote for Feingold in a hot second.

[President Jesus]

88. uhh...big difference

Catholics make up somewhere around 24% of the population. Jews are 1%.

source: http://www.newsmeat.com/world_facts/United_States.php
look next to "Religions" under the "People" category.

Hell, there are twice as many Mormons than there are Jews in this country.

[serryjw]

111. ....I'm sorry, did you miss how

The Catholic Bishops made chop suey over Kerry's abortion stand. THEY will go after anything the think will resonate with their base. I love the man and what he stands for...but he has no chance.

[election_2004]

52. I'm concerned about it too...

And I'm one of Senator Feingold's constituents.

That's why Clark/Feingold might be a better ticket option...or Warner/Feingold...or Vilsack/Feingold...

Clinton/Feingold just won't work - - they have too much bad blood between them.

[radio4progressives]

53. I think it's best if we try and avoid attaching a DLC to Feingold at the

head of the ticket.. Vilsack or Warner is not a good Feingold mix at all.

Remember Feingold is an unapologetic progressive libertarian..

he ain't no dlc stripe.

(yes i know there was an early/very brief "association", but that was severed a long time ago, when Feingold learned what these people were about - could be along the time of NAFTA )

[election_2004]

56. I try not to clump all DLCers in the same boat....

Warner obviously found ways to work well with several Virginia Republicans in the state legislature (albeit probably the more-rational, less-neocon/fundie ones). So comparatively, working with Feingold should be a snap.

I admittedly don't know as much about Vilsack, although his geographical/region similarities with Feingold could allow them to find some common ground running the country.

[radio4progressives]

59. I see, that make sense..

I'm really ticked off at the DLC, (as i think we should all be) so my radar is in ultra sensitive mode in that regard...

My fear with anyone associated with the DLC being attached to a potential Feingold ticket is it would compromise Feingold's efforts to make meaningful repairs to the damage that's been done under this administration, as well as important efforts to repair damage done by DLC in Clinton's administration - such as rolling back on telecommunications, de-regs, corporate welfare etc.. and we know the DLC won't allow that if they have any influence.

[election_2004]

61. Personally....

I think Feingold would work best (and get along best) with Wes Clark as a national ticket (and when running the White House).

I share your inherent suspicion of the DLC, but I look at the individual politician -- hence I draw distinctions between a Warner and a Lieberman, or a Vilsack and a Ben Nelson.

In that case, I think Feingold could find more common ground with the Warners and the Vilsacks of the world, rather than the culturally-conservative Dem partisans.

[Clark2008]

98. Judging from the votes on various Dem website polling,

a Clark/Feingold ticket is the strongest of all.

I know that's MY personal favorite! :loveya:

[JunkYardDogg]

55. We already have an uncircumcised DickHead as President now

Equal time is due

[adriennui]

96. how do you know he's uncircumsized?

:puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke:

[JunkYardDogg]

109. The Beady Eyes pokin' thru the foreskin

'nuff said

[JunkYardDogg]

133. He doesn't look like he's always wearing a turtleneck sweater

'nuff said

[Catchawave]

60. Of course he can become President !

I don't believe he wears his religion on his sleeve ? In fact, if you had not mentioned it, I really didn't know what his religious preference was :hi:

Oh the RNC would attack Mother Theresa if she were still alive and we could run her! It's my hope the voters are just getting sick and tired of "dirty doo-doo" politics and getting stuck with batshitinsane goofballs.

[radio4progressives]

64. Strong Separation of Church and State advocate..

I think i remember him making lite reference to right to worship, in response to a fundie remark on the Senate floor, but he's definetly not about wearing religion on his sleave. I always have sense of deep resentment that he's politically forced to make any reference to any personal faith matters. That's the feeling I always get from him on such occasions.

Which is yet another thing that i really admire him for. can you imagine if we had a leader that put this bullshit into it's proper perspective for once, in HONEST CONTEXT wrt to the First Amendment?

[Catchawave]

69. That's why I admire Russ so much

He's a good, good man :loveya:

[FrenchieCat]

62. The question is rather strange......cause you are asking

"Feingold" supporters the question. It would seem that if no-one else, Feingold supporters would not think that his being Jewish would hurt him in a presidential race.....

However, if you were to ask folks that were not necessarily Feingold supporters, you might get a different answer.

If you ask me, and I am not a Feingold "supporter" per se, although I do admire the man and believe him to be a very good politician, I would say that I find that he would have a very difficult time actually winning a National General election based on some of the criterias that many voters look at...and in the end, those criterias do make a difference.

For one, Feingold has voted "NO" on just about every defense bill put before him (including Kosovo)and I do believe that those votes would come back to haunt him....even if he could justify his position on every one.....cause they do add up and makes him look like he doesn't even want a military operating in the United States (that's how it will be put out there) which is great for the extreme left in this country how despise anything related to the military....but it would not play well during these times, IMO.

Feingold also has been married and divorced twice and is currently single, and has a very ethnic name, and he is is a senator (that's where his voting history will be twisted up tight into a knot difficult to undo.....and he is about 5'6", which will affect some voters......especially during debates.....

just seems to have a lot of handicaps to overcome in winning a General National Election, IMO.

[radio4progressives]

67. If you came here to this thread to Flame Progressives

"which is great for the extreme left in this country how despise anything related to the military"

It would be wise for you to at least engage with a modicum of intellectual honesty on this point - that is a false and spurious remark. The Left does not oppose "anything related to the Military".

I happen to agree with Feingold's vote against Kosovo. It was an INFORMED and PRINCIPLED vote, and that's what we need so desperately in this country - INFORMED, PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP.

The so called "moderate libruls" are very ill informed with regard to Kosovo, and deliberately wearing blinders on this subject is just as insane and ignorant as the right wing kool aid drinkers are about Iraq.

"Libruls" have a lot to learn still about our military "adventures", in order to be able to make a goddam intelligent distinction between military for DEFENSE - as opposed to Military for AGGRESSION.

[Jai4WKC08]

114. I think it's you who's not being intellectually honest

There are plenty on the extreme left who "despise anything related to the military." You see it here at DU all the time. They are few in number, but extremely vocal, and many Americans who don't pay close attention think they are representative of the left as a whole.

I remember back during the '04 campaign, many independents and moderate Repubs who liked Clark would tell me that the Democratic party would never nominate him because our party hates the military. And I know for a fact that a lot of people in the military are Republicans mostly because they think Democrats hate the military, not because they're particularly conservative. It's absurd, but it's what a lot of people think. I wouldn't want to speak for Frenchie, but it seemed to me she was saying that this image would be easier for the GOP to reinforce with Feingold than with some of the other potential candidates.

In politics, perception is often (usually) more important than reality.

But I'm not sure anyone who thinks Kosovo was a war of agression is likely to see how that attitude is perceived. Even Russ Feingold didn't think that; it had nothing to do with his vote. And fwiw, Paul Wellstone was NOT a "moderate librul" but about as progressive a Democrat as you could have ever found, more so than Feingold imo, and he pushed hard for intervening in the Balkans to stop the slaughter. I suppose you think Wellstone was "wearing blinders" too? Or maybe you think Americans are the only people in the world worth defending? That's the traditional (pre-neocon) Republican view.

[radio4progressives]

117. Broad Brush Meme/Flaming is not Intellectually Honest ..

as a military brat myself, and being a Leftist, I reject that stereotype completely.

It IS a Republican MEME and it would be wiser for folks to avoid repeating their BS mantra ! (Don't you SEE that?) ..

The reason why people dont understand Kosovo is because the fucking Media didn't EXPLAIN it to the public. So yeah, there's going to be confusion just like there is still confusion as to the reasons why we invaded Iraq.

Yesterday Bush still tied Hussein to 9/11 - and i still hear freepers calling in to C-span or talk radio making that insane connection which was debunked finally long ago.)

I totally get that Perception is everything. I also get that the TRUTH needs to be REPEATED until the real story is told - and that hasn't happened with Kosovo yet, but I can't help that.

It is the way and the how our country uses the military for agendas that so far have nothing to do with the security and protection of the citizens but everything to do imperialism.

Being anti-Imperialist, is not being anti-military. there is a huge distinction, a huge difference. I think it's high time people such as yourself started taking issue with how our military is MISUSED for purposes other than our national security.

[Jai4WKC08]

120. So we can't talk about how the left is perceived

Or about the vulnerabilities of a specific candidate without being charged with repeating a GOP mantra?

I agree it's a stereotype, and as I said, a rather absurd one at that. But stereotypes are what the Roves of the world depend on. Human psychology makes us all vulnerable to them, especially when we have little first hand knowledge on a subject. Most voters have VERY little first hand knowledge of anything.

And a Senate voting record is a relatively easy thing to twist around to reinforce any stereotype you want. That's one reason senators don't get elected to the presidency very often. It is a weakness Feingold will have to overcome, which I think is all Frenchie was saying.

Btw, you have NO idea how much I take issue with the misuse of our military. So don't give me that "people such as yourself" bullshit.

But sorry, preventing genocide is not imperialism. Neither is military action to save lives and defend the helpless, or to protect allies who are threatened by their neighbors. I support humanitarian intervention, to the extent that we are able to help and when the threat is imminent or on-going. We should have done it in Rwanda, we were right to do it in Bosnia and Kosovo, and we should be doing it in Darfur now. That is NOT a "moderate librul" position. It's really at the heart of true liberalism. Isolationism is for libertarians and paleo-cons.

I notice you just blew by my comments on Wellstone.

[radio4progressives]

124. Further Clarification including "On Wellstone"...

I notice you just blew by my comments on Wellstone.

Actually, i didn't "blow off" your comments on Wellstone, i simply neglected to further clarify on the point of intervention of genocide (which i agree with Wellstone, it was absolutely necessary) in Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia but that bombing Kosovo was not about intervention

Separate the events, and separate the issues because there is a significant difference and distinction that has been delineated in volumes of reports published in print media on the subject.

If we want to talk about what happened in Kosovo, as distinctively different from the mission that was being conducted in Bosnia we really should create another thread.

But I'm not personally interested in expending the level of time, energy and labor debunking the revisionist history that's been going on with the Kosovo bombings since the day Clinton gave the orders, only to see that effort flamed, deleted and locked. There is some sort of weird denial going on about that in the minds of mainstream america, which is similar to other world/historical events which obviously people are clearly invested. No thanks to the broadcast CM.

That aside, my apologies for personalizing the issue.

Let me put it in a another way. When lecturing the Left on how "things are perceived" in the real world, please bear in mind that no segment of the population is more painfully aware of how things are made to be perceived, than Leftists.

The Left have been subjected to a level of abuse, lies, distortions and propaganda for so long in this country, by rabid right wing ideologues who are rarely taken to task, and on those rare occassions, are rarely if ever given the same measure of punishment that we have been subjected to; in the sense that realities are allowed to be distorted, history is allowed to remain revised, right wing propaganda is allowed to stand by the very people who Leftists give political support and cover to.

So please pardon me if I get a bit testy on this point. It is quite tiresome to be receiving the same kind of reaction from liberals that which is a constant from the right ever since the New Deal and FDR.

I think it's long past time, to challenge perceptions that are cultivated by that segment of our nation who have engaged in a socially engineered genocide of it's own citizenry for decades.

It is no longer enough to lecture Leftists about how perceptions are skewed or manufactured from the Right, (again, no one is more painfully aware of this fact than the Left) instead it is high time that Centrists & Moderate Liberals begin challenging those "perceptions" on every level and every front, especially those perceptions that have been assumed to be "accurate" (charges against the Left).

[eridani]

131. But not in the Krajina--

--where the successful slaughter and ethnic cleansing of Serbs was carried out with the assistance of US mercenaries. The slaughter in Rwanda and Darfur is straight out of Malthus, and it's occurring because (unlike Europeans and Americans) they don't have big imperial armies to take what they need for their populations from other people at gunpoint. Eliminate all military structures intended strictly for aggression, and we'd have the money to invent the next economy, based on renewables and a stable population. If every country in the world did that, and had an army like Switzerland (oriented toward its own defense and nothing else), then the root causes of mass murder become greatly reduced. And those cases which did arise could be dealt with by military cooperation among relative equals.

[eridani]

130. There were no people more anti "standing army" than our own--

Founding Fathers. The point of the 2nd amendment was that a well-regulated militia was to be a SUBSTITUTE FOR an institution they regarded as inherently totalitarian.

[eridani]

129. The slaughter would never have started except for US and European--

--neoliberal economic policy, which greatly exacerbated underlying ethnic conflict. It especially would not have started if the US ambassador had not told Itzbegovic to not sign an agreement ratifying various areas of ethnic influence in Bosnia, which, by sheerest coincidence happen to be the same ones they wound up with after all the slaughter.

I just don't get why people get all teary-eyed at the possible ethnic cleansing of Kosovo by Serbia to defend the Serbian minority there, but know little and care less about the successful ethnic cleansing of the Krajina by Croatians defending the Croatian minority there from Serbs. The latter was a success because it was implemented by American mercenaries--the same assholes who are causing so much trouble in Iraq.

The two situations were 100% identical with respect to the issues of ethnic minorities--the only difference was that the Nazi Tudjman of Croatia was fine with selling off all the public assets to foreigners, and Serbs wanted to keep theirs. Which is why the NATO bombing hit few military targets, but destroyed most of the worker or state ownd factories in Serbia, leaving the foreign-owned ones alone.

Wake up, people! You think Iraq was the first time in our history that we've been fed a line of bullshit about military intervention?

[dorkulon]

100. Is he really 5'6"?

If that's true, it's pretty much a lost cause. I know that's incredibly stupid, but the psychology of height is a big factor in presidential elections. Everyone we've elected is over 6 feet.

Then again, McCain looks kind of shrimpy. And obviously Hillary isn't that tall. So maybe we're getting past it.

[radio4progressives]

102. Is dubya over 6 feet?

[More Than A Feeling]

63. If they do that, it'll be the Dubai Ports deal all over again

(i.e. turning around their meme against them. In this case, it would be the "Al Qaeda wants Kerry elected" meme.)

We can say "They say our enemies would hate it if the U.S. elected a Jew, why should we listen to them?"

[radio4progressives]

68. Kerry's Mother is Jewish , Brother Cameron is an Orthodox Jew.

HRC's Uncle is a Jew ...

Feingold who does NOT wear his religion on his sleave, who is a fierce advocate on Separation of Church and State and who has very progressive position on the Israeli/Palesitian conflict, will not convey any such dubious Dubai port reactionary claims.

[Jai4WKC08]

66. As a Jew, I don't even think he can win the nomination

We Dems like to think we're past all that stupid prejudice, and while we're miles ahead of the Repubs, we've got a long way to go ourselves.

Believe me, I really really like Feingold. I like the what he stands for, and I like that he's willing to stand for something. Too many Dems won't. But I just don't think we're ready for him.

Don't throw Lieberman at me. He was selected to be VP, by a good man with not an anti-Semitic bone in him. It ain't the same as having to win the top of the ticket.

[k_jerome]

71. yes, but not Feingold. nt.

[Behind the Aegis]

72. 2005 ADL Survey

ADL Survey: Anti-Semitism Declines Slightly in America; 14 Percent of Americans Hold 'Strong' Anti-Semitic Beliefs


Washington, D.C., April 4, 2005 … A nationwide survey released today by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) shows a slight decline in the number of Americans who hold anti-Semitic attitudes, from its 2002 findings, demonstrating once again that "anti-Semitic beliefs endure in America."

The 2005 Survey of American Attitudes Towards Jews in America, a national poll of 1,600 American adults conducted March 18 through March 25, found that 14 % of Americans - or nearly 35 million adults - hold views about Jews that are "unquestionably anti-Semitic," compared to 17% in 2002, Previous ADL surveys over the last decade had indicated that anti-Semitism was in decline. Seven years ago, in 1998, the number of Americans with hardcore anti-Semitic beliefs had dropped to 12% from 20 % in 1992.

<snip>

"When it comes to Jews, old stereotypes die hard," said Mr. Foxman, "especially about loyalty, the death of Jesus, and power. For over 40 years one of the most stable and telling indicators of anti-Jewish prejudice in America has been the question of fundamental Jewish loyalty to the U.S. The survey found that 33% of Americans believe Jews are more loyal to Israel than America, no change from 2002. In 1998, it was 31%; in 1992; 35%.

Thirty percent (30%) of the American people believe Jews were responsible for the death of Christ, up from 25% in 2002.

source

The survey can be seen in slideshow format. Note, on page 21, there is a foot note that reads: "Factors not tied to anti-Semitism: •Religion •Economic distress •Party Ideology or affiliation" I am not sure how they came to that conclusion, but I did think it was interesting.

[Jai4WKC08]

75. All you need to do is listen to Washington Journal every morning

Not all the ranters about Jews call in on the Republican line. In fact, not most of 'em. The religious right has basically decided we're ok as long as we stay in our place. Besides, they need us for the rapture to happen. Sheesh. :crazy:

[radio4progressives]

77. Is there an extra sensitivity to the leading PNAC figures?

The goodly number of the leading Neo-Con signers and advisors on this war just happen to be Jewish. Their agenda has taken center stage, some have dual citizenship and "loyalties" have been called into question and I think the questions have merit. The harsh critics and opponents of PNAC/IWAG are not simply from anti-simites. But it's true the Neo Con ideologies unfortunately have been severely conflated to be identified with all Jews in office etc.

That's a problem that I believe Russ Feingold is the sole politician has the credibility and the principle of action and policies that can dispell these fears, given the opportunity to be heard.

[Behind the Aegis]

91. Corrections

While there are a few "leading Neo-Con signers and advisors on this war" who are Jews, most are not Jewish. None, to my knowledge and research, appear to have dual citizenships with Israel. However, this is the spin we see from the paleoconservatives, and has infected the 'left.' I have seen people here quote Pat Buchanan to support their point, perhaps not realizing that man is an anti-Semite.

My loyalties to this country have be called into question because I am a Jew and am not anti-Israeli. I have been called an agent for Mossad, a freeper, a Bush supporter, a traitor, a mole, and many other choice things (many had to be deleted).

There was a thread similar to this one awhile back (I will see if I can find it), and even then someone looked up his "Israeli ratings" and thought they weren't 'good enough.' (i.e. (IMO) he didn't hate Israel enough)

Do look at the post to the ADL I provided. It will show that many, almost a third, would question the loyalty of a Jewish candidate. Take a look in the I/P forum at the Edwards thread and see the remarks regarding his comments at an AIPAC meeting. Look in the PNAC group, and run a search and see how many times "Israel" pops up on your screen.

It is naive to think that those on the left are incapable of anti-Semitic sentiment. It is just as naive to think that Jews, especially those who support a Jewish homeland, Israel, are conflated with the actions of the Israeli government. Anti-semitism takes on many more forms than calling someone a "kike" or saying "Jews run the US media." Sometimes, criticism of Israel is just that, other times it is not, but it is always left up to the Jew to figure out if we are encountering "friend or foe."

[radio4progressives]

101. Depends on your point of view...

This discussion is important but they are complicated and packed with emotion and heat and very little light. The issues at question i do not think can be successfully discussed on message boards and for that reason I never ever go to the I/P forum. I've had my share of such discussions back in 2002 in other political forums and too often i find there is little in the way of intellectual honesty or voices of justice and reason, and I have seen the anti-semitic accusation to any criticism of Israeli P O L I C I E S as generally blinded emotion and intellectually bankrupt. (Many Palestinians are, after all, Semites). It is almost equivalent to being accused as being Anti-American when criticizing our administration's inhumane policies, on a Nationalistic level.

The events that occurred in the Occupied Territories in 2001 and 2002 (and after) were on my radar screen as a radio programmer/broadcaster, interviewing independent reporters on the ground and on the scene there in 2002. (What happened to Rachel Corey is still quite vivid in my mind and my ears as it is to many as I conducted interviews with these reporters live and on the air while events were unfolding from Rafah to Rumalah to Nativity Square in Bethlehem all points between and beyond.)

As to the drafters of PNAC and the impact that doctrine had on the formation of this key cabinet members of this administration, and the planning on reshaping/making the ME vis a vis regime changes in Iraq, Syria, Iran and other regions, the facts speak for themselves and are outlined in the documents. But beyond the signers are the individuals behind the scenes carrying out covert operations and activities to advance the agenda outlined in the PNAC documents, given close scrutiny does bring to legitimate questions of "loyalty" as it does agenda, which I believe scrutinizing AIPAC illustrates better than ADL...(although I may be incorrect or somewhat misguided in that respect, i am not a researcher in these matters)

Until proven otherwise, I believe that Russ Feingold's staunch defense of the Constitution & Bill of Rights, fierce supporter of Civil Liberties and Civil Rights enables him to transcend these issues with enormous credibility and integrity, along with his ability to communicate these values so effectively.

[Behind the Aegis]

93. Thank you....

...perhaps some of our good DU'ers will take you up on your "challenge" and listen in for themselves. I have been told here, a number of times, that anti-Semitism doesn't exist on the left. It is all in our minds.

We both know why the "far-right" "supports" us. Although, I don't know they would tolerate a Jewish president. They don't concern me. What concerns me are those that call themselves "progressives" that use the same 'logic' and arguments, then expect Jews to believe it is all just criticism of Israel.

[Jai4WKC08]

113. I'd probably take it a step farther than you do

Lord knows I don't approve of everything Israel does and has done. And I have no problem with legitimate criticism when she screws up.

But I do consider it anti-Semitic to complain when Israel does something wrong but remain silent or make excuses when one of her neighbors, or any other country for that matter, does the same or worse. As a Jew, I generally hold Israel to a higher standard (and feel a little bit sheepish about it since I am not an Israeli). But I don't accept that non-Jews have that right... unless it seems sincerely within the context of expecting more from a US ally--but then, some of the other offenders are allies too.

Your remark about whether the far or religious right (imo two separate groups with a lot of overlap) would tolerate a Jewish president brings up another issue, not related to anti-Semitism on the left. Does anyone here wonder whether a Jewish president-elect would actually make it to his inauguration? I do.

[adriennui]

76. i'd like to believe we could have a jewish president

but i don't have any faith in the american people, i'd campaign for russ proudly because he IS the best man, not because he's jewish.

[radio4progressives]

78. exactly...

[Pharlo]

79. In today's climate with the corruption we see surrounding politicians,

Feingold may turn out to be the US public's backlash against the status quo. Nixon brought America to the desire for the refreshing honesty of Jimmy Carter. Russ Feingold has a reputation for not being a 'typical' politician. In the long run, that - not his religion - may be the one factor he brings to the table which would influence America's voting public. Anyone not from the state of Wisconsin may not recall the obstacles he overcame in order to become a US Senator. Until his two far more widely known opponents committed political suicide, it was believed he had no chance at being elected. He ran an open, honest, and quite frankly, humorous campaign. It was a refreshing change. That from an unknown politician. He has now been in office, and has become well known for maintaining an independence from DC punditry, an open honesty, and voting his conscience. After this presidency and the current culture of corruption that is being flagrantly force fed to the American public, do not discount Senator Feingold on religious terms alone. And don't underestimate his ability to fight back to 'unfair' attacks. He has his record to speak for him.

I live in WI, I am proud to have Senator Feingold represent me, I have volunteered to work on his campaigns, but he would not be my first choice for president. And, it is not his religion which causes this hesitancy. It's his lack of foreign affairs and military experience in today's climate. However, if he got the Democratic nod, I would work on his campaign.

My point is, I don't see his religion as being that big of a deal. Not with his voting record.

[radio4progressives]

83. It's Feingold's deep sense of openness and honesty that comes through

along with his straight from the hip, well articulated but straight talk - you know where he stands on an issue, and he's not simply pandering or paying lip service to issues he thinks you want to hear - he says what he believes to be right or true, or if it's a question that needs more exploring - he dosn't pretend to know all the answers but his principles guide him - and his principles resonate deeply with me.

[derby378]

81. There is a first time for everything

If JFK could become President, so could Russell Feingold. In fact, I'm looking forward to it.

[skids]

84. Feingold's two problems, and a solution.

1) The Jew thing. I think you're right, Republicans will hit on the impact on relations with Muslim nations. What's worse, I think that's a reservation, not entirely unreasonable, held by many.

2) The not being married thing. Sucks but it's the truth: it may have worked way back ago but nowadays most Americans are subtly prejudiced against single men.

The solution: He should marry. Interfaith.

[radio4progressives]

86. hmm

if he were to do that, it would be seen as political expediency, and I just don't see him doing that, and credibility would be knocked down.

it would have to be something that happens organically, naturally. Someone reported here that he's very good friends with soon to be former wife, and the thing with the kids. i just think for something like that to be arranged would be just too wierd and phony and would plague him in the long run.

I think his voting record, his strong principles and credibility will hold him in good stead as a counterveiling force against the status quo mindset as to what Americans have come to expect, cultivated by the media.

We can change that.

[President Jesus]

87. they should be asking themselves if someone twice divorced...

...can get elected. Add that to the fact he's a Senator (we all know how well that works), Jewish, and has singularly taken positions far outside the 'mainstream' a number of times. I admire him for that, but it's not a quality that wins one national elections.

All indicators show he doesn't have a prayer, but I look forward to seeing hin try to make a go of it.

[rucky]

90. None of the bigots would vote Democrat, anyways.

:shrug:

[Behind the Aegis]

92. What about the bigots we have on our side?

I am more concerned about them then if anti-Semites on the right would go for Feingold.

[Cocoa]

97. yes, of course he can

and the question is ridiculous and the discussion is offensive, and we've had the discussion before.

No, I'm not Jewish, and yes, I know some of you saying Russ's Jewishness will doom him are yourselves Jewish, I don't care, to seriously suggest thinking twice about Russ based on him being Jewish is offensive.

[radio4progressives]

104. I completely agree with you Cocoa..

I am not Jewish, but it seems the strongest naysayers self identify as being Jewish...

hmm. wonder why they're shooting down Feingold's chances before he's even given a chance to prove himself?

[Jai4WKC08]

112. Maybe because we know anti-Semitism

We live with it. We see our kids exposed to it. And we know it exists within the Democratic party, and more importantly among some the major constituencies we need to win and/or win over to get a Democrat elected to the White House.

If my first allegience wasn't to Wes Clark, I might wish Russ Feingold would win the nomination just to prove myself wrong (and because I think he's a great guy). As it is, I hope he does well anyway. I like him much better than any of the others except Clark.

And I would honestly like to think my party and my nation has moved past the bigotry.

But I won't believe it until I see it. I've seen way too much of the opposite.

[Behind the Aegis]

127. Again, you make some very good points.

I dislike how our opinions, as Jews, are dismissed so easily, as if we are children and do not know of what we speak. We see it, as you say, all the time. We see it in self-identified 'progressives' and 'liberals.' We do not think Russ shouldn't run because he is Jewish, we say if he chooses to do so, his religion will likely be an issue, and since he is a Jew, I am sure he knows this as well.

I have not chosen anyone to support in '08 because it is too early, and things and players change quickly, sometimes, in politics. We shall see how this all plays out in the future.

If Russ were to gain the party's nomination and eventually take the White House, I think Jews would be very happy, but we would hold our breath for four (possibly eight) years.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

103. I believe they'll focus on marriage

that's his weak point, divorce. When it comes to the deep south, even though most of the hypocrites are divorced themselves, they'll blab without mercy.

[radio4progressives]

106. If Marriage is the Weak Point... Then it should be a Slam Dunk Victory

Given the percentage of Divorces in this country? I don't think MOST people would hold that against him..

[Jeffersons Ghost]

108. He's not very tall either

While it might be seen as weak on Defense, I like how Russ refuses to feed the Military Industrial Machine. The SENATOR has more courage, conviction and character than everyone else in DC combined... It's time for America to focus on what REALLY matters in an election. The voters got lucky when they elected Kennedy because he was better looking than Nixon on TV.

[mtnsnake]

115. No Jews, Italian-Americans, African-Americans, or Hispanics either

I'm sure I missed a few others, too.

We're good at electing asshole actors like Reagan and Arnold, though to high offices!

[tulip]

116. I wonder if he'll have a Christmas tree?

Sorry but I had this funny vision of the Christian Republican Right insisting that Feingold have a Christmas tree in the whitehouse and not a Holiday tree.

I'd like to think this country is beyond worrying about the religous background of a president but with this Chrisian right surge I could easily be wrong.

[radio4progressives]

118. Personally, I would love to see a President break with that tradition..

but Feingold wouldn't have do it, it would be a Holiday Tree..

and he can remind people that the word Holiday comes from Holy Day, and if Christmas isn't a Holyday, then what is it?

Consumers Day? ;)

[tulip]

121. Me Too!

;)

[Zapatero]

122. I Don't Think This Country

Will elect a Jew, another Catholic or a woman for a long long time. I hope I am wrong. I really believe that Gore lost because of Lieberman. We have many uneducated bible thumpers in this country.

[leftofthedial]

125. can a cowpie from Texas be elected President?

[Sugarcoated]

128. Besides all the other obvious plusses Feingold has

the best one is that he's likable. I think he can rise above all the "challenges" put forth by people on this thread. No matter who we nominate, they won't be perfect. The repugs will throw dirt, even if they have to make it up. We have to go with the right person, the one who has courage and honesty - and has the likable quality. Most people ie: don't follow politics, who only have a sketchy idea of the issues, the ultimately go with the person they like.

[sendero]

132. I don't know if the country is ready..

... but I'd vote for him with pleasure, no with GLEE :)