Where are the Democrats? Here's what they are doing. Part One.

[madfloridian]

Where are the Democrats? Here is one making the GOP so angry that the Washington Times, Rev. Moon's paper goes after him. They can not believe Democrats care about border security....they have never heard Dean speak of this. He has for years.

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20060420-121647-1179r.htm

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean yesterday called border security his party's top immigration priority for November.
"The first thing we want is tough border control," he said. "We have to do a much better job on our borders than George Bush has done. And then we can go to the policy disagreements about how to get it done."
Republicans reacted with surprise to Mr. Dean's announcement, which puts the DNC chief's views at odds with those of many Democrats in Congress.
"If Dean means what he says about border enforcement, that would put the Democrats somewhere to the right of President Bush on immigration," said Rep. Steve King, Iowa Republican.
A spokesman for the Republican National Committee dismissed Mr. Dean's "newfound commitment to border security" as "not believable."

Dean says Dems will attack.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060420/NEWS07/604200575/1009

WASHINGTON -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said Wednesday he hopes to mount a coordinated attack this year that would enable Democrats to capture the 15 seats needed to control the House.

"We're going to position ourselves as the vehicle for change," Dean said. The Republicans can't do that, he said, because "they've been there for five years, and they can't get out of the responsibilities they have."

Democrats to appeal voter ID decision.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/news/local/14379569.htm

INDIANAPOLIS - State and national Democrats plan to appeal a federal judge's ruling that upheld Indiana's new voter identification requirement, but the challenge is unlikely to affect the May 2 primary election.

The Indiana Democratic Party will work with the Democratic National Committee on the appeal to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, officials said Wednesday.

Critics have argued the law, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature last year, unfairly affects the poor, minorities, people with disabilities and the elderly - groups that could struggle to obtain a photo ID.

DNC Chairman Howard Dean told The Associated Press in a phone interview Wednesday that Indiana's voter ID law will keep some people from voting.

"This is part of a broad Republican attack nationally on the right of people to vote," Dean said. "It's clearly aimed at suppressing the vote."

Democrats with shovels cleaning up New Orleans.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7003254227

New Orleans, LA (AHN) - Democrats plan to clean out hurricane-ravaged homes in New Orleans during a project designed to highlight the party's criticism of the Bush administration.

The choice of New Orleans for the Democratic National Committee meeting that begins Thursday is part of an over-all three-day plan for the 400 delegates that combines party business with community service.

Eight months after Hurricane Katrina and their widespread criticism of the administration's response, Democrats hope their service to the community demonstrates to voters how they put their efforts where their mouths are.

Democrats launch new Southwestern ad campaign on immigration issue
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2006/04/17/daily38.html

The Democratic National Committee is launching new radio advertisements in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico and print ads in New York and Chicago, all going after Republicans on immigration and border security.

The radio spots are in Spanish and the print ads are in English and will hammer the Bush administration and conservative Republicans on the hot-button issue, said DNC chairman Howard Dean.

[madfloridian]

1. Democrats call out the GOP on their lies to Hispanics.

I knew that the DNC had their ads out now, but georgia10 at Kos pulls it all together...translations, etc.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/4/19/21413/6093

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid foreshadowed the Democratic response with this statement:

"I will fight back against this vicious smear in Nevada, but it will only stop if we show Republicans there is a price to pay for their lies. I'm not going to ask you to contribute to me, but to Democrats running for Senate around the country. We have a real shot at taking back the majority in November and that would be the best revenge.

The Republicans should not pick this fight. I've been in more boxing rings then all of them combined. And when you throw a punch at me, you end up on the mat."

And the DNC weighs in on this.

And the DNC? Well, it has launched a series of Spanish-lanuages ads to counter the GOP lies. The ads will be aired nationally through Univision, including targetted markets in Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona. Here is the text:

That's immigration reform that matches American values: tough and smart.

Now Republicans are lying to us.

They control Congress and the White House, and in five years have done nothing. They've failed.

If they wanted comprehensive immigration reform and to protect our borders, they would have done it already.

But what Republicans and President Bush supported was a plan that would criminalize immigrants, families, doctors, and even churches just for giving communion.

Call Republican Senator Bill Frist at 202-224-3135 and tell him to allow a vote on immigration reform.

The DNC is also taking out similar ads in Spanish newspapers, as well as ads in Asian American, Irish, and Polish print media.

[Cha]

11. I knew the Dems wouldn't

take those blatant lies, the republicans were airing, lying down. Thanks for this report, madflorian!

:hi:

[Dr Fate]

13. Yes- now all those Swingvoters who read Daily KOS know the truth!

Its great to know DEMS set the record straight for all those Housewives, Truck drivers, hairdressers, plumbers, wage earners and NASCAR Dads who read Berkeley, California based websites.

[NYCGirl]

15. What about the "Spanish-lanuage ads to counter the GOP lies" that

are airing in "targetted markets in Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona"? Those Spanish-speaking swing voters don't get Univision? Please read everything that was posted.

[Dr Fate]

16. Okay, good point. I'll take that criticism back due to your correction.

My theme that Democrats need to be on TV rather than on websites stands- putting ads on TV is a good thing- I stand corrected.

It is often my practice when I click on DU post to first see what links are there- if it is a source that I know my Red State aunts & uncles will never see, then I usually disregard it.

This way I'm less likely fool myself into holding a perception that 99% of voters will never be exposed to.

I stand corrected- thanks.

[Weembo]

21. Good practice

And a big attawaytogo for the stand-up acknowledgement

[madfloridian]

2. Harry Reid says no good military options in Iran.

http://thinkprogress.org/2006/04/20/reid-iran/

"Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has joined the long list of national security officials, Iran experts, and others who argue that no good military options exist in Iran. (Read the full list HERE.)

Reid, D-Nev., said the administration should be taking the lead, but instead is relying on Germany, France and Great Britain to convince Iran to end its uranium enrichment program.

“It is hard to comprehend,” Reid said Tuesday in Reno. “We should be involved at trying to arrive at a diplomatic solution. … Not just these three countries.” …

“Our not being involved diplomatically in trying to solve the situation in Iran shows the Bush failure in foreign policy there and elsewhere.”

And he said the U.S. has no military option in Iran.

“We don’t have the resources to do it” because of the ongoing war in Iraq,” he said."

[Dr Fate]

7. I have never heard of that website. Neither have any swing voters.

n/t

[madfloridian]

18. Oh, wait, you never heard of Think Progress?

Then I rest my case. That site and Media Matters are quoted here at DU so often, that you must not be paying attention.

[Dr Fate]

19. Thing who? Oh yeah- the boys at the barber shop were talking about that...

Plus I heard all of my coworkers around the water cooler quoting that site too.

I believe that lady behind me in line at the bank the other day was ranting about somthing she read there too.

Boy, I'm really out of the loop these days. I must be living in a cave to not know about this ultra popular, high traffic web site.

I hear it is the biggest thing since "Myspace"

:crazy:

[madfloridian]

25. Write Kerry, and tell him to get on TV. All the time. Or....

is he saving it all up until he campaigns again?

He can get on TV, write him and tell him to do so.

But don't keep saying our Democrats are not doing anything.

[Dr Fate]

54. Never said they were not doing anything- I said no one SEES it.

Except for DUers, web-political types and the like.

[Dr Fate]

3. DEMS need to work on getting ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN & FOX links too.

Fort Wayne, Detroit , Milwaukee and and obscure website called "Headlines" Not Headline news of CNN.

A great start- but that alone wont reach enough swing voters.

I expect Democrats to come up with a plan to get more major media exposure- so that more swing-voters and red-staters are in the loop.

We have become too comfortable just expecting the TV media to ignore us and then using it as an excuse.

We need to stop using "the media ignores us" as an excuse and start demanding that DEMS with media access use more creative, agressive tactics to get on TV news.

Duers know, but fence sitters are still asking "Where are the DEMS" despite these links.

[madfloridian]

4. Fence sitters who think the GOP is doing fine....deserve what they get.

I am sorry, but for those who don't see the harm the GOP is doing...if fencesitters are willing to sacrifice the rest of us because your thirst for blood is not satisfied. even when you know full well the media is so skewed that only a few can even get on who are Democrats. then I guess fence sitters deserve the Republican America they will get.

[Dr Fate]

5. No, fencesitters are waiting for Clint Eastwood to ride into town.

Not Mr. Rogers.

Dean, Kerry, Hillary, Harry Reid, Obama can get on those TV shows pretty much anytime they want- especially if they say something "hot" or controversial - they need to be more creative and agressive.

If you think DEMS are doing all they can to get their message out, and that they really are taking Bush to task as agressively as they can, then fine- but I would disagree with you.

"even when you know full well the media is so skewed that only a few can even get on who are Democrats"

If *I'm* supposed to know this, then why dont the DEMS who DO have media access know it and SAY IT- to their faces???? Do they LIKE not winning elections or somthing?

Is this fact to reamin a secret at DU, or are top Democrats going to start making that charge, ON TV to their faces?

[madfloridian]

6. More Democrats fighting for things.

Quote of the Week: Harry Reid on Bush Credibility
"President Bush has as much credibility on immigration as he does on Iraq and national security.

If the president is serious about moving forward, then he should join me in calling on Senator Frist to bring immigration reform back to the Senate floor when we return. Hopefully, by then, President Bush and his majority leader will have found the backbone to stop the extreme elements of the Republican Party from blocking improvements to America's security."

---- Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), on April 13,2006, in response to statements by President Bush accusing Reid of "single-handedly thwarting" action on immigration legislation.


Iowa Dems push for minimum wage hike.
http://www.radioiowa.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=A681DC24-2D2C-4255-B95FC5CC41F22572&dbtranslator=local.cfm

"Statehouse Democrats are staging a last-minute push to raise Iowa’s minimum wage before the legislative session ends. Senator Tom Courtney Courtney, a Democrat from Burlington, says while most Iowans earn more than $5.15 an hour, raising the base would help everyone.

Courtney says the chances of raising the minimum wage improved after Mary Lundby of Marion was elected Senate Republican leader last week. Lundby has supported increasing the minimum wage in the past, but she said last Friday that no Democrat had approached her about taking up the issue.

House Speaker Christopher Rants, a Republican from Sioux City, says raising the minimum wage will raise the cost of doing business in Iowa. However, Rants says he's willing to consider it if Democrats will also discuss the other costs of doing business in Iowa. "

Boxer, Feinstein can't digest food legislation
http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_3729846

SAN FRANCISCO — "California's U.S. senators Wednesday denounced federal legislation that would pre-empt the state's food safety laws in the name of "national uniformity."
Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, both Democrats, said the "National Uniformity for Food Act" — long sought by the food industry — would defang California's groundbreaking Proposition 65, which has forced scores of manufacturers to retool or clean up products since 63 percent of voters approved it in 1986.

"This is really a bill that would override the wishes of the people of the state of California," Boxer said at a morning news conference. "For a state like ours, a leader in the nation, this is a particular threat."

The bill gives federal regulators sole power to determine what foods on the grocery shelf would require a label warning of particular contaminants — be it arsenic in bottled water, mercury in tuna or PCBs in farmed salmon. "

[Dr Fate]

8. I have never heard of those websites. Neither have any swing voters.

n/t

[madfloridian]

9. Then let those swing voters vote for Republicans. You can also.

It is up to each individual to educate themselves in our society. I am glad you trust the corporate media so much the TV, and you don't think the print media is a good thing.

So, go Republican, if you are not willing to read.

[Dr Fate]

10. No, I would prefer them to be inspired to vote Democratic.

Accusing them of being derilict in their duty to society for not reading obscure websites aint gonna do it.

You dont get it- it is not about what me or DUers think and read- it is about what EVERYONE ELSE thinks, reads, hears & sees.

It is not a matter of me trusting the corporate televsion media- whether I trust them or not does not change the fact that most 'Murcans DO get their news from "the TV."

Many also get their news from the morning paper- that is why I said the Freep article, etc was a good start.

I dont see any solutions to the media problem from you, just an unrealistic expectation that swing voters ought to be reading more obscure web links.

[madfloridian]

12. People are responsible for educating themselves about politics.

If the Democrats are not getting access to the media, it is a problem. But it does not take the burden off those who refuse to pay attention to the print media and to the websites .

Americans must educate themselves, it is their job.

[Dr Fate]

14. How do Democrats get them to switch over to these obscure websites?

Its a chicken & egg problem, no?

First DEMs need to make the case that TV media is biased and untruthful- they could start by SAYING SO. TO THEIR FACES.

Just like the GOP did witht their "Liberal media" mantra for years. Except we could do it without lying.

No one is doing that- I have no idea what their strategy is for combating media bias- do you?

[karynnj]

20. In theory, I agree with you

that in a democracy it is incumbent on the citizens to be informed. There are two problems with this:

- we all pay the consequences

and

- many who are "uninformed" don't even know it. They are going to the same sources that were commonly considered to be accurate. To tell them, go to Dkos - where any of us can post and others can correct (or make wrong) - really won't reach many of these people.

This is the Democrats problem and as Dr fate has said so often, the Democrats have to do all they can to be on TV and to be as prepared as they can be so they are impressive when there. There are alternatives, but mass media is all pervasive.

[madfloridian]

23. One does, others should.

The premise made on this board today is that our Democrats are not doing anything.

They are doing a lot all over the country.

As to getting them on TV...ouch...I am not sure how to accomplish that.

There are people here who don't even have internet at all, but they are waking up and they are angry.

Cable has a relatively few viewers compared to Network. I don't see any Dems on network news...how do you do that? Perky Katie might have Howard on when she heads to CBS..oh wait, I forgot. He called her out on the Abramoff thing.

Frankly I don't know the solution. I do know that what will lose the election in 06 is people not taking time to read and think. If they are totally dependent on the Network news, and they can't tell anymore when they are being lied to, then there is no hope for our country.

[Dr Fate]

17. Kick n/t

n/t

[Weembo]

22. On your side

What do you think are some good ideas/approaches to get the message into the mainstream, because I bet the powers that be are trying.

[madfloridian]

24. This is about saying they are not doing anything.

If the criticism is that they are not on TV enough, Dr. Fate should start his own thread with tips about how to get on TV.

I am standing up for the Democrats who are doing things.

[Weembo]

26. You miss the point

Texas, my home, is a perfect example. Folks don't realize that we hold the high ground, and better arguments and policies, on the true issues the politicians can do something about (healthcare, corporate responsibility, governance, etc.). Instead, they focus on the MSM's prattering about "where are the dems." My point, and Dr. Fate's point, is it needs to get spread more widely. Welders and truck drivers should be on our side -- and woefully few of them read/post on DU or any other blogs. We need ideas on getting to them.

[madfloridian]

27. I am not missing the point. I am saying the media is skewed.

We all jump in excitement here whenever Chris Matthews says anything halfway true, we adore Keith O. who is just as much about sports as politics. We go insane with joy when CNN or MSNBC or network news tells the truth.

If we get that excited to hear the truth told occasionally on TV, why are so many condemning our Democrats for not getting on there?

Looky who is going to be the CBS anchor? Perky Katie. Remember the day she argued Howard Dean down about the FEC reports and Abramoff? She never apologized, she got off scott free.

Our Democrats have held many many press conferences that no media attended.

Have you forgotten that the day they announced a new strategy, said they were doing it...Bush pre-empted them with the media's blessing?

Come on, be fair. Dr. Fate and you should understand that the media is not going to be fair.

[Weembo]

28. That is fatalistic nonsense

I try lawsuits. I have judges and juries that, at times, want to ignore me (or much worse) so bad they can taste it. But you cannot shrug your shoulders and say "That's the way it is, I might as well get used to it." I was impressed by your gathering of information from various sources about the actions, activity and activism of the dems -- I do beleive, however, that we have to keep ramming into the wall so that we can get the message out. I have gotten my best inspiration for opening and closing arguments from my kids -- I remain optimistic that forums like this might reveal a new way that we might get the MSM or other more common media outlets, that actually reach our vast, untapped constiutuency, to STOP cutting away to * and his minions.

[madfloridian]

30. No, it is the truth of where we are right now.

You must have misread my post if you think I am fatalistic and accepting. Do you really get that from what I wrote?

You may be a lawyer, but I was a teacher. I value truth as much as you do. I don't like it when people deny reality.

The post that Rose Siding put up in this forum today, about the DNC meeting in New Orleans is one of the most important ones of the day.
Yet it is getting very little attention. Why is that? When I post a post with articles like this, more to come....more people line up to belittle than to say thanks to Rose for posting what the Dems are doing this week-end.

I have not seen this event on mainstream news at all....Nada, zilch. I bet I won't either.

I posted it last night in the GD forum, and I pimped that thread until someone finally noticed and said OH our Democrats are doing something.

The reality is the media. The reality is that Kerry and Hillary and others who are thinking about running are keeping a lot of their powder dry until 07. That leaves just a few to speak, and I know of one who get marginalized when he does speak out.

I have every hope for the future, in spite of the antipathy people have here toward each other.

[Weembo]

33. Let me start over

Your initial post for this thread was damn skippy -- right on point. I agreed and was heartened by it. My disagreement comes with your apparent acceptance that we're screwed by the MSM (e.g., New Orleans) and that's that. That is the part I take issue with. I hope this and other threads can start a brainstorming session among DU'ers to get some ideas on getting this information, and these worthwhile activities and positions, into the MSM. I sense that we are pulling on the same oar, but we are on different sides of the boat.

[madfloridian]

31. And please do not say what I post is "nonsense."

It is an insulting term to use toward another Democrat.

[Weembo]

35. Thicken your skin.

You and I have both been called worse -- much, much worse. Anyhow, I just called you Eyore on another post. :)

[madfloridian]

38. That is so cute. You called me Eeyore. So cute, so funny.

Now I feel we have truly bonded.

[Weembo]

42. You and me, bro

I from the state where the current Bush infestation originated -- you from the next source of psetilence.

BTW -- I truly appreciate your gathering the "latest and greatest" -- it helps with the law thuggies.

[madfloridian]

44. Make that sis.

[Weembo]

OK You win, in so many ways I can't count.

I stick to my guns on my "rallying" point -- but putting up the donkey -- tain't fair!

We'll see who (if anyone) covers the NO event (that is my home country)

[Dr Fate]

55. No- its about who is to blame for that perception.

I am aware of the media problem and I want Democrats to DO SOMTHING about it instead of using it as an excuse for why no one knows what they are up to. And I want to SEE them doing somthing about it- I dont want to read about it on a website.


If the media is so biased that you can only find positive articles in a few newspapers, then they need to start adressing this.

I have not heard them adress media bias to a mass audience.

So there is a perception that DEMS are not fighting hard enough?

Who is ultimately responsible for changing that perception?

[depakid]

29. A midterm convention

might be a little risky- but if the Dems had the courage to try- and took a week to hold events and set up opn, honest and robust debates on the issues- and cam up with at least some common elements of agreement, I think they might just sweep both houses- and quite a few state legislatures and governorships.

I don't think there's ever been a better time to nationalize the elections and energize people who are ready for a change.

[madfloridian]

32. Where do you think they are right now? A meeting in New Orleans.

That will serve as a media event if the media wants to cover it. But they don't, so they won't.

www.democrats.org

[Weembo]

34. Damn it, Eyore [sp], stop this!

Your owe me a beer if it gets covered, and I owe you a six-pack if it doesn't.

[madfloridian]

39. C-Span will cover it Saturday.

.

[Weembo]

45. Saturday? C-Span?

C-Span doesn't cut it for me as a "media event." So I'll owe you if that's all that comes from it.

[depakid]

36. That's not a convention

I'm talking about the real deal- what Walter Cronkite suggested:

http://www.mydd.com/story/2005/10/14/16367/267

The media whores couldn't ignore something like that- especially if you lined up celebrities and big name entertainment. As it is- I see ZERO enthusiasm for the Dems when I talk to people around and about. None.

The tone was set the first 10 weeks of the year with sell out after sell out in Congress- along with WTF ever that was in response to the State of the Union.

Something like this would generate some enthusiasm again and get people involved and to the polls in the Fall.

[Weembo]

37. That's what I'm talking about!!

Break the mold. Hit them where they don't anticipate it. Like the drill instructor said in Forrest Gump: "Gump, you're a damn genius."

[depakid]

41. Doesn't take a genius

to see the deflated and cynical mood of the people outside the beltway- including the party's base. It also doesn't take a genius to see that the Dems have lost 6 straight Congressional elections in a row by their "play it safe" just don't offend anyone "strategy."

I'm talking about let's bring in all our stakeholders- all the disaffected people, organizations and industries who have been hurt by 6 years of Republican policies. Make some noise- holler about the issues. Everyone doesn't have to agree- all we'd have to do is turn the harsh light onto the Republican party and all that they "stand for."

Call 'em what they are and put those SOB's on the defensive for a change.

[madfloridian]

43. Will you donate to pay for a mid-term convention?

Just wondering. That's big big money.

[Weembo]

47. Gladly

[depakid]

49. and a lot of people would buy tickets to events

Dean is just the kind of person who could do this... he's the man.

[madfloridian]

40. Could the lack of enthusiasm be coming from the media spin.

Naw. Couldn't be that.

I knew what you meant about a convention. Who do you suggest should pay for one? Dean is trying for financial reform of the party using small donors, the DLC could give it as they have the moola.

Maybe the way people here talk down our Democrats is carrying over to real life.

[depakid]

46. NO- it comes from the Dems own actions and inactions

Their "spokespersons" like Biden and Lieberman enable the far right every sunday on TV - they help the Republicans pass (or won't use their power to stop) every single piece of legislation- no matter how corrupt and egregious- and every single nominee- no matter how extreme. EVERY SINGLE ONE.

That's why people that I talk to have that attitude.

As to paying for it- like Cronkite said, it wouldn't have to be expensive. Remember the Shadow Conventions in 2000? Remember the old folk story about stone soup?

[Weembo]

48. Stone Soup -- that's right!

[depakid]

50. everyone has a little something to contribute

all of the different stakeholders. That's how you do strategic planning- no reason why you couldb't expand the concept in other ways. Now, what kind of message would that send?

[madfloridian]

51. I agree on those two... they need new spokesperson.

But there is more negativity toward Democrats at this forum than anywhere on line that isn't Republican.

Well, I can think of one more negative.

[depakid]

52. You think it's bad here?

Come onto my college campus. Ride the light rail. Listen to some of the folks at the pubs where we have our DU meet-ups.

Another reason that now would be the perfect time is that the far right couldn't spin this as a desperation move- condiering the polls- it would be a power move made from a position of strength. It would create the widespead perception that the Dems are preparing to govern and even if agreements weren't reached- the easy talking point on that is that "hey, we're democrats- we debate." We don't hold secret energy meetings with oil companies. We don't pass corrupt legislation in the middle of the night with no public hearings.

Disagreement when it happened could be turned into a strength for every candidate in every district all across America!

[AX10]

53. The Democrats are out preparing to win this fall!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2579952&mesg_id=2579976