If you would like the entry of third parties in American politics

[StudentProgressive]

Then work on getting an Instant Runoff Voting system in place.

In very few circumstances otherwise will you be able to get a more-left-than-the-Dem candidate elected. Bernie Sanders is a talented exception.

Otherwise I think the best place for progressives to go is to challenge conservative Dems in primary battles.

[NoodleBoy]

1. actually work??? no, it's much easier just to be a part of the "netroots"-- meaning just posting

complaints on the internet!

seriously, the most committed, dedicated, hardest-working and level-headed activists and professional campaign staff I've met rarely actually get involved with internet stuff, and it seems the people most involved in the "netroots" are the least involved in actual blood, sweat, and tears campaigning. They'd rather whine that they're not getting their way 100% of the time than actually do anything.

[StudentProgressive]

2. I think that's one reason the left in this country is so weak

Sure there's corporate America -- but the left shares a lot of the blame because our organizational abilities are not that great.

[NoodleBoy]

6. well it's hard to organize people who go for the low hanging fruit, then go home

when I was organizing my precinct for the last election, I got plenty of petition signatures, small-dollar donations, and interest, but no one wanted to volunteer. There are plenty of very valid reasons--some people had medical conditions, some had kids, some worked too much--but I openly laugh at the supposed netroots when they say things about leaving the democratic party or starting their own party. It's not as though the Dems are losing great organizers or volunteers when they "leave," just one less person complaining on the internet.

[StudentProgressive]

8. I do know what you mean

The "netroots" often doesn't become the feet-on-the-street grassroots.

[NoodleBoy]

10. whereabouts do you live? you should hook up with Young Democrats of America

they're pretty hardcore when it comes to actual campaign work.

[StudentProgressive]

12. I do some UGA stuff with Young Democrats of America

They're a pretty conservative outfit though and nearly everyone they've campaigned for loses horribly. The Party in Georgia is just about bankrupt right now. I work more with independent progressive groups and campaigns now because the Democratic Party at the moment is really not receptive to any new directions unfortunately -- they badly need one.

[NMDemDist2]

3. ain't it the truth!

hiya Noodle!! how ya been??

I'm all hooked up with the local party in my new little town. Funny about this area, the Dems dominate the local elections, but the National Elections they tend very RED

either way, I'm gearing up for '08 already!

[NoodleBoy]

5. yo

I'm doing good, how've you been? just started actual professional political staff work myself, it's pretty rad, getting in elbows deep and getting paid for it. I love myself a good campaign.

We're still valiently trying to elect people who would truly represent the Valley. It's a tough fight but completely worth it.

[NMDemDist2]

7. good for you!! I was heartbroken when Paine lost. He was a really good guy

I think he hung too much on those internet guys he hired who used up all the budget on online chit instead of yard signs and bill boards.

http://www.paineforcongress.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=52

but hey, what ya gonna do?? You just gotta keep chugging away eh?

[NoodleBoy]

9. well, a really great candidate against Shaddeg has emerged, Bob Lord

he actually contacted me awhile ago about early campaign organizing, but I didn't sign on. Word is he's going to have a huge budget and he's said he wants to definitely learn from the mistakes other campaigns have made.

[NMDemDist2]

14. I see Herb is backing Annie Lloyd (an Independent) over the Bob Lord

what's up with that???

:banghead:

[NoodleBoy]

15. I have no idea. maybe listening to those internet guys too much again?

[NMDemDist2]

4. welcome to DU StudentProgressive!

I'm be more inclined to work to get rid of the archaic Electoral College myself.

also, you may find our DU Glossary both informative and entertaining to learn the shorthand around here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_oet&address=358x190

:hi:

[Truth2Tell]

11. I'd be more inclined

to support proportional representation.

But, yes, without some sort of structural reform it doesn't make any sense to switch to a third party.

Support progressive candidates in Dem primaries. You don't have to love all Democrats to be a good Dem. In fact, you can dislike most Demsocrats if you like - but under present circumstances the best move is still to work within the Party.

[StudentProgressive]

13. PR and IRV are both great options imo

nt