If our guy loses this one, it's mostly our guy's fault

[jpgray]

It isn't that the people who vote are "too dumb" to support him. They are who we're SUPPOSED to convince to elect our guy. It isn't the media's fault, because we KNOW that they are superficial, biased and love to marginalize and tear people down, and our guy should be prepared to deal with that disadvantage.

We CAN blame ourselves for not working hard enough, and we can blame our guy for running a poor campaign. But as comforting as blaming the media or the public is, they are both mainstays of the system, and should be handled appropriately if the goal is to win an election.

We know how the media are, and we know the people are maybe less informed, but by and large no more stupid than you or I. If those two things sink us in 2004, it's probably our own fault. In this country, running a campaign based on the belief that the media are fair and the public is well-informed is a recipe for disaster, and our guy should realize that. :(

(and whoever our nominee is in theory *should* be more likely to win in the GE than the failed candidates--if your candidate can't survive the media bias or public apathy in the fishbowl of a primary, he/she could fare even worse in the big leagues)

[eileen_d]

1. Very good post.

:yourock:

[democratreformed]

2. I think I agree with you

But, I do think we need to be ready to work hard as well.

[KFC]

3. But I want to blame someone!

The media just made me buy an ab-workout video tape!

[DjTj]

4. Very well said.

This is a game, and if you choose to play the game, you better know the rules.

If the media was completely unbiased and provided fair coverage, nobody would have Press Secretaries ... or maybe it's that if nobody had Press Secretaries, the media would be able to provide fair coverage...

When a candidate gets good/bad press, the responsibility falls on the communications staff - that's how it was when I worked on Capitol Hill...

[yowzayowzayowza]

5. ...and when considering the target...

audience, one should keep in mind that fully half of all Americans have an IQ of less than 100.

[jpgray]

8. Shocking!

:D

[polmaven]

6. It isn't

Clinton's fault?

[diamondsoul]

7. No no, it's

penises! All the Democratic penises are BAAAAAD!

[eileen_d]

9. You have spoken the forbidden truth!

All the world's woes have as their root cause a Democrat's penis.

What about the children?

[frustrated_lefty]

10. I like your post, but disagree with this a little

"We CAN blame ourselves for not working hard enough, and we can blame our guy for running a poor campaign."

I'm not necessarily even disagreeing. You're right, we CAN do these things. I don't necessarily think we SHOULD. Some of us worked our asses off and did everything within our power, and it just wasn't enough.

The people that did that are hurt, worn out dogs. They don't need more criticism, and they certainly don't deserve self-criticism. A lot of people are broken-hearted, disillusioned, and lost.

If it makes you happy, go ahead and tell us to "not make excuses" and just "get over it." I honestly just wish you'd leave us alone for a little while.

[jpgray]

11. How can we "get over" something that hasn't even happened yet?

I'm talking about if the nominee LOSES in 2004, we only have the candidate and his campaign or ourselves to blame.

And certainly if you have worked hard DON'T blame yourself! Yikes, I hoped it wouldn't be interpreted this way.

[frustrated_lefty]

12. Miscommunique

Sorry, it sounded like you were talking about the primary candidates and their standing.

Like I said, I LIKE your post and think it's accurate. And, my reply holds true whether it's the primary or the GE.

[tinanator]

14. not if the media colludes with BBV and the DLC sets up the Bushcorp for

an easy "win". Dont go looking for scapegoats again. Not now, or later. Its time to take the bullshit by the horns and return democracy to America. Vote Kucinich before it is too late.

[GreenInNC]

13. Why the defeatist

attitude? I hear Democrats everyday saying we are not going to win because..... Quit the blame game and convince people to vote for your nominee.

I am really surprised Nader wasn't mentioned as the reason the Democratic nominee won't win.