The Coakley race, it could happen again.

[JNelson6563]

I haven't read many of the posts on the race in Massachusetts so I hope I am not repeating what anyone has said.

Think about this: Kennedy had that seat for ages, his as long as he wanted it, really. For decades the Rethugs had no shot. This opening, a once in a lifetime opportunity, was very motivating. Yes, I know the corporate media played a big role in this but I really believe they were motivated by how rare the opportunity was.

The same will happen in MI. Senator Levin's been there since the 70's. I highly doubt he will run again. When that seat opens up the Rethugs will be in over-drive. They set up a sacrificial lamb every six years but when there is a real shot, they will stop at nothing to break the Dem stranglehold on that seat. No doubt the terrible condition of the Dem party in much of the state will be a big disadvantage for us.

The rareness of the opportunity is one of the best motivators I can think of.

Julie

[cali]

1. rec. good solid analysis.

I'm worried about Boxer this year in CA

[calico1]

2. Caokley ran a bad campaign. And both she and the

PTB in the Democratic party seemed to be of the attitude that the seat was a done deal and really didn't have to be worked for. Big mistake. If they do that in MI then yes, the Republicans can win. Hopefully this will be a lesson learned.

[NewJeffCT]

3. Could happen in CT, too

Dodd was in the Senate for 30+ years and was popular for the first 29 of them.

Right now, his announced replacement - the state attorney general Dick Blumenthal - has a huge lead in the race, a la Coakley in Mass, who was also the state attorney general.

If Blumenthal takes it easy and/or goes on vacation, he could face a similar groundswell against him.

[cali]

4. I can't see Blumenthal acting remotely like Coakley.

[calico1]

6. Blumenthal stated before the MA election that he was

going to campaign like he was an underdog even though he is heavily favored. I don't see him being foolish like Coakley and now with what happened in MA it is even more of an incentive for him to not take anything for granted.

[NewJeffCT]

11. I hope he does campaign like an underdog

With Simmons having a big head start and McMahon being a near billionaire, it won't be easy.

[KharmaTrain]

5. Yes...Things Are Very Fluid Out There...

There's a lot of frustration on all sides...a symptom of all the stagnation and corruption fueled by a corporate media that sees ratings and money in pitting one side against the other. We heard a lot of promises in 2008 and for whatever reason you want to assign to it, many are unfulfilled or appear to be worse, not better. The right thinks the country has gone too far left, the left doesn't thinks this administration caters to the right and ignores the left. And in the middle are politicians who in the best of times are barely functional but now appear outright inept...especially in the Senate. The anger is justifiable, but how its being exploited is something to be very watchful for.

The sad thing is after hearing Axelrod and Gibbs yesterday, seems this administration has either lost touch with its base or just doesn't care. They're spent too much time playing inside baseball while the anger and frustration grew and its starting to show up at the polls. Dismiss the independents at your risk. Yes, many were former rushpublicans who couldn't stomache McCain but there are also that "cushy" 10-15% that can make a difference...as we saw in Mass. It's a definite wake up call in other races, but not sure whose hearing that call.

There will be a lot of tough races this year...it's to be expected after all the big gains the Democrats made in '06 and '08...in most cases, capturing districts that are purple and red. That said, I can't see the GOOP regaining seats to retake the house or swing 10 Senate races. Here in Illinois, we have an open seat and we're already seeing a lot of discontent with the choice of candidates...on both sides.

Before we start hitting panic buttons, remember the GOOP will have some nasty battles up ahead...the teabaggers and Paulbots vs. the "party establishment" that could split their votes, but Democrats can't afford to win despite...they have to get ahead of this frustration...not take voters for granted, and if necessary, break with this administration in demanding for a more progressive/liberal agenda.

The bottom line is the GOOP has nothing to lose this year...just like Democrats in '06. With all three branches in Democratic hands, they're being held accountable for how people feel. If people aren't seeing things getting better...they're having problems finding jobs, affording rising expenses and seeing more circle jerking inside the beltway, it could be a very long year ahead.

[flyarm]

8. I listened to Axelrod yesterday on two networks and both times i had to shut him off or

I would have destroyed the TV..he is delusional. He rants and just spews as much bullshit as he can ram over the interviewer..thinking he can frame the converstation..and he is a baffoon! He pissed me off so bad..

It is like he has his fingers in his ears singing..LALALALALA...

Well we the people in the Dem party have had enough..and it doesn't matter how many propagandists these dems send to message boards and blogs..we are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore.



We want Health "care"..not give away's and secret deals to the health industry honcho's! We are done with the bullshit.

And if they do not heed us..there will be a bloodbath in November!

Turning "right" is not the right answer..our principles are not for sale.

[KharmaTrain]

10. Not For Sale...But Ideals Still Need To Be Sold...

Be it to the PTB in the beltway through the power of being able to support candidates and win elections and to sell it to the voters who share those ideals and join together to get their voices and issues heard.

I saw too many in the 70s who were so rigid on principals and ideals they opted out of the political process that opened the door wide for Raygun. It also made it possible for the DLC to rise as the void was filled with those who felt accomodation was their meal ticket to power and influence.

As has been said, if you believe in something, you have to work and fight for it...nothing is handed to you...especially in a world so entrenched by corporate interests. Their calls get answered cause they provide the grease...the money to win elections and keep careers alive. You can opt out...just like in the 70s...and watch things go further to hell...or get out and fight to take control of the party and through it the entire system.

Turning right is a dead end...and sadly that message hasn't sunk into the beltway...but if those on the left don't engage and get entrenched in the system, there's no counterweight to those who will lead the party off the cliff.

[AlinPA]

7. PA is next. If Sestak doesn't get the primary win over Specter, Specter loses to Toomey.

[ThomWV]

9. Let me tell you about an E-Bay purchase I made last Monday - it reinforces your point

The rareness of the opportunity is one of the best motivators I can think of."

I have a small collection of some very obscure fishing reels. 8 versions were made and I've managed to find and obtain 6 of them. After looking every day for 11 years I found one of the two that I was missing on E-Bay and the auction ended this last monday morning.

I watched the reel for the week and put in a bid at the last moment. I got it. Now, the reel was going to sell for somewhere around $400~450 as my estimate. I had been looking for 11 years, remember that. The bid I placed on that reel was $1,700. As you said, rareness of opportunity is a great motivator.

Oh, I ended up paying $458 for the reel.

[JNelson6563]

12. Well done!

And an artful demonstration of my point. Thank you.

Julie