Eugene Robinson:Where's the Democrats' fighting spirit?

[cal04]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/11/AR2010111106085.html

"Why don't they fight back?"

That's the question I've been hearing from the Democratic Party's stunned and dispirited base. For the past month, I've been on a book tour that has taken me to Asheville, N.C., Terre Haute, Ind., Austin and elsewhere. Everywhere I go, supporters of President Obama and his agenda ask me why so many Democrats in Washington don't stand up for what they say they believe.

I confess that I don't have a good answer. What I can say with confidence, however, is that the White House and Democrats in Congress ignore these grumblings at their peril. Call it polarization, call it conviction, call it whatever you like: These are not wishy-washy times. If you don't stand for something, you get run over.

(snip)
What I'm hearing is frustration, and it's getting louder. I'm hearing the view that the Obama administration, which has done much good, can do better - by speaking clearly, standing its ground - and, when pushed by bullies, shoving back.

[provis99]

1. because the Democratic party represents its contributors, and not voters?

[struggle4progress]

2. Because the base just wants to sit around and whine?