Are you taking notes, Democratic Party?? Why, because there is a written exam at the end. It is called an election - in 2018.
23
I guess the Georgian TV viewers are being spared those poorly made, noisy TV screamer ads for cheap furniture and foreign cars. This race seems destined for a second stage vote where one R and One D will go for a majority-takes-all Tuesday follow-up.
The final post-decision Wednesday opinion stories are already written where the Times writers all insist that ''we really had 'em scared down there.'' The phrase ''moral victory'' is wearing as thin as it ever has this spring.
The final post-decision Wednesday opinion stories are already written where the Times writers all insist that ''we really had 'em scared down there.'' The phrase ''moral victory'' is wearing as thin as it ever has this spring.
13
Smarter campaigning? Boy do dems need it. Thanks.
13
You know whats also lost me on Dems recently. Their portrayal of white people as rich, privileged racists who would stab their own mothers in the back for a dollar, and who couldnt care less about non-white people, and in fact who hate and actively go out.of their way to oppress non-white people.
The Dems and liberal media have been trying to divide us on race ever since 2015. I am white, and I am just so tired of the constant victimhood narratives. Unless I am a victim I feel like I am not welcome in the Dem party. According to the Dems, as a transgender woman i am a victim, although I need to make sure to check my priviledge because POC transgender people are more victimized and as such are better.
I dont view myself as a victim, and I refuse to participate in the victimhood narrative. If anything, if someone tried to do something to me Id probably make them the victim with my concealed pistol.
For Democrats its all about who can add the most hyphens to their identity, or who can claim the worst level of victimhood. That petson gets legitimacy, and they cannot be disagreed with because they are victims and as such they know.
Im just tired of the focus on race, when it should be on class. More whites died of opiate overdoses than gun homocides, police shootings, and car accidents of all races PUT TOGETHER last year. Its about class, not race. Poor people are treated like garbage regardless of color, but the Dems dont seem to care, at least if you are white.
The Dems and liberal media have been trying to divide us on race ever since 2015. I am white, and I am just so tired of the constant victimhood narratives. Unless I am a victim I feel like I am not welcome in the Dem party. According to the Dems, as a transgender woman i am a victim, although I need to make sure to check my priviledge because POC transgender people are more victimized and as such are better.
I dont view myself as a victim, and I refuse to participate in the victimhood narrative. If anything, if someone tried to do something to me Id probably make them the victim with my concealed pistol.
For Democrats its all about who can add the most hyphens to their identity, or who can claim the worst level of victimhood. That petson gets legitimacy, and they cannot be disagreed with because they are victims and as such they know.
Im just tired of the focus on race, when it should be on class. More whites died of opiate overdoses than gun homocides, police shootings, and car accidents of all races PUT TOGETHER last year. Its about class, not race. Poor people are treated like garbage regardless of color, but the Dems dont seem to care, at least if you are white.
28
I live in the sixth district and am hoping very strongly that we can flip this district to blue. I know many people who feel this way and I believe a moderate can be beneficial to the lunacy going on in the White House.
11
Have you SEEN the commercials Republicans air for the special election? They are insane, heavy on emotion and lies, it's ridiculous. Dems have GOT to counter them if they want any chance of winning.
The only Democrats with millions to spend are Mr. and Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton. Soon to be joined in corporate plutocrat oligarchy by Mr. and Mrs. Barack Hussein Obama. So much for the "sacrifice" of elected and selected "public service".
My paternal black Georgia born and bred African American ancestors endured humanity defying enslavement and equality denying separate and unequal Jim Crow. The mass lynching of two married black couples took place at Moore's Ford Bridge Georgia by white persons known and unpunished. One of the murdered women was pregnant. One of the men was a World War II veteran.
Involuntary servitude and slavery for colored folks still lives in separate and unequal prisons, schools, housing and healthcare in Georgia.
My paternal black Georgia born and bred African American ancestors endured humanity defying enslavement and equality denying separate and unequal Jim Crow. The mass lynching of two married black couples took place at Moore's Ford Bridge Georgia by white persons known and unpunished. One of the murdered women was pregnant. One of the men was a World War II veteran.
Involuntary servitude and slavery for colored folks still lives in separate and unequal prisons, schools, housing and healthcare in Georgia.
If Dems don't know this by now, it's because they are corrupt. Only non corrupt candidates run campaigns like this.
The only way
You throw your vote away
Is to stay away!
Always vote in every election!
You throw your vote away
Is to stay away!
Always vote in every election!
11
It is not just a coincidence that tax cuts for the rich have preceded both the 1929 and 2007 depressions. The Revenue acts of 1926 and 1928 worked exactly as the Republican Congresses that pushed them through promised. The dramatic reductions in taxes on the upper income brackets and estates of the wealthy did indeed result in increases in savings and investment. However, overinvestment (by 1929 there were over 600 automobile manufacturing companies in the USA) caused the depression that made the rich, and most everyone else, ultimately much poorer.
Since 1969 there has been a tremendous shift in the tax burdens away from the rich on onto the middle class. Corporate income tax receipts, whose incidence falls entirely on the owners of corporations, were 4% of GDP then and are now less than 1%. During that same period, payroll tax rates as percent of GDP have increased dramatically. The overinvestment problem caused by the reduction in taxes on the wealthy is exacerbated by the increased tax burden on the middle class. While overinvestment creates more factories, housing and shopping centers; higher payroll taxes reduces the purchasing power of middle-class consumers. ..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1543642
Since 1969 there has been a tremendous shift in the tax burdens away from the rich on onto the middle class. Corporate income tax receipts, whose incidence falls entirely on the owners of corporations, were 4% of GDP then and are now less than 1%. During that same period, payroll tax rates as percent of GDP have increased dramatically. The overinvestment problem caused by the reduction in taxes on the wealthy is exacerbated by the increased tax burden on the middle class. While overinvestment creates more factories, housing and shopping centers; higher payroll taxes reduces the purchasing power of middle-class consumers. ..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1543642
10
I am so tired of the Democratic party's inability to message first to their own base and then to undecided or people who just don't think voting matters. From stupid web ads to wasted ads on TV that try to make them look like Republicans, they never learn. My county is represented by a Republican who could be beaten if the state and national party would bother to get off their butts and help. They seem to believe the seat is a Republican seat because there's a Republican in the seat. In every election for the past 10 years, the Democratic candidate has had NO ads or presence in my county. Nothing. And yet, he/she wins 42-45% of the vote. Frankly, we've given up on the state and nat'l party leadership and have formed our own Indivisible groups all over the area. We'll put people on the ticket who represent true progressive values instead of the safe, Republican lite folks the state party seems to think need to be supported. From Schumer to Pelosi, they just don't get how to message. That was Obama's worst problem. He was great at campaigning but when it came to messaging while in office, he failed. More should have been made of the SCOTUS debacle. Had Democrats actually run on the ACA instead of running away from it, things would've been different in 2010. They continue to run away from progressive ideas to their own detriment. And please Sen. Schumer and Sen Durbin, stop crying on the floor and stop apologizing. Republicans do neither.
23
When Hilary left the campaign trail for California fund raisers in August, it put her in a hole that she never really got out of. There were many surrogate celebrities out there that could have gotten the same results. She needed to shore up her eastern firewalls which was never done.
11
Big money didn't get HRC elected. Why will it get Ossoff elected?
We need corrupt money OUT of politics.
We need corrupt money OUT of politics.
I dont own television. Sorry Democrats, Im pretty sure its only old people who still watch TV with commercials anymore. They alreadt decided who they are voting for because they are old, and they will probably also come out to vote because they are old.
So really what this article should say is that Osaff got $8 million in out of state corporate money, and then spent 80% of it trying to convice old people that had already decided who to vote for and were already voting to vote for him.
As a millenial, Id find the Democrats stumbles and ineptitude funny if they didnt impact my life so much. If anything, this is proof that the Democrats are led and operated by a bunch of old, mostly out of touch rich white men who have no idea that most of us dont even own cable or ObamaTV.
So really what this article should say is that Osaff got $8 million in out of state corporate money, and then spent 80% of it trying to convice old people that had already decided who to vote for and were already voting to vote for him.
As a millenial, Id find the Democrats stumbles and ineptitude funny if they didnt impact my life so much. If anything, this is proof that the Democrats are led and operated by a bunch of old, mostly out of touch rich white men who have no idea that most of us dont even own cable or ObamaTV.
9
Keith Ellison needs to shake Tom Perez out of his complacency. The horror and revulsion of the orange one will not be enough to turn around the Dems election prospects. The only thing that will turn the house and senate is taking a page from Bernie's book. Campaign on and formulate policies that speak to the peoples concerns, like they used to. The loss in 2016 should have made it clear that the Republican lite of the Clintons is past its best before date. Get real Mr. Perez and keep it real.
10
Usa99 has right. The people who run the Democratic Party in DC seem addicted to ad buys, rather than the hard work of turning out votes, which is how you win off year elections.
28
Please, stop spending huuuuuge amounts on ads. The people likely to change their minds already have, or NOT. Get people registered and especially, get them to the polls. The most effective thing a single, average person can to locally: vote!!! Ask your family and friends to vote, repeatedly. Ask your neighbors and co-workers to vote, repeatedly.
Finally, call people you've asked, and offer rides, or offer to just go with them, to vote. IF you can, volunteer to give people identified thru the local party, RIDES. It's just simple math: WHEN we vote, WE WIN. Seriously.
Finally, call people you've asked, and offer rides, or offer to just go with them, to vote. IF you can, volunteer to give people identified thru the local party, RIDES. It's just simple math: WHEN we vote, WE WIN. Seriously.
34
Ossoff doesn't even live in the district he is running ofr.
5
Some ideas: Use some of the money to have an after vote party with current local bands and food, maybe rides, an art station for kids, free to any democrat or independent who voted; $50 for anyone else; just show your voter reg at the door. Entice the people who would not bother to come out with a gift. It could be done tastefully and if it's youth and minorities you want, find local popular entertainers they'd love to see. And quit with all the political speeches; bores the heck out of people. Let the one running speak, period. If they want to hear Bernie, let only the one running and Bernie speak and stop boring people to death at these things with 10 politicians all trying to get out a speech; it turns people off. Put up signs for what you stand for. Give away blue hats that say "Power to the People, not the Billionaires." Let voters talk and listen. Forget the delegates and donor parties; have a party with the people and get to know them. Forget the stage, sit at a table with them. Have a town hall every week. Forget robo calls except to remind people to vote. Put signs to remind them all over every town. Have a catchy commercial; humor is a great connector. Don't white wash what you stand for; say what you mean and stand behind it. Sure some people won't like everything you stand for, so what? Keep the message simple, have a detailed plan on line that people can read and keep repeating it over and over again.
ahhhh, didn't the Dem's just loose the WH by following exactly this advice? People vote their heart. They want to be inspired. Everybody wants to make America great again, not everyone wants to be with her
6
This strategy is ludicrous. Ossoff is a wildly inappropriate candidate for this district and his only claim to viability is the large amounts of "outside agitator" money sent his way. He looks like his mommy tied his tie for him. He went to the LSE. Democrats need stronger candidates with actual work records and a platform that speaks to people who work for a living in the private sector.
Everything about Ossoff highlights the weaknesses of the Democratic Party. Politics is not a faculty cocktail party.
Everything about Ossoff highlights the weaknesses of the Democratic Party. Politics is not a faculty cocktail party.
13
I am committed to change in a number of ways, including donating money. However, I have stopped donating to the Democratic party, and instead will pick and choose candidates depending on their positions and their strategies. I will no longer support the consultant gravy train whose lack of connection to voters resulted in the election of a dangerous moron.
19
When are liberal Dems going to begin doing the real work of climbing down out of their ivory media towers? How about never! Anything to avoid interacting daily and on a personal level with the "rabble" voters, who they can't stand but won't admit...their hypocrisy is showing...bigly!
11
Spend the money on meeting us where we are. Come to our workplaces. Visit our villages. Walk through our schools. Check out our nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, child care agencies, playgrounds, public spaces. Listen to what we say to each other, about each other. See what needs to be done instead of going in with a predetermined idea of what we want. You don't know what we want or what we need. Don't shout us down. Don't call us deplorables, libtards, divide us by religion, skin color, sexual preference, etc. Don't preach to us. Don't tell us that we deserve better without knowing what we think is better. Most of all, whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, work for US, not for your rich donors.
Bring us together. Help us find our areas of mutual agreement. Help us feel like we're part of America instead of the part that can be ignored. Work on making it easier for us to register to vote. The harder it is to register the less we're likely to vote or to think our vote matters. Take what consultants say lightly. Speak to those who say they won't vote for you and those who will. In the end, do the best you can for all your constituents, not just the ones who voted for you, who flatter you, or who come to offer you a great deal. Remember who pays your salary and for your perks.
Bring us together. Help us find our areas of mutual agreement. Help us feel like we're part of America instead of the part that can be ignored. Work on making it easier for us to register to vote. The harder it is to register the less we're likely to vote or to think our vote matters. Take what consultants say lightly. Speak to those who say they won't vote for you and those who will. In the end, do the best you can for all your constituents, not just the ones who voted for you, who flatter you, or who come to offer you a great deal. Remember who pays your salary and for your perks.
8
I've been saying this since the last mid-term election in New Mexico. In that election, the fewest Democrats voted in 60 years, and we had the first Republican controlled state house in 60 years. One doesn't have to be a statistician to see the linear relationship. We reversed it during the presidential election because Democrats decided to vote (Clinton won NM). Republicans tell us Democrats constantly we are not patriots. As a veteran, I disagree, however if voting is a prime example of patriotism, which I agree it is, Republicans beat us ever time. I'm sick and tired of DINO Democrats saying there is no difference between the candidates, then voting for a third party idiot just to snub their nose that the party. Get real Democrats. You lose elections every mid-term. That's a major reason 2/3 of the states are controlled by these anti-American Republicans.
12
I worked in politics for three decades and many of the comments here should be read by every single political consultant in this country. I watched the decline of the Dem Party as it became a system of high-paid consultants getting kickbacks from pollsters and mail houses. Ditto the Republican side. It all became an election year industry with those already at the top sucking more out of the system (both "sides of the aisle" by the way).
Mr. Ossoff has done a number of national linterviews. Knock it off, Jon. As others quite succinctly mention in these comments, be positive for the district, have an agenda for jobs/job creation, and be careful - be VERY careful - about all the money you've raised. A tremendous number of folks resent someone who suddenly got millions for a little, otherwise irrelevant congressional seat.
Get a good, positive message, let it be known and stick with it. And let your volunteers GOTV with that message and energy.
Mr. Ossoff has done a number of national linterviews. Knock it off, Jon. As others quite succinctly mention in these comments, be positive for the district, have an agenda for jobs/job creation, and be careful - be VERY careful - about all the money you've raised. A tremendous number of folks resent someone who suddenly got millions for a little, otherwise irrelevant congressional seat.
Get a good, positive message, let it be known and stick with it. And let your volunteers GOTV with that message and energy.
Will not be donating to the DNC.
I'll keep my money for Naral or Planned Parenthood & local organizations that have a real impact on change that can help those in need or those that the GOP has turned against.
I'll keep my money for Naral or Planned Parenthood & local organizations that have a real impact on change that can help those in need or those that the GOP has turned against.
15
I live in very conservative Williamson County, TX, just immediately north of the very liberal Travis County. Austin. We did get a Dem elected to the county commissioners in November, first time in over 20 years. When I told my (Austin) son in law about what I'll say below, he quipped, "There are liberals in Williamson county?"
Anyway, I decided to attend the county party's monthly meeting last month. The guest speaker was a transgender woman. I left after 20 minutes. Here we are, in total disarray, without power locally and nationally, and THIS is what we need to hear about? An issue that the vast majority of Americans not only don't care about, but make them uncomfortable at the least? Lesseeee.........TG rights vs. my disappearing suck job and my kid's college that I can't afford?
Look, I'm sorry some tiny percentage of people get stuck in the wrong body. I hope we eventually become a kinder, more understanding nation. Obama's TG executive orders, while morally right, were political suicide for the Democrats. LBJ could have introduced bills to counter segregation 15 years before he signed such bills into law. He understood that sometimes you have to wait for the right time, culturally.
After Goldwater's defeat in 1964, the Republicans understood and played the long con. "Think tanks" supplying editorial material for beleagured newspapers, gerrymandering, Fox "news." They bring Kalishnakovs to the fight, we keep bringing knives.
Anyway, I decided to attend the county party's monthly meeting last month. The guest speaker was a transgender woman. I left after 20 minutes. Here we are, in total disarray, without power locally and nationally, and THIS is what we need to hear about? An issue that the vast majority of Americans not only don't care about, but make them uncomfortable at the least? Lesseeee.........TG rights vs. my disappearing suck job and my kid's college that I can't afford?
Look, I'm sorry some tiny percentage of people get stuck in the wrong body. I hope we eventually become a kinder, more understanding nation. Obama's TG executive orders, while morally right, were political suicide for the Democrats. LBJ could have introduced bills to counter segregation 15 years before he signed such bills into law. He understood that sometimes you have to wait for the right time, culturally.
After Goldwater's defeat in 1964, the Republicans understood and played the long con. "Think tanks" supplying editorial material for beleagured newspapers, gerrymandering, Fox "news." They bring Kalishnakovs to the fight, we keep bringing knives.
36
All the money in the world will not necessarily elect a bad candidate. Conversely a bad candidate can win ( even without a majority of the vote ) if he lies\promotes a populist message of victimization, blaming and fear.
What we ( Liberals ) need is not more money necessarily. ( although it does indeed help )
No, what we need are young firebrand candidates ( a la Trudeau ) to galvanize exactly what we hold dear, and are fighting for.
The American way is a truly progressive one. All people that have the gumption, determination and wherewithal to pull themselves up by their bootstraps should be be able to. ( with the help of their communities and their government )
There should be a fair and progressive tax system and government that works for all of the people, and not just a select few at the top, Same for the medical and educational systems.
The more we achieve or make, and the more we give back to those and that which helped us make it .
Simple.
What we ( Liberals ) need is not more money necessarily. ( although it does indeed help )
No, what we need are young firebrand candidates ( a la Trudeau ) to galvanize exactly what we hold dear, and are fighting for.
The American way is a truly progressive one. All people that have the gumption, determination and wherewithal to pull themselves up by their bootstraps should be be able to. ( with the help of their communities and their government )
There should be a fair and progressive tax system and government that works for all of the people, and not just a select few at the top, Same for the medical and educational systems.
The more we achieve or make, and the more we give back to those and that which helped us make it .
Simple.
5
While I agree that spending money to put "boots on the ground" and GOTV efforts as a short term strategy, The Dems need a long term strategy as well. Howard Dean's 50 state strategy is a good place to start and worked well. However, the Dems and their allies must take seriously the need for a liberal/progressive infrastructure. They need to commit long term resources into setting up an interlocking farm system of progressive thinkers, talkers, writers and strategists like the Right has done for 30 years.
What is sorely missing is a COUNTER NARRATIVE to the right wing propaganda that Faux News and others have been putting out for many years. Instead the Dems and their funders seem to hop from election to election, candidate to candidate and certain feel good causes. They have been lacking a consistent, cohesive narrative of who they are and what they stand for. They need funders who are willing to fund this goal long term, even if it means they lose money over the short term.
Without this long term approach the Dems will always be on the defense and playing catch up with their conservative counterparts.
What is sorely missing is a COUNTER NARRATIVE to the right wing propaganda that Faux News and others have been putting out for many years. Instead the Dems and their funders seem to hop from election to election, candidate to candidate and certain feel good causes. They have been lacking a consistent, cohesive narrative of who they are and what they stand for. They need funders who are willing to fund this goal long term, even if it means they lose money over the short term.
Without this long term approach the Dems will always be on the defense and playing catch up with their conservative counterparts.
9
North Carolina elected a Democratic Governor over an incumbent Republican Governor. Maybe there are some lessons to be learned from that experience.
4
What do Democrats offer to the middle and upper middle class? Higher taxes and less return on their taxes. In fact, the more social engineering both parties do the more middle class class suffers under the either party ruling. We need another party.
Any other brilliant observations? Dog bites man? Of course turnout is the key and why the Party of Trump is big on voter suppression. Just look at the numbers of people who could have voted from president and didn't, and ask yourself who would have made their lives better. You increase turnout by convincing people that their vote does matter, even if their candidate loses, as it sends a message to the winners about who agrees with them. This is why Donald Trump keeps trying to convince us that the majority of legitimate voters saw him as the preferable candidate.
1
The reason I don't give money to the DNC is exactly this - I don't know where the money is going, and it's hard to see any results.
6
Look a look at your roots Democrats. My parents were Republicans but I worked for Kennedy in Junior High. I sat at a phone bank and stuffed envelopes. I went door to door with an older student to talk to voters.
The Dems need to get younger people involved. Find younger more inspiring candidates. Reinvolve people across the populace. Bernie and Hillary and Trump are the past.
The Dems need to get younger people involved. Find younger more inspiring candidates. Reinvolve people across the populace. Bernie and Hillary and Trump are the past.
2
An entire article about "what Democrats need to do to win" and not a single word about finding out about the needs of constituents. How profoundly Democratic. "You are campaigning for the votes from a district in Georgia - as long as you campaign on what progressives from DC think they should want, drive them to the polls and feed them pizza, you should get enough votes to win since we hope the turnout is small." Another demonstration of why HRC lost.
8
Democrats must atop thinking that losing by just a little is equivalent to winning. In the recent Kansas race the Democrats are positively gleeful that their candidate lost by "only 7%."
Maybe if the national party gave the candidate the measly $20,000 he asked for instead of writing him off as a lost cause, the Democrats may have won the seat out right.
Which is all that counts.
Democrats are still steeped in the tactics of the old civil rights movement: rallies, marches, protests. Barack Obama and Howard Dean understand, as did Alex Castellanos, Richard Viguerie and Karl Rove before them did, that available information technology and a well organized ground game are the keys to election victory.
All of those moms marching with their cute pink hats won't amount to anything if they, and their teenage daughters who accompanied them, don't show up at the polls EVERY November.
And that goes for Latinos too macho to vote for a woman, too.
Maybe if the national party gave the candidate the measly $20,000 he asked for instead of writing him off as a lost cause, the Democrats may have won the seat out right.
Which is all that counts.
Democrats are still steeped in the tactics of the old civil rights movement: rallies, marches, protests. Barack Obama and Howard Dean understand, as did Alex Castellanos, Richard Viguerie and Karl Rove before them did, that available information technology and a well organized ground game are the keys to election victory.
All of those moms marching with their cute pink hats won't amount to anything if they, and their teenage daughters who accompanied them, don't show up at the polls EVERY November.
And that goes for Latinos too macho to vote for a woman, too.
3
The reason we see so many direct mail flyers and TV ads is consultants can make a lot of money on them. The TV stations do well, too. It's harder to make money building relationships in the community and holding meetings at the fire station.
This is an absolutely correct and perfectly rendered prescription for Democratic victory not just in Georgia, as the author makes clear, but well “beyond.”
It is the ONLY strategy that will succeed … as it did so notably in the two Obama campaigns, where computer studies – followed by thorough canvassing and then carefully targeted drives making sure supporters went to the polls – produced memorable results.
I now limit my financial contributions to the DCCC and the DSCC – trying to donate time rather than money – precisely because the party wastes so much cash on predictable (and sometimes childish) ads chasing the very few voters who haven't already decided whom they'll support. Far better to find your supporters and get them to the polls than to flood the airwaves with forgettable and ineffective ads.
It is the ONLY strategy that will succeed … as it did so notably in the two Obama campaigns, where computer studies – followed by thorough canvassing and then carefully targeted drives making sure supporters went to the polls – produced memorable results.
I now limit my financial contributions to the DCCC and the DSCC – trying to donate time rather than money – precisely because the party wastes so much cash on predictable (and sometimes childish) ads chasing the very few voters who haven't already decided whom they'll support. Far better to find your supporters and get them to the polls than to flood the airwaves with forgettable and ineffective ads.
1
They should spend the cash on sandwiches, because they ain't going to win.
1
Completely agree with this piece!
2
Not just turnout -- REGISTRATION. We need voter drives, including drives to get people the voter IDs most of these Republican legislatures are imposing in an attempt to suppress Democratic and minority votes. Let me know where to sign up!
3
Dems must return to basics and organize by precincts with neighbor to neighbor arm twisting. The first step is to have candidates in every office. In Pa., a state with a Dem majority, there were 4 uncontested congressional seats to republicans, caused of course by gerrymandering by republicans in 2010. So even though those seats would still have gone to republicans, they caused lost votes to Hillary and other statewide office seekers.
Organize and Resist!
Organize and Resist!
5
Hillary spent a record 1.4 billion. It wasn't the campaign funds but the message that won the last election
8
And adults who believed what Trump told them.
7
Unfortunately efforts to turn out voters require time, energy, pizza, and gasoline to have an impact. Consultants do not sell pizza they sell advertising buys, mailing lists for glossy fluff pieces, and carefully-scripted focus groups. And it is a lot easier for party elites to write the "receivables" for consultants rather than well-planned strategies with boots on the ground to assure voters materialize for elections. The DLC and the Clintons recognize this which is why the make such consistent efforts to control the fundraising and contracting components of the Democratic Party. Once you start promoting and nurturing the grassroots side of a party it is difficult to control where it goes. In 2016 the Democrats suffered in part due to their consultant-based myopia but also due to the internal struggle between the corporate Democrats and the disorganized and poorly-focused but more realistic grassroots movement linked with Bernie Sanders. In effect the Clinton/Obama wing decided it was better to have a losing party they could control than a victorious party centered outside their reach. Trump's relations with the Russians are a blessing to the Clinton faction as it makes it possible to claim outside meddling rather than their own deficiencies and priorities gave us Donald Trump. I am no fan of Bernie Sanders but it is clear his sense of the issues moving Americans and his ability to motivate people would have reached those not touched by consultants and media advertising.
27
Let's hope he runs again in 2020. How about a primary race between Bernie, Sen. Warren, and party stalwart Maxine Waters? Delicious!
I wonder if Mr. Phillips noticed that Ms. Clinton was defeated by the one-time Democratic voters of the industrial Midwest. There is some justice to that. The voters most hurt by her husband's steamrolling Dick Gephart with a coalition of Republicans and southern Democrats to pass NAFTA, returned the favor 23 years later.
After Trump's victory, Obama's campaign manager David Axelrod was quoted saying to the effect "...apparently the voters really did want change." Tells you everything you need to know about the cynical Mandarins of Democratic Consultocracy. After eight years of the "Great Disappointment", why would disaffected voters believe that Democrats 'really mean it' this time?
No, the problem isn't turnout. The problem is a party that believes it can win elections by slicing-and-dicing the electorate into ethno-racial-gender groups while preserving the economic status quo. They've been doing it for 30 years and have nothing to show but two congressional majorities lasting a single election cycle each, and nearly complete Republican domination from courthouse to White House.
After Trump's victory, Obama's campaign manager David Axelrod was quoted saying to the effect "...apparently the voters really did want change." Tells you everything you need to know about the cynical Mandarins of Democratic Consultocracy. After eight years of the "Great Disappointment", why would disaffected voters believe that Democrats 'really mean it' this time?
No, the problem isn't turnout. The problem is a party that believes it can win elections by slicing-and-dicing the electorate into ethno-racial-gender groups while preserving the economic status quo. They've been doing it for 30 years and have nothing to show but two congressional majorities lasting a single election cycle each, and nearly complete Republican domination from courthouse to White House.
18
I've said it time and again the Dems focused on the perhaps 10% of the population that identifies as LBGT while ignoring the 40% that live outside cities.
2
Oregon Democrats are using grassroots power to reach out to neighbors and encourage them to vote. In Washington County in the 2016 election, the Neighborhood Leader program assigned people to about 40 Democrats in their neighborhood to contact, distribute a slate card, and follow up to encourage them to vote. We made 46,199 attempted contacts, leaving at least a slate card. Overall Dem turnout in the area was 76.9 percent. For those people who had a face-to-face contact, turnout was 90%.
Paid canvassers may help some, but knocking on a door and introducing yourself as a neighbor and a volunteer is powerful. As this is repeated over time, neighbors look for you to come around with the slate card and recommendations. Using funds to hire organizers for such a program seems a very good use of campaign money.
Paid canvassers may help some, but knocking on a door and introducing yourself as a neighbor and a volunteer is powerful. As this is repeated over time, neighbors look for you to come around with the slate card and recommendations. Using funds to hire organizers for such a program seems a very good use of campaign money.
59
And have easily available yard signs!
2
I think you hit the nail on the head here. The one thing I still can't figure out is the half dozen e-mails I get every day, telling me that the way to get money out of politics is to send money to a politician. What if a bunch of people just got together, did some collective research, chose the person who best represented their interests, made sure that person got elected, and then held that person accountable while they were in office? No money - just people doing their duty as citizens. Instead, it's all about who can spend the most. Well, if money is speech, no wonder we're getting shouted down by the billionaires!
1
Who are these millions of people who'd normally not vote but will vote if only someone knocks on their door and makes them feel special? They are a mystery to me. With a population like that, democracy cannot possibly thrive in a country.
I have often not voted in the past, or voted for unserious parties or candidates, but never for a lack of information or political interest, but rather precisely because I knew who was running and I knew I didn't want to give my vote to any one of them, and them knocking on my door wouldn't have changed anything.
I have often not voted in the past, or voted for unserious parties or candidates, but never for a lack of information or political interest, but rather precisely because I knew who was running and I knew I didn't want to give my vote to any one of them, and them knocking on my door wouldn't have changed anything.
5
You are exactly right. But our Democrats can only hope that most voters can be emotionally drawn to vote for a liberal through anger or fear of the opponent, and emotions are most easily manipulated by personal contact the day of the vote.
Whoever knocked on your door failed to make the simple point that voting for lesser of evils is wiser than not voting at all.
10
Sadly, many people did what you describe--"voted for unserious parties or candidates"--and we now have a lunatic child man running the country. Sometimes voting for the best alternative is the mature thing to do. I supported Bernie but I wasn't stupid enough to think Trump was the same as him and that the most important thing was "change." Well we sure have change now don't we? Sorry to rant but I really can't stand the "I couldn't possibly vote for Clinton because..." when we all know why most couldn't. She's a woman. That Pakistan has had a woman as their leader and we can't is telling.
2
Thank goodness the Democratic party is getting it. As far as I know, nobody watches television commercials anymore (I don't even watch tv anymore), and we all find the little "x" to close an ad as soon as it pops up on the Internet. I keep my laptop on mute unless there's something I specifically want to hear because I am so outraged by blaring ads. Get rid of out-dated, self-interested consultants and start talking to the people!
51
Agreed, turn-out is the way to go. But Democrats should not listen to the siren song of the purists who would like to turn the Democratic Party into an ideological party.
Definitely, Democrats should work to turn out their base. But they should also work to turn out disillusioned Trump voters. Their numbers will grow, and could be decisive in many congressional districts in 2018, as well as in the all-important state races.
No national party can govern this country without a wide base of support. Ideological purity is a dead end. Coalition-building has always been a strength of the Democratic Party, and the party should build on that tradition.
Definitely, Democrats should work to turn out their base. But they should also work to turn out disillusioned Trump voters. Their numbers will grow, and could be decisive in many congressional districts in 2018, as well as in the all-important state races.
No national party can govern this country without a wide base of support. Ideological purity is a dead end. Coalition-building has always been a strength of the Democratic Party, and the party should build on that tradition.
9
@Ron Cohen, if "ideology" means not standing for anything beyond platitudes the Democrats are in good shape. But if they advocated single payer healthcare, free college tuition, getting money out of politics, and many other things the American people support they will start actually winning elections again.
3
Coalition building is great but moving so far to the right that you're more Republican than Democrat is a losing strategy, as proven by the fact that the Republicans own 31 states and state legs not to mention the entire fed'l gov't. The Dems, thanks to the Clintonites, moved way to far to the right and embraced corporatism to the degree that the base was simply left behind. You never hear any Democratic candidate running for a national office talk about poor people. They let the Republicans turn the term Liberal into a dirty word. They've let them make Democrat with a hard t a dirty word--I am so tired of hearing Democrat policies as opposed to DemocratIC policies. Democrats just don't know how to fight back against the right wing lunatics who've taken over the Republican party. They fight dirty. They don't talk about their "friends on the left." They don't apologize. They all have talking points they undoubtedly get from somewhere central because they use the same vocabulary when going out to promote their ideas. The Democrats are scattered. I'm so tired of it.
4
I blame the 60 million who voted for the clown for putting Trump in the presidency.
But I very much also blame the 100 million Americans who did not vote or who voted for Jill Stein.
When your country needed you, too many of our fellow citizens were not there.
Has that changed? We shall see in all the elections from tomorrow to November 2018.
But I very much also blame the 100 million Americans who did not vote or who voted for Jill Stein.
When your country needed you, too many of our fellow citizens were not there.
Has that changed? We shall see in all the elections from tomorrow to November 2018.
19
You mention Jill Stein. But Gary Johnson (who's he? the Libertarian candidate) got around 3x the number of votes as Stein.
And Democrats don't usually defect to the Libertarian party. So probably most of his votes were GOP protest votes against Trump. In short, 3rd party voters (Green & Libertarian combined) were probably a net gain for Clinton.
Johnson - 4.49million votes
Stein - 1.46million votes
And Democrats don't usually defect to the Libertarian party. So probably most of his votes were GOP protest votes against Trump. In short, 3rd party voters (Green & Libertarian combined) were probably a net gain for Clinton.
Johnson - 4.49million votes
Stein - 1.46million votes
2
I blame the dnc and hrc for conspiring and taking the candidacy away from sanders, who actually had a shot to beat trump. I would have voted for bernie over trump. but the offer was hrc. so she lost my vote.
I also blame the constant pressure to ram the agenda down the throats of the american public over and over and over and over. change comes slow. be patient. the more you push, the more pushback you get.
I blame the intolerance of the party and it's members. expressing intolerance for someone based on their political opinions is no different than intolerance of someone based on race, sex, religion, sexual preference or sexual orientation. conservatives are people too. we can't forget that. because if we do, then we are no better than the people we keep decrying as evil monsters.
I also blame the constant pressure to ram the agenda down the throats of the american public over and over and over and over. change comes slow. be patient. the more you push, the more pushback you get.
I blame the intolerance of the party and it's members. expressing intolerance for someone based on their political opinions is no different than intolerance of someone based on race, sex, religion, sexual preference or sexual orientation. conservatives are people too. we can't forget that. because if we do, then we are no better than the people we keep decrying as evil monsters.
1
I think this article is exactly right. That is what the 19th district progressives in New Paltz, New York are going to be doing. The passion and anger are there to bank on and take more Democrats to Congress. And enough with the litany about Clinton and her venal self interests. Jeff Sessions anyone? Yes, the Democrats need to move more to the left and start pushing Single Payer Health Care. Nothing changes on a dime but change can come.
44
Look how often 19th NY rep's are ousted by redistricting, not actual opponents.
trump changed you
and he only needed a nickel
Trump is the result of not voting, or letting someone else supress your vote.
The most important "march" against the Trumplican swamp establishment is a "march to the polls" to cast as many votes as possible. Even peer supported marches would work - women's march to the polls, scientists march to the polls, environmentalists march to the polls, ...
Organizing such marches would also be extremely cheap - using social media and covering the cost of buses or Ubers to get voters to the polls.
My fee for the above = zero.
The most important "march" against the Trumplican swamp establishment is a "march to the polls" to cast as many votes as possible. Even peer supported marches would work - women's march to the polls, scientists march to the polls, environmentalists march to the polls, ...
Organizing such marches would also be extremely cheap - using social media and covering the cost of buses or Ubers to get voters to the polls.
My fee for the above = zero.
19
Until last year, I lived in NH for 30 years. During primary season in particular, the telephone rang continuously with Democratic pollsters calling to ensure that the homes they were calling were planning to vote. A single yes would not suffice, they continued to call. People stopped answering the phone. This obnoxious and insistent privacy invasion suppressed the vote, I am certain. Many people told me that they would not vote at all due to this harassment. Perhaps some voted for the other side.
The people responsible for driving the Democratic vote have been consistently incompetent at their job.
The people responsible for driving the Democratic vote have been consistently incompetent at their job.
8
This is silly. Get caller id and vote. The nation is worth defending. Now look at what we have! All because of annoying phone calls? I would like to think we are tougher than that! In California and Nevada we are, apparently not where you are. Sigh.
2
The most important voting issue in Georgia, and in every US state, is the failure of so many US citizens even to register on their local electoral roll, thanks in large part to the unending and profound legacy of racism in the USA.
8
Why don't people just go vote without so much prodding and pleading? Don't they have ANY sense?
If you don't vote, you don't count. Period.
If you don't vote, you don't count. Period.
13
The issue needs to be JOBS! and the Democratic Party needs to get them to the polls.
5
not any job but jobs that make sense : build solar power,build homes that require less heat energy, jobs to help the lives of not only humans but the fauna and flora that lives on the earth with us.
The Democrats also lose because they arent progressive at all, and the people are.
The Democrats want to sit in their corporate boardrooms and only interact with normal people during focus group sessions. They believe that the new world order is one of open borders, globalization, and the end of the United States as a nation as we become some sort of world corporate web. The new nation states will be corporations, and the almighty dollar will be god.
If you are saying that this sounds like the Republicans, youd be also right. My point is that thr Democrats have become corporate monsters, and that doesnt exactly make me motivated to put them or the Republicans in power. Thats part of the reason why half of us didnt vote and I voted Third Party in 2016.
The Democrats want to sit in their corporate boardrooms and only interact with normal people during focus group sessions. They believe that the new world order is one of open borders, globalization, and the end of the United States as a nation as we become some sort of world corporate web. The new nation states will be corporations, and the almighty dollar will be god.
If you are saying that this sounds like the Republicans, youd be also right. My point is that thr Democrats have become corporate monsters, and that doesnt exactly make me motivated to put them or the Republicans in power. Thats part of the reason why half of us didnt vote and I voted Third Party in 2016.
19
while i totally get what you're saying , there is little doubt that everytime a republican is in office, everytime republicans control congress, things are done that would NOT be done under a democratic leadership. Every time. So, while false equivalencies do provide a reasonable basis for critique, as the democrats have become too moderated in their desire to "win over" voters who will never get it, such structural analysis does not accurately describe the product of the two parties leadership results. Democrats are too corporately hinged, republicans however are entirely a lobby conglomerate, and not even a political organization anymore.
7
Has Donald Trump sent you his thank you note for helping him win the 2016 election? 'Cause people like you, who threw your vote away on a 3rd party candidate (or some who took the lazy route and didn't bother to vote at all) - just because the democratic candidate wasn't your idea of perfection - helped put him where he is today. How are you liking that outcome so far?
1
We were Bernie supporters till after his California loss. But can you HONESTLY claim that under Hillary we would have been stuck with a climate change denier like Scott Pruitt or a know-nothing about public education like Betsy De Vos? If you like what Trump is doing--to our environment, to our education system, to health care--then be proud of your sanctimonious purity because you helped bring it about!
2
I find two deplorable themes in the comments.
One is that "THEY should do this" or "THEY should do that." No -- WE knock on doors and make the party more like what we want it to be. Barack Obama surely found things in the Democratic Party that he didn't like. But he worked with the useful parts of it to make things better.
The second annoyance is people still litigating the 2016 Democratic primary, probably to excuse their failure to support Clinton-Kaine and oppose Trump-Pence. When Hillary Clinton is convicted of one of your many allegations, let us know.
One is that "THEY should do this" or "THEY should do that." No -- WE knock on doors and make the party more like what we want it to be. Barack Obama surely found things in the Democratic Party that he didn't like. But he worked with the useful parts of it to make things better.
The second annoyance is people still litigating the 2016 Democratic primary, probably to excuse their failure to support Clinton-Kaine and oppose Trump-Pence. When Hillary Clinton is convicted of one of your many allegations, let us know.
33
As I just said above and will repeat here, Trump said if you vote for Hillary, then Goldman Sachs will run the country.
I voted for Hillary and that is exactly what happened.
I voted for Hillary and that is exactly what happened.
18
A Democratic spokesman today described the outcome of the Kansas vote last week as a victory because the Democrat lost by about 2 percent. No. A loss is a loss is a loss. No time for moral victories. The party should be pouring resources into voter turnout with people on the ground, organizing volunteers to help, etc. I am sick to death of spineless, misdirected Democrats. Fight or get out of the way.
12
We need to follow Australia's lead and require showing up to the polls. You can vote or draw a cartoon, but you must show up.
Fighting in the courts entails making gerrymandering illegal, also any voter suppression since it would be mandated by law.
Democrats need to get their message out via personal contact. The Federal Government needs to support civics classes in public schools as well as locally for those no longer in school.
Fighting in the courts entails making gerrymandering illegal, also any voter suppression since it would be mandated by law.
Democrats need to get their message out via personal contact. The Federal Government needs to support civics classes in public schools as well as locally for those no longer in school.
8
Voter turn out involves lots of icky things the "new democrats" hate to do - like actually meet people who are not exactly like themselves (i.e., white, educated, prosperous, suburban or inner city). The old democrats (or as I like to refer to them - real democrats, not neo-liberal frauds) loved to do voter turn out functions, usually in fire halls, church meeting rooms, or around someones kitchen table, over cigarettes and donuts (and lots of coffee and beer). Until the current democratic party reconnects with its working class, blue collar, union roots, it will continue to pay big money to people just like themselves - pollsters, consultants, and advertising/TV/media experts. All of whom will gladly take the money and tell the neo-liberal frauds exactly what they want to hear. And the modern democratic party will continue to lose elections.
38
"here are tens of thousands of African-American, Latino and Asian-American eligible voters in the district, but their participation is usually lower for many reasons."
Chief of which seems to be that minority voters don't attach any importance to mid-term, state. local or special elections. This is why Republicans have such a monopoly on the offices that have real impact on people's lives but for some reason, minorities and the left don't see that.
Chief of which seems to be that minority voters don't attach any importance to mid-term, state. local or special elections. This is why Republicans have such a monopoly on the offices that have real impact on people's lives but for some reason, minorities and the left don't see that.
10
As a (strong dem) voter in GA-6, I wish DCCC, DNC, and Ossoff campaign itself would stop sending 4-6 massive, cheesy, wasteful, annoying, useless flyers/posters/brochures to our little mailbox every single day. I know there are other ways to do it. This just seems like someone has too much money to burn and this voter doesn't appreciate it.
33
Last month, i emailed the indivisible team about the colossal mistake by the Clinton campaign and the democrats to spend millions on ads instead of driving turn out and I suggested creating a fund to help the party make sure that all their voters have their IDs especially in the states with voter ID laws, and to assure they get to the polls. Their reply showed that democrats were oblivious to their poor constituents electoral deficiencies. I am sure there is a big media lobby that siphons hundreds of millions of campaign donations to their clients and friends producing the Ads.
8
I think that even with a zillion experience consultants there is always something to learn. Bill Clinton learned from Dukakis's failed campaign that you need to hit back right away on partisan attacks. From the 2016 we need to learn not to take turnout for granted and find ways to neutralize outside cyber spam attacks.
6
It's the economy stupid. TV ads can't relate the necessary empathy for voters that a Democratic candidate should have. If Democrats don't abandon their big donors and begin addressing income equity they will find themselves facing a progressive opposition that is growing rapidly. Republicans have demonstrated total inability to manage and economy and are tightly focussed on the very spending that is the only income our economy has. Business can shuffle money, mostly to the top, but it can't create it, and the GOP has long ago left that tool behind. We have record GDP growth and record poverty at the same time and that clearly shows more austerity is a race to the bottom. If any party tells the truth and abandons the obsession with debt, which is meaningless with a sovereign currency, it will sweep congress in 2018 and the White House in 2020.
21
No, baloney sells. Have to get real to get voters to actually think and get motivated.
Maybe the Kansas special election was not expected to be as close as the Georgia 6th District, but what I'm hearing is that the Democratic Party, which also failed to put Ellison into the chair position, basically turned a cold shoulder to the Sanders-backed James Thompson in that election and did NOT put their money there. The more centrist Ossoff is probably more in line with what the party would like to promote as its vision. I don't live in the 6th District, but in my blue district, where we can't vote for Ossoff, he is now a household name. I wish him well, but want to see the most progressive candidates fully backed by the party, and not brushed aside, where they are viable candidates.
11
The times is past, if it ever existed, when robo-calls (even those with the voice of our former president) and internet "polls" that are a plea for money translate into votes. Door to door canvassing is painfully slow but gets the most effective response. What that requires is clean lists of independent and Democratic voters, maps, and a central data bank that is revised every evening. In other words, committed paid workers and lots of volunteers who can be civil and convincing. In my state of Iowa, the legislature just passed a voter ID law that will shorten absentee ballot windows and require ID that is less available to non-drivers, first time voters, the elderly, and those who are less able to follow a new set of rules. In our University town, that means lots of people. Which is exactly the point. Six counties supported the Democratic ticket in 2016. We have lots of work to do and many willing people, but we need organizers.
8
"The conventional wisdom is that the Sixth Congressional District in Georgia ... is a conservative district and that the only way to win is by running on a relatively conservative platform."
In my view, this "conventional wisdom" is the biggest mistake the Democratic Party has been making. If the choices are Republican versus Republican-lite, Republicans will still vote for the Republican, and Democrats will stay home. The election becomes a run-away and Democrats are further demoralized.
Democratic policies are popular. Run on them! If Democrats start having some success in traditionally "conservative" districts, we might start seeing some enthusiasm on the part of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents. It is easy to forget that Democrats won the House as recently as 2008. Yes, gerrymandering of districts has made it harder, but that is no reason to give up.
We need to spend money both on getting out the message of our policies, and getting out the vote.
In my view, this "conventional wisdom" is the biggest mistake the Democratic Party has been making. If the choices are Republican versus Republican-lite, Republicans will still vote for the Republican, and Democrats will stay home. The election becomes a run-away and Democrats are further demoralized.
Democratic policies are popular. Run on them! If Democrats start having some success in traditionally "conservative" districts, we might start seeing some enthusiasm on the part of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents. It is easy to forget that Democrats won the House as recently as 2008. Yes, gerrymandering of districts has made it harder, but that is no reason to give up.
We need to spend money both on getting out the message of our policies, and getting out the vote.
The question is not how the Democrats should spend their money. The questions is where their money came from.
As long as the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision remains on the books, there's very little difference between Republican and Democratic candidates for public office.
And as long as the media keep elaborating the effects without considering the cause, there's very little hope for Citizens United to be repealed.
As long as the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision remains on the books, there's very little difference between Republican and Democratic candidates for public office.
And as long as the media keep elaborating the effects without considering the cause, there's very little hope for Citizens United to be repealed.
7
The perception of little difference is superficial. Even supposing both parties are tools of corporatism, the corporate Ryan-McConnell machine is for narrow-minded 1/4%-backed Theocracy, with no role for government for the people at all.
Canvassing is not just one thing, and its effectiveness depends on the variables. The more educated and upscale the neighborhood, the more useless canvassing is. People who follow politics and are successful aren't going to be influenced by a ring on the doorbell. So it is important to note that Georgia's 6th Congressional District is made up largely of wealthy and highly educated Atlanta suburbs.
The target for canvassing in the 6th District would have to be the less wealthy areas which have significant minority populations. There, voter registration is important. But the problem with voter registration is that the canvasser will want to be invited inside the home to help the voter fill out the registration papers or to register him or her online. Leaving a registration form is usually not enough. Obviously, a paid canvasser is a poor candidate for this task. You need people from the neighborhood who are enthusiastic and trusted. Finding these people is no small task.
I understand that statistics favor canvassing. Reminding voters to show up is effective among the poorer Democrats who are registered. Before deciding on how to spend political money, however, you need to know the district well enough to know where your relatively small target population lives.
The target for canvassing in the 6th District would have to be the less wealthy areas which have significant minority populations. There, voter registration is important. But the problem with voter registration is that the canvasser will want to be invited inside the home to help the voter fill out the registration papers or to register him or her online. Leaving a registration form is usually not enough. Obviously, a paid canvasser is a poor candidate for this task. You need people from the neighborhood who are enthusiastic and trusted. Finding these people is no small task.
I understand that statistics favor canvassing. Reminding voters to show up is effective among the poorer Democrats who are registered. Before deciding on how to spend political money, however, you need to know the district well enough to know where your relatively small target population lives.
2
Great column. Door to door, boots on the ground, mouths to the phones. Talk to people, listen to people, talk to people, listen to people. Become the party that talks and listens. Watch Uncle Bernie--he's a master at it.
Finally, find and support, and run candidates who can talk and listen. As Trump and Secretary Clinton showed, it takes more than a policy wonk, however experienced and caring. More fellow citizens must be reached in their cocoons and helped to understand that what the GOP has brought us is right-wing rule by their plutocratic oligarchy, aided and abetted by the corporate shills on the Supreme Court.
Finally, find and support, and run candidates who can talk and listen. As Trump and Secretary Clinton showed, it takes more than a policy wonk, however experienced and caring. More fellow citizens must be reached in their cocoons and helped to understand that what the GOP has brought us is right-wing rule by their plutocratic oligarchy, aided and abetted by the corporate shills on the Supreme Court.
7
I live in this district. I rarely see ads (don't watch much TV and use an ad blocker online) but I am seeing the other expenditures -- I have received AT LEAST 16 pieces of direct mail from the Ossoff campaign, one robocall, and at least two visits from canvassers, in a neighborhood that has never had another canvasser from any campaign since I've lived here. (There are also signs everywhere, and if/when they come down, there are new ones to replace them in a day or two.) I have also gotten direct mail from the state party and the DCCC. So I think the "get out the vote" efforts are actually going pretty well. But I guess we will see tomorrow.
Given what the Democratic party has stood for I don't know if they deserve to win any more than the Republicans. Hillary ran as a hawk, no different from Trump. Hillary is too connected to Wall Street, as Trump was but none of his fans wanted to notice. Hillary's and Bill's obvious greed is a source of both worry and embarrassment. As someone who voted for Bill Clinton, I know see him as a bit of a creep. Like it or not, to many voters the Democrats are the party of the worst of the establishment.
It is all well and good to say that the GOP is just as connected, but I haven't heard Democratic politicians making that case.
It is all well and good to say that the GOP is just as connected, but I haven't heard Democratic politicians making that case.
6
Am I incorrect in positing that most voters tend to be either slightly left or right of center in their views? Are we now to accept the notion that voters today are either extremely left or right in their political views? Why is the moderate position anathema in today's political climate?
1
How you communicate is important; what you communicate is crucial. It isn't enough for democrats to be not Trump. Democrats need to take their messages directly to voters to repair frayed relationships. And they need to give those voters reasons to vote for them. Democrats used to represent labor; not very much any more. Neither party represents labor. If both parties represent different factions of the 1%, it's no wonder that there is so little enthusiasm for either party.
5
Democrats need to start help people get registered. If someone hits a snag, they need to help them get legal help, too. Next, they need to canvass door-to-door, and get the voters motivated. Finally, they need to help people get to the polls. In the presidential election, I felt that they failed on these accounts.
3
The money arms race is on. The US has the most expensive and prolonged election campaigns in the world. Our politics shows that. President Jimmy Carter called our big money politics legalized bribery. Contrasts this with his campaigns in '70s when big money was much less of a factor.
NYT, April 14--- Trump Raises Millions for 2020 Re-election Bid.
"President Trump is raising money toward a bid for a second term earlier than any incumbent president in recent history, pulling in tens of millions of dollars in the months after his election and through his inauguration."
Each election wastes more money than the last, mostly on political ads that are very profitable for the media, needing billionaire check writing to sponsor. These ads manipulate the emotions of voters, and prevent substantive discussion of issues that affect all our lives. The media entertains the public with reports of which ads may be more effective in getting votes---meaning in manipulating us.
In many other capitalist democracies, they ban or limit privately paid ads, in short campaigns lasting a few months, with free media time for all candidates. They save billions and save their citizens the stressful circus of US style campaigning.
Now the US will be in permanent campaign mode for 4 years, constantly raising money, with every state and local election watched and reported as 'breaking news'.
NYT, April 14--- Trump Raises Millions for 2020 Re-election Bid.
"President Trump is raising money toward a bid for a second term earlier than any incumbent president in recent history, pulling in tens of millions of dollars in the months after his election and through his inauguration."
Each election wastes more money than the last, mostly on political ads that are very profitable for the media, needing billionaire check writing to sponsor. These ads manipulate the emotions of voters, and prevent substantive discussion of issues that affect all our lives. The media entertains the public with reports of which ads may be more effective in getting votes---meaning in manipulating us.
In many other capitalist democracies, they ban or limit privately paid ads, in short campaigns lasting a few months, with free media time for all candidates. They save billions and save their citizens the stressful circus of US style campaigning.
Now the US will be in permanent campaign mode for 4 years, constantly raising money, with every state and local election watched and reported as 'breaking news'.
1
I don't know what the right answer is in terms of how to spend campaign money, but I can safely say that, at least in my circles, progressives are fired up for the long haul, and will be contributing dollars, time and energy to upcoming campaigns. I don't think the GOP knows what's coming...
1
In 2016 the Democratic party in Iowa sent us postcard reminders to vote and had people knock on our door election day. If the ground game is what wins elections, they certainly did it here. Whether they tried this outreach in the Republican rural areas I don't know. Meanwhile, Hilary's TV commercials at the end were nothing but scary pictures of Trump looking sour and saying vile things--not one positive policy proposal in her ads. Considering what happened on Election Day, I conclude that the easiest and cheapest way to win is to use social media to get masses of people angry or frightened about something (it can be real or imaginary, the danger just needs to seem imminent). Logically, this leads to a Machiavellian conclusion: to win we need a demagogue who, once elected, will turn out to favor justice, equality, diplomacy, environmentalism, etc.
1
The Campaign Advertising-Industrial complex has inserted itself into the electoral process to the point where it has become the process. The answer to this - and all other political problems - starts with getting money out of politics.
5
The only way to get through this paradigm shift -- what voters care about, what will yield real problem-solving on our critical issues, what will engage people to vote, what will trigger the "reset button" on our public discourse -- is for Democrats to do intense grassroots listening, and responding. One on one, if necessary. The only way to have substantive results and to build trust. TV ads, and old-fashioned conventional campaigning, is so counter productive.
1
Yes, theoretical posits don't beat facts. But nothing is more persuasive than seeing fellow Americans mobilized to get you to the polls: you're liable to think that if these people are that much fired up, maybe what's motivating them is worth a thought or two.
Why can't the Democrats get voters to turn out by offering them the programs and policies they want? Why doesn't the party ask itself why what they offered last November didn't appeal enough to people to get them to the poles? I think if they did they would discover that they are not really seen as an answer to America's problems. People have knowledge of how Canada's healthcare system works. If Hillary had returned to her early 90s position of giving americans a Canadian style healthcare system, she would have won. But she collected all those big, big checks with Bill at those billionaire watering holes last summer — all summer. The Democrats can be Republican Light or they can win elections by not engaging in chicanery like the DNC's unfair treatment of Candidate Sanders. They have strong candidates capable of strong speaking and good progressive ideas, but the Party hierchy seems to value their place in the gravy train down in the District of Columbia much more than actually shaping a better society for the citizens who would support them. The nation doesn't have a conservative majority, it has an apathetic majority, and it is the actions and the policies of the party itself which cause democratic voters to stay home and shrug — not the Republicans, whose actions always help the democrats by making voters angry. The soul searching has yet to really begin in the party. 2018 will be an easy one for the Democrats, if they actually present progressive change for the nation.
7
These perceptions are a big turn-off. Stressing "dignity for all" just can't compete with bread-and-butter issues and clear conviction to grow the middle class. It may be that the DNC doesn't want to alienate Wall Street, but that limitation is now a mill wheel.
I agree with this and imagine that had the DNC been more behind the candidate in the Kansas election he could have won. There are plenty of Dems to carry candidates to victory, if they vote. How do you get them to vote? Not paid TV ads, which no one watches any more. Talk to people. Pay campaign workers to go out and talk to those who are already Democrats but don't get to the polls. After that, work on the swing voters. But get Dems there first, with real outreach, not expensive and useless ads.
5
If Democrats are going to be this unapologetic about their commitments to their corporate donors, they should at least actually spend the money when it can help them. They claim they didn't want to "nationalize" the race in Kansas. Is that serious? At a time when the Democratic base is in the streets rallying for real change, party leaders seem determined to undermine the groundswell of support Trump has initiated. Bernicrats are your friends, Mr. Perez.
Enough with the TV ads that do not work. Enough with the maintenance of a consultantocracy that cares more about its own financial interests than electoral politics. Enough with the inability to coherently convey a party message that does not center around "we're not Trump."
What was Ms. Clinton's main message during the campaign? As disgusting as Mr. Trump's campaign was, at least the man had a clear message that resonated with some voters. All I got from the Clinton Camp was Medicare-for-All is a pipe dream and "You can't seriously vote for that guy," positions that led to her losing the Rust Belt twice in one year.
Enough with the TV ads that do not work. Enough with the maintenance of a consultantocracy that cares more about its own financial interests than electoral politics. Enough with the inability to coherently convey a party message that does not center around "we're not Trump."
What was Ms. Clinton's main message during the campaign? As disgusting as Mr. Trump's campaign was, at least the man had a clear message that resonated with some voters. All I got from the Clinton Camp was Medicare-for-All is a pipe dream and "You can't seriously vote for that guy," positions that led to her losing the Rust Belt twice in one year.
4
I'm a lifelong Democrat and did some canvassing and calling for Hilary Clinton but as much as I admire her as a person, I was lukewarm about her as a candidate. Although she had apparently been promised the nomination in return for dropping out of the 2008 election, she was too stiff as a candidate. The Democratic Party needs to give us nominees who are not only capable of handling the job, but are also appealing to the average person. I believe that if Joe Biden (Joe, as in "average Joe" rather than the more formal Joseph) had not been dissuaded from running, he would have won.
3
The primacy of turnout over advertising is old news. There's an entire genre of political science (emphasis on "science") literature explaining that the campaign advertising industry is largely useless, self-perpetuating machine that can't hold a candle to a candidate or volunteers actually door-knocking. Nonetheless, the Democratic establishment seems determined to blow all their money on ads.
3
I think the Democrats shouldn't be putting all their eggs in one basket. They may be right on focusing on the Ossoff race, but had they given just a bit of cash and caring to the race in Kansa, a democrat might have been elected there.
I think Jon Ossoff is a good candidate, and I hope he wins, and I think he will. And I think that had the dems put just a wee bit of the millions they've raised this season on James Thompson in Kansas we would have one more democrat in congress today.
We have one more special election coming up soon, in Montana. While the candidate there is a singing cowboy in a big white hat, he is much more than that, and he has an excellent chance of winning there. He is smart, well educated, honest, straight talking and immensely well liked across the state. So far the DCCC and DNC have ignored this race. They are making another big mistake.
I think Jon Ossoff is a good candidate, and I hope he wins, and I think he will. And I think that had the dems put just a wee bit of the millions they've raised this season on James Thompson in Kansas we would have one more democrat in congress today.
We have one more special election coming up soon, in Montana. While the candidate there is a singing cowboy in a big white hat, he is much more than that, and he has an excellent chance of winning there. He is smart, well educated, honest, straight talking and immensely well liked across the state. So far the DCCC and DNC have ignored this race. They are making another big mistake.
3
Investing in turnout and grass roots efforts! What an idea! The DEMs during the Clinton era became very corporate and officious. Now they are now paying the price of having lost their bedrock principles. TV ads are a waste of money - we tape shows and fast forward thru the ads - like more and more people. Having blown the chance to support, even modestly, an effort in Kansas, the DEMs are turning people off by flooding Georgians with whatever 8 million $ can buy. It is all about local organization, finding electable candidates that are suited to the local electorate and getting out the vote. Not rocket science.
4
Here's a strange taught why not field honest and smart candidates plus a working class platform instead of trying to be republican lite and demonizing the opposition ,most American don't want open borders or unfair trade so stop convincing then and accommodate your policy if you can't win an argument with words then protests and hollywood celebs aren't going to cut it either .
4
Borders and unfair trade are distractions. The problem is the Ryan-McConnell corporate mantra: "less regulation, lower taxes, fewer benefits, smaller government". There are many jobs out there directly subverted by these corporate goals that serve the elite's bottom-line and fatten their off-shore tax havens.
Lets hope the new leadership of the party 'gets it' and that they are already getting started on 2018 and 2020. That the party of No retained the majorities in congress after undoubtedly the most unproductive terms in office in history its clear to me that past leadership had no idea what they were doing or simply thought Hillary was a shoo in and that all would win on her coat tails. But this article has some simple but smart suggestions of what needs to be done. If the leadership cant lead us to a majority in these upcoming elections then they never will. With most of us Dems disgusted by both Trump and Congress I wouldn't think it would take a lot to get us to the polls but they shouldn't take that for granted and should spend lots of money and spend it wisely because we have got to get both Houses of Congress back. We cannot stand 6-8 years of them ruining everything Obama fought for, instead we need to be back in control and elect a President to turn right around and tit for tat undo every single Executive Order that's been done and literally erase his time in office and that of his party of No congressional supporters. And once we have erased them, we still will need to remember what happened here and never let our guard down again and allow such lunacy to prevail, ever.
1
Voter turnout is obviously key, but as should be equally obvious, people have to be REGISTERED before they can be voters.
Democrats have to use excitement around a campaign like this to REGISTER voters for FUTURE elections. Otherwise, their natural party affiliation advantage is squandered.
Democrats have to use excitement around a campaign like this to REGISTER voters for FUTURE elections. Otherwise, their natural party affiliation advantage is squandered.
2
Yes, turnout is key. All the money in the world is wasted if one doesn't get people to the polls.
3
This is the most cogent argument I have read recently on how the Democratic Party should proceed.
If they continue trying to appeal to moderates that don't exist, see NYT article this past weekend, they will lose me as a consistent vote.
If they continue trying to appeal to moderates that don't exist, see NYT article this past weekend, they will lose me as a consistent vote.
1
It's appalling that only 38% of the Democratic electorate turns out to vote. If nothing else, the results of the November 2016 election should be enough to inspire the turnout of the other 62%. Shame on us all for not being inspired to vote. Even worse, having to hire professionals to inspire turnout is unfathomable. Come Tuesday, Georgia Democrats should be rising early to rattle the doors down at every polling center in the Sixth District. There's no excuse for not showing up.
22
The concept of learned helplessness aids me in understanding why so many people don't vote. If you are knocked down by the circumstances of the society around you and have been struggling for a long time, it is hard to see how anything you do to change things can make difference. Voting is seemingly unrelated to this everyday struggle. And, in an historically red district, it seems even more futile.
That's why we need face to face meaningful conversations to lead people to make the effort. Sometimes people vote only because their neighbor asked them to.
That's why we need face to face meaningful conversations to lead people to make the effort. Sometimes people vote only because their neighbor asked them to.
The last time the Democrat party flipped the congress the candidates ran as moderates or conservatives. Of course when elected these congress people voted lockstep with the liberal progressive agenda and then were defeated 2 years later. The problem for the Democrat party is their agenda. Liberal progressiveness may work well economically for the politically connected elites and government dependent, but not for most of the working middle class or private sector business. The liberal progressives also have a poor foreign policy record. The Democrat party needs to change who they are.
4
Actually, the DEMOCRATIC party and liberal progressiveness would work much better for the "working middle class" than Republican oligarchy.
The real problem is that it's not explicitly racist like the Republicans, so it's losing the racist vote.
Unfortunately there's no good strategy to fix that.
The real problem is that it's not explicitly racist like the Republicans, so it's losing the racist vote.
Unfortunately there's no good strategy to fix that.
I agree with this editorial. I also think that the party should run public service announcements that simply and directly highlight the profound damage the GOP is doing to our country, For example, they want to cut the EPA budget by a third. Run photos of what our air and water looked like before modern day environmental regulation. Too many people either take for granted or don't remember the human and societal cost of pollution. They wouldn't want to live that way.
55
Just one repeated message all over the country might do from here out--especially since Trump is beginning to look more and more like an establishment Republican:
Let's remind people about the pain of the economy overseen by Bush and the devastation resulting from deregulation. Capitalism unbridled is a stampede, not a horse-race. Without smart protective regulations, the rich get richer and can guarantee it.
How much personal property owned by how many Americans was absorbed by how few individuals or worse--corporations in 2007, 2008, 2009? at what loss the the original owner? at what profit to the millionaires and corporations? How many are still reeling? How many acres and houses that were individually-owned in 2006 are now owned by god-fearing corporations who might one day refuse to rent to gays or jews to live there because they would not be observing the religion of the "observant" corporation.
Remind Americans of the Economic Devastation overseen by Republicans "Leaders" with nonsensical claims. the Don isn't the first Republican Con, he's just the biggest.
Let's remind people about the pain of the economy overseen by Bush and the devastation resulting from deregulation. Capitalism unbridled is a stampede, not a horse-race. Without smart protective regulations, the rich get richer and can guarantee it.
How much personal property owned by how many Americans was absorbed by how few individuals or worse--corporations in 2007, 2008, 2009? at what loss the the original owner? at what profit to the millionaires and corporations? How many are still reeling? How many acres and houses that were individually-owned in 2006 are now owned by god-fearing corporations who might one day refuse to rent to gays or jews to live there because they would not be observing the religion of the "observant" corporation.
Remind Americans of the Economic Devastation overseen by Republicans "Leaders" with nonsensical claims. the Don isn't the first Republican Con, he's just the biggest.
Well, The GOP has invested heavily in taking over state houses, taking charge of running unfair elections, gerrymandering across the land, and removing as many democrats from the voter roles as they could. It's a tough row to hoe.
16
This strategy can be easily countered by the GOP getting their core supporters to the polls.
So all of a sudden you're back to trying to attract swing voters with a more moderate platform...
So all of a sudden you're back to trying to attract swing voters with a more moderate platform...
2
I disagree. There are virtually no "swing" voters and Dem rolls are higher than Republicans. That is why Repubs work so hard to purge voter rolls.
I agree. Stop spending money on consultants and ads. That is such a waste.
Put that money into boots on the ground, knock on doors, make appointments to drive people to the polls, have a phone number to call to get a ride to the poll. Drive vans up and down streets like the ice cream trucks, announcing "Who needs a ride to the poll?" Help people get ID if that's required. There are so many ways that turnout can be increased...
A friend of mine volunteered for Obama's election in Nevada and she said they had a great ground operation that increased turnout. It can be done...
Put that money into boots on the ground, knock on doors, make appointments to drive people to the polls, have a phone number to call to get a ride to the poll. Drive vans up and down streets like the ice cream trucks, announcing "Who needs a ride to the poll?" Help people get ID if that's required. There are so many ways that turnout can be increased...
A friend of mine volunteered for Obama's election in Nevada and she said they had a great ground operation that increased turnout. It can be done...
86
Are the Democrats listening? Do they hear??
We would have won that seat in Kansas if Democrats had followed your advice. As usual, it was too little, too late.
1
Jon Ossoff should be out knocking on Democrats' doors, and here's what he should say: "I want to help you! But I can't unless you make it possible. Let's work together. All you have to do is go vote for me tomorrow. If you do, I will spend my whole time for *years* doing my part of our deal. I will work to (issues that that voter cares about). My whole time. Because I care about helping YOU. All you have to do is vote. Do we have a deal? Good."
Make it transactional, real, and *personal* to each voter.
Make it transactional, real, and *personal* to each voter.
153
I think Jon Ossoff should listen too and report back to the DNC about what people want even if the party backers elite don't agree , American said loud and clear no open borders , yes to deporting CRIMINALS and review free trade agreements , I mean if newby like Trump figured it out why can't all the expensive analysts can't .
3
That's what's happening! The difference in this campaign and H. Clinton's in this state is stark. The Ossoff campaign is very organized and targeted.
These symbols of what is wrong are false "solutions" to the real problem of a shrinking middle class. Subscribing to these shibboleths is letting the GOP frame the issue, not a prescription for success.
1
If your candidate sucks--I'm looking at YOU, Hillary Clinton--it doesn't matter how much your national party spends trying to promote you. The Clinton campaign, all moneyed up from Wall Street, the 1% and Corporatocracy, outspent the Trump campaign two to one, and you see what that got them (and us). The Democratic Party, with brilliant strategists like Steve Phillips advising them, are constantly baffled that all the money they spend on ads is, somehow, surprisingly ineffective in persuading the dogs to eat the dog food. Stupid dogs!! The dogs clearly tried to tell the Democrats what they wanted, Bernie Sanders (someone who so clearly gave a damn about them that no ad campaigns were needed at all), but TPTB—the Clinton Foundation, the DNC, the Democratic Party Establishment, the Superdelegates, the NYTs, etc.—would have none of that. "You’ll get what we’re serving you and you’ll like it." The results of this arrogance, this blindness, this stupidity are I think evident to the world, and may be found sitting at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. From the tone and content of this editorial, the Democratic Party has forgotten nothing and learned nothing. Chelsea for 2020!!
37
Greg, you get it!!
3
However, if your candidate sucks--I'm looking at you Donald Trump--
Your candidate wins by default.
THAT is the real problem here. The default vote is Republican, and we have a lot of work ahead to reverse that systemic bias.
Your candidate wins by default.
THAT is the real problem here. The default vote is Republican, and we have a lot of work ahead to reverse that systemic bias.
1
Greg is right and I was wrong. I disliked Hillary but didn't think Bernie could win, even though he was right on the issues. Morally and ethically, there was no choice. Now I'm ashamed of myself for believing the DNC over my daughter. If the primaries hadn't been rigged and Bernie had been the Democratic nominee, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now, with the clock ticking down the nuclear Armageddon.
4
Nonsense. This is inside baseball. If the Dems want to better America they better drop neo-liberalism and get out of bed with corporations.
It's not about what ads to run, it's about what you are selling.
And Hello McFly, that's why Trump is president.
It's not about what ads to run, it's about what you are selling.
And Hello McFly, that's why Trump is president.
71
This may sound off-topic, but I think it's relevant to the fundamental problems the Democratic party is having:
Some years ago, a good friend of mine ran for office to be King County Executive in WA State. Young, smart, thoughtful, public-service oriented, he would have been a strong candidate. He was going to run as a Democrat. Then, he started going to DNC meetings and events. His disappointment with the people he was dealing with was profound. Basically, he said they were inept at strategy and not at all interested in changing anything. He used another important adjective to describe the Dem leadership at that time: stupid. Unfortunately, he ended up running as Green and lost.
If there was ever a teaching moment for the Democratic party, it was this last presidential election. If it doesn't start meeting Americans at a grass-roots level, if it doesn't start cultivating new, passionate candidates and if it doesn't get rid of the complacent, ineffective leadership running the party today, then the Dems can spend a trillion dollars and will never be able to transform the U.S. into a well-functioning, 21st Century Republic.
Some years ago, a good friend of mine ran for office to be King County Executive in WA State. Young, smart, thoughtful, public-service oriented, he would have been a strong candidate. He was going to run as a Democrat. Then, he started going to DNC meetings and events. His disappointment with the people he was dealing with was profound. Basically, he said they were inept at strategy and not at all interested in changing anything. He used another important adjective to describe the Dem leadership at that time: stupid. Unfortunately, he ended up running as Green and lost.
If there was ever a teaching moment for the Democratic party, it was this last presidential election. If it doesn't start meeting Americans at a grass-roots level, if it doesn't start cultivating new, passionate candidates and if it doesn't get rid of the complacent, ineffective leadership running the party today, then the Dems can spend a trillion dollars and will never be able to transform the U.S. into a well-functioning, 21st Century Republic.
111
FYI,
Kink County has had a string of outstanding Democratic Executives, none of whom were or are neos.
Kink County has had a string of outstanding Democratic Executives, none of whom were or are neos.
"Young, smart, thoughtful, public-service oriented, he would have been a strong candidate".
Based on what exactly? The testimonials of his friends? Had he run for elective office before or was he just shooting for an office that he felt he was entitled to (like a certain president who I won't name).
Based on what exactly? The testimonials of his friends? Had he run for elective office before or was he just shooting for an office that he felt he was entitled to (like a certain president who I won't name).
1
ExCook
How about a "teaching moment" for the Greens? They always lose. And they assist the Republicans.
Will the planet survive the so called "Green Party"? I truly wonder. The irony.
How about a "teaching moment" for the Greens? They always lose. And they assist the Republicans.
Will the planet survive the so called "Green Party"? I truly wonder. The irony.
1
Democrats should spend their millions on new factories.
15
Very true!
4
The national Democratic organizations abandoned the 50-state strategy when they kicked Howard Dean out of the DNC leadership spot. Instead, they are about expanding the company coffers by sucking up to big donors and in actual races, their motto is "Can't win, don't try." They don't put resources into winnable races, they refuse to articulate a message or policy other than "GOP BAD!!!" No wonder they don't win anything. The only question in my mind is whether this is by design (they don't WANT to win and are OK being a perpetual minority party) or if they are just mind-bogglingly stupid.
43
OK, so now Hillary Clinton didn't win because she didn't campaign in certain states? Isn't that exactly Donald Trump's rationale for losing the popular vote? He didn't campaign in states he couldn't win, i.e. California? Don't let that whiplash get to you.
There are some 300,000 unregistered, potentially democratic voters in Georgia.
Why the concentration on 75,000 voters?
If the DNC and those unregistered "democrats" fail to get out the vote, then shame on them. They deserve whatever beholds them for sitting on their collective derrieres.
Why the concentration on 75,000 voters?
If the DNC and those unregistered "democrats" fail to get out the vote, then shame on them. They deserve whatever beholds them for sitting on their collective derrieres.
57
True. But, unfortunately, the rest of us suffer as well. Especially we in California where our votes on the national scale count less.
The election is for a small local district in a suburb of Atlanta. The vast majority of those "300,000 unregistered, potentially democratic voters in Georgia" aren't even eligible to cast their vote in this race. It's not a statewide election like for a DC Senator or governor. Only those in the Congressional district represented by the House representative can cast their ballots. That's why gerrymandering applies, wouldn't be relevant for a Senator's seat.
This never should have been a NYT pick. The moderators often choose such which contain false information.
This never should have been a NYT pick. The moderators often choose such which contain false information.
Voter turnout is critical and if the Democratic Party pooh-bahs don't get it by now they are truly doomed. They have ceded control in so many states because they have been obsessed with "targeting voting constituencies with position statements" in the media instead of doing the time-consuming grunt work of actually talking to voters and getting them to show up at the polls. And until the Democrats can develop a bench of political talent at the state and local level sufficient to regain control of the legislatures that draw Congressional districts, they are going to wander in the wilderness.
And if they really want to take back the levers of power, what media ads they create need to be based on a couple of chapters from the GOP playbook. Simply put, they need to demonize their opponents. Go negative and hammer those who support taking away their insurance, don't even mention Obamacare or the ACA, just focus on the harm they would cause voters stripped of medical coverage by a heartless and clueless GOP. Pound them on the damage to the environment -- dirtier water, dirtier air, polluters running free of restraint. Keep the focus on where those tax cuts are going -- not to the poor, not to what's left of the middle class, but only to the wealthy. Don't let the voters get distracted by the crumbs thrown them by the GOP -- the message has to be that it's the wealthy and "elites" who are the only ones benefiting from these tax cuts, truth be damned (a favorite GOP tactic).
And if they really want to take back the levers of power, what media ads they create need to be based on a couple of chapters from the GOP playbook. Simply put, they need to demonize their opponents. Go negative and hammer those who support taking away their insurance, don't even mention Obamacare or the ACA, just focus on the harm they would cause voters stripped of medical coverage by a heartless and clueless GOP. Pound them on the damage to the environment -- dirtier water, dirtier air, polluters running free of restraint. Keep the focus on where those tax cuts are going -- not to the poor, not to what's left of the middle class, but only to the wealthy. Don't let the voters get distracted by the crumbs thrown them by the GOP -- the message has to be that it's the wealthy and "elites" who are the only ones benefiting from these tax cuts, truth be damned (a favorite GOP tactic).
10
In less than three months, the lying sociopath called Trump has turned the White House into a virtual House of Horrors... If this doesn't motivate Democrats and moderates of all stripes to get out and vote to defang this monster, I am afraid nothing will...
At some point, silence becomes complicity...
Get out and vote, Atlanta!
At some point, silence becomes complicity...
Get out and vote, Atlanta!
23
Apparently, I've wasted my time...
3
Another reason Clinton lost: her billion dollar campaign was just a cork-popping gravy train for the parasites on John Podesta's magic Rolodex. An army of consultants, pollsters and other entrail readers sucked the life out of her campaign, focus-grouping it into an inert, gray goo. When candidates actually speak their minds, like Bernie - or Trump, they connect with voters.
41
The key word in describing the Kansas election is "nearly". Stop whining democrats and vote- make an effort. Vote for someone who can actually get elected. That's not Jill Stein, Rocky the squirrel or a flaky fringe candidate as we saw millions do in the general election- and now we have the idiot president as a result. Elections have consequences.
14
I agree. I canvassed - and voted for - someone who could get elected. Bernie Sanders. Later I held my nose and voted for Hillary Clinton. If the Democratic Party establishment put their muscle behind him they could have won.
Dems need to start running Liberal candidates.
Dems need to start running Liberal candidates.
1
I'm sorry, but a 7% point win by Republicans isn't a "near upset"
I voted for Jill Stein, and Im glad we got Trump. Maybe now the Democrats might actually change, but from their actions so far I think I will be disappointed. Same old same old, u know? Corporatist money grubbing rich people who are socially liberal but would lay off a thousand workers like that if it would save 0.2% of costs.
I'm still not convinced that the DLC Democrats, and the Democratic Party have learned their lesson. Sure they have plenty of money, but they don't believe in Bernie Sanders message, nor do they like the base of the Democratic Party. They would much rather be, Republican light, and provide some cosmetic changes around the edges (see the last 8 years). The big money donors control everything that the DLC Corpra-Dems hear, say, and do. That's why they hire the big money consultants (who are only good at getting big money donations), that's why they spend all their money on ineffective TV ads, that's why they take weak positions on everything, and only fight for votes on election day (voters who are increasingly catching on, and staying home). If the Democratic Party really wants to change they need to first banish all the big 'strings attached' donations, because the big money donors are only paying to hedge their bets against Republican losses, and still get the Republican light policies that they want (see the ACA vs Universal Single Payer)! The choices are simple once you understand the real problem, and the real problem is big 'strings attached' donations and the associated corruption of the one party (the money party) system. But don't believe me just look at the donors to both the Republicans and Democrats.
15
I appreciate your sentiment but the Bernie my-way-or-the-highway contingent brought us the Donald. You want purity in politics? dictatorship.
Steve Phillips and Democracy in Color are saying exactly what needs to happen if the Democratic Party is to have a chance at reclaiming the country from the right-wing grouping which has hijacked our political system. A sizable majority of people in the U.S. support progressive policies, yet the GOP now controls all 3 branches of government (yes, the Supreme Court is controlled by the Republicans). I hope the Democratic leadership on the national level and in every state listen to his common sense, fact-based analysis. While there is still time.
10
Pushback against the GOOP must be better focused and organized than ever. And voter-centered as this article points out. Voter turnout seems an obvious focus, one which is underplayed compared to TV ads. And Dems need to push past identity politics. They must identify promising YOUNG potential candidates, encourage and nurture new talent who will stand up for the greater good, regardless of race, creed, color, etc. We need Hilary, Barack, Nancy and any other established politician to lend their political capitol to the team... for once. Show voters not only that their leaders care something about them beyond a vote. Show them that the Democratic Party is not dead, that it can do something beyond mere symbolic opposition. It will take some real focus, energy and leadership for a long sustained, determined effort. But it would give people who want to help a place to put their energy if DNC for example found some chutzpah.
6
Steve Phillips is 100% on target. Rather than agonize over fine-tuning their message, democrats should focus on turning out their voters. We have the numbers, we just need to get them to the polls.
Turnout in 2014 was about 37%. If just half the voting age population that disapproves of Trump actually votes in 2018, the democrats will easily win back the house and gain a crucial check on the administration. We have been very lucky that a combination of incompetence and division within the republican ranks has so far blunted the worst of Trump's agenda, but we cannot assume that this will continue to be the case.
If there is any silver lining to the 2016 dumpster fire of an election it is that Americans who are typically cynical about politics may realize just how critically important their vote is. Even if you hate politics and politicians of all stripes, not voting is a choice with consequences you cannot avoid, and which affect us all.
Turnout in 2014 was about 37%. If just half the voting age population that disapproves of Trump actually votes in 2018, the democrats will easily win back the house and gain a crucial check on the administration. We have been very lucky that a combination of incompetence and division within the republican ranks has so far blunted the worst of Trump's agenda, but we cannot assume that this will continue to be the case.
If there is any silver lining to the 2016 dumpster fire of an election it is that Americans who are typically cynical about politics may realize just how critically important their vote is. Even if you hate politics and politicians of all stripes, not voting is a choice with consequences you cannot avoid, and which affect us all.
15
In sales, selling to existing customers is more effective and easier than trying to sell to new customers.
So getting existing Dems to the polls rather than spending time/money on convincing undecideds make a lot of sense.
So getting existing Dems to the polls rather than spending time/money on convincing undecideds make a lot of sense.
14
This sentiment sound right ... until you really consider it. Democracy isn't sales. One of the reasons the Democratic Party has lost membership and votes is because it has been advised to focus on two narrow groups – mobilizing the base (people who voted in the last 4 elections as registered Ds) and persuading the swing voter (people who are registered as a D, but may be targeted as not-based because of sociodemographic factors). This means that 50% of voters under the age of 40, who are not registered with either party, don't get invited to participate or asked for their vote. It means that young people, who by their age could not have voted in the last 4 elections, are not asked for their vote. It means that new citizens are not asked for their vote. Until the Democratic party starts looking at the largest market of available voters to invite to join, vote, and lead, the party will continue to wither.
3
The key, in addition to putting serious energy into voter turnout, is to have ad campaigns with a positive policy focus. We do not want more ads trashing Trump. They do nothing useful. We wants ads that articulate a vision, that have an inspirational edge.
16
While it would be a satisfying thumb-in-the-eye to Trump and McConnell etc., taking a conservative district in a midyear election through a combination of voter disgust with these particular Republicans, and a surge of energized Democrats, won't help long-term unless the political dialog in the district can change.
The critical political problem of America is the dysfunctional rage and ideology on the right. Trump won these people, and is now making a laughing stock of them and everything they voted for, but this is not turning them into Democratic voters. It may keep them at home in an off-year election, but their discontent will find another outlet; it may even be worse than Trump.
The GOP today has demonstrated that it has no real solutions for much of anything except the wants of the extremely rich. Yet its base of voters seem unwilling or unable to understand that they are being used, or to formulate any set of more rational expectations than the scammy 'it'll be Yuge" promises of Trump.
Democrats are not in a position to offer most of the Trump voters what they want; and trying to do so would be a terrible mistake.
I am afraid that the irrationality and rage of the right will have no solution other than burning itself out through demography. The problem of "what's the matter with Kansas" seems to have no answer.
The critical political problem of America is the dysfunctional rage and ideology on the right. Trump won these people, and is now making a laughing stock of them and everything they voted for, but this is not turning them into Democratic voters. It may keep them at home in an off-year election, but their discontent will find another outlet; it may even be worse than Trump.
The GOP today has demonstrated that it has no real solutions for much of anything except the wants of the extremely rich. Yet its base of voters seem unwilling or unable to understand that they are being used, or to formulate any set of more rational expectations than the scammy 'it'll be Yuge" promises of Trump.
Democrats are not in a position to offer most of the Trump voters what they want; and trying to do so would be a terrible mistake.
I am afraid that the irrationality and rage of the right will have no solution other than burning itself out through demography. The problem of "what's the matter with Kansas" seems to have no answer.
5
Mr. Phillips is most certainly and completely on target in regard to his emphasis on the need to allocate considerably more dollars and other resources on increasing voter turnout. After all, we have more constituents than the Republicans!
But it will all be for naught if the Democratic Party base nominates another horrible candidate like Elizabeth Warren - whose governmental philosophy I and many progressives share.
For arguments sake only , what if Trump doesn't want to run (does he really want 4 more years of THIS?) and a candidate like Nikki Haley is the Republican candidate. Who does one think is going to win that election?
But it will all be for naught if the Democratic Party base nominates another horrible candidate like Elizabeth Warren - whose governmental philosophy I and many progressives share.
For arguments sake only , what if Trump doesn't want to run (does he really want 4 more years of THIS?) and a candidate like Nikki Haley is the Republican candidate. Who does one think is going to win that election?
3
You do know that like 41% of Americans identify as Independents. Since there is no Indepenedent party, its actually pretty impossible to accuratly count nationwide to see who has more constituents.
Democrats may have a registration edge, but less independents actually vote Democrat. This is because the Democratic party is more ideologically homogenous, and as such many Democrats dont have a desire to be an independent.
The Republicans, meanwhile, are more divided, and consequently more of them say they are independents but actually vote for Republicans when the time comes.
The narrative is that the Dems have the numbers, but I dont believe that narrative is actually backed up in a convincing way.
Democrats may have a registration edge, but less independents actually vote Democrat. This is because the Democratic party is more ideologically homogenous, and as such many Democrats dont have a desire to be an independent.
The Republicans, meanwhile, are more divided, and consequently more of them say they are independents but actually vote for Republicans when the time comes.
The narrative is that the Dems have the numbers, but I dont believe that narrative is actually backed up in a convincing way.
1
Turnout is clearly the key. What isn't clear, however, is that canvassing generates turnout in this day and age. I made calls and knocked doors for the 2016 general election, and I had the nagging feeling at the time that I was alienating potential voters. We had a very strong "ground game" in my county, and people were getting sick of the constant calls and visits. Those few who responded positively to the contact would have voted regardless. For the most part, people didn't answer the phone and didn't answer the door. Meanwhile, Trump had no GOTV game at all, yet his supporters turned out in droves.
Obviously, off cycle and special elections have different dynamics, but we need to stop assuming that what worked in 2000, or 2008 for that matter, will work today.
Obviously, off cycle and special elections have different dynamics, but we need to stop assuming that what worked in 2000, or 2008 for that matter, will work today.
7
Having been a committee member for the Democratic Party I would opine that good old fashioned retail politics a.k.a. hitting the streets with volunteers is your best bet to GOTV. Meeting the voters is Jon Ossoff best bet. Listening to what they have to say is another thing as well. Ossoff must be empathetic to their concerns and show true compassion for those hardest hit. Anyone working within the campaign MUST identify those with mobility problems and make sure that they have a ride to the poll. Ossoff must also go with volunteers to various shopping malls to hand out leaflets in order to meet the voters. For years, I planted myself at various shopping centers reaching out to the voters and even bought candy to hand out if they were accompanied by children. In my opinion TV ads have become highly negative and a lazy candidate's way of reaching out to the voters. Besides, thanks to technology such as DVR, I can fast forward political ads and return to my show. Shoe leather and face-to-face campaigning are far better tools to get out the message to voters. I wish Jon Ossoff all the best in reclaiming this seat not only for the party, but more importantly the people.
The DCCC and the DSCC are controlled, respectively, by Pelosi and Schumer. The first priority of both are to preserve the leadership positions and control of Pelosi and Schumer. Any show of independence by a candidate is punished by turning off the flow of funds. The second priority is to direct monies to crony consultants, including media buyers. Only after these two aims have been served does the objective of a Democratic majority come into play. Don't waste money on these corrupt, false fronts; contribute directly to the candidate.
5
Florida elected Rick Scott twice despite registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans, primarily because the democratic majority (especially in southeast Florida) simply stayed home on election day, so, yes, it is turnout-geared efforts and spending that is crucial.
As the last election showed, there's a lot more involved in campaign calculus than turnout. The Republican playbook includes such niceties as getting support from a foreign power; spreading fake news stories on social media and television; character assassination; market analysis to determine what kinds of ads work best in which precincts; voter suppression and intimidation. Voter turnout seems like a quaint notion compared to the weaponry in the Republicans' campaign arsenal.
2
Elections being held between now and the 2020 Presidential election are all voter retention elections.
The Party producing the highest turnout of Voters who voted in 2016 will likely win every one of these elections.
Presidential Elections attract new Voters, all other elections are won or lost due to the success or failure of the Party's voter retention efforts.
The Party producing the highest turnout of Voters who voted in 2016 will likely win every one of these elections.
Presidential Elections attract new Voters, all other elections are won or lost due to the success or failure of the Party's voter retention efforts.
4
Good as far as it goes. Yes, turnout, by all means. And voter registration drives, particularly geared to overcome new voter suppression laws; today, voter registration may begin by helping people to obtain the approved kinds of ID well in advance of the election.
But there's also an opportunity to turn some Republican or floating voters. The ACA repeal attempt has raised awareness of the actual issues at stake in elections. Democrats have a golden opportunity to promote their own plans, especially on infrastructure. Apart from any particular campaign, the Democrats should consider expending some resources on 'issue ads' across the country. Water quality in Tennessee and Michigan. Schools in Kansas. Roads in Pennsylvania. Tax cuts aimed at working families, not plutocrats. Infrastructure spending and jobs across the country. Put together concrete plans, draft legislation, buy full page spreads in the Wichita Eagle and the Des Moines Register. Thirty second spots on Fox, if they'll have you.
And while you're turning out voters, do it in fifty states. Every election. Don't assume you can't win in Montana. With a compelling candidate and a down to earth message, you can win anywhere. Talk to real people, including small business owners and born again Christians, then walk the walk. American voters are awake, and will notice that the other party is merely talking while cutting taxes for, and shoveling subsidies at, its wealthy friends.
But there's also an opportunity to turn some Republican or floating voters. The ACA repeal attempt has raised awareness of the actual issues at stake in elections. Democrats have a golden opportunity to promote their own plans, especially on infrastructure. Apart from any particular campaign, the Democrats should consider expending some resources on 'issue ads' across the country. Water quality in Tennessee and Michigan. Schools in Kansas. Roads in Pennsylvania. Tax cuts aimed at working families, not plutocrats. Infrastructure spending and jobs across the country. Put together concrete plans, draft legislation, buy full page spreads in the Wichita Eagle and the Des Moines Register. Thirty second spots on Fox, if they'll have you.
And while you're turning out voters, do it in fifty states. Every election. Don't assume you can't win in Montana. With a compelling candidate and a down to earth message, you can win anywhere. Talk to real people, including small business owners and born again Christians, then walk the walk. American voters are awake, and will notice that the other party is merely talking while cutting taxes for, and shoveling subsidies at, its wealthy friends.
4
I think the Democrats need to take a very aggressive approach if they wish to win back control of the government. We need to reach a broad spectrum of America, both Democrats and Republicans, because I believe that a significant percentage of Republicans can also be convinced that a vote for the GOP is a vote that is clearly not in their best interest.
A simple look back at how the GOP handled the "repeal and replace" of Obamacare reveals the GOP's real motives. They could care less about the health and wellbeing of ordinary Americans.
Millions of Americans would have been left without health care coverage and a vast majority of Americans simply wouldn't be able to afford the GOP's version for them and their families.
In this era of Citizens United, the GOP is unabashedly selling their souls to the highest bidders --- the ultra wealthy. They could care less about average Americans. Is this the kind of representation we need and deserve? Absolutely not!
Our representatives in Congress, both local and national, need to aggressively educate the public about the real differences between the two parties. I truly believe that with the pathetic nonsense that we've come to expect from DJT, combined with the callous disregard for the welfare of "we, the people" by the GOP controlled Congress is enough to turn the tide dramatically in the Democrats' favor.
A simple look back at how the GOP handled the "repeal and replace" of Obamacare reveals the GOP's real motives. They could care less about the health and wellbeing of ordinary Americans.
Millions of Americans would have been left without health care coverage and a vast majority of Americans simply wouldn't be able to afford the GOP's version for them and their families.
In this era of Citizens United, the GOP is unabashedly selling their souls to the highest bidders --- the ultra wealthy. They could care less about average Americans. Is this the kind of representation we need and deserve? Absolutely not!
Our representatives in Congress, both local and national, need to aggressively educate the public about the real differences between the two parties. I truly believe that with the pathetic nonsense that we've come to expect from DJT, combined with the callous disregard for the welfare of "we, the people" by the GOP controlled Congress is enough to turn the tide dramatically in the Democrats' favor.
Advertising people like to preach that the more you spend the greater the knowledge of your 'brand'. It's not surprising: that's how they make their money. But a great majority of the media 'spend' is wasted.
But with today's use of the vast amounts of available data, excellent analytics to identify specific potential voters, the get out the vote message should be aimed with precision and relevance at those voters the democrats need to get to the pools. And everything should be done to make the logistics of getting to the pools and voting as easy as possible. Spend that $30 - $50 to identify the potential supporters, convince them of the importance of their votes and help them get to the pools.
But with today's use of the vast amounts of available data, excellent analytics to identify specific potential voters, the get out the vote message should be aimed with precision and relevance at those voters the democrats need to get to the pools. And everything should be done to make the logistics of getting to the pools and voting as easy as possible. Spend that $30 - $50 to identify the potential supporters, convince them of the importance of their votes and help them get to the pools.
I spent a couple satisfying days recently knocking on doors for Jon Ossoff. Time well spent, including the 4 hour drive each way to get there. Most encouraging was the sense that the small (or not so small) army of volunteers had come to the same conclusion as me that this man is right for the time and that there is the real possibility of electing him and starting the process of righting our political ship following the November storm.
Regarding campaign spending, I agree to some extent. However there is real money being spent against him in media attacks. Those cannot be left unanswered. I think Ossoff has pretty good counsel, so the spending mix may be what it needs to be.
As you say turnout is what counts. As another comment poster suggested, make it a painless experience for voters, and more will show up. For a couple bucks, anybody who needs it could get transportation, and probably for another dollar, a little snack pack, with maybe a bag of peanuts and a bottle of water, and maybe maybe a sun visor. Could make the whole thing more like a fun outing rather than an annoying obligation.
Regarding campaign spending, I agree to some extent. However there is real money being spent against him in media attacks. Those cannot be left unanswered. I think Ossoff has pretty good counsel, so the spending mix may be what it needs to be.
As you say turnout is what counts. As another comment poster suggested, make it a painless experience for voters, and more will show up. For a couple bucks, anybody who needs it could get transportation, and probably for another dollar, a little snack pack, with maybe a bag of peanuts and a bottle of water, and maybe maybe a sun visor. Could make the whole thing more like a fun outing rather than an annoying obligation.
2
I agree. You should never underestimate the power of knocking on doors. If you can engage an individual long enough to convince them you're not selling anything, the battle is mostly won. I just wish Democrats had "got it" back in November. Take a position and rally the base. The mistake most canvassers make is spending too much time trying to persuade people to agree with them. Democrats in general actually. Don't do it! If the person doesn't agree, don't waste time. Move on. There are too many doors and too few canvassers as it stands.
In this world of clear-lined partisanship, there are few voters willing to cross party lines. In both parties there are simply the enthusiastic voters and the ambivalent or disgusted ones. For many Americans it comes down to voting for your party or not voting at all. Democrats need to spend more money on getting Democrats to the polls and less on trying to convince the Bob Dole Republicans that Blue is better than red.
But the long game must focus on removing the voting obstructions that are purposely placed before the willing Democratic voter. I can till see the long lines of people snaking through the streets of Philadelphia waiting to vote even after the polls have officially closed. Largely people of color, I might add. I've asked myself many times since then "would I have waited?"
How can this be in the 21st Century? Why is there never any line at my polling place here in my overwhelmingly white and comfortably Republican town in Monmouth county NJ? How many people were wrongly turned away in Philly and other urban centers of PA? And what about NC with its blatantly overt methods of voter suppression?
I wished it were otherwise but I'm afraid the only way to effectively fight this injustice is in the courts. Yes, spend money on physically getting people to their polling place on election day. But Democrats need to match those dollars with spending heavily on aggressively litigating whenever and wherever these injustices of voter suppression pop up.
But the long game must focus on removing the voting obstructions that are purposely placed before the willing Democratic voter. I can till see the long lines of people snaking through the streets of Philadelphia waiting to vote even after the polls have officially closed. Largely people of color, I might add. I've asked myself many times since then "would I have waited?"
How can this be in the 21st Century? Why is there never any line at my polling place here in my overwhelmingly white and comfortably Republican town in Monmouth county NJ? How many people were wrongly turned away in Philly and other urban centers of PA? And what about NC with its blatantly overt methods of voter suppression?
I wished it were otherwise but I'm afraid the only way to effectively fight this injustice is in the courts. Yes, spend money on physically getting people to their polling place on election day. But Democrats need to match those dollars with spending heavily on aggressively litigating whenever and wherever these injustices of voter suppression pop up.
5
Good points, but TV ads are powerful persuaders. Just as importantly, Dems have to continue to fight back against discriminatory voter ID laws, gerrymandering and GOP efforts to reduce polling places and hours. In 2016, both the party's presidential and Congressional candidates won more votes than did the GOPs, but lost elections due to antiquated electoral college and gerrymandered redistricting.
I live in the 6th District and I can attest that the Ossoff campaign is incredibly well run - signs everywhere, mailings, dooor-to-door. Add to that the increasingly negative ads being run by the GOP. They are a real turn-off.
But it helps that the democrats have a solid candidate.
One of my neighbors held a meet and greet for Ossoff. I didn't go, but the general consensus of those who did was that he was an intelligent, impressive candidate. Educated at Georgetown and the London School of Economics, in my opinion, he'd make a fine Congressman.
And yes, this is a political comment. Not all Georgians are living under a rock...
But it helps that the democrats have a solid candidate.
One of my neighbors held a meet and greet for Ossoff. I didn't go, but the general consensus of those who did was that he was an intelligent, impressive candidate. Educated at Georgetown and the London School of Economics, in my opinion, he'd make a fine Congressman.
And yes, this is a political comment. Not all Georgians are living under a rock...
7
Ossoff doesn't even live in your district
The Democrats, in red states, must start winning. In these states, for decades, the playbook of defense and last-minute deep pocket strategies has not worked. We are not the party of the wealthy, and should act accordingly. There is a difference. Democrats care about your vote, and your time to vote. There is no other way to win. Fly the Kansas canvassers to Georgia. Spend the millions to build expert, true-hearted Democrats. The Republicans' de-inspirational platform of hate and division is weakness, and Democrats need to push all the way back. The alt-right's authority is amoral, and Democrats have an obligation to right the ship of democracy and participatory elections full stop.
1
By tomorrow night we will know how well he did. We already know how well the guy in Kansas did. He lost, even if the Republican turnout was small.
The Democrats really blew it in 2016 and for that reason and that reason alone we have trump. And please don't tell me about the electoral college. Unfortunately that is here to stay and the Democrats are going to have to figure a way around it. And now Hillary is speaking up again. Wish she would go silently into the night. That might actually help....alot.
The Democrats really blew it in 2016 and for that reason and that reason alone we have trump. And please don't tell me about the electoral college. Unfortunately that is here to stay and the Democrats are going to have to figure a way around it. And now Hillary is speaking up again. Wish she would go silently into the night. That might actually help....alot.
I'm in South Texas, but I've contributed to Ossoff's campaign and will contribute to ALL state Democratic challengers that I can.
Republicans huffed and puffed for years about how Obama, and then Clinton were destroying the country.
Contributions like this are the ONLY way to defeat the republicans before they REALLY destroy this country.
Republicans huffed and puffed for years about how Obama, and then Clinton were destroying the country.
Contributions like this are the ONLY way to defeat the republicans before they REALLY destroy this country.
Just as I have never been a Republican, I am no longer a Democrat. I vote for the candidate regardless of party. Given the choice, I do support almost all Democrats but after this last election, I realized Democrats are only slightly less Republican so I now identify as an Independent.
4
Here, here. I hope the party listens.
1
THE GOP: ROBIN HOOD IN REVERSE
To me it's blatantly obvious what must be done if Democrats are to win back control of the House, the Senate, and ultimately the White House. We must inform and educate the electorate, both Democrats and Republicans, about just how terrible a president Donald J. Trump actually is. We must speak with unbridled passion and commitment to a much wider audience just how pathetic and "unrepresentative" the Republicans have been.
It must be made obvious to all how both Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress have betrayed 98% of the people that they claim to represent. Clearly, all of their actions have benefited those who least need any help: the ultra wealthy -- the top 2% of the country.
Just look at the health care bill that the Republicans tried to stuff down our throats -- both Democrat and Republicans. Repeal and Replace Obamacare with what? A death sentence for millions of Americans?
Is this the kind of representation that America has come to expect and deserve? If the vast majority of Americans aren't outraged by this, then something is radically wrong. This kind of treatment from both the Liar-in-Chief, Donald J. Trump, and the Republican-controlled Congress.
All Democrats everywhere, and particularly those now representing us in Congress, both locally and nationally, need to SCREAM out to America what exactly is going on, i.e. how the GOP is stealing from the poor to give to the rich -- Robin Hood in reverse. We deserve better.
To me it's blatantly obvious what must be done if Democrats are to win back control of the House, the Senate, and ultimately the White House. We must inform and educate the electorate, both Democrats and Republicans, about just how terrible a president Donald J. Trump actually is. We must speak with unbridled passion and commitment to a much wider audience just how pathetic and "unrepresentative" the Republicans have been.
It must be made obvious to all how both Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress have betrayed 98% of the people that they claim to represent. Clearly, all of their actions have benefited those who least need any help: the ultra wealthy -- the top 2% of the country.
Just look at the health care bill that the Republicans tried to stuff down our throats -- both Democrat and Republicans. Repeal and Replace Obamacare with what? A death sentence for millions of Americans?
Is this the kind of representation that America has come to expect and deserve? If the vast majority of Americans aren't outraged by this, then something is radically wrong. This kind of treatment from both the Liar-in-Chief, Donald J. Trump, and the Republican-controlled Congress.
All Democrats everywhere, and particularly those now representing us in Congress, both locally and nationally, need to SCREAM out to America what exactly is going on, i.e. how the GOP is stealing from the poor to give to the rich -- Robin Hood in reverse. We deserve better.
1
If there was ever a time for the Democratic Party to get smart--now is it. There are millions of us out here looking for any iota of hope for the future. Jon Ossoff is my current hope. If Dems can flip this seat and put him in DC, that will inspire many of us who are on the cusp of losing hope to keep working and resisting.
2
Democrats should use these off-year elections to develop, improve and get used in voter turn out activities. For every election Democrats have to stop complaining about voter suppression and get people to the polls.
1
Yard signs. Yard signs. Yard signs. These demonstrate a candidate's reach, and their absence indicates weak support. Door to door yes, and request permission to put up a yard sign.
1
My brother in Michigan said the HRC anti-Trump ads were so repetitive and relentless, everyone went into "Whatever" mode. Of course, it is well documented that she lost the MI primary and lost MI after not even stepping foot in the state to ask for their vote. Trump was a noxious candidate and is shaping up to be an even worse POTUS. The mistakes of the past 6 years cannot be repeated.
2
Hillary's ads in Michigan (from which I am writing) didn't exactly spell out a good reason for voting FOR Hillary. Maybe there wasn't any reason except that she was NOT Trump, which is no good reason at all for many.
I keep hearing that the Democrats are losing the ground game in swing states by just running TV ads not staffing phone banks and knocking on doors. I live in what has turned out to be a swing state again, and I volunteered to make calls for the Hillary Clinton campaign. People do not answer their phones any more and people are tired of having their doors knocked on.
I also keep hearing that Democrats should vote in their primaries for non-purists who can also win the general election. The example that is always given is that Democrats should be willing to elect someone who opposes abortion rights. No surprise that I have never heard a woman express that point of view.
Yeah, just give up one thing, and let that one thing be unimportant to most men.
I also keep hearing that Democrats should vote in their primaries for non-purists who can also win the general election. The example that is always given is that Democrats should be willing to elect someone who opposes abortion rights. No surprise that I have never heard a woman express that point of view.
Yeah, just give up one thing, and let that one thing be unimportant to most men.
3
In my congressional district, a new guy took over from the incumbent. He ran twice and got 40% of the vote the first time, and then 60% the next time. All that time he was conducting town hall meetings since there is a population of only 750-800,000. Many of those attending the town hall meetings turned into his ground game foot soldiers. He conducted many interviews with local journalists. He used certain software that had local voters identified in detail.
4
I'm in GA's 9th Congressional District ("Reddest Redneckistan"), but still in the Atlanta media market, and the Republican commercial against Ossoff are heinous, and attempt to paint him as "not one of us". The conservatives have been railing against folks not in their camp as unAmerican: and the commercials are endless, and sinister.
Sure, we need turn out strategy: but conservative media forms a sealess bubble for too many in the South, reinforced by politicized religion, and encouraging a tribal mindset and White fear..
Sure, we need turn out strategy: but conservative media forms a sealess bubble for too many in the South, reinforced by politicized religion, and encouraging a tribal mindset and White fear..
4
Spend the money, Dems, get out the vote! Put some grit into GOTV!
Wisconsin didn't get any help from the National Party for Scott Walker's recall in 2012 and we've been stuck ever since. Wisconsin has been turned upside down in its demeanor. I often wonder if even a little help from President Obama back then might have made a difference, but after all, it was an election year for him, too. And look, Wisconsin is one of the states that put Trump in. So elections do have ramifications in the long haul.
Tom Price, a man who calls himself a doctor, tries to get rid of healthcare insurance benefits for human beings. He finds Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act revolting. Yet - he is our Secretary of Health and Human Services? The very person who should be in favor of a healing, healthful society? We all know people with illnesses through no fault of their own, cannot heal without healthcare insurance. He even stands for taking away pre-existing clauses, thus leaving even more people helpless. Tom Price is an insult to the healthcare profession - a profession of which I have belonged for fifty years.
Georgia, you can do so much better. Send Joe Ossoff to Washington. Muscle your voting power. Show your country you care - you can do it. So, do it!
We're depending on you.
Wisconsin didn't get any help from the National Party for Scott Walker's recall in 2012 and we've been stuck ever since. Wisconsin has been turned upside down in its demeanor. I often wonder if even a little help from President Obama back then might have made a difference, but after all, it was an election year for him, too. And look, Wisconsin is one of the states that put Trump in. So elections do have ramifications in the long haul.
Tom Price, a man who calls himself a doctor, tries to get rid of healthcare insurance benefits for human beings. He finds Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act revolting. Yet - he is our Secretary of Health and Human Services? The very person who should be in favor of a healing, healthful society? We all know people with illnesses through no fault of their own, cannot heal without healthcare insurance. He even stands for taking away pre-existing clauses, thus leaving even more people helpless. Tom Price is an insult to the healthcare profession - a profession of which I have belonged for fifty years.
Georgia, you can do so much better. Send Joe Ossoff to Washington. Muscle your voting power. Show your country you care - you can do it. So, do it!
We're depending on you.
2
Another thing that Democrats need to do is contact registered voters who did not vote in the last election. Why didn't they vote? Choice? Couldn't get to polls? Long lines at polls? From there, Dems need to educate these voters on solutions to their issue. Is that rides to polls? Helping them register for mail in ballots? They should also be doing small "town halls" to talk to voters face to face - cold calls & emails fall on deaf ears.
2
I think that the biggest problem today is the politically uneducated voter, the voter who doesn't read about the issues and who doesn't research the voting records of those for whom he is voting. Many people who vote, vote for party, not for the policies of the party but because they come from a Republican or Democratic family or community. The biggest challenge of the Democratic Party is to educate voters about policy and how policy affects their lives. This can be done with a variety of media and personal contact.
2
The Democratic Party in Georgia could learn how to become a community of interest by imitating the marvelously successful campaign of Atlanta United, the metro area's MLS expansion team, which was accomplished without any significant use of television advertising.
Not just turnout. It needs to start much earlier with canvassing, setting up voter registration drives and volunteer units for transportation and letting neighborhoods know where to vote.. Unfortunately, sometimes the volunteer efforts are so underground that even people who want to actively support the party have a hard time finding the established groups. I ran into this prior to the 2016 election. Wanting to specifically address the NC non-white population that becomes more and more disenfranchised through state GOP legislation, I sought to register young, Black youths. Knowing that this history here has made white efforts questionable, I tried to find a co-volunteer who was Black to go with me so that I wasn't perceived as an old-white-lady-who-knows-nothing-about-being-black. I never get a response or return call from anyone in the Democratic groups or Black Lives Matter or churches, or organizations or schools. I am hoping that the many groups who have been re-energized after Trump's election (though kind of like closing the pasture gate after the cows have run away) will keep their energy high and not just march, make calls and protest at rallies, but will "repair" the pathway to the polls....starting with reaching out and following through to the "I voted" stickers.
The money arms race is on. The US has the most expensive and prolonged election campaigns in the world.
NYT, April 14--- Trump Raises Millions for 2020 Re-election Bid.
"President Trump is raising money toward a bid for a second term earlier than any incumbent president in recent history, pulling in tens of millions of dollars in the months after his election and through his inauguration."
Each election wastes more money than the last, mostly on political ads that are very profitable for the media, needing billionaire check writing to sponsor. These ads manipulate the emotions of voters, and prevent substantive discussion of issues that affect all our lives. Meanwhile the media entertains the public with reports of which ads may be more effective in getting votes---meaning in manipulating us.
In many other capitalist democracies, they ban or limit privately paid ads, in short campaigns lasting a few months, with free media time for all candidates. They save billions and save their citizens the stressful circus of US style campaigning.
Now the US will be in permanent campaign mode for years, with every state and local election watched and reported as 'breaking news'.
NYT, April 14--- Trump Raises Millions for 2020 Re-election Bid.
"President Trump is raising money toward a bid for a second term earlier than any incumbent president in recent history, pulling in tens of millions of dollars in the months after his election and through his inauguration."
Each election wastes more money than the last, mostly on political ads that are very profitable for the media, needing billionaire check writing to sponsor. These ads manipulate the emotions of voters, and prevent substantive discussion of issues that affect all our lives. Meanwhile the media entertains the public with reports of which ads may be more effective in getting votes---meaning in manipulating us.
In many other capitalist democracies, they ban or limit privately paid ads, in short campaigns lasting a few months, with free media time for all candidates. They save billions and save their citizens the stressful circus of US style campaigning.
Now the US will be in permanent campaign mode for years, with every state and local election watched and reported as 'breaking news'.
Democrats should find the sign written on cardboard that a smiling girl holds up last Saturday marching to see those returns. It says tax the rich. We do not need to say how we get things done. We just need to say what must happen.
1
Democrats should hold town hall meetings. Go listen to what the people are saying. Work at grass roots. Churches. Clubs. If they continue to be tone deaf (Hillary and the DNC), they will continue to lose votes. Anti Trump sentiments will not translate to democratic votes unless people are truly heard and feel that someone is listening. The democrats are as much to be blamed as the republicans, for a DO Nothing congress. All that Trump has done this far is sign executive orders, bypassing the congress which represents WE the people. Not this congress, they do NOT represent us. They take our money, get our votes, but once they enter the beltway all they do is bicker and engage in partisan politics, oneupmanship. Traitors. (There are a few exceptions like the Massachusetts delegate and a certain Independent from Vermont who will do well to continue the fight for the regular common person on Main Street).
4
Yes, voter turn-out is of the essence, but so is the message. You would think that with crooked lying Trump defaulting on his demagogic promises, purely based on lying and insults, that the democrats, and repentant republicans, would have a good chance to win. And deservedly so.
How much is less than a full term on a single House seat worth? Remember that the 2018 electorate will be bigger and more balanced than the special electorate.
2
It is all about inspiration and motivation. The candidate must be someone who connects to the people and inspires the people(Barack Obama is exhibit A). The message or narrative or platform or whatever you want to call it, has to appeal to the voters sense of decency and hope. Negativity and despair results in hopelessness and keeps people at home and not voting at all (low tunout in 2016 is exhibit B).
1
THE GOP: ROBIN HOOD IN REVERSE
To me it's blatantly obvious what must be done if Democrats are to win back control of the House, the Senate, and ultimately the White House. We must educate the electorate, both Democrats and Republicans, about just how terrible a president Donald J. Trump actually is. We must speak with unbridled passion to a much wider audience about just how pathetic and unrepresentative the GOP has become.
It must be made obvious to all how both Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress have betrayed 98% of the people that they claim to represent. Clearly, all of their actions have benefited those who least need any help: the ultra wealthy -- the top 2% of the country.
Just look at the health care bill that the Republicans tried to stuff down our throats. Repeal and Replace Obamacare with what? A death sentence for millions of Americans?
Is this the kind of representation that America has come to expect and deserve? If the vast majority of Americans aren't outraged by this, then something is radically wrong. This kind of treatment from both the Liar-in-Chief, Donald J. Trump, and the Republican-controlled Congress, deserves a response: Repeal and Replace the GOP!
All Democrats everywhere, and particularly those now representing us in Congress, both locally and nationally, need to SCREAM out to America what exactly is going on, i.e. how the GOP is stealing from the poor to give to the rich -- a Robin Hood in reverse. We deserve better...much better.
To me it's blatantly obvious what must be done if Democrats are to win back control of the House, the Senate, and ultimately the White House. We must educate the electorate, both Democrats and Republicans, about just how terrible a president Donald J. Trump actually is. We must speak with unbridled passion to a much wider audience about just how pathetic and unrepresentative the GOP has become.
It must be made obvious to all how both Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress have betrayed 98% of the people that they claim to represent. Clearly, all of their actions have benefited those who least need any help: the ultra wealthy -- the top 2% of the country.
Just look at the health care bill that the Republicans tried to stuff down our throats. Repeal and Replace Obamacare with what? A death sentence for millions of Americans?
Is this the kind of representation that America has come to expect and deserve? If the vast majority of Americans aren't outraged by this, then something is radically wrong. This kind of treatment from both the Liar-in-Chief, Donald J. Trump, and the Republican-controlled Congress, deserves a response: Repeal and Replace the GOP!
All Democrats everywhere, and particularly those now representing us in Congress, both locally and nationally, need to SCREAM out to America what exactly is going on, i.e. how the GOP is stealing from the poor to give to the rich -- a Robin Hood in reverse. We deserve better...much better.
1
They need to open local offices in every Red district NOW.
They need to scour the local colleges for the impassioned and energized.
They need to work on small sound-bites. They need a far better 'Marketing' department. Dems couldn't sell water to a thirsty man.
There is a lot of need for Democrats. I don't see the needs getting fulfilled ever.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington = Democrats
They need to scour the local colleges for the impassioned and energized.
They need to work on small sound-bites. They need a far better 'Marketing' department. Dems couldn't sell water to a thirsty man.
There is a lot of need for Democrats. I don't see the needs getting fulfilled ever.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington = Democrats
@ Mr. Thomason and others making Gerrymandering excuses for the 4-in-24 years of Democrat congressional minority status are running a fools errand. The problem for Democrats is the Majority/Minority, instead of a Big Tent economic justice messaging. This narrow campaign strategy depends upon turning out a small 30% of the electorate that will vote 70% to 90% for Democrat candidates. It's been a loser, except in highly urban areas. Here's an academic study confirming my point.... http://web.stanford.edu/~jrodden/wp/florida.pdf
1
Well, a big fat " DUH ". The persuadable have been reached, or NOT. Get people to the polls. The GOP base vote, religiously ( pun intended ). The old saying: the republicans fall into line, the democrats fall in love. That is true, and will be true, forever. Dems: we must stop with the squabbling and maintaining " purity ", the result is Donald. Seriously.
A very large chunk of r the Ossoff campaign fund has come in small anounts from Georgia voters. Also the many volunteers who have gone door-to-door to GOTV are from the GA 6th.
The TV ads from the GOP and other national PACs and the mudslinging between the Rs against each other has given me a last minute TV ad the at Ossoff should put out:
Give Ossoff 50%+1 votes and you will not have to put up with these nasty, mudslinging, PAC funded ads between now and the run-off in June.
The TV ads from the GOP and other national PACs and the mudslinging between the Rs against each other has given me a last minute TV ad the at Ossoff should put out:
Give Ossoff 50%+1 votes and you will not have to put up with these nasty, mudslinging, PAC funded ads between now and the run-off in June.
Here's a way you didn't mention: coordinate with all Women's March people in your area. They are connected, organized, and energized. The women who organized the Women's March aren't pussyfooting around and guess what? they won't ask and arm and a leg to help. They know what's at stake.
Ossoff got all that money from the grass roots, including MY 25 bucks. Democrats are failing in their support of the candidates that WE support. I have no idea what they are waiting for, but if they don't listen to progressives, they will continue to lose elections. Corporate Democrats are no better than Republicans. Wake up.
3
Had the Democrats begun to incorporate the 50-state strategy, perhaps some of the money that's gone to Ossoff in Georgia might have made its way to help Thompson in Kansas. But, once again, a race was conceded....something like, you know, a presidential candidate not showing her face in Wisconsin, because, it was, like, you know, so in the Blue column.
4
The Clinton and Obama Democrats would rather lose than let Sanders Democrats win.
4
The Clinton and Obama democrats are so yesterday. They surround themselves with glitz, glamor, hollywood, entertainment, superstars, wherever they go. The Clintons and Obamas are celebrity magnets. In 2016, we the people proved to them, loud and clear, that we did not care which celebrity campaigns for them. So what if Meryl Streep many times Oscar winner, campaigned for Hillary! It did not translate to votes.
Sanders on the other hand, surrounded himself with we the people, funding his campaign with our $27 contributions. Dick van Dyke campaigned relentlessly for Bernie, he said he has lived too long and could not wait to see his country embrace the clear sparkling vision Bernie portrayed for our youth and future. Kal Penn who was youth coordinator for Obama, did not choose Hillary, he campaigned for Bernie till the very end.
Sanders on the other hand, surrounded himself with we the people, funding his campaign with our $27 contributions. Dick van Dyke campaigned relentlessly for Bernie, he said he has lived too long and could not wait to see his country embrace the clear sparkling vision Bernie portrayed for our youth and future. Kal Penn who was youth coordinator for Obama, did not choose Hillary, he campaigned for Bernie till the very end.
Concerned--Boy, Howdy, is that ever the truth! What would have happened in KS if they had just tried a little? I'm inclined to change their minds by "primary-ing" a few of those bloated, corporate big-wigs, like Pelosi and Schumer.
1
As a registered Democrat, I have received over 100 emails from various party organizations over the past year. Without fail, they ask for my money. Rarely do they contain even the most simple arguments to ask for my vote.
Why are political ads still run on TV? They are expensive and usually too short to have significant effect. Many younger voters don't even watch TV these days. Cable is expensive and the internet is free.
Isn't getting votes more important than raising money for the campaign? (What if Citizens United really doesn't have to matter?)
Why not set up a Democratic Party web site--sort of a Breitbart News for democrats? Or maybe send emails that include Youtubes, information, and even persuasive arguments fro supporting Democratic candidates. All to be delivered to millions of households for free!
Not as effective as TV ads?? I will believe it when someone tries it.
Why are political ads still run on TV? They are expensive and usually too short to have significant effect. Many younger voters don't even watch TV these days. Cable is expensive and the internet is free.
Isn't getting votes more important than raising money for the campaign? (What if Citizens United really doesn't have to matter?)
Why not set up a Democratic Party web site--sort of a Breitbart News for democrats? Or maybe send emails that include Youtubes, information, and even persuasive arguments fro supporting Democratic candidates. All to be delivered to millions of households for free!
Not as effective as TV ads?? I will believe it when someone tries it.
What's demoralizing to progressive Democrats is that the Democratic National Committee refuses to listen to us. It was only because last year's Bernie Sanders supporters rolled up their sleeves that the Kansas vote this spring was so close; yet, the candidate failed to get any help from the state Democrats (beholden to the DNC) and the DNC. The DNC has no message; it's all about wooing Wall Street and DC lobbyists, with the New York Times to cheer on their bad behavior. In 2016, the DNC made the state party offices give back the money (within a day) that they had sent down to them. They're already at it again. I donated to the Kansas race, but my own party didn't. I won't donate to the DNC. (Progressives, ignore the party and donate to the Democratic candidate in those down-ticket races -- directly to the candidate.)
The DNC is wallowing in the wreckage it created, with last-century consultants (TV ads? Really?) and no message. They didn't learn a thing from the Sanders success at getting campaign contributions from the people, not Wall Street. Even now, it's Sanders who is fighting for down-ticket Democratic candidates -- not the DNC. And still, those old dinosaurs don't have a clue why Sanders (who is no kid, so they can't play that card) is the most popular senator. I'm horrified at the DNC. I'm disgusted.
The DNC is wallowing in the wreckage it created, with last-century consultants (TV ads? Really?) and no message. They didn't learn a thing from the Sanders success at getting campaign contributions from the people, not Wall Street. Even now, it's Sanders who is fighting for down-ticket Democratic candidates -- not the DNC. And still, those old dinosaurs don't have a clue why Sanders (who is no kid, so they can't play that card) is the most popular senator. I'm horrified at the DNC. I'm disgusted.
5
Republicans always vote for the party, even if the candidate is a dumb rock. Democrats on the other hand only for the candidate. If they don't like the candidate, a Democrat will not vote or will vote third party. First, Democrats should not spend any money or time trying to change the mind of a Republican or Trump follower. Democrats should put all of their effort into getting Democrats that don't vote to vote and Democrats that vote third party to only vote for the Democrat.
3
It doesn't matter as the elites consistently work against the citizen for the Kochs or whoever. Witness: most Americans are for single payer health care. Not likely. And then the gerrymandering and the Club for Growth and the right of right wing 'think tanks' justifying the illegal as legal.
This king has no clothes!
This king has no clothes!
1
Yes, yes, yes, spend all the money on getting voters signed up and to the polls. There is no other way.
2
Turnout is the key. Simple turnout. How can you win if your TV ads convince someone to want to vote for you but they can't, won't, or forget to vote? It is the turnout,stupid
2
Too bad the DNC couldn't do this last year.
Yes, I know, there were too many items on the to do list:
* Cheap shot Bernie
* Deflect any criticism of DWS as DNC chief
* Find feminists to scold young women not planning on voting for HRC
* Search for debate questions
* Attend the many Manhattan and Hollywood fundraisers
* Develop strategies to actively ignore MI and WI
* Come up with glib answers to private server questions
Yes, I know, there were too many items on the to do list:
* Cheap shot Bernie
* Deflect any criticism of DWS as DNC chief
* Find feminists to scold young women not planning on voting for HRC
* Search for debate questions
* Attend the many Manhattan and Hollywood fundraisers
* Develop strategies to actively ignore MI and WI
* Come up with glib answers to private server questions
5
* Find feminists to scold young women not planning on voting for HRC
Anyone who dared breathe a word against Hillary automatically became a misogynist. Moms waved rolling pins at their millennials, you better vote for Hillary, or else I will throw you out of the basement. My daughter who had a long list of grievances against Bill Clinton, was told shut up and vote for Hillary, even though Bill was not going to disappear but seemed attached to Hillary's hip. As democrats my kids were told if they didn't vote for Hillary, they would get Trump, so they voted for Hillary but they still got Trump.
Anyone who dared breathe a word against Hillary automatically became a misogynist. Moms waved rolling pins at their millennials, you better vote for Hillary, or else I will throw you out of the basement. My daughter who had a long list of grievances against Bill Clinton, was told shut up and vote for Hillary, even though Bill was not going to disappear but seemed attached to Hillary's hip. As democrats my kids were told if they didn't vote for Hillary, they would get Trump, so they voted for Hillary but they still got Trump.
The national Dem party organization has written off and surrendered whole swaths of the country as "red states." Can it become any more obvious that this is not a winning strategy?
2
Turning out to vote could save our lives.
I am so disgusted with the Democratic lack of support for the guy who could have taken Kansas. As a Bernie supporter (and not a young one), I'm not holding a lot of hope for the Dems. Same ol' same ol'.
Democrats, please, please wake up!!
Democrats, please, please wake up!!
4
I am currently visiting the Atlanta area and have heard some of Mr Ossoff's adds. They are clearly aimed at potential Republican defectors--particularly those of the fiscally conservative variety. Not a word about the dangers of one party rule or threats to Social Security, the environment or the obscenely high cost of prescription drugs and ca college education, issues which might motivate Democrats and left leaning independents to get out and vote.
Republican adds on the other hand are hell bent on scaring the you know what out of potentially complacent Republicans raising the specter of Nancy Pelosi and John Lewis.
Maybe the DNC braintrust is right and this is the right message for this district. Maybe left leaning voters are motivated enough. I hope they are right but I've learned to never underestimate the Democrats ability to pull off a soul crushing loss when victory seems so palpably close.
Republican adds on the other hand are hell bent on scaring the you know what out of potentially complacent Republicans raising the specter of Nancy Pelosi and John Lewis.
Maybe the DNC braintrust is right and this is the right message for this district. Maybe left leaning voters are motivated enough. I hope they are right but I've learned to never underestimate the Democrats ability to pull off a soul crushing loss when victory seems so palpably close.
3
Need to do both messaging and get-out-the-vote. Ossoff is.
I live in the Georgia 6th district, and I've been visited by Ossoff campaign workers four times. I'm getting handwritten postcards in the mail from Ossoff's campaign workers, some who live in my neighborhood. I haven't been visited by staffers from any other campaign. I think Ossoff gets it.
Will it be enough to win this district? I don't know. Hope so. Ossoff seems to be a highly capable young man who is doing the right things.
I live in the Georgia 6th district, and I've been visited by Ossoff campaign workers four times. I'm getting handwritten postcards in the mail from Ossoff's campaign workers, some who live in my neighborhood. I haven't been visited by staffers from any other campaign. I think Ossoff gets it.
Will it be enough to win this district? I don't know. Hope so. Ossoff seems to be a highly capable young man who is doing the right things.
87
It is obvious to almost any sentient democrat that Perez is wrong for the party. He's an old-school Clinton apparatchik with the charisma of a noodle. His new doctrine of 'we will win by losing' is straight out of Terry Gilliam. Trump was always a failed candidate who won because insular deafness in the DNC and the arrogance of the Clintons. Here we go again.
5
During the 2016 general election campaign, Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fl) from Miami begged the DNC to stop wasting money on TV ads and instead spend it on boots on the ground in South Florida. With black turnout below 2012, he was right.
The Corporate Democrats do not want to change anything at all, just ask Nancy Pelosi. They will get gigantic tax cuts for their donor's without any blame from their party because it's those darn Republicans , wink wink.
Republicans and Corporate Democrats are really one party now with the Dems frustrated that their partners on the other side of the isle just can't get over abortion. They both love War , tax breaks for the 1%, military spending increases and sending jobs over seas do be performed for slave wages.
Try as they may they just can't burn the Progressives bad enough for them to detach themselves forever and make a separate party.
Trump will get 8 year because the 1% have made a statement with Trump.
They don't trust the slimy lying politicians that blackmail them for bribes to do their bidding so they will let one of their own run the show.
Wake up America the Corporate Coup is complete. We are bombing 7 countries ( soon to be 8}. War for 15 years straight years. 60% of our taxes go for defense and homeland security. Could you imagine your husband spending more than half his pay on guns every week?
It was fun while it lasted.
Republicans and Corporate Democrats are really one party now with the Dems frustrated that their partners on the other side of the isle just can't get over abortion. They both love War , tax breaks for the 1%, military spending increases and sending jobs over seas do be performed for slave wages.
Try as they may they just can't burn the Progressives bad enough for them to detach themselves forever and make a separate party.
Trump will get 8 year because the 1% have made a statement with Trump.
They don't trust the slimy lying politicians that blackmail them for bribes to do their bidding so they will let one of their own run the show.
Wake up America the Corporate Coup is complete. We are bombing 7 countries ( soon to be 8}. War for 15 years straight years. 60% of our taxes go for defense and homeland security. Could you imagine your husband spending more than half his pay on guns every week?
It was fun while it lasted.
3
Yes, it worked so well in Florida.
1
If you just read this, and as a donor to the Ossoff campaign, you are now worried that your money has not been spent well, stop. Just stop.
I've canvassed, rallied, and attended fundraisers for Jon Ossoff. I'm going to endure traffic again this afternoon to meet him and other volunteers to knock on more doors. I've seen his ads. I've seen examples of the thousands of handwritten postcards that volunteers have sent to voters. I've seen photos of volunteers from as far away as California phone-banking. I've watched video of Julián Castro meeting with volunteers here in Atlanta to help get out the Latino vote. And so on.
Note that I volunteered for the widely praised Obama campaign in 2008. I'm here to tell you that the Ossoff staff and its campaign are twice as intense, more nimble, and equally skilled. Jon Ossoff has had a determined, unrelenting focus on getting out the vote from the day he announced.
Trust me. Your donations have had a massive impact. A 29-year old created a campaign from scratch in a matter of weeks. Not a credible campaign: a juggernaut. Look at how he has done against the millions of dollars of smears against him — Osama Bin Laden, seriously? — by Paul Ryan's Congressional Leadership Fund. Ossoff's poll numbers have gone UP. The most recent poll has Ossoff at 63% in the Early Vote.
The Times should not have published this op-ed in its current form. It's criminal negligence that Philips did not do more research.
I've canvassed, rallied, and attended fundraisers for Jon Ossoff. I'm going to endure traffic again this afternoon to meet him and other volunteers to knock on more doors. I've seen his ads. I've seen examples of the thousands of handwritten postcards that volunteers have sent to voters. I've seen photos of volunteers from as far away as California phone-banking. I've watched video of Julián Castro meeting with volunteers here in Atlanta to help get out the Latino vote. And so on.
Note that I volunteered for the widely praised Obama campaign in 2008. I'm here to tell you that the Ossoff staff and its campaign are twice as intense, more nimble, and equally skilled. Jon Ossoff has had a determined, unrelenting focus on getting out the vote from the day he announced.
Trust me. Your donations have had a massive impact. A 29-year old created a campaign from scratch in a matter of weeks. Not a credible campaign: a juggernaut. Look at how he has done against the millions of dollars of smears against him — Osama Bin Laden, seriously? — by Paul Ryan's Congressional Leadership Fund. Ossoff's poll numbers have gone UP. The most recent poll has Ossoff at 63% in the Early Vote.
The Times should not have published this op-ed in its current form. It's criminal negligence that Philips did not do more research.
2
Thompson ran a great campaign in Kansas. The Dems threw him nothing until the last moment. The DNC needs to get woke, fast.
US politics has crystalized into a battle over irrelevant late 20th century "talking points".
And that is all the DNC(a corporation) and the RNC(another corporation) are fighting over....."points".
Neither has any interest in addressing 21st century forward looking leadreship.
As the recent flop in Paul Ryan's Congress demonstrates.....Mr. Ryan and company attempted to prove to the DNC that they could fashion something just as deceptive as ObamaCare and "win points"......they couldnt.....Why? Because the whole concept of "obamacare" or whatever is OBSOLETE!!
The DNC "winning" a congressional district does nothing to address the real 21st century issues that the USA must face......oh, yes, it does help the DNC "win points" as if we're still in a 1968 time warp....but thats about all.
The one positive thing that Trump has accomplished.....he has utterly DESTROYED the RNC as the stabilizing force behind the Status Quo imposed by the DNC. And thats when positive changes finally happen in america......When the so-called "oppostion"party is forced to reorganize and capitalize on the new issues facing on nation.
And that is all the DNC(a corporation) and the RNC(another corporation) are fighting over....."points".
Neither has any interest in addressing 21st century forward looking leadreship.
As the recent flop in Paul Ryan's Congress demonstrates.....Mr. Ryan and company attempted to prove to the DNC that they could fashion something just as deceptive as ObamaCare and "win points"......they couldnt.....Why? Because the whole concept of "obamacare" or whatever is OBSOLETE!!
The DNC "winning" a congressional district does nothing to address the real 21st century issues that the USA must face......oh, yes, it does help the DNC "win points" as if we're still in a 1968 time warp....but thats about all.
The one positive thing that Trump has accomplished.....he has utterly DESTROYED the RNC as the stabilizing force behind the Status Quo imposed by the DNC. And thats when positive changes finally happen in america......When the so-called "oppostion"party is forced to reorganize and capitalize on the new issues facing on nation.
1
Have no fear campers. It's still the south which hasn't changed substantively since the 1850's.
Loathing Obama, the region voted for racial/immigrant hatred, rather than health care, clean water, fairer taxes for the middle class, and education.
The south loves to hate; so what if it's destructive?
The Dems are dreaming if they think they can win this election.
Loathing Obama, the region voted for racial/immigrant hatred, rather than health care, clean water, fairer taxes for the middle class, and education.
The south loves to hate; so what if it's destructive?
The Dems are dreaming if they think they can win this election.
How about choosing better candidates, expressing their own beliefs and not blah, blah, blah from overpaid consultants? Hillary Clinton is exhibit A.
6
I am a teensy contributor to this campaign and each teensy time I bite nails and pull out hairs at the utter haplessness of the Democrats. The Republicans serve only the powerful and very rich. Their policies are dangerous and cruel. Yet the Democrats keep losing. I hope that they read this column.
24
Unfortunately, the big donors in the Dem party are the very rich who call
themselves Dems based on social, not economic issues. Much of the old Dem base called themselves Dems more on economic and less on social issues. See the disconnect?
themselves Dems based on social, not economic issues. Much of the old Dem base called themselves Dems more on economic and less on social issues. See the disconnect?
19
Where is all this money coming from? If it comes from Goldman Sachs and hedge-fund managers it is not likely that actual Democratic policy will be such as to convince working-class voters that the party is on their side. In fact Democratic policy has favored big business and big finance.
The national party needs to shift strategy - to grass-roots campaigning, yes, but also away from going after the big bucks to pay for all those ads. And also towards national candidates who do not court the big-money interests.
The national party needs to shift strategy - to grass-roots campaigning, yes, but also away from going after the big bucks to pay for all those ads. And also towards national candidates who do not court the big-money interests.
13
For God's sake, give it a rest. Democrats don't need to be lectured on where their party's money comes from, they need to use it in the best possible way to get voters to the polls.
I for one am sick and tired of hearing people who are not Democrats tell us Democrats how to fix our party. Go away and start your own.
I for one am sick and tired of hearing people who are not Democrats tell us Democrats how to fix our party. Go away and start your own.
2
Most of the money is coming from small donors. But some corporate money will be needed to defend the Dem candidates from the Koch brothers and other conservative groups who funnel hundreds of millions of dollars into Congressional races across the country.
4
Believe me my telephone and email attest to the fact that the Democrats are raising money from everyone. They ask as little as $3. True, they ask for just $3 a lot. But while they may get money from high rollers they are doing a lot of fundraising at the grass roots level.
2
This article would be better written as a post-election evaluation than as wishful thinking. The fact that so much of Ossoff's funds have come from out of state has done a lot to incent opposition voters as well; seems GA voters might not appreciate that kind of funding. It's telling that the number of early voters have evened between parties after an early sure by Democrats.
9
Do Georgia voters not cotton to out-of-state money when it comes from the Koch brothers in Kansas or the Club For Growth on Wall Street?
2
If GA voters don't appreciate that kind of funding, then as usual, they're as hypocritical as their GOP bosses. Where do YOU think GOP funding comes from, grass roots? When the Koch Brothers and Adelson are widely recognized as "grass roots," then I'll shut up.
1
If Georgians are bothered by out-of-state money coming in to Ossoff's campaign, I hope they are equally bothered by out-of-state millions coming in to pay for Republican attack ads against Ossoff.
1
Informally following polls, I find a majority of Americans are centrist or slightly left in their thinking. Even in hot button issues, 51% is still the majority. What attracted my attention was the discrepancy between polls and the votes that occur in Congress. An example of this is reflected in the issue of gun sale regulation. While the majority of Americans lean toward regulation, Congressional voting is against any regulation. Because of discrepancies reflected in many issues like this, I view gerrymandering as a significant deterrent to just voting and the Democrats as having lost their way.
19
Democrats are also against the regulations that were put together under Reid. When the Senate consistently adds pork to it's bills and refuses discussion or modifications of any kind, the signal is clear - the Senate never intended to pass gun control legislation.
1
What you are missing is that the electorate is spread out in a way that naturally favors Republicans. The typical safe Republican congressional district might be 60% right leaning, while the typical safe Democratic seat could be 80% left. This is more about concentrated urban voters than gerrymandering. And while you can ask specific questions on gun rights which show support for more regulation Pew Research found that when asked the binary choice of whether peoples gun rights or increased regulation is more important 52% favored gun rights, a significant change from the views of 20 years ago.
1
It did not look like the centrist Democratic Party threw much support behind candidate James Thompson. Perhaps if they had, the Democrats might have added another person to Congress? The questions is WHY did the Democrats not support Mr. Thompson more wholeheartedly?
66
Well, why wasn't the Democrats' savior, Bernie Sanders, and his folks out there campaigning for Thompson? Isn't Sanders the one who's supposed to lead the Democrats out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land?
1
Indeed. The magic ingredients were all there in the KS-04 special election on April 11. Unpopular governor in Sam Brownback, unpopular president in Donald Trump, unpopular-enough Republican candidate in Ron Estes. GOP turnout was tepid. Ted Cruz, Paul Ryan, Mike Pence, and Trump himself intervened to salvage the win. Democratic candidate James Thompson, an unapologetic progressive who rose from homelessness in childhood to serve in the army and become a civil rights lawyer, cut a contrast with Estes and won in Sedgwick County (Wichita), home of Koch Industries—after a campaign of just two months. He engineered a two-level upgrade of KS-04 on the Cook Political Report (from Solid Republican, to Likely Republican, to Lean Republican) and a 20-point swing compared with Trump's margin in November—only to lose by 7 points. Imagine how this result might have looked (and played) had the Democrats invested, strategically and generously, before the eleventh hour. Kansas is symbolic, the geographic center of the country and heart of the heartland. A victory could have rippled across other red states affecting not just Congress but eventually the Electoral College. The question now, beyond how Democrats should spend their funding is—where? Perhaps it's time to look beyond the obviously close districts, and become a truly democratic, national party that seeks to win in all fifty states.
5
Why didn't you take a cheap flight out there and knock on doors for this guy?
I went door to door for Ossoff this past weekend, and there were many, many others doing the same. People we saw were complaining that there were too many visits and phone calls! But we know that this is the best way to get voters to remember to go to the polls. I wish I could send this article to one person who said that instead of mailings and internet ads, we should be buying TV time! Evidently the very nasty Republican ads are kind of overwhelming, but that's still not a good reason to waste money on that kind of media. I hope that everyone who thinks calls and canvassing door-to-door will be volunteering to that in their own district or a district near them--whether 2018 or an earlier election.
39
More of the same for the Democrats. Had the Democrats followed Mr. Phillips advice in 2016 Pennsylvania, or Michigan, or Florida, or Ohio -- well, Hillary would have lost, probably worse than she did in each of those states. Problem for the Democrats is not that the Democrats aren't getting out to vote, it's that too many Democrats see the Democratic Party as part of the reason that they're hurting right now -- the Democratic Party that supports the free trade that's lost them their jobs; the Democratic Party that makes them buy health insurance that they can't afford and that doesn't cover their health problems, and that keeps the American health care system under the control of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries; the Democratic Party whose leadership allowed the criminals who crashed the economy in 2008 to continue their unfettered and decadent rule over the US. Don't tell me how the Republicans are worse, either. If the Democrats want to win they'll have to come out as the champions of all the people that are hurting right now and as opponents of all the people who are ruling right now.
15
If ever "don't confuse me with facts, my mind is made up" applied, this is it!
3
I'm writing to you from my home state of Michigan where I am working on closing a family estate. It's been a slow, difficult process, and I have been here for close to a year. I have spent the latter 2/3 of my 60 some years on this planet working as a professional on the East Coast. I understand where you are coming from, but you simply do not understand what is going on out here.
Trump and Sanders won their Michigan primaries on just the issues that the gentleman from Tennessee points out. I dare say that Trump's stand on those same issues was the reason that he won Michigan and probably the other Rust Belt states. You may be doing well, but people here are hurting, hurting badly and have been hurting badly for a long time. If the Dems do not come up with candidates that acknowledge that hurt, validate that hurt and offer realistic relief from that hurt, they will continue to lose elections to Republicans who at least do not insult them culturally.
If you want to continue to lose, continue as you are. If you want to win, come out here this summer and hang out at the various local festivals. Ask questions and listen sincerely--do not judge. Then look for candidates who have realistic answers that include everyone, not just the top 10-20%. If you find a candidate like that both you and the Rust Belters can support, you'll have a winner.
Otherwise, you can continue to wonder why no Dem can win out here.
Trump and Sanders won their Michigan primaries on just the issues that the gentleman from Tennessee points out. I dare say that Trump's stand on those same issues was the reason that he won Michigan and probably the other Rust Belt states. You may be doing well, but people here are hurting, hurting badly and have been hurting badly for a long time. If the Dems do not come up with candidates that acknowledge that hurt, validate that hurt and offer realistic relief from that hurt, they will continue to lose elections to Republicans who at least do not insult them culturally.
If you want to continue to lose, continue as you are. If you want to win, come out here this summer and hang out at the various local festivals. Ask questions and listen sincerely--do not judge. Then look for candidates who have realistic answers that include everyone, not just the top 10-20%. If you find a candidate like that both you and the Rust Belters can support, you'll have a winner.
Otherwise, you can continue to wonder why no Dem can win out here.
1
I do not think this is an either/or situation. It is vitally important for Democrats to get out the vote but equally critical to begin countering years of right wing propaganda. Well constructed ads can be a powerful way to do the latter.
I bet those swing voters in suburban Atlanta would care a lot about someone who opposes the fiduciary rule if only they knew about that issue. An ad making it clear that Republicans think it is A OK for your financial advisers to put their own interests ahead of yours and placed where those swing voters are likely to see it could be really effective. I live in a similar community and my friends, many of whom voted for Trump, have no clue about this issue and are horrified when they find out. There are many issues such as Republican opposition to protecting airline passengers that these voters are clueless about - because Fox News does not tell them. That ignorance needs to be addressed ASAP.
I bet those swing voters in suburban Atlanta would care a lot about someone who opposes the fiduciary rule if only they knew about that issue. An ad making it clear that Republicans think it is A OK for your financial advisers to put their own interests ahead of yours and placed where those swing voters are likely to see it could be really effective. I live in a similar community and my friends, many of whom voted for Trump, have no clue about this issue and are horrified when they find out. There are many issues such as Republican opposition to protecting airline passengers that these voters are clueless about - because Fox News does not tell them. That ignorance needs to be addressed ASAP.
48
This column is music to my eyes. I'm a lifelong liberal Democrat who believes that Hillary Clinton would have won this last election convincingly had she chosen Bernie Sanders to be her running mate. But no, the Democrats first under Slick Willie and then under Barack Obama expected liberals and progressives to show up to vote for them in exchange for nothing. "Hope" and "change" were simply words. What voters got was "Republican Lite".
No more. Either the Democrats will pay attention and win, or a third party will rise on the left and today's Democrats can go the way of the Whigs.
No more. Either the Democrats will pay attention and win, or a third party will rise on the left and today's Democrats can go the way of the Whigs.
82
No, what we got with Obama was health care for 24 million Americans, a rescued economy, stricter environmental standards, a huge push toward green energy, consumer finance reform and protections, the largest increase in personal income in 40 years, the rescue of the auto industry, protection of our national parks and the Arctic, etc etc. GOP lite? Yeah, right.
5
Mr. Sanders was competing to be nominated President, not vice president for Hillary Clinton.
7
GM is not dead, but there are still too few jobs here and too many elsewhere. Meanwhile, safe investments pay nothing, Wall Street makes tons of money and no investment banker spent time in the federal pen. Lots of people have ACA deductibles and co-payments that they cannot afford even if they are paying the premiums. People who can't afford to pay $30-$50 bucks each for a doctor's visit and a non-generic prescription with a Bronze ACA plan can't afford to go to the national parks or Alaska. Many are park of the 50% of Americans who have little or no savings and nothing in the stock market. For them, Obama was not the resounding success that he obviously was for you. You might want to contemplate what it would be like to walk for a mile in their beat-up Walmart shoes.
1
As a progressive Democrat I personally wouldn't cast my vote for Jon Ossoff - why reward the party? It feels like they purposely tanked James Thompson because he was a Sanders person, and it would be embarrassing to have a progressive win in a Republican district when they could spend all of their time and money trying to get a Clinton-ite centrist to win in a moderate district. Ossoff hedges when asked about healthcare, he demurs that "there's too much ideological purity on both sides" - why should I as a Democratic voter cast my vote for anyone who can't say "I support Medicare for all"? He's trying to win over Republicans - and I'm from Marietta, he's not winning those Republicans - and he's doing it by ignoring the concerns of the newly emboldened populist Democratic voter base.
20
Your post comes off very much as "if I can't get my way, I'm taking my ball and coming home." This is why Democrats struggle to unite their voter base while Republicans don't. You're never going to get a candidate who you agree 100% with on every issue unless you yourself are the candidate. The way to get progressive policies enacted is to vote for progressives, even if it means electing someone who doesn't pass your ideological purity test. Failing to vote for the Democratic candidate is just one step shy of voting for the Republican. Good luck getting your progressives policies implemented.
Why reward the party?
How about why keep hurting yourself?
How about why keep hurting yourself?
Studies have shown time and again that TV ads do not improve voter turnout. For that good old fashioned door to door, talking to voters in person does.
Also, Democrats cannot show up at the doorstep only at election times. They must maintain contact throughout the year to find out what problems their supporters face and what can be done to mitigate them.
Targeted advertising and pre-election visits are not organizing and Democrats have to change from a party that employs high tech strategies to one that listens to people in their homes.
Also, Democrats cannot show up at the doorstep only at election times. They must maintain contact throughout the year to find out what problems their supporters face and what can be done to mitigate them.
Targeted advertising and pre-election visits are not organizing and Democrats have to change from a party that employs high tech strategies to one that listens to people in their homes.
26
Democrats have to do all this because that's the way Republicans have come to control all three branches of government? No. That's not the way Republicans have done it. They don't knock on doors. They don't stay in touch between elections except via Fox News. They don't listen, they only talk. And win. Please say more about why the approach you suggest is the best one. You make no argument here, you only assert that it must be done. I'd like to hear some rationale that I could send along to the DNC.
1
This is a far better article. I could not find it earlier.
https://www.thenation.com/article/labor-movement-must-learn/
It is an interview with Jane McAlevey in The Nation, Feb 27 issue.
https://www.thenation.com/article/labor-movement-must-learn/
It is an interview with Jane McAlevey in The Nation, Feb 27 issue.
This article gets to the heart of the matter: The Democratic Party must continue with what Senator Sanders started - it must spend most of its effort reaching out to the grassroots. For the most part, those grass roots are registered Democrats; however, in recent years a large number of people are registering to vote, but not registering as members of any political party. That "independents" are able to swing the voting results one way or another. The Democratic outreach must also be to them.
A careful analysis of voter registration and voter turnout will show where investment of time and money, for voter turnout, would be most productive of votes for Democratic candidates.
The Party must also have a concise and clear Party platform, at the national, state and local levels. The voters do not want to be treated as a bunch of simpletons that are influenced by the number of yard signs. Appeal, instead, to their intelligence, their sense of social responsibility and their responsible self-interest. Give county committees the opportunity to discuss the issues and the candidates, rather than perpetuating tdicatorial appearance of local political bosses.
The Party should not waste time trying to convert Republican voters. If the conduct of Republican office holders is not enought to get a Republican voter to change, then it is likely nothing that is said to them will do so.
A careful analysis of voter registration and voter turnout will show where investment of time and money, for voter turnout, would be most productive of votes for Democratic candidates.
The Party must also have a concise and clear Party platform, at the national, state and local levels. The voters do not want to be treated as a bunch of simpletons that are influenced by the number of yard signs. Appeal, instead, to their intelligence, their sense of social responsibility and their responsible self-interest. Give county committees the opportunity to discuss the issues and the candidates, rather than perpetuating tdicatorial appearance of local political bosses.
The Party should not waste time trying to convert Republican voters. If the conduct of Republican office holders is not enought to get a Republican voter to change, then it is likely nothing that is said to them will do so.
15
SPECIAL ELECTIONS! Make them REALLY special by spending funds to get voters registered and personally get them out of their homes and to the voting places on election day. OR get them to file absentee ballots where possible. If there's early voting, get them to do that too! We've seen just the beginning of the outpouring of rage against the GOP.
18
Follow the people (not the money). The strength and popularity of the general and specific-issue anti-Trump and anti-GOP agenda protests staged thus far and yet to occur should be a lesson and opportunity for Democrats. Use this unrest to connect directly with people, to offer them information and reasons to support Democratic candidates, and to provide them with the experience of hands-on government that Democrats have talked about but generally shunned in recent years. Ads, mailers, robocalls and other mass-marketing techniques simply do not work. However, media interviews, town halls, more honest (i.e. real) debates, and other candidate-exposure experiences, especially those offering direct contact, do work. Thus far, I've not seen an improved Democratic funds solicitation mechanism; each candidate, each special interest, each state, each federal Senate and House organization pleads for money with phony email captions that are dire, negative, and off-putting. Build the infrastructure across the governmental spectrum, coordinate fund solicitation and expenditure, and never leave a local Democratic candidate in the lurch no matter how hopeless his or her situation may seem. Trump is a known quantity. The Republican agenda is clear. There will never be a better opportunity than now and in the coming months to reshape Democratic Party thinking and activity. Shame on the Democratic leaders if they don't make every effort to capitalize on this general and majority unrest.
11
Where's the post-mortem on the Clinton campaign? Surely there are untold lessons for Democrats there, like TV ads don't matter much.
6
But ads do matter. In fact, polls showed that a meaningful number of undecideds went for tRump at the end because of a very effective (regardless of how false) TV spot that aired days before the election.
1
The Democratic Party has a death-grip on the liberals of America and, as evidenced by this essay, they're not going to let go anytime soon. They learned nothing from the defeat of Clinton.
Demographics will NOT motivate anyone to go out and vote. They need exciting candidates and an inspiring message. The Democrats have neither.
It's time for a complete change of leadership.
Demographics will NOT motivate anyone to go out and vote. They need exciting candidates and an inspiring message. The Democrats have neither.
It's time for a complete change of leadership.
18
The Dems need to give American citizens true repesentation for their taxation. That would be quite exciting and inspiring.
Research into the pattern of lawmaking over years shows that the interests of the citizen majority on most issues is mostly iginored in favor of the elites whose money pays for our elections.
Research into the pattern of lawmaking over years shows that the interests of the citizen majority on most issues is mostly iginored in favor of the elites whose money pays for our elections.
18
The D.C. Democrats and many leftover Clintonites running State and local operations are still fighting Progressives tooth and nail. They would be well advised to step aside and let the next generation step forward.
The Democrats did not lift a finger in Kansas and with but a little push they could have flipped that seat. The energy is in groups like Brand New Congress and Our Revolution. The days of Third Way Republican Lite have been over and someone needs to tell the ever shrinking "leadership" that has proven hapless and helpless.
The Democrats did not lift a finger in Kansas and with but a little push they could have flipped that seat. The energy is in groups like Brand New Congress and Our Revolution. The days of Third Way Republican Lite have been over and someone needs to tell the ever shrinking "leadership" that has proven hapless and helpless.
46
Maybe they can fund Planned Parenthood with it. Or use it to float one of their "single payer" healthcare schemes they love to crow about. Or buy a pharmaceutical company to sell the drugs they develop for a "fair" price. Or buy a bank which doesn't do "predatory lending", whatever that is. In short, why don't they actually do what they propose forcing other people to do instead of constantly trying to get the government to tax others and regulate others? Maybe its because their schemes are so nonsensical that only the government can even appear to support them, fueled by an unlimited capacity to borrow.
3
If you think spending money is the only way Dems have a chance of increasing voter turnout you are dead wrong. Yes the Dems have to spend money to get their message across but what message? The Dems have always tried to appeal to the left and moderates but not anymore, they have been taken over by the extreme left who's policies are "Our Way Or No Way". So if the Dems except to gain in the mid-term elections they must broaden their base and include moderates, remember their are a lot of voters between the East and West coast.
7
So, what are Mr. Ossoff's ideas? What are his legislative accomplishments? How is he better than his opponent? Please do not tell me that this is just about winning a seat.
Also, if large amounts of money and a ground game are so important than how did Donald Trump defeat Hillary Clinton? Trump had a nothing ground game to Hillary spending hundreds of millions getting out the vote ground game with thousands of paid volunteers calling and canvassing. I'm no longer convinced that spending millions on a ground game works. Quite frankly, this is an old school way of trying to get elected that is not as effective. What are some of the new ideas on how to get elected?
Also, if large amounts of money and a ground game are so important than how did Donald Trump defeat Hillary Clinton? Trump had a nothing ground game to Hillary spending hundreds of millions getting out the vote ground game with thousands of paid volunteers calling and canvassing. I'm no longer convinced that spending millions on a ground game works. Quite frankly, this is an old school way of trying to get elected that is not as effective. What are some of the new ideas on how to get elected?
7
The Rust Belt was waiting for a candidate who was willing to go after trade agreements and trade practices that sucked manufacturing jobs from Rust Belt states. Both Trump and Sanders said that they wanted to do just that.
It's no coincidence that both Trump and Sanders won their respective Michigan primaries. Unless Hillary had stated unequivocally that Bill's signing of NAFTA, as it was formulated in his first term, was a mistake that she wanted to correct, she was on target to lose independent and moderate Dem votes to anyone who would at least revisit what Bill had done. The Clinton camp, be it the top organizers or Hillary herself, simply could not see her through the eyes of Rust Belt voters. It is no surprise to most locals that she lost.
It's no coincidence that both Trump and Sanders won their respective Michigan primaries. Unless Hillary had stated unequivocally that Bill's signing of NAFTA, as it was formulated in his first term, was a mistake that she wanted to correct, she was on target to lose independent and moderate Dem votes to anyone who would at least revisit what Bill had done. The Clinton camp, be it the top organizers or Hillary herself, simply could not see her through the eyes of Rust Belt voters. It is no surprise to most locals that she lost.
Not sure the writer is fully aware of his cynicism. In urging Mr. Ossoff to run on a 'strong, unapologetic progressive platform', rather than a 'relatively conservative' one, he makes the assumption that Mr. Ossoff has no strong views of his own on what policies are best for America. The split between liberal and more moderate Democrats is not merely a matter of tactics--it's a matter of beliefs. And the best politicians run on their beliefs and seek to bring voters to their way of thinking.
3
With the exception of the Obama campaign organization, the Democrats have shown very clearly that they do not know how to win elections. Elections are all about turnout ... the Republicans turn out their base; the Democrats do not. When there is no Presidential election, this has meant that the Republicans have been clobbering the Democrats. And since the Republican base is very conservative, the Republicans have been electing more and more conservative candidates. The Democrats need to learn how to win elections.
8
Democrats should be identifying the people they want to put forward as candidates for state house, state senate, US House and US Senate seats now. These potential candidates should be recruited now and shown the level of support they can expect from the national, state and local Democratic Party committees. The focus should be on developing a list of voters that will turn out for the candidate and making sure that a sufficient number of these voters turn out on election day. All of us, who want to see the state and Federal governments flip back to Democratic control, must volunteer our time and make a financial contribution to the campaigns. Find someone you trust and support them for their run for office. Do it now, it will pay off in 2018.
37
Jon Ossoff is running a smart campaign that relies on both "tried and true" as well as new-fangled app based targeted canvasing using thousands of volunteers. Media ads have been used to introduce him to the voters--he isn't a known political figure in the district. Positive ads have also been used to deflect and defend against the GOP super-PACs that have run Trump-style negative campaigns against Ossoff. Informational fliers delivered to district homes are also used, but I believe the use of volunteers to canvass using targeted apps has been the most effective. Unfortunately the bluest areas of the district have been assigned the most inconvenient early polling locations possible, as far as possible from those consituents' homes. Add blatant gerrymandering to that equation... as one sitting state Senator in the 6th, Fran Millar, said last week: "I'll be very blunt: These lines weren't drawn to get [Ossoff] to be my representative in Congress. We didn't draw them for that purpose. OK?" Millar was part of an attempt to gerrymander 9 flippable GA districts this year before the bill languished on the final day. Gerrymandered districts are the sickness in our system and keep true representation from filtering up from the bottom.
93
There has been reporting that the Koch brothers and their cadre of allies have been spending on advertising to boost the popularity of President Trump in districts where he won. Since Karl Rove pioneered the practice, Republicans have sliced and diced their way to victory. Attack ads have worked well enough to make them the standard rather than the fallback position. Advertising matters, but Donald Trump demonstrated that it's not the only thing.
It may be true that grassroots organizing will work in the Georgia contest. One of the challenges is that presidential contests get more notice than local contests. It seems obvious that Democrats will try to mount effective campaigns for the House and Senate in 2018. This special election should help create a model for doing that.
Somehow, Democrats have failed to put enough emphasis on sponsoring good candidates in difficult elections. I'm not sure that Mr. Ossoff is good enough to counter the Republican inclinations of the district.
It may be true that grassroots organizing will work in the Georgia contest. One of the challenges is that presidential contests get more notice than local contests. It seems obvious that Democrats will try to mount effective campaigns for the House and Senate in 2018. This special election should help create a model for doing that.
Somehow, Democrats have failed to put enough emphasis on sponsoring good candidates in difficult elections. I'm not sure that Mr. Ossoff is good enough to counter the Republican inclinations of the district.
6
Who watches TV ads since the invention of the DVR? Old people. More young people voted for third party candidates than the margin Trump won by.
43
If Democrats want to win they need to go door to door and tell people why they should vote for a Democrat instead of a Republican. Not everyone is paying attention to the national level and may not be aware of how the Republican policies thus far benefits the wealthy at the expense of everyone else. People need to know what's in it for them so be prepared to answer those questions.
Democrats need to actively get people registered to vote. A lot of people have been disenfranchised with the restrictions Republicans have put on voting identification and have simply given up. Get boots on the ground and fix the problem. Help these people do whatever they must do in order to have a valid id to vote.
Also, be prepared to help with transportation. Republicans love to close convenient polling stations. Help people get to the polls and feed them so they don't give up and leave without voting.
There are a lot of us who are fired up by what we're seeing and we're going to the town halls. We're not the ones who need to be focused on, we'll show up and vote for a Democrat. But the young person just turned 18, minorities, independents, and the elderly are the ones who need to be encouraged to vote in the midterms.
Democrats need to actively get people registered to vote. A lot of people have been disenfranchised with the restrictions Republicans have put on voting identification and have simply given up. Get boots on the ground and fix the problem. Help these people do whatever they must do in order to have a valid id to vote.
Also, be prepared to help with transportation. Republicans love to close convenient polling stations. Help people get to the polls and feed them so they don't give up and leave without voting.
There are a lot of us who are fired up by what we're seeing and we're going to the town halls. We're not the ones who need to be focused on, we'll show up and vote for a Democrat. But the young person just turned 18, minorities, independents, and the elderly are the ones who need to be encouraged to vote in the midterms.
119
I feel sorry for you if you really believe that more entitlements and getting people more accustomed (addicted?) to government benefits will help them in the long run. Freedom includes the freedom to fail and be poor.
2
Not knowing how door-to-door canvassing works (apart from the one time I canvassed for John Kerry in "blue" Milwaukee neighborhoods, where regeistered Democrats whispered from behind half-closed doors they were voting for Bush because they "were afraid"), it occurred to me that in certain areas, a type of "buddy system" might be advantageous. This might include exchanging personal information with would-be Dem voters, & then personally "seeing them through" the process, by encouraging phone calls & emails. One-on-one encouragement might introduce personal responsibility into the equation, especially in areas where young people don't show up and are not inclined to make voting a personal habit. In other areas it might be early canvassers bringing sample mail-in ballots to the front doors of people otherwise not used to, or unable to vote, especially on a Tuesday, when they otherwise have to work. How about volunteers to take voters to the polls in areas where transportation might be difficult. Or bringing voter registration into individual neighborhoods in places where Republicans have instituted voter ID laws & also intentionally closed up so many early voting locations in order to suppress the vote?
Am I crazy? It seems to me that there's enough Dem voter energy to make some of these things possible. Why don't I ever hear about strategies like these? Maybe I'm too stuck sitting at my desk, inside the pages of NYT and Wash Post to notice what's actually happening.
Am I crazy? It seems to me that there's enough Dem voter energy to make some of these things possible. Why don't I ever hear about strategies like these? Maybe I'm too stuck sitting at my desk, inside the pages of NYT and Wash Post to notice what's actually happening.
30
Obviously, DRS, you've never been poor. The time I spent on food stamps and subsidized day care didn't really make me feel free. The BEOG funds I received got me through undergraduate school. Now that I've attained a doctorate degree, I don't need the government "handouts" that offend your sensibilities. But I certainly don't begrudge that aid to those who need it.
How about going into rural areas to meet people and create jobs? Bring more urban folk and their money, out to enjoy rural areas, in respectful, curious and engaging ways.
8
There are millions of untapped democratic voters overseas. Candidates rarely visit these constituents abroad. There are no Rock the vote concerts. very little visibility by celebrities and popular politicians. We can make the difference. Registration and voting are more difficult than in person voting and there are grassroots agencies like "Democrats Abroad" ready to help. But we need more enthusiasm and finds from the DNC, DCCC, etal. to get the job done.
9
Sure, so simple the answer is voter turnout. But it is not so simple. Does anyone really know how to motivate people to go to the polls? Countless studies and data mining are done to target ads, raise money etc. Who is studying the best way to achieve this? When I say study, I mean using scientific methods. Yes, we need to focus our attention on voter turnout, but those are just words. While registering voters is important. That is easy and done to a large extent. That never equates to turnout.The HOW is the big question. When the DNC figures it out, many of us would love to be soldiers in the battle. Many of us in districts like mine who are not political experts would love some proven action plans in this regard.
19
A major impediment to redistribution of campaign funds from "media" to " field" is the system by which campaign consultants are paid. They are usually paid a percentage of the "media buy". This creates a built-in incentive to spend money on the air, not on the street.
Here in Montgomery County, PA, Hillary received 25,000 more votes than Obama did because we registered people to vote and made sure that they voted.
It's as clear as that.
Here in Montgomery County, PA, Hillary received 25,000 more votes than Obama did because we registered people to vote and made sure that they voted.
It's as clear as that.
164
Excellent analysis. I live in an adjacent County to Jon Ossoff's and have viewed the TV ads, in a word, "lame". Jon is a young man (30) trying to get the votes of a community with mostly suburban middle aged families. Running those ads garners a wide audience but Jon comes across as young and inexperienced. Better to have spent that $3-5 million on a larger ground campaign. We also need stronger candidates that are more in line with the demographics of the district.
I'm not too hopeful for Mr. Ossoff winning, but thank him for running when no one else stepped up to the plate. By the way I'm 74 and there very well could be a built-in bias for more experience is better.
I'm not too hopeful for Mr. Ossoff winning, but thank him for running when no one else stepped up to the plate. By the way I'm 74 and there very well could be a built-in bias for more experience is better.
22
I wouldn't say it's exactly true that nobody else stepped up to the plate - Ron Slotin, Richard Keatley, Ragin Edwards. They were pushed out of the race when the Democratic party establishment put their support behind a more moderate candidate, which to me feels like another blow to the idea of the left. Ossoff might be less polarizing, but he's also less exciting.
1
As another local, I might add that the Democrats have a liability in Sandy Springs, the central city of the district. For decades Democrats used gerrymandering to limit the power of Sandy Springs voters so that they could tax them and spend their money elsewhere. Republicans put an end to this trick 10 years ago, and as a result are very popular in Sandy Springs, for reasons having nothing to do with Trump or the usual liberal/conservative issues.
1
Thank you. I remember when Sandy Springs became incorporated but forgot about the why. Well good luck to the Democrats on Tuesday. Regardless, it will be a good test.
In addition to what has already been written this approach also has the advantage of training skilled organizers for the future, to build best practices etc. Also, developing rapport with the community and presenting a coherent platform in person tends to shake away a lot of the damage the Hannity, Limbaugh types do.
41
"Democrats must fight their addiction to consultant-driven paid ads that seek to persuade supposed swing voters and instead invest significant resources in getting core Democratic supporters to the polls."
I agree. That is an obsolete and often counterproductive concept. What is not obsolete is the power of ground level organization as we are seeing in Georgia. That serves two major values. It frames the terms of the debate and it engages the base. Savvy candidates have long understood this just as they have understood to never take their electorate for granted.
I agree. That is an obsolete and often counterproductive concept. What is not obsolete is the power of ground level organization as we are seeing in Georgia. That serves two major values. It frames the terms of the debate and it engages the base. Savvy candidates have long understood this just as they have understood to never take their electorate for granted.
18
Spending more on increasing turnout seems like a sound plan. It gets more people out to vote and puts money back into the community rather than just large media outlets that get over saturated with special election ads anyway. And there is plenty of money to fund both efforts, which is nice for a change.
I especially appreciate the suggestion to keep the message progressive and not pander to the center. I think Bernie has proven that the energy and enthusiasm in the Democratic party lies to the Left. That enthusiasm gets the vote out, not the ads.
I especially appreciate the suggestion to keep the message progressive and not pander to the center. I think Bernie has proven that the energy and enthusiasm in the Democratic party lies to the Left. That enthusiasm gets the vote out, not the ads.
56
I have family that has lived in this district for over twenty years. Most of the residents are defiantly Republican. They are motivated, they are organized, and they can turn out the vote. Mr. Ossoff is a breath of fresh air...he's the kind of charismatic candidate the Democrats desperately need. He could have a bright political future if he wants it. But not from this district. He will likely fall short of the 50 percent vote share in Tuesday’s election he needs to win the race outright. Most major polls here have him around 39%. If Tuesday’s race ends in a runoff, then Ossoff has little hope of winning in a head-to-head race against a Republican. Republican Tom Price, who vacated the seat in February to serve as Trump’s Health and Human Services secretary, won re-election in November by more than 20 points. It's very impressive that Mr. Ossoff has raised an $8.3 million since announcing his candidacy in January. But I believe he (and the Democratic party) would be better served if he ran from a more competitive area of Georgia where Republicans are not the majority of voters. If Democrats want to do well in 2018, they need to use employ smarter tactics and strategy. Spending money now on programs to increase voter turnout is a good idea...long term. Put you first have to be running from a district where you actually have a chance of winning....no more symbolic campaigns.
10
The resistance has to be built on getting every anti-T citizen into the polling booth. That habit of voting has to begin with the most local of elections. We protesters have to strive for as close to universal voting as possible. This is not the time for retreat, defeatism or sitting on our hands.
18
Flipping control requires dealing with how the Republicans stole it away. There is no shortcut.
Districts are drawn in the state legislatures. They are wildly abusing that power, called Gerrymandering. There is no flipping back control without confronting that.
The courts seem like they ought to be a remedy, but they never have fulfilled that promise in an effective way. That is because the state legislatures have much discretion, and the courts have limited powers to draw red lines limiting that discretion, preventing only the most blatant abuses, only to see more subtle but very real abuses instead.
Democrats will need to get back into the state legislatures. They will have to do retail politics. They will have to engage voters on their core concerns, to take back control of the basic function of drawing districts.
Democrats are their own worst enemy here. They are too focused on money, on donors, on their own elite in DC and the DNC. They have left out their voters, to an astonishing degree that is entirely unlike the old Democratic Party of unions and churches and other voter groups.
Minority groups cannot replace the old voter groups. They are minorities, by definition. Even if the could all be added up into one single program, that cobbled-together mess would be weaker than facing the majority.
We need to serve all, and yes that includes our minorities, but it also includes those forgotten by the Dems in the last couple of decades.
Districts are drawn in the state legislatures. They are wildly abusing that power, called Gerrymandering. There is no flipping back control without confronting that.
The courts seem like they ought to be a remedy, but they never have fulfilled that promise in an effective way. That is because the state legislatures have much discretion, and the courts have limited powers to draw red lines limiting that discretion, preventing only the most blatant abuses, only to see more subtle but very real abuses instead.
Democrats will need to get back into the state legislatures. They will have to do retail politics. They will have to engage voters on their core concerns, to take back control of the basic function of drawing districts.
Democrats are their own worst enemy here. They are too focused on money, on donors, on their own elite in DC and the DNC. They have left out their voters, to an astonishing degree that is entirely unlike the old Democratic Party of unions and churches and other voter groups.
Minority groups cannot replace the old voter groups. They are minorities, by definition. Even if the could all be added up into one single program, that cobbled-together mess would be weaker than facing the majority.
We need to serve all, and yes that includes our minorities, but it also includes those forgotten by the Dems in the last couple of decades.
208
Excellent post. I couldn't agree more. Democrats need to start thinking "bottom up" instead of "top down." Take back the state legislatures and redraw districts.
36
Mark is right on target. The DNC was captured by the Clintons and the whole nation (the whole world?) is now paying the price with the Trump presidency. Breaking that capture isn't going to be easy and the best way is to show that the bottom up approach will work.
White voters still account for about 70% of the electorate - their votes are essential to Democratic success.
White voters still account for about 70% of the electorate - their votes are essential to Democratic success.
3
The Dems could have started with that Kansas race. The excellent candidate there received little or no Dem support, but only lost by six percentage points.
Even if the candidate lost with DNC support for voter identification and get out the vote drives, the candidate and the Dem attention to voters would have made a favorable impression on many prospective voters and set the stage for future Dem candidates including governor and state legislature elections in the future.
Rebuilding the Dem local and state party and candidate base is a long-term project. Going all out for a select candidate in a crowded primary field is a good way to alienate supporters of every other Dem candidate in a field, and by not supporting a good general election candidate, shows that the Dems have a long, long way to go before they can recapture state houses and legislatures.
Even if the candidate lost with DNC support for voter identification and get out the vote drives, the candidate and the Dem attention to voters would have made a favorable impression on many prospective voters and set the stage for future Dem candidates including governor and state legislature elections in the future.
Rebuilding the Dem local and state party and candidate base is a long-term project. Going all out for a select candidate in a crowded primary field is a good way to alienate supporters of every other Dem candidate in a field, and by not supporting a good general election candidate, shows that the Dems have a long, long way to go before they can recapture state houses and legislatures.
3
For years i have been trying to promote the idea that instead of spending mega-bucks on television ads, that more money be spent on identifying, registering and eventually transporting voters to polls where necessary.
To do that, interested young people and adults should be recruited early, put on a salary (volunteer work is not sufficient) and assigned areas of operation:
going door to door, taking them to city hall to register, taking them to places where they can get proper identification, if needed, keeping in touch with them months before the election. I know that some of this goes on, but it should be intensified, especially in the areas of low turnout. If there is any doubt about the advantage of this system, try it on a couple of areas and see if it works out.
To do that, interested young people and adults should be recruited early, put on a salary (volunteer work is not sufficient) and assigned areas of operation:
going door to door, taking them to city hall to register, taking them to places where they can get proper identification, if needed, keeping in touch with them months before the election. I know that some of this goes on, but it should be intensified, especially in the areas of low turnout. If there is any doubt about the advantage of this system, try it on a couple of areas and see if it works out.
323
Pay Lyft or Uber.
1
If one needs to be motivated or transported to get them to the polls they don't deserve to be heard.
Compliment this truly wise "hands on" approach with a review of those who have been "crosschecked" off the voting rolls and Democrats might just score a major victory in this early race.
We need to locate, educate and facilitate these wrongly disenfranchised and enable them to vote again.
Trump circumvents the press with Tweets - INDIVISIBLE grass-roots activists can get around dated party advertising approaches - by using their feets!
We need to locate, educate and facilitate these wrongly disenfranchised and enable them to vote again.
Trump circumvents the press with Tweets - INDIVISIBLE grass-roots activists can get around dated party advertising approaches - by using their feets!
3
Stop the top down approach and go with a bottom up one is never a bad way for any race, local or national. Also, it will serve the Democrats, the Republicans or anything else. Irrespective of how much money in one's coffer, the candidate needs to connect with the people, no consultant can do that for him or her
218
Beat me to it. I'm an Independent (along with 40% of the electorate) and you have to work for my vote and convince me, you don't get it for free. All the money and data and stupid ads aren't going to do it for you, getting a candidate that isn't just another corporate hack or party tool who is actually going to work in my interests is. Judging by the thinness of their benches and the lukewarm at best performance of the Dems so far, that simple concept seems to be far beyond the grasp of the oh so educated party.