I think the loss was more about the candidate than the party. That the vote was close indicates people who voted for Trump either did not vote this time or voted against Republican. BUT, the Republican was very experienced and used that advantage well. It looked like the Dems pulled some guy off the street and put him in the race!!
4
As long as the Democrats focus on moving even further left and continue to focus on identity politics.....they'll lose.
Most Americans are either moderate or right of center. Most Americans are against extreme leftist ideas and are against identity politics.
Most Americans are either moderate or right of center. Most Americans are against extreme leftist ideas and are against identity politics.
37
I don't know if Nancy Pelosi's name cost Ossoff any votes in Georgia, but I do know that anyone who believes a more leftward campaign in that District would have increased Ossoff's total is smoking something awfully powerful.
20
The charter of the Democratic Party is a study in strict quotas. As Lyndon Johnson said, I am not interested in equal opportunity I want equality of results; so to the party. Thus identity politics is built into the party and anything that questions differences in outcome must therefore be attributable to white racism. That is the first hurdle for Democrats.
The second hurdle is that Republicans measure success by the size of the GDP. Therefore a growing population is not of concern to them, its what is needed for the Mother of All Gross Domestic Products.
Democrats are concerned about the environment and supposedly the quality of life. But they can’t challenge open immigration because that would be racist, and besides that is the low income base they are looking to garner a voter plurality.
So climate change be dammed lets get to 450 million people, and then 600 million people. At some point all those poor people striving to be free will guarantee a Democratic majority.
Unfortunately that policy is destroying the quality of life, the environment, most other living things and so too the party – and we thought King George III was nuts.
The second hurdle is that Republicans measure success by the size of the GDP. Therefore a growing population is not of concern to them, its what is needed for the Mother of All Gross Domestic Products.
Democrats are concerned about the environment and supposedly the quality of life. But they can’t challenge open immigration because that would be racist, and besides that is the low income base they are looking to garner a voter plurality.
So climate change be dammed lets get to 450 million people, and then 600 million people. At some point all those poor people striving to be free will guarantee a Democratic majority.
Unfortunately that policy is destroying the quality of life, the environment, most other living things and so too the party – and we thought King George III was nuts.
12
As the book Shattered documents, Democrats still believe that the elite establishment can and should dictate politics. Money from California and New York comes with a liability which Ossoff did not acknowledge. Confronting Trump extremism with progressive extremism is seldom a formula for success. We Neither voters are still looking for a standard bearer.
11
the democratic party needs new, creative leadership - at the local, state and national level - starting now.
We need new blood immediately, before the 'patient' dies.
We need new blood immediately, before the 'patient' dies.
6
Main problem with the Democratic Party: It isn't one party. That is, certainly not compared to the Republican Party. No matter their internal squabbles, the GOP sucks it up and votes almost as one for GOP candidates and GOP strategic priorities. They know that it is easier to iron out the internal squabbles when the whole party is in control.
Democrats will get miffed and stay home or vote for an independent candidate with no chance of winning, instead of voting for a Democratic candidate they have issues with, even when they hate the GOP opponent.
Second problem: Dems are too honest. Not saying they never dissemble, but compared to Republicans? No contest. When a problem is complex, Republicans slap a simple slogan on it and drum in into people's heads that the slogan is the answer - then lie about or misrepresent any objective evidence to the contrary. Democrats try to frame the nuances of the problem and immediately lose all of those types who fell for Russian propaganda and fake news, or tend to think our problems actually can be addressed by simple solutions. How else to explain how many Republican voters still think trickle down economics will work for anyone but the top wealthiest folks?
Sad when too much honesty is a problem, but evidently if the goal of politics is to win elections, intellectual honesty is a handicap.
Democrats will get miffed and stay home or vote for an independent candidate with no chance of winning, instead of voting for a Democratic candidate they have issues with, even when they hate the GOP opponent.
Second problem: Dems are too honest. Not saying they never dissemble, but compared to Republicans? No contest. When a problem is complex, Republicans slap a simple slogan on it and drum in into people's heads that the slogan is the answer - then lie about or misrepresent any objective evidence to the contrary. Democrats try to frame the nuances of the problem and immediately lose all of those types who fell for Russian propaganda and fake news, or tend to think our problems actually can be addressed by simple solutions. How else to explain how many Republican voters still think trickle down economics will work for anyone but the top wealthiest folks?
Sad when too much honesty is a problem, but evidently if the goal of politics is to win elections, intellectual honesty is a handicap.
14
One main problem, how do you reach out to voters who see reputable news organizations as spreading fake news, voters who get all their "facts" from rumors on talk shows or from dubious websites? Voters must be educated on the issues in order to truly vote in their best interests.
Another problem, Democrats need to run candidates who subscribe to the legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, not that of Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan.
I recall a news story recounting a man crying when Roosevelt's casket passed by. He was asked if he knew the late president. The man replied, "no, but he knew me". That's the kind of candidates the Democrats need to run!
Another problem, Democrats need to run candidates who subscribe to the legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, not that of Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan.
I recall a news story recounting a man crying when Roosevelt's casket passed by. He was asked if he knew the late president. The man replied, "no, but he knew me". That's the kind of candidates the Democrats need to run!
12
I'm sorry, did someone say this was going to be easy?
11
It is very sad when all the talk is about branding and messaging, rather than policy.
Of course the Republicans demonize Pelosi as a "San Francisco liberal" (then some Sanders voters criticize her as "establishment")
The Republicans will demonize any Democrat. They would like nothing more than to get rid of Pelosi, who was one of the most effective Speakers ever-- without her, there would have been no " Obamacare" and Republicans know it.
She has effectively shepherded legislation, and, in spite of Republican demonization of her, never resorted to the Republicans' undemocratic "Hastert rule" which blocked the House from voting on a bill that a majority of House members support if it isn't supported by a majority of Republicans (who, due to gerrymandering, hold power even though they represent a minority of Americans.)
A Democratic President, effective Speaker (Pelosi) and a Democratic Senate, of course will have a pro- worker agenda. That's exactly why Republicans work so hard to undermine and demonize Pelosi.
We need more effective ways for voters who do not follow votes to become informed about votes, so that they do not so easily fall for Republican marketing and branding.
Of course the Republicans demonize Pelosi as a "San Francisco liberal" (then some Sanders voters criticize her as "establishment")
The Republicans will demonize any Democrat. They would like nothing more than to get rid of Pelosi, who was one of the most effective Speakers ever-- without her, there would have been no " Obamacare" and Republicans know it.
She has effectively shepherded legislation, and, in spite of Republican demonization of her, never resorted to the Republicans' undemocratic "Hastert rule" which blocked the House from voting on a bill that a majority of House members support if it isn't supported by a majority of Republicans (who, due to gerrymandering, hold power even though they represent a minority of Americans.)
A Democratic President, effective Speaker (Pelosi) and a Democratic Senate, of course will have a pro- worker agenda. That's exactly why Republicans work so hard to undermine and demonize Pelosi.
We need more effective ways for voters who do not follow votes to become informed about votes, so that they do not so easily fall for Republican marketing and branding.
6
LOL! "We have to pass it to see what's in it". Too funny!
6
The problem with the Democrats isn't necessarily Nancy Pelosi nor is it the party's platform per say. The problem is the national leadership's apparent preoccupation with the party's image and that of the opposition rather than the work of the people. The Republicans and their corporate billionaire masters spend money on propaganda using Pelosi's image to draw attention away from what's really happening. It could have been any woman with power . They're doing it now in Wisconsin in an effort to destroy Tammy Baldwin in 2018. Whatever his faults are, Trump knows how to use the media to play and prey on the working class. The Republicans know how to rile people up and get them to vote against their own interests. If the Democrats are going to get anywhere, they should point out the problems and corruption with the right wing faction but focus on what the people need from their government and protect the democracy.
6
Plain and simple - we need a system that enables more parties. The two parties can't get their acts together because they are not representative of their members. As long as all of this money is flowing to candidates, let's make it worthwhile afford more choices. The way I saw the GA election - neither one of the candidates was inspiring. Handle one by purely having more republicans in the pool.
2
Dems have to become stoic, and toughen up. This is for the long haul health of our country, and it's going to take a while. Who said it was going to be easy? Toughen up and keep working to win back support. We came close in a red state race, don't fall apart because we didn't get this one. Keep going!
9
In the frenzied effort of the democrats following the South Carolina and Georgia losses to understand what went wrong, they seem to be missing the obvious. Until redistricting is put on an impartial and sane basis -- i.e., taken away from the republicans who dominate state houses across the country) and until the ridiculous requirements aimed at blocking minority groups from voting are abolished, the democrats will continue to loose. The list of conditions sneaked in is a long one. I think particularly of depriving prisoners or recently released felons who've served their time of the right to vote; the stupid voter i.d. cards; the refusal to hold elections on non-working days (such as Sunday) for most voters); the severe penalties imposed on voter registration workers (you'd think they were criminals); and so on. I grew up in South Carolina in the 30s and 40s and can remember the control white people exercised over which blacks were "good" and which were not. The latter had to recite the Constitution or be turned away. It hardly needs saying, but the right to vote is the most fundamental right in this so-called democracy. It won't be a democracy until everyone can vote without hassles. The republicans have cheated their was to victory. But it will be a hollow one in the end. There are no polling places in Hell.
9
The original Democrat Party was infiltrated by neoliberals like the Clintons and made it serve Wall Street. It needs to be destroyed to the bottom before it can become effective to lead the working people against class exploiters.The income gap is the visible result of this wealth distribution which was implemented via income TAX laws favoring the upper class.
6
Check your history.
Clinton had a Republican Congress for all but his first 2 years.
In those first 2 years he raised taxes, not "favored by Wall Street" . He did not get a single Republican vote, and Republicans managed to capture the Congress by demonizing the courageous Democrats who voted for his budget, which led to strong economic growth for all incomes, thus further increasing revenue, balancing the budget and starting to pay down debt.
Then Bush and the Republicans were handed the government by the Supreme a court and Electoral Colkege, over the objection of the majority of voters, lowered taxes on the wealthy, exploded the debt, and crashed the economy.
Clinton had a Republican Congress for all but his first 2 years.
In those first 2 years he raised taxes, not "favored by Wall Street" . He did not get a single Republican vote, and Republicans managed to capture the Congress by demonizing the courageous Democrats who voted for his budget, which led to strong economic growth for all incomes, thus further increasing revenue, balancing the budget and starting to pay down debt.
Then Bush and the Republicans were handed the government by the Supreme a court and Electoral Colkege, over the objection of the majority of voters, lowered taxes on the wealthy, exploded the debt, and crashed the economy.
4
you make it sound like democrats are falling apart, sad.
This is correct ‘Our Brand Is Worse Than Trump’. How far has the Democrats walk away from the middle class and to the extreme San Francisco liberal where everyone is important but the poor white middle class!
You have loss to crazy Trumps GOP again and again, think you may want to change your positioning???
You have loss to crazy Trumps GOP again and again, think you may want to change your positioning???
4
Seems like not only Republicans, but also Democrats are happiest when they can demonize a woman. Both sides bought into the caricature of Hillary as a corrupt politician and awful candidate. Now Republicans are running against Nancy Pelosi and Democrats are joining the bandwagon. Just shows that the "War on Women" is alive and well!
8
I am a democrats. I believe that it is time for us to have a new leader.
5
The Democrats must move away from the birth control & LGBT issues et al and move into the mainstream which is the chosen ground of the Republican party right now. What is really disconcerting is the way the Republicans continually out flank the Democrats on all the major issues and the way they "force" them to take stands on issues which do not appeal to most of the country. The Democrats need new leadership. Schumer is fine but Pelosi has to go, she is the face of the Democratic party and that is not good.
4
Can we all take a deep breath and take a step back? The voter suppression has to be addressed. Democrats are being disproportionately removed from voter rolls. What's being done about it? Leadership of DNC and those in Cingress need to address this ASAP!
8
With all due respect to Michelle Obama: "when they go low, we go lower." It is a sad truth of today's politics, unfortunately.
4
Good grief, stop whining. The showings in deep red districts are actually quite heartening and bode well for next year. Using the races so far as a guide, similar showings in next year's election would net 70 to 80 seats gain, which is a comfortable margin for error. Again, stop whining, stop the infighting, stop being against things and be for something, and return to the roots of the party which in modern times was the original populist party. And last, give up the fantasy of working across the aisle and that other bipartisan nonsense and realize the battle with the modern republican fascist cult is a cage match to the death.
13
Stop the hand wringing
and send money to Sanders!
the old republican and dem
parties are dead.
we are at war.
and send money to Sanders!
the old republican and dem
parties are dead.
we are at war.
Pelosi, time to go.
4
This loss holds many lessons Democrats would be wise to learn. If a child who is only marginally qualified to hold a seat in the House can come within 4 points of beating an established face in Republican party in Georgia, where in the past the incumbent regularly beat the opposition by more than 20 points, then that signals a tremendous opportunity. Rather than throw it away, field a candidate with experience, even if it's not legislative experience (surely there are some dynamic entrepreneurs, attorneys, academics, nonprofit leaders, activists, etc., in the Atlanta area who have demonstrated success of one kind or another, who could blaze a trail to victory? The Democratic party seems to be asleep at the wheel. Why isn't it out there recruiting smart people from every corner of the new economy to run for office? We need some new thinking (even if it comes from old heads like Bernie, whose success was breathtaking) to shake up and reform and REBRAND the Democratic party. Trump won because he knew how to play the brand game. Democrats, hire the top advertising agencies in the world to help you craft a captivating message. And hurry up! If we don't flip the house in 2018, President Tinpot will solidify his autocracy and we'll be kissing democracy goodbye.
If the Democrats plan to win elections they need to have a program which appeals to the needs of the majority of the people. Formerly the base of the party consisted of the working class, many of whom have lost their jobs through outsourcing and technological changes, Roman Catholics, immigrants, and minorities. Rather than advocate for job retraining and relocation assistance for the unemployed, universal health coverage through single payer Medicare for All, tax support for post-secondary school education, and greatly improved infrastructure, the Democratic Party has adopted the views of NARAL on abortion, advocates of marriage redefinition, and a liberal snideness best characterized by Hillary Clinton's characterization of many people as despicably ignorant, hardly showing empathy for the plights of many of the working class. Where is the concern for enormous weath discrepancy, tax evasion by many of the wealthy, the nepotism and corruption evidenced daily by Trump and his family and appointees? Democrats, keep doing what you are doing and you will remain the party that always comes in second of two.
5
When was the last time the Democratic Party was great? I think it was during the Depression when the party listened to the call of greatness and stood up for the people. Where are the FDR's now? Where are the New Deals? The party has become a mere shadow of itself. Pelosi? Schumer? They need to be sent packing. Their time is long gone. Obama? He did nothing for the party. All he cares about is his personal legacy and his speaking fees.
5
I disagree about your Obama comment - he laid groundwork that the party should have built their foundation on. They didn't. Instead, they scrambled around like a bunch of fuddy-duddies, and put their weight behind a presidential candidate the party electorate already rejected once. The Dems need a lot less gray hair and pantsuits in Washington. I like Elizabeth Warren, but I don't love her. She is new and brings great enthusiasm. We need more like her, only YOUNGER! I'm putting my money behind Corey Booker.
1
For a party that considers itself "progressive," Democrats always are looking for a woman to blame for their problems. By all means, replace Pelosi with an old white male. That'll solve everything, won't it?
4
As a Republican here are my prayers:
1. Democrats keep Nancy Pelosi as their leader till she dies or goes senile or both.
2. Democrats keep Nancy Pelosi as their leader emeritus even after her death.
2. Hillary runs again in 2020.
3. Hillary runs again in 2024.
4. Hillary runs again in 2028
5. Bernie runs again in 2020.
6. Bernie runs again in 2024.
7. Bernie runs again in 2028.
8. CNN and MSNBC keeps up their 24/7 anti-Trump lunacy.
9. Wolf Blitzer triples the numero-uno anti-Trump firebrand bonus pool at CNN.
10. Trump keeps throwing the smoke bombs that keeps the Democrats crazy.
1. Democrats keep Nancy Pelosi as their leader till she dies or goes senile or both.
2. Democrats keep Nancy Pelosi as their leader emeritus even after her death.
2. Hillary runs again in 2020.
3. Hillary runs again in 2024.
4. Hillary runs again in 2028
5. Bernie runs again in 2020.
6. Bernie runs again in 2024.
7. Bernie runs again in 2028.
8. CNN and MSNBC keeps up their 24/7 anti-Trump lunacy.
9. Wolf Blitzer triples the numero-uno anti-Trump firebrand bonus pool at CNN.
10. Trump keeps throwing the smoke bombs that keeps the Democrats crazy.
11
Those are your "prayers"---and also your delusions.
Wishful thinking doesn't make it so. And if I were like you, a GOP partisan, I wouldn't be celebrating the fact that your party had to break the bank and fight like crazy just to hold on to 4 DEEP RED districts. (Would the GOP be down in the dumps if you came within a hair of capturing 4 districts in NYC, Boston, Seattle and San Francisco?)
What you SHOULD be "praying for" is that all investigations of the man in White House end immediately, that the 2018 elections are postponed indefinitely and that people continue to overlook the fact that your "Dear Leader" who lost to Hillary Clinton by 3 million votes is increasingly unhinged and a real and present danger to all of humanity.
Wishful thinking doesn't make it so. And if I were like you, a GOP partisan, I wouldn't be celebrating the fact that your party had to break the bank and fight like crazy just to hold on to 4 DEEP RED districts. (Would the GOP be down in the dumps if you came within a hair of capturing 4 districts in NYC, Boston, Seattle and San Francisco?)
What you SHOULD be "praying for" is that all investigations of the man in White House end immediately, that the 2018 elections are postponed indefinitely and that people continue to overlook the fact that your "Dear Leader" who lost to Hillary Clinton by 3 million votes is increasingly unhinged and a real and present danger to all of humanity.
4
It is the times for a change and the time is now for Pelosi to bow out gracefully where there is still good will left. Nothing last forever and the wisdom is to know when to quit.
3
What a joke to read some comments here.
How about a little critical thinking.
How any thinking at all?
Do you realize how bad these results have been for Republican chances in 2018?
All these gerrymandered, usually reliably, safe Republican districts (and remember one of the districts is the entire state of very conservative Montana!) came within a few thousand votes each of flipping.
That's very bad news for Republicans in 2018.
They are hanging on sure.
But hanging by a fingernail in areas where you shouldn't be hanging at all is not a feel good moment.
Let's start with this well written analysis.
Go ahead, click on it.
Republican strongholds in revolt.
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/06/22/handel-republicans-sub...
Then, add to that a president who will probably be proven to have foreknowledge of and approval of Russian cyber crime against the U.S.!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
Project ahead and think about how completely crushing it will be when the leader of the Republicans is shown to be the most nefarious traitor and criminal in the history of the nation. Oh, yeah, it's coming.
Think that will enhance Republican chances?
Think that will help a party which is holding districts by its fingernails?
See the real picture here.
Analyze their wins.
Look at more local state races where Republicans are losing badly in supposedly safe districts.
These congressional races just point out how vulnerable and weak the winner is.
How about a little critical thinking.
How any thinking at all?
Do you realize how bad these results have been for Republican chances in 2018?
All these gerrymandered, usually reliably, safe Republican districts (and remember one of the districts is the entire state of very conservative Montana!) came within a few thousand votes each of flipping.
That's very bad news for Republicans in 2018.
They are hanging on sure.
But hanging by a fingernail in areas where you shouldn't be hanging at all is not a feel good moment.
Let's start with this well written analysis.
Go ahead, click on it.
Republican strongholds in revolt.
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/06/22/handel-republicans-sub...
Then, add to that a president who will probably be proven to have foreknowledge of and approval of Russian cyber crime against the U.S.!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
Project ahead and think about how completely crushing it will be when the leader of the Republicans is shown to be the most nefarious traitor and criminal in the history of the nation. Oh, yeah, it's coming.
Think that will enhance Republican chances?
Think that will help a party which is holding districts by its fingernails?
See the real picture here.
Analyze their wins.
Look at more local state races where Republicans are losing badly in supposedly safe districts.
These congressional races just point out how vulnerable and weak the winner is.
5
How is it Nancy Pelosi’s fault that Georgia’s 6th congressional district is 72% white, 13% black, 9% Asian. Median income is $73,000. This is the district formerly represented by Newt Gingrich. People, it’s a district made up of traditional (meaning haters of taxes and “free stuff” for the poor) conservatives. The fact that Jon Ossoff did well in the race is a good thing. Instead of looking for blame, we should do everything possible to help Ossoff advance his political career. He’s an intelligent man who cares about his fellow human beings.
My Globe had it in one: what's wrong with you people that you'd rather fight with each other than win?
"anguished Democrats bicker"
You who want nothing but purity and absolutism, and want to condemn hardworking public servants - blaming victims instead of perps - please wake up. Yes, we want universal health care, a living wage, access to education and all. But what do you get by fighting with allies? Nothing.
"anguished Democrats bicker"
You who want nothing but purity and absolutism, and want to condemn hardworking public servants - blaming victims instead of perps - please wake up. Yes, we want universal health care, a living wage, access to education and all. But what do you get by fighting with allies? Nothing.
3
No mention in this article about Republican voter suppression and Republican controlled district gerrymandering in many states? Democrats need to pay lots more attention to state races for legislators and Governor's seats. Otherwise they will continue to operate at a significant nationwide disadvantage for seats in the House.
6
I'd love to see the Democrats advance a positive, future-oriented "Fair Deal 2.0" built around jobs, job security, and the jobs of tomorrow. The agenda would address bread-and-butter needs all across the nation -- in red states and in blue states, in middle class areas and in low-income communities. It would connect our education and job training systems more closely so that people all across the country could develop practical, marketable skills with an eye on the future. An area of immediate opportunity: infrastructure (in broadly defined terms) that strengthens our core and bolsters our competitiveness (e.g., roads, water, public transit, internet connectivity, wind/solar energy). Examples of longer term issues: targeted job training that connects K-12, vocational education, community college, and higher education programs with specific needs in regional or metro area labor markets; orienting K-12 schools towards preparing students for technology-rich workplaces (i.e., mastery of technologies, but also critical thinking, team building, and problem solving). A tagline could be "build a better tomorrow."
5
Why won't anybody talk about how far the Left is turning? Bill Clinton would be considered a raging Conservative if he ran today; a guy that signed the Defense of Marriage Act, fought for a balanced budget, was diametrically opposed to a single payer health system, fought to reform welfare, and cut capital gains. Why can't the Left see just how far out of the mainstream they have become? How many people in Ohio or Wisconsin are talking about Russian collusion or obstruction of justice? Only the Liberal Elites in Washington and in the media, and the rest of the country has completely tuned them out.
9
Riddle me this Batman... would Tip O'Neil have voted for NAFTA? Clinton economic policy, which has become mainstream Democratic economic policy is similar, if not the same as traditional New England traditional Republican dogma. Trump wooed the Midwestern laborer, or should I say ex-laborers as they are out of jobs, with promises that he is not likely to fulfill.
Hillary Clinton took a step to the right with her running mate, when she should have taken a step to her left with Bernie and his labor policy (which in fact is not significantly different from what Mr. Trump says about trade). Democratics have been moving right trying to sway moderate Democrats when they should be moving to the left and pursing some of the economically disaffected that went with Trump because he at least stated to be someone who wouldn't just cow-tow to Wall St (though it certainly appears that he is mooing rather loudly with his Goldman Sax appointments).
Democrats need to step to the left to woo independents, rather than continuing to seek a migration from the Republican moderates.
Hillary Clinton took a step to the right with her running mate, when she should have taken a step to her left with Bernie and his labor policy (which in fact is not significantly different from what Mr. Trump says about trade). Democratics have been moving right trying to sway moderate Democrats when they should be moving to the left and pursing some of the economically disaffected that went with Trump because he at least stated to be someone who wouldn't just cow-tow to Wall St (though it certainly appears that he is mooing rather loudly with his Goldman Sax appointments).
Democrats need to step to the left to woo independents, rather than continuing to seek a migration from the Republican moderates.
3
Ossoff's campaign was horribly run. They had the opportunity to tie Handel to Trump/Ryan/McConnell and tie them to GOP issues harmful to the 6th, such as turning Medicare into a voucher program, harming the environment by gutting the EPA, cutting consumer protection, especially related to banking and protecting retirement investments. They could simply crib the scripts from any late night talk show and show the many lies told by Trump and his cabinet. Instead, they went 95% positive. They sent Planned Parenthood volunteers to knock on doors in strongly religious neighborhoods. They sent dozens of flyers to the same address. This may work somewhere, but it is not how to win in the South.
5
Nearly $24M spent to flip Republicans votes in a district gerrymandered Red.
Who could have predicted that Red districts won't vote Blue? Obviously not Democrats.
Prescient Will Rogers got this so right when he proclaimed, "I don't belong to an organized political party, I'm a Democrat."
Who could have predicted that Red districts won't vote Blue? Obviously not Democrats.
Prescient Will Rogers got this so right when he proclaimed, "I don't belong to an organized political party, I'm a Democrat."
2
The national Democratic party has forgotten many states. Here in Montana, the national party withheld money allowing a barrage of out of state negative pounding of candidate Rob Quist go unchallenged. This in spite of the fact that the Republicans had a weak candidate, Greg Gianforte, who had just finished the 2016 election as the only Republican to lose a state wide election (for governor) in a decidedly Republican year in Montana. There has long been a philosophy of not "wasting money" on "red state" elections. Montana may have a long history of giving electoral votes to Republicans in the presidential elections. But it also has a long history of sending Democrats to Congress. The party at the national and state levels needs to reorganize from the bottom up. The party has lost badly in state and local elections, allowing state governorships and legislatures to go to the Republicans in a majority of states whether or not the party has been successful in presidential elections. In Montana once active Democratic Central Committees have all but disappeared from rural counties, which make up the majority of counties here. Money has to be allocated at the local, state and national level to reorganization as a first priority over spending money on elections. Recognize that not all potential democratic voters favor a straight party line and make every one welcome in the party.
Get rid of identity politics. Or keep losing elections. Take your pick.
What is a minor issue for most people is perceived as the apex issue for the party. Jobs, the economy, taxes, healthcare, climate change, education, in no particular order, should be the issues that matter. You, with not having your right to do this or that, is a symptom of a larger problem, not the cause.
What is a minor issue for most people is perceived as the apex issue for the party. Jobs, the economy, taxes, healthcare, climate change, education, in no particular order, should be the issues that matter. You, with not having your right to do this or that, is a symptom of a larger problem, not the cause.
7
This is both hard and not hard: It is patently absurd that Dems can't make a simple message that there has to be a pathway to the middle class for those for whom college is not the right option.
1) College is not right for everyone, and that's okay.
2) Those without college degrees deserve jobs that will support a middle-class lifestyle.
3) The jobs have to have dignity (i.e. They can't be just be a Wallmart greeter, or slinging latte's for some Tesla-driving Trustafarian)
*That's* the message. And that will resonate in South Beach, Sioux City, and Seattle.
(Do I know how to achieve it? No more than Republicans know how to fix healthcare; a real solution is no impediment to electoral success.)
1) College is not right for everyone, and that's okay.
2) Those without college degrees deserve jobs that will support a middle-class lifestyle.
3) The jobs have to have dignity (i.e. They can't be just be a Wallmart greeter, or slinging latte's for some Tesla-driving Trustafarian)
*That's* the message. And that will resonate in South Beach, Sioux City, and Seattle.
(Do I know how to achieve it? No more than Republicans know how to fix healthcare; a real solution is no impediment to electoral success.)
Democrats, it's not rocket science:
(1) Stop bashing Trump. It sets up immediate antipathy towards Democrats in many of those who voted for him (even though they might not be happy with him as President so far).
(2) Stop bashing "Republicans." You will never win an argument with *anyone* by insulting them. "Republicans" does not just refer to senators and House representatives; it also refers to those voters who identify as Republicans.
(3) Understand what matters most to those who traditionally vote as moderate Republicans. ASK THEM. Make zero assumptions. Get at the root of their concerns.
(4) Focus on what's happening and not happening in Washington, D.C. and how that is affecting the middle class and working class. Keep the "message" on current national problems that the Democratic candidate can best solve.
(5) Conduct a post-mortem on what worked and didn't work in the Georgia "defeat." Pundits claim that television advertising is quite ineffective at bringing about change. See above comment on bashing Republicans.
(5) Never, ever believe in polls.
(1) Stop bashing Trump. It sets up immediate antipathy towards Democrats in many of those who voted for him (even though they might not be happy with him as President so far).
(2) Stop bashing "Republicans." You will never win an argument with *anyone* by insulting them. "Republicans" does not just refer to senators and House representatives; it also refers to those voters who identify as Republicans.
(3) Understand what matters most to those who traditionally vote as moderate Republicans. ASK THEM. Make zero assumptions. Get at the root of their concerns.
(4) Focus on what's happening and not happening in Washington, D.C. and how that is affecting the middle class and working class. Keep the "message" on current national problems that the Democratic candidate can best solve.
(5) Conduct a post-mortem on what worked and didn't work in the Georgia "defeat." Pundits claim that television advertising is quite ineffective at bringing about change. See above comment on bashing Republicans.
(5) Never, ever believe in polls.
The brand is not to bash trump. It is not a winning strategy.
Our message has to be compelling in that we can do better in job creation and retraining, the economy, foreign affairs, infrastructure improvements, health care and more. If we can't do this we will never win.
God save America!
Our message has to be compelling in that we can do better in job creation and retraining, the economy, foreign affairs, infrastructure improvements, health care and more. If we can't do this we will never win.
God save America!
1
Time for the Democrats to refurbish, all the way to the top of their so-called leadership. Doesn't mean get rid of everyone over 60, just get rid of the rust and replace it with something shiny, so the bulk of the American public will follow. And make sure there's something more healthy than lead underneath the shiny surface.
2
as someone witnessing the ga 6th district tv ad campaigns by the two parties, i think once again dem party "leaders" are missing the point.
repub ads were grotesquely negative attack ads. dems are "above" that. even if independent voters don't believe repubs, they are persuaded by fear and hatred: repubs communicate fear and hatred better than dems.
i rarely see a dem tv ad campaign that works on a visceral level. sure, communicate a "better" economic message--but do it with a righteously indignant tone. stop worrying about being "above" the repub approach--or repubs will never lose repub majority districts.
repub ads were grotesquely negative attack ads. dems are "above" that. even if independent voters don't believe repubs, they are persuaded by fear and hatred: repubs communicate fear and hatred better than dems.
i rarely see a dem tv ad campaign that works on a visceral level. sure, communicate a "better" economic message--but do it with a righteously indignant tone. stop worrying about being "above" the repub approach--or repubs will never lose repub majority districts.
2
Progressive = socialist. Most Americans don't like socialism, socialist Sanders' popularity blip notwithstanding. Probably 30% of Democrat voters embrace progressive "values," which is government ownership, control or stern regulation of business, plus heavy taxes to pay for always wasteful social-welfare programs, which often do more unseen harm to the intended beneficiaries than obvious injury to those who are mulct for the taxes to pay the bill. Most Americans know that $19 trillion national debt and unfunded liabilities for federal "entitlements" promised by the government are now estimated to be at least $127 trillion, which is roughly $1.1 million per taxpayer and nearly double 2012's total world output, are the legacies of progressive giveaways, plus both neocons and neoprogs embrace of never-ending wars.
Progressives/socialists are ideologically committed zealots. They have been able to take control of the Party and virtually all of its leadership posts in Congress. But after more than a decade of Obama/Pelosi/Reid/Schumer zealotry, the nation has had enough. And the progressives' witch hunt of Trump is only sullying any claim they may have ever had to being decent human beings. The irony is that progressives' practice of Statolatry as their religion was more responsible for Trump's election than anything he said or did. If they keep their control of the Democrat Party, Republicans will be able to run Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi against any Dem candidate--and win.
Progressives/socialists are ideologically committed zealots. They have been able to take control of the Party and virtually all of its leadership posts in Congress. But after more than a decade of Obama/Pelosi/Reid/Schumer zealotry, the nation has had enough. And the progressives' witch hunt of Trump is only sullying any claim they may have ever had to being decent human beings. The irony is that progressives' practice of Statolatry as their religion was more responsible for Trump's election than anything he said or did. If they keep their control of the Democrat Party, Republicans will be able to run Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi against any Dem candidate--and win.
2
The issue is inequality.
3
While all the attention was focused on Offoff, Democrats ignored the race in South Carolina that was to replace cabinet member Mulvaney. The Democrat, Parnell, lost by 3.2 percent. If there had been any interest by the DNC this could have gone into the Democratic win column but instead they write off (and ignore) seats in red states. Who decided on this strategy and why isn't it being changed?
1
Democrats: you have a homework assignment - pick up a copy of Thomas Frank's "Listen, Liberal". A 2,000 word essay summarizing what you learned about your "connectivity" problem will be due at the end of July. Bernie Sanders is, of course, excused.
2
This is one of the strangest articles I've ever read. Democrats ran a fiercely close race in a die-hard red district---a clear sign the country is turning away from Trump in revulsion. And that leads a few people these reporters interviewed to wring their hands and for some reason blame Nancy Pelosi. (Schumer, being male, is in the clear.)
For those who don't understand our 'brand', let me explain. Our brand is a government that works for the people, an engine of economic growth, international stability, equal rights and justice, and compassion. Our brand is reality, as supported by science, experience, and an understanding of history.
Two Supreme Court decisions have harmed the Democratic Party terribly--the evisceration of the voting rights act, which has allowed Republicans to work to keep less-wealthy Democrats from voting, and the Citizens United decision, which has allowed billions of corporate dollars to flow toward electing Republicans who are willing to do harm to our families for their own gain. Every time the GOP undoes a regulation that has kept people safe, healthy, or stable, they are taking a crowbar to Democratic accomplishments. The fact that The Times is able to see this as a 'branding' problem, is another sign of the intellectual decay we are foundering in, leaving voters prey to lies while Trump and Republicans rob the nation blind.
For those who don't understand our 'brand', let me explain. Our brand is a government that works for the people, an engine of economic growth, international stability, equal rights and justice, and compassion. Our brand is reality, as supported by science, experience, and an understanding of history.
Two Supreme Court decisions have harmed the Democratic Party terribly--the evisceration of the voting rights act, which has allowed Republicans to work to keep less-wealthy Democrats from voting, and the Citizens United decision, which has allowed billions of corporate dollars to flow toward electing Republicans who are willing to do harm to our families for their own gain. Every time the GOP undoes a regulation that has kept people safe, healthy, or stable, they are taking a crowbar to Democratic accomplishments. The fact that The Times is able to see this as a 'branding' problem, is another sign of the intellectual decay we are foundering in, leaving voters prey to lies while Trump and Republicans rob the nation blind.
3
Voters, attention! If you vote for a Democrat, look to California for a view of what your life will be: Extremely strict gun control laws that affect only law abiding tax payers; high taxes and fees on everything; more regulation; sanctuary and free legal representation for illegal aliens; low penalties for petty crime; very high cost of living.
Georgia Sixth Congressional District voters, good for you for staying Republican.
Georgia Sixth Congressional District voters, good for you for staying Republican.
5
We twist in the wind like Prince Charles. She's the last of the silent generation and we all wish her a hardy farewell !
1
It's high time for Senator Bernie Sanders to take the lead of the Democratic Party.
6
The democratic brand is only worse than Trump among republicans and they are the minority. Let's get with reality, stop worrying about how much they don't like us and focus on beating them at the ballot box - it can be done. We need to keep getting people registered to vote, getting them out to vote and block the republican efforts to suppress the vote. Success will come if we stay the course, do not despair and have courage.
2
Demonizing Nancy Pelosi has the same tenor as the demonization of Hillary Clinton. Could their gender be a factor?
I also agree with the commenter who said stop putting the LGBT and BLM movements front and center. I support both movements, particularly BLM, especiallly since I've been reading extensively on American slave history, but LGBT people are a minority, and to have every breath taken be taken on behalf of this movement just isn't good politics.
Shorthand politics is a scourge. So when Democrats accuse Trump supporters, or any Republican for that matter, of being xenophobic, racist and anti-Muslim that's bad politics too. After all, doesn't everyone harbor a tinge of anti-muslim sentiments given some of that religion's cultural norms, and the radical jihadists' barbarity?
Ossoff was charming and fresh, and steady, but did little to blunt the relentless accusations against him. I wouldn't always want to be incessantly counter-punching, but you have to address some of them in an effective, succinct manner, then move on to your own message.
Nancy Pelosi is just a scape-goat for Republican propaganda, and again, an easier target because she's women.
I also agree with the commenter who said stop putting the LGBT and BLM movements front and center. I support both movements, particularly BLM, especiallly since I've been reading extensively on American slave history, but LGBT people are a minority, and to have every breath taken be taken on behalf of this movement just isn't good politics.
Shorthand politics is a scourge. So when Democrats accuse Trump supporters, or any Republican for that matter, of being xenophobic, racist and anti-Muslim that's bad politics too. After all, doesn't everyone harbor a tinge of anti-muslim sentiments given some of that religion's cultural norms, and the radical jihadists' barbarity?
Ossoff was charming and fresh, and steady, but did little to blunt the relentless accusations against him. I wouldn't always want to be incessantly counter-punching, but you have to address some of them in an effective, succinct manner, then move on to your own message.
Nancy Pelosi is just a scape-goat for Republican propaganda, and again, an easier target because she's women.
4
No, but age is a factor. Look at the average age of representatives in the House and Senate. Yes, you want some experience in governance, but there are a lot of stale people warming seats out there. Most of them need to find another job, on both sides of the aisle. I am 60 - at this point, I will not vote for anyone older than myself, regardless of gender.
5
The best gift Democrats can give Republicans would be to keep Pelosi as leader for the next five years. Dem's STILL have not completely acknowledged that she is a big part of the cancer that has been eating away at the party for years.
5
Demi, you cannot install brains where they are lacking, especially during these times where facts can be "alternative". Then how do you sway voters to your side? Well, for starters why has there been so little protestation by Demos in the Senate while the GOP formed a health care (aka tax break for the rich) bill in secret??? The business of the Senate should have shut down until this bill was a bi-partisan effort. The GOP had 7 years to "craft" their response to the ACA. By calling it "Obamacare" it allows the many unacknowledged racist elements to oppose it. It was for all Americans. The constituency of the GOP are their donors, not the voters. You could expose that to start with. Who wrote the bill...lobbyists? Expose that. Do something, anything. If you don't take a stand for something, you will fall for everything. Explain to the public your position, hold news conferences with every tweet of the POTUS, for every bill such as this which is a travesty.
The people I know who are "true believers" of either party aren't people I regard with confidence. They tend to be blustery, arrogant, provincial thinkers, Democrat or Republican, and they stress everyone out. Instead of trying to "re-brand" they need to just stop, because this "two party" stuff is killing us. Won't someone in these parties have the nerve to recognize that this is the case, leave, and create some new organizations so these two can just fade out? Yet even now the concern is about branding and marketing - selling the party, pumping credibility into these organizations that don't really represent how most of us think. Isn't it becoming clear that we don't want either party is selling? And that we don't want to be sold, played to, inflamed, promised, manipulated? We're afraid of both parties. Bernie Sanders rose and Donald Trump won because they appeared to be outside the control of a party, willing to have their own views and voice. Their supporters thought they could and would play the game differently. They are disillusioned, of course. But here we are, still doing it the same old way, talking about a party's "brand." The very use of the concept should tell us what the problem is.
3
The real lesson from the democratic Party defeat in the GA6 election is how the massive money and negative media failed to move the needle. Ossoff received the same percentage of votes in the 6th district as Clinton received in the presidential election. No minds were changed about President Trump: those who supported him still do and elected a congresswoman who would mirror that support. All the bashing of our President is futile, and in fact may result in a larger turnout for Republican candidates because the majority of voters are sick and tired of it. And then the Dems say, we need an aggressive economic policy! What do you think you are "resisting"? Try actually listening to the President's agenda for a change.
1
Democratic party must identify itself as a workers' party, which is the common men & women who toil, sometimes or often on 2 or more jobs to make ends meet.
Like it or not, "workers" are also mostly white, at least that's the popular image. They feel they're being ignored by the coastal elites who play with money to make obscene amount of more money. The coastal elites can afford to cater to the needs, rather wants of all kinds of minorities, to feel superior to the white working class. The white working class felt left out since the Reagan era. Bill Clinton managed to change that a bit.
President Obama was uniquely charismatic. The whites en masse wanted to feel good about a black man as president, in a country ashamed of its Slavery & Jim Crow past. That was a one time event. Meanwhile he re-aroused the natural racism in very many whites - such cognitive dissonance is possible.
Democrats need a modern Bill Clinton who would be about as passionate & eloquent as Bernie Sanders. A younger Bernie with a lot less radical image would do it. Look for some one like that.
Or a younger woman who "appear" like Diane Feinstein might also do it. Hillary Clinton looked a little too programed & also "wild," devoid of femininity.
Like it or not, "workers" are also mostly white, at least that's the popular image. They feel they're being ignored by the coastal elites who play with money to make obscene amount of more money. The coastal elites can afford to cater to the needs, rather wants of all kinds of minorities, to feel superior to the white working class. The white working class felt left out since the Reagan era. Bill Clinton managed to change that a bit.
President Obama was uniquely charismatic. The whites en masse wanted to feel good about a black man as president, in a country ashamed of its Slavery & Jim Crow past. That was a one time event. Meanwhile he re-aroused the natural racism in very many whites - such cognitive dissonance is possible.
Democrats need a modern Bill Clinton who would be about as passionate & eloquent as Bernie Sanders. A younger Bernie with a lot less radical image would do it. Look for some one like that.
Or a younger woman who "appear" like Diane Feinstein might also do it. Hillary Clinton looked a little too programed & also "wild," devoid of femininity.
1
Leading up to, and since the elections, the so-called "objective" political writers have been asking questions like, "How to make the DNC less objectionable" to voters?
This begs the question - Why? Who cares?
We should be talking about how the DNC and RNC have COMPLETELY failed and how to replace them. Why is the mainstream media acting in a role of public relations for two very corrupt political parties?
A lot of people are talking about crowdfunding local newspaper ventures - because these media companies and billionaire Hearst-wannabes (Slim, Merdoch, Bezos, etc) have destroyed the credibility of the print media.
Dems and Reps need to revolt. Both parties are dead.
This begs the question - Why? Who cares?
We should be talking about how the DNC and RNC have COMPLETELY failed and how to replace them. Why is the mainstream media acting in a role of public relations for two very corrupt political parties?
A lot of people are talking about crowdfunding local newspaper ventures - because these media companies and billionaire Hearst-wannabes (Slim, Merdoch, Bezos, etc) have destroyed the credibility of the print media.
Dems and Reps need to revolt. Both parties are dead.
1
This article's headline is grossly manipulative. This obtuse outburst on the part of the congressman from Ohio does NOT reflect the opinion of most Democrats; anyone who thinks that the Democratic Party "brand"---nationwide---is perceived as "worse than Trump" is either whining out of frustration or truly obtuse.
Look, the Democratic Party NARROWLY lost 4 races in DEEP RED, SOLIDLY REPUBLICAN districts. The fact that the Republican Party had to fight tooth and nail and break the bank to hold on to each of them---my lord, they almost lost in South Carolina!---underscores the tenuous hold the GOP has on Congress, not the "declining" fortunes of the Democratic Party.
If the situation was reversed---and the Republican Party came within a hair of winning in 4 districts located in places like NYC, the Bay Area, Seattle and Boston, would this same journalist being saying that "the Republicans are now 'on the ropes' and 'in deep trouble' going forward?
Get real. The party of Trump is privately shaking in their boots. Why wouldn't they be, looking soberly at the results of these races?
Look, the Democratic Party NARROWLY lost 4 races in DEEP RED, SOLIDLY REPUBLICAN districts. The fact that the Republican Party had to fight tooth and nail and break the bank to hold on to each of them---my lord, they almost lost in South Carolina!---underscores the tenuous hold the GOP has on Congress, not the "declining" fortunes of the Democratic Party.
If the situation was reversed---and the Republican Party came within a hair of winning in 4 districts located in places like NYC, the Bay Area, Seattle and Boston, would this same journalist being saying that "the Republicans are now 'on the ropes' and 'in deep trouble' going forward?
Get real. The party of Trump is privately shaking in their boots. Why wouldn't they be, looking soberly at the results of these races?
4
Consumerism has changed too American voters, they don't have time to spend reading up on an issue, they read billboards from their car, their brain takes in slogans and soundbites the same way whether its for toilet paper or a political candidate. Doesn't mean they can't be sold a better product (Democrat agenda over Republican agenda). It means Republicans and Trump understand their consumer and Democrats Leaders do not. They need more modern leadership in place, supported by the Nancy's and Joe's of the party, but not led by them. They need a slimmed down agenda that reaches majority of voters, and stop with the special interests - people worried about paying next months bills just don't care about Transgender Bathrooms. Bernie needs to stop. He undermines everyone who doesn't want to drag the party to the extreme left. He's trying to turn the Democratic Party the same way Ryan and Tea Party turned to Republicans. Not well done of Bernie - he offers soundbites and a wish list, but never any solutions. It's a shame and shameful, as he has great communication abilities, but doing more harm than good.
Democrats also need to stop lecturing - everyone. Republicans don't care about poor or sick people, and don't want "other people" to get the same benefits they get. Stop expecting Republicans in Congress to be better Americans, they aren't and won't be.
Democrats also need to stop lecturing - everyone. Republicans don't care about poor or sick people, and don't want "other people" to get the same benefits they get. Stop expecting Republicans in Congress to be better Americans, they aren't and won't be.
1
Responses by the Democratic leadership and rank & file are so lame. They see this as a problem of "branding" and "getting the message out."
Nothing real.
No change.
Shock that their smug superiority, elitism, and tiresome claim of the moral high ground doesn't resonate.
They haven't a clue. No self knowledge.
Welcome to 7 more years of Trump.
Nothing real.
No change.
Shock that their smug superiority, elitism, and tiresome claim of the moral high ground doesn't resonate.
They haven't a clue. No self knowledge.
Welcome to 7 more years of Trump.
7
When you have the likes of Pelosi, Feinstein, Sanders, Warren, and Schumer as some of the representatives of the Dimocratic Party, what can you expect. Remember back in 2014 when the ACA was going up for a vote and the Republicans wanted to know what was in it, Ms. Pelosi said, in effect "you have to pass it in order to read it" or something like that. Now the Dimos are screaming their heads off. WHAT A SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS. Than goodness my time left here is limited.
1
Make America Small . . . Republicans' new slogan after proposed health care abomination.
2
The grandparents of 'moderate' Republicans in GA6 voted for New Deal politicians, and they were not all racists I bet. Dems don't have to abandon civil rights to get enough of those voters back to their column. They just have to stop coddling the bankers AND support health care/jobs for all.
3
The legion of bad decisions made by Democratic "leadership" -- leading only itself, apparently -- must come to an end. Taking responsibility for the Party's diminution is an adult thing to do. The petulance of insiders who insist on their royal prerogatives is astounding to behold, but more to the point, in vain. A new generation of progressive leaders is waiting in the wings, ready to take on the equally moribund Republicans who have become masters of the inside play but idiots dealing with the base and the majority of voters in each party. Dump the "superdelegate," corporatist conspirators. Better yet, get out of the way entirely! i offer this advice as a 45-year Democratic stalwart, beginning with the successful passage in 1972 of Proposition 9 in California, establishing California's Coastal Commission -- a great grassroots accomplishment. I miss those times when the people really had a voice, not just in the Democratic Party but more importantly, national politics.
I like many others will work for progressive causes, in the Democratic Party if it can accommodate itself, or in a new political organization if it cannot.
I like many others will work for progressive causes, in the Democratic Party if it can accommodate itself, or in a new political organization if it cannot.
2
Who TF is seething except those who read articles like this? We almost breached a red enclave. Those districts are now purple! On to 2018 and stop looking backwards for pete's sake!
2
Until the D party realizes: Pelosi and Schumer and their look-a-likes and look-a thinks are not liked except in and at the bookends, expect more losses. Too: don't put your flag on abortion rights. Make it like: getting one is a hard as getting a building permit. Or: drop the trendy issue of the month. Or: my D party will lose elections for the long future. One final: Move the HQ of the DNC to the middle of the Nation. OK? Got it? (it is all about winning).
4
The solution for democrats is very simple but most likely impossible for them.
They have spent the last 16 years employing extremely hateful, insulting rhetoric to excoriate every republican and their supporters, including their voters. Hillary's irredeemably deplorable is a great illustration. While doing this and offering no positive message they have moved so far to the left they have alienated everyone but minorities and the typical pockets of very far left voters.
The perpetrators of this extreme vitriol have got to go. Pelosi, Durbin, Schumer, and many others need to step down and be replaced with people who can be positive in presenting ideas not connected to government only solutions.
This assumes they are not hell bent on tearing down our nation in order to rebuild it on socialism. If that's their true goal they will meet stiff resistance. There are too many who detest that word, idea, and concept. Such a radical change cannot be made so quickly without revolution.
Sadly there are many anarchists and radicals that seem to have that very intent. Shooting, or threatening to shoot, unarmed innocent elected leaders is not the way to win anyone to your cause. It cannot be denied that Scalise is a victim of political assassination attempt. Many other republicans have received numerous death threats also since last week. No democratic leader has addressed this atrocity in truth. What comments they did make were obviously lies. The attacks continue.
They have spent the last 16 years employing extremely hateful, insulting rhetoric to excoriate every republican and their supporters, including their voters. Hillary's irredeemably deplorable is a great illustration. While doing this and offering no positive message they have moved so far to the left they have alienated everyone but minorities and the typical pockets of very far left voters.
The perpetrators of this extreme vitriol have got to go. Pelosi, Durbin, Schumer, and many others need to step down and be replaced with people who can be positive in presenting ideas not connected to government only solutions.
This assumes they are not hell bent on tearing down our nation in order to rebuild it on socialism. If that's their true goal they will meet stiff resistance. There are too many who detest that word, idea, and concept. Such a radical change cannot be made so quickly without revolution.
Sadly there are many anarchists and radicals that seem to have that very intent. Shooting, or threatening to shoot, unarmed innocent elected leaders is not the way to win anyone to your cause. It cannot be denied that Scalise is a victim of political assassination attempt. Many other republicans have received numerous death threats also since last week. No democratic leader has addressed this atrocity in truth. What comments they did make were obviously lies. The attacks continue.
3
So many non-Georgians with so many criticisms. Ossoff did a fine job. He ran in a deeply red district that re-elected Tom Price by 23 points even after Price was under investigation for his corrupt stock trades.
Ossoff lives less than two miles out of the district where his girlfriend is finishing her medical degree at Emory. He grew up in the Sixth District. Gerrymandering is huge in Georgia, and my own district has changed more than once the last few years due to arbitrary new lines being drawn. Ossoff in no way is a carpet bagger.
He represents the younger generation. It is a very good thing when younger politicians run for office and when young people become actively involved in the political process. Most of the founding fathers were in their 30s. There is little to be gained from ossified 71-year-old presidents, for example.
I do think that healthcare is the central core issue that Democrats should run on. Republicans are losing young voters to the Democratic Party already, a youth and minority drain that will not be reversed with the vicious policies of the Trump era. But there is still an opening with the day-to-day issues that impact everyone. Unlike the false claim that Democrats lost the working class voter, only about 30% of Trump voters had incomes of $50,000 or below. Trump and Republicans only support millionaires and extreme bigots.
It is time to encourage younger politicians. Ossoff cut the margin by almost 20% against great odds.
Ossoff lives less than two miles out of the district where his girlfriend is finishing her medical degree at Emory. He grew up in the Sixth District. Gerrymandering is huge in Georgia, and my own district has changed more than once the last few years due to arbitrary new lines being drawn. Ossoff in no way is a carpet bagger.
He represents the younger generation. It is a very good thing when younger politicians run for office and when young people become actively involved in the political process. Most of the founding fathers were in their 30s. There is little to be gained from ossified 71-year-old presidents, for example.
I do think that healthcare is the central core issue that Democrats should run on. Republicans are losing young voters to the Democratic Party already, a youth and minority drain that will not be reversed with the vicious policies of the Trump era. But there is still an opening with the day-to-day issues that impact everyone. Unlike the false claim that Democrats lost the working class voter, only about 30% of Trump voters had incomes of $50,000 or below. Trump and Republicans only support millionaires and extreme bigots.
It is time to encourage younger politicians. Ossoff cut the margin by almost 20% against great odds.
3
Stick to the money issues that concern everyone: jobs, healthcare. Ditch the issues that divide everyone: identity, guns, abortion, LGBT.
The big money that runs the country, want us to focus on the latter so they can screw everyone on the former. Most of us can't afford the luxury to focus on the social issues, we need to focus on the money.
The big money that runs the country, want us to focus on the latter so they can screw everyone on the former. Most of us can't afford the luxury to focus on the social issues, we need to focus on the money.
14
Don't let us gays get in your way.
Ask yourself and be truthful, which side pushes identity politics?
1
Right you are.
2
THEY HAD IT COMING! The vicious opposition to President Trump is not only absurd, but UNAMERICAN! The USA was once the best caountry in the world and in HISTORY thanks to its inhabitants and its creed. Americans are WORKERS, not freeloaders, and it took Donald Trump to awaken the people.
9
Are you kidding me? are you edfing tone deaf? the attacks on Obama wrre outrageous. lest u forget, allow me to remind you..Obama is a muslim. Obama wasnt born here. Michelle looks like an ape. Ring a bell? Unveleievable
2
Here where we distinctly differ. Donald Trump is not in favor of Democratic values. He runs his Administration like a NY Mafioso. Obstruction of Justice is just the tip of corrupt iceberg which makes this not a normal President. Please don't normalize this behavior.
1
Necesito un pais Nuevo.
1
This isn't about Pelosi's competence or the progressive agenda. The GOP repeats her name and aligns all the Dems with her—just as they did in the Ossoff race—because they know tough women are loathed by conservatives—men and women alike—just as Hillary was. So what they're actually saying here is let's stop fooling ourselves that women can win. And since it's clear the conservative, moderate voter doesn't like African Americans either, we need older white men! Oh wait, that's the GOP! This makes a pathetic statement about the culture we've become. Wake up folks.
5
You're right, JP--they are threatened by women and blacks, and anybody else who veers from the beaten path. So, do you want to be virtuous--or do you want to win the damned election?
For Pete's sake, run a progressive white man for President, get him in. That's better than running a highly competent woman who has been demonized for decades, or, after what they did to President Obama, running another African American right away. In the meantime, run a Democratic candidate for every office and focus on the issues that EVERYONE ought to be able to agree on--jobs, decent wages, healthy environment good public schools--the sociaal issues can be worked on once we get back in. Two steps forward, one step back: that's the reality.
For Pete's sake, run a progressive white man for President, get him in. That's better than running a highly competent woman who has been demonized for decades, or, after what they did to President Obama, running another African American right away. In the meantime, run a Democratic candidate for every office and focus on the issues that EVERYONE ought to be able to agree on--jobs, decent wages, healthy environment good public schools--the sociaal issues can be worked on once we get back in. Two steps forward, one step back: that's the reality.
Pelosi is not tough, she is an idiot that controls a whole bunch of money. I often wonder if she just plays an idiot on tv, or if it's real.
1
True, but when your team is losing, it doesnt benefit anyone, especially when the other side cheats. we dont have ti give up our values, just the punching bag for the republicans.
It will take years for Dems in Congress to regain trust of Americans. The DNC was corrupted by Big Money and stupidity. Now the GOP can run any hack and still win.
7
Hammill said, "Republicans blew through millions to keep a ruby red seat". Really? And Democrats spent $50M to win that seat, so what's your point?
11
Exactly!.. ..grovel, grovel, grovel.
1
"Our Brand Is Worse Than Trump" is no more than an excuse to dump Pelosi.
4
Oh, stop it. Please. Stories like this are more demoralizing than Ossoff's loss. He came very close to winning a seat that has not been held by a Democrat since the 1970's, and the only reason it went blue is because Carter was from Georgia.
5
Branding is for cows, and cowards.
Jon Ossoff did extremely well when you consider the district. Get a grip.
Jon Ossoff did extremely well when you consider the district. Get a grip.
7
Money had no impact? Dems spend substantially more.
2
As was said elsewhere, Democrats have no message.
We are not Trump is NOT a message.
Hire a good ad agency to help craft a strong (tested) message that will connect with voters, if you can't do it yourselves.
We are not Trump is NOT a message.
Hire a good ad agency to help craft a strong (tested) message that will connect with voters, if you can't do it yourselves.
8
Sadly the same old, same old exists not only in the Republican party but also the Democratic party. The new DNC chairperson isn't a new and shining star full of winning ideas.....Nancy Pelosi et al have lost the true Democrat ideals.
If Dems are ever to win back the House and Senate, the majority of governorship's they need to listen to their baser and not just the California and New York liberals.
If Dems are ever to win back the House and Senate, the majority of governorship's they need to listen to their baser and not just the California and New York liberals.
5
Let me preface what I am about to say that I am not a Trump Fan ..... here ya go Dems.....Are you dems serious///// saying that your brand is worse than Trump's......Whether you want to believe it or not..... he may be at a all time low in the polls which is a somewhat faulty number mainly because of the MSM negativity on everything he puts on the table.... watch carefully as this administration gathers serious momentum in the coming months..... for the record I have been a libertarian for many years.... and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter after the abysmmal performance of the progressive and social platform of the Dems...Pelosi needs to go.... young middle of the road centrists needs to take over leadership.... Bernie Sanders is not the answer, his socialist policies are well documented failures over decades of socialism in many countries that have moved toward the center.....
3
I'm not seething. I'm just disgusted with Georgia and its utterly twisted politics. Ossoff was a breath of fresh air among Democrats. Unfortunately, he ran against a certifiable Trumpette, a darling of an arch-conservative, Obama-hating, red state that would rather die than elect a Democrat. The good news is Ossoff actually came within 3.5 points of his loathsome rival and despite the Sixth CD's Medieval mindset. And the knee-jerk response of "progressives" of hammering Nancy Pelosi and the party is a waste of time. At least the toxic Sanders was invited to Ossoff's campaign which accounts for Ossoff's better-than-expected showing.
5
No doubt that the Dem brand is in trouble. When Hillary stole the election from a true liberal, Bernie Sanders, there's no doubt that Democratic leadership has gone awry.
Dems forgot the people who they orignally represented; blue collar, middle class, hardworking white folks. Depending on the minorities who failed to show up at the polls was a huge mistake. By definition, they are the minority vote!
I'd call for Hillary's campaign chief to be fired, but the campaign is long over.
We got Bernt!!
Dems forgot the people who they orignally represented; blue collar, middle class, hardworking white folks. Depending on the minorities who failed to show up at the polls was a huge mistake. By definition, they are the minority vote!
I'd call for Hillary's campaign chief to be fired, but the campaign is long over.
We got Bernt!!
7
100% correct and the Democrats blaming everyone but themselves represents the victim culture in the U.S. that they helped create.
4
You know what ... Bernie was exciting ... he had exciting ideas and passion ... it's not so much that we needed him to be President ... we needed his ideas and passion ... had Hillary and the Democrats embraced that excitement, we would not be where we are today ... The old, greedy fuddies (not age related) must loosen their strangle hold on America ... hopefully before it's too late ...
5
As a longtime Democrat, I'm getting sick and tired of Democrats finding someone to blame for a loss. This district in GA and the one in SC have had a strong Republican presence for years. Did they really think just because Trump is unpopular that they were going to just flip them like that?
It's time for us to stop speaking AT people and start speaking TO them. Don't tell me that the reason I should vote for you is because you dislike Trump, tell me what you are going to do for me and my family if I vote for you to go to Washington. Say what you will about Trump, he always told his followers exactly what he was going to do for them. We have got to take a page from his book and start doing the same. Stop blaming everyone else for your failures, suck it up and let's put forth a new strategy to win voters back to our side.
It's time for us to stop speaking AT people and start speaking TO them. Don't tell me that the reason I should vote for you is because you dislike Trump, tell me what you are going to do for me and my family if I vote for you to go to Washington. Say what you will about Trump, he always told his followers exactly what he was going to do for them. We have got to take a page from his book and start doing the same. Stop blaming everyone else for your failures, suck it up and let's put forth a new strategy to win voters back to our side.
8
The Democratic Party must re-brand the RepubliCons for what they really are. The party of the Con... led by the maste of the Con, Don The Con that sells nothing more than Cons, lies, and hatred.
1
That wont do it. Instead Democrats need to represent the working class not SiliCON Valley and Martha's Vineyard elites. See, CON!
4
Nope, the comments I read below are fairly specious. Hopefully there are Democrats in leadership positions who have a better grasp. Mostly the comments seem to perpetuate exactly the grand mistake that has plagued the Party since Reagan: "hey, he won so let's kinda try to look like him". There has been nothing but loss since. [except for when Obama stepped in.]
The other prime error is thinking that Trump is a new phenomenon in anti-liberalism adopted by the so-called left-behind [I'll accept the pun]. Trump is not new -- merely a rough, crazier version of Reagan. The US has apparently always had a large cadre of very uninformed, undiscerning talk-radio acolytes ready to suck in the dumbest, meanest, least articulate loudmouth that gets up there. The GOP now sees that plainly, and will never hurt for candidates to follow Trump. Expect them to run Bill O'Reilly next. The louder the shithead, the better chance they have of continuance.
They think.
The anti-dote is to move back to our own game. When you play their game, its phony -- and you're playing right into their dirty little hand.
Democrats -- stand up and be counted. The way you do that is to write about one paragraph describing what is the fundamental expression of what you most deeply stand for. Then put it in language that enables you to say it with a rising spirit. You need to be above winning and losing, that's the only true success.
The other prime error is thinking that Trump is a new phenomenon in anti-liberalism adopted by the so-called left-behind [I'll accept the pun]. Trump is not new -- merely a rough, crazier version of Reagan. The US has apparently always had a large cadre of very uninformed, undiscerning talk-radio acolytes ready to suck in the dumbest, meanest, least articulate loudmouth that gets up there. The GOP now sees that plainly, and will never hurt for candidates to follow Trump. Expect them to run Bill O'Reilly next. The louder the shithead, the better chance they have of continuance.
They think.
The anti-dote is to move back to our own game. When you play their game, its phony -- and you're playing right into their dirty little hand.
Democrats -- stand up and be counted. The way you do that is to write about one paragraph describing what is the fundamental expression of what you most deeply stand for. Then put it in language that enables you to say it with a rising spirit. You need to be above winning and losing, that's the only true success.
6
This nonsense about Dems not sticking up for working Americans is idiotic and tiresome. The Dems try for a modest increase in the abysmal minimum wage and Republicans fight tooth and nail against it and win elections doing so. The problem is the vile electorate, about which nothing can be done.
5
No it isnt. It is the truth.
4
i think Democrats need to convince people that they care more about natives than immigrants.Not doing a good job of it.
15
Time for a MAJOR Democrat "MAKEOVER" !
Yes, "The Democrat Brand" IS in terrible shape - no question !
And no, the recent Emergency Election in Georgia was NOT the deal-breaker - as the brand has been a mess long before - btw - the closing of the Georgia voting gap is a positive move for Dem's but still not helping the brand.
Simple Facts:
1. Over 90 million eligible voters DID NOT VOTE in the 2016 presidential election. Some were disenfranchised but more were simply lazy !
2. Now matter What - Republicans will vote for Republicans no matter how disgusting the candidate is and no matter how obvious that the GOP will take from the; "We The People" and give it to the wealthy and corporate powerhouses. The Republican Electorate has a Belief System which is impenetrable from reason and common sense or even what is for "their own good".
3. Democrats have a history of "Circling the Wagons and Shooting Each Other". The fighting among far-left and moderate Democrats is a real turn-off.
Anyone who actually wants to "get something done" will not be attracted to a group who cannot come up with a common platform and "give away elections".
4. Sorry, but yes, it's time to replace Nancy Pelosi - she has done a great job - but we need a fresh face with fresh ideas and most importantly - a;
Fresh Electric Energetic Leader
Yes, "The Democrat Brand" IS in terrible shape - no question !
And no, the recent Emergency Election in Georgia was NOT the deal-breaker - as the brand has been a mess long before - btw - the closing of the Georgia voting gap is a positive move for Dem's but still not helping the brand.
Simple Facts:
1. Over 90 million eligible voters DID NOT VOTE in the 2016 presidential election. Some were disenfranchised but more were simply lazy !
2. Now matter What - Republicans will vote for Republicans no matter how disgusting the candidate is and no matter how obvious that the GOP will take from the; "We The People" and give it to the wealthy and corporate powerhouses. The Republican Electorate has a Belief System which is impenetrable from reason and common sense or even what is for "their own good".
3. Democrats have a history of "Circling the Wagons and Shooting Each Other". The fighting among far-left and moderate Democrats is a real turn-off.
Anyone who actually wants to "get something done" will not be attracted to a group who cannot come up with a common platform and "give away elections".
4. Sorry, but yes, it's time to replace Nancy Pelosi - she has done a great job - but we need a fresh face with fresh ideas and most importantly - a;
Fresh Electric Energetic Leader
8
It is time for new leadership, meaning Mrs Pelosi needs to step down as minority leader, and, secondly, Mr Osoff needed to live in the district he was trying to represent. There were probably people who did not vote because of where he lives. Fresh leadership is desperately needed NOW.
4
The Democrats' obstructionism has hurt their chances. The Democratic narrative is because we won the popular vote, we really didn't lose the election. This is deceptive. Clinton won the popular vote because she won California by 4 million votes, the Democrats can win it by 6 million votes next time and they'll still lose. There was a real movement towards Trump. He won every must win state plus 3 he didn't need to win, the Republicans won power in every branch of government, and other than the coasts the electorate continues to elect Republicans.
The reason the Democrats keep losing is because the media is located in the two places their brand is popular. The Democrats are only listening to themselves. They can't comprehend that anyone is supporting Trump. These polls showing Trump is unpopular are the same polls which said Clinton would win easily. Half the country is just as excited and energized by Trump as you are disgusted by him.
The solution is to do what's best for the country and that clearly is not to obstruct or try to delegitimize an elected president. A positive image does not include filibustering cabinet picks or promoting ridiculous proposals like free college tuition. Americans do not want more government spending. They want our foreign interests defended. They want strength in our leaders.
Desist from calling whining "resistance", you can't resist a democratically elected president from your seat at Starbucks. Time to work together.
The reason the Democrats keep losing is because the media is located in the two places their brand is popular. The Democrats are only listening to themselves. They can't comprehend that anyone is supporting Trump. These polls showing Trump is unpopular are the same polls which said Clinton would win easily. Half the country is just as excited and energized by Trump as you are disgusted by him.
The solution is to do what's best for the country and that clearly is not to obstruct or try to delegitimize an elected president. A positive image does not include filibustering cabinet picks or promoting ridiculous proposals like free college tuition. Americans do not want more government spending. They want our foreign interests defended. They want strength in our leaders.
Desist from calling whining "resistance", you can't resist a democratically elected president from your seat at Starbucks. Time to work together.
While everyone obsesses about minutia, dissecting the messaging and personalities, consider for a moment what will matter to our kids: CLIMATE CHANGE. Just read today's front page. One party is in complete denial of this present danger; the other wants to address it. Bear that in mind next time you vote.
3
Seriously? Have none of these commenters ever taken a math class? A Congressional District routinely won by a 20-percentage point margin for Republicans only manages to win with a 5% lead. Given that a third of the GOP seats up in 2018 enjoy a 12% margin or less, the trajectory for a GOP wipeout in the next election cycle is a near certainty. They better rush to get their repeal of the ACA becasue they're living on borrowed time.
5
There are no close calls in elections. This isnt horse shoes.
3
I don't see a brand issue at all. It took Republicans (including the tea party) two presidential terms filled with jerky stops and starts to hobble the agenda of a progressive President Obama. Somehow Democrats are expected to click their heels to immediately win local elections, put out fires created by an unstable President, and simultaneously fix issues that ran deep in their ranks before the 2016 election.
Top to bottom housecleaning, not brand management is needed.
Top to bottom housecleaning, not brand management is needed.
10
Eventually the Republicans will go too far and take away too much. Then, finally, people will realize a mistake was made. Until then, there isn't much that can be done. Nancy Pelosi could step down tomorrow and whoever replaced her would be attacked 24/7 by Fox News and talk radio. And people would fall for it.
2
It was Newt Gingrich's district, and a young Democrat nearly won THAT district this time. Let's not lose sight of the fact that these seats are replacing Republicans in Republican districts - even if the short-sighted GOP buffoons in office fail to put that into consideration, we should.
More importantly, since both Russians and a lot of Republicans have been trying to sabotage our electoral process (i.e., voter id pretext, redistricting on steroids, stop-searches of vehicles on election day (I saw that happen in Florida) on the only road that will get you to your voting district, etc.), we should do everything we can to ensure not only that people get to vote but that their votes get counted.
Insist on paper ballots for the mid-terms.
More importantly, since both Russians and a lot of Republicans have been trying to sabotage our electoral process (i.e., voter id pretext, redistricting on steroids, stop-searches of vehicles on election day (I saw that happen in Florida) on the only road that will get you to your voting district, etc.), we should do everything we can to ensure not only that people get to vote but that their votes get counted.
Insist on paper ballots for the mid-terms.
3
1. The Georgia loss is certainly not the "emphatic statement" they were hoping to make. Nor is it a humiliating defeat. If they had lost by 20% rather than 4%, that would have been bad. By having it as close as it was should have the Republicans worried, not the Democrats.
2. The Dems do need clearcut policies -- a message, a brand -- but they don't have to, and shoudn't try to, appeal to those on the right; they have to appeal to those in the middle.
3. I suspect when the dust settles with whatever health care bill gets signed into law -- I hope it will be referred to as Trumpdontcare -- that at least some of Trump's working-class supporters will start to regret their vote. They are obviously slow to learn, but surely 20M people having to choose between a house and a life-saving operation will make them think.
2. The Dems do need clearcut policies -- a message, a brand -- but they don't have to, and shoudn't try to, appeal to those on the right; they have to appeal to those in the middle.
3. I suspect when the dust settles with whatever health care bill gets signed into law -- I hope it will be referred to as Trumpdontcare -- that at least some of Trump's working-class supporters will start to regret their vote. They are obviously slow to learn, but surely 20M people having to choose between a house and a life-saving operation will make them think.
3
For the Democrats to even begin to make real inroads, they have to divorce themselves from the liberal crazies, the zealots and the far left that continue to control the agenda. They have drifted far from the middle as a national party and I for one will not vote Democrat again until they make a major adjustment. And I believe I am far from alone.
14
Anyone who believes that the Democratic "brand" is worse than Trump should go without delay to their local mental health professional for an evaluation.
4
Who is the most popular politician in the country? Hello, it's Bernie Sanders! The Dems are simply unwilling to accept this fact and are clinging, not to their guns and religion, but to their neoliberal, corporatist-loving ideas. A younger face plastered on the same old ideas is not going to help. Try giving the people what they truly want--a better, fairer deal for everyone. All the rest is obfuscation.
7
I am an avid Trump supporter who acknowledges that he is a thin skinned narcissist and voted for him anyway because he is not part of the condescending political and media class in America that is so wrapped up in their own bubble that they really don't have much in common with Americans who work and live in the real world. Because the media swings 90+ percent in the liberal direction and doesn't comprehend that many Trump voters voted for him knowing that at some level he is a buffoon but having more respect for him than for almost all career politicians. It really is that simple.
17
The Dems need a clear message, and they need specific platform goals. When DT said build a wall, HC should have said 'bring broadband to rural America'. But she did not. She said it's our time, that means nothing to me.
6
My previous comments were not allowed for some reason. The short of it is that it is time for Pelosi and other Clintonites to step aside for some new blood and fresh ideas. Otherwise, it is the Democratic party that will die, not the GOP.
Please don't change a thing Democrats. Keep Pelosi, Hillary and Bernie as the faces of the party. In addition, make your message more radically leftist and make stronger alliances with fringe racist groups like BLM. Encourage more anarchist protests in the streets and burning of college campuses when conservatives dare to try and speak there. Continue mocking rural voters as "uneducated", ignore all of the country outside of the two coasts as if only NY, and LA exist. Continue to rail against border security. Thats the face of the Democrat party as Americans see it, and as a result you lost the WH and are 0-5 since then. However, if you do change leadership, please bring in someone even more radical. Think you've had a bad 6 months? Get ready for even larger republican majorities and eight years of Trump.
15
You forgot: Strongly pursue the Russian collusion, obstruction and impeachment proceedings. Focus on nothing but those charges. Impeach Trump because he's so crude. He embarrasses us around the world. His 140-character tweets are nothing but "lies".
Nothing arrogant about that.
Nothing arrogant about that.
2
Time to dump Pelosi and install Tim Ryan, blue collar, rust belt rep from Youngstown, Ohio, who ran against the poster child for arrogant, sanctimonious, west coast elite for minority leadership of House. I am a Democrat, but unless Pelosi is dumped, I will become Independent. We need authenticity at the top, not fund-raising Pelosi whose mere presence helped swing votes to GOP in Georgia. Enough is enough.
8
Let's see. Dems lose a Presidential election that should have been a slam dunk victory. They fail to take over the Senate that was within such close grasp. They continue to be the laughingstock of the House. They've lost the majority of state legislatures and governorships. They're 0-4 in special House elections since the Presidential election. Yet, the failing leadership of the Democratic Party sees a silver lining. Good grief! People, it's time to wipe the leadership slate clean and start anew. Pelosi, Schumer, Hillary, etc. have led us into our own rabbit hole of failure. We have a fundamental problem with our party. Time for change!
9
Step One: Elitists in the Democratic Party need to lose their arrogance. They should stop assuming they know what's best for everyone AND that those who disagree are ignorant or evil. People don't like them for a reason.
Obamacare is a perfect example. It was an "I know what's best" solution. People who didn't agree were actually told they *didn't realize they were better off*. Let the hubris of that sink in for a moment. They were *better off* with double their premiums but half the doctor, hospital, etc., options.
Lose the arrogance. Start listening to Americans and hear what they need, not what you believe they should be getting.
Obamacare is a perfect example. It was an "I know what's best" solution. People who didn't agree were actually told they *didn't realize they were better off*. Let the hubris of that sink in for a moment. They were *better off* with double their premiums but half the doctor, hospital, etc., options.
Lose the arrogance. Start listening to Americans and hear what they need, not what you believe they should be getting.
16
It's time to dump Pelosi, Perez and the others who believe that the Dems can win elections as Republicans-Lite.
4
It is quite obvious that the vote in Georgia was hacked to the advantage of the Republicans, Trump and then his handlers in Moscow. Direct evidence will take time to uncover but just check the exit polls with the electronic voting machines. Then check a fair election and see how far apart actual votes to exit votes were and adjust Georgia accordingly.
There is absolutely no use in Democrats looking at themselves and changing their approach before absolute proof in the validity of the vote is available. If they do change then they fall directly into Putin's hands and then can listen to his chortles.
I urge the NYT to help either Party by investigating the Georgia election as throroughly as possible.
There is absolutely no use in Democrats looking at themselves and changing their approach before absolute proof in the validity of the vote is available. If they do change then they fall directly into Putin's hands and then can listen to his chortles.
I urge the NYT to help either Party by investigating the Georgia election as throroughly as possible.
3
Putin deployed his corrupt $millions to destroy Ossoff, who didn't have the funds to get his message out.
These are grainy photos proving that Karen Handler conducted many secret meetings with the Russian Ambassador, especially in the local Applebees!
These are grainy photos proving that Karen Handler conducted many secret meetings with the Russian Ambassador, especially in the local Applebees!
4
Stop blaming the Democratic party. The American voters are to blame. A majority of voters make their choice based on visceral hatred, being too dumb and lazy to perform the analytical assessment of policies to determine how they will affect their livers. In other words,they are dupes.
4
Please get out a progressive economic message. Simply plays across socioeconomic class and race lines. Don't give up don't be cowardly expose the republicans plan as a failure as voodoo. In every county precinct. On every tv radio internet and print outlet
Like the native-speaker trying to communicate with a non-fluent immigrant, the Democratic Party merely SHOUTS LOUDER in unchanged verbiage. Isn't it time to welcome the immigrants by being less condescending, less deploring, and less self-serving and by learning to speak Montana, Georgia, N.C. without the baggage of the old folks (Hillary, Bernie, Nancy, or Chuck for example)? Of course, this might only work if the Democrats believe in their message (I do) and want to win (I do).
1
It seems like just yesterday that taps were playing for the Republicans. Relax .
1
Many folks keep saying Ossoff came close to winning compared to the last guy. But this "almost won" meme is not even true. The guy who loss by 23% to Price didn't even actually compete; he had no name recognition and almost zero funding, none from the DNC. This is the kind of smoke screen and complacency that gave us Trump with HRC as our "its her turn" candidacy.
There is no close but not good enough in elections: Ossof lost! Period. Now wake up and only accept winning. Winning means dumping political elites like Pelosi and Schumer and the Clintons that even libs like me know have horrible optics and messages. We have to get back to winning with real progressives, like Moulten, Gabbard, and Sanders; authentic politicians and people who appeal to other real people.
There is no close but not good enough in elections: Ossof lost! Period. Now wake up and only accept winning. Winning means dumping political elites like Pelosi and Schumer and the Clintons that even libs like me know have horrible optics and messages. We have to get back to winning with real progressives, like Moulten, Gabbard, and Sanders; authentic politicians and people who appeal to other real people.
5
What a ridiculous headline. Democrats make Republicans scramble to protect their own turf- that's the real headline.
3
Don't let it be forgot that, together, the 2016 Hillary Clinton campaign, in league with the sclerotic Democratic National Committee, ran the worst campaign in modern history!
They lumbered us with Trump. Don't waste any anger on this disgraceful human being(?). Direct it to the Clinton relics who are the party's leadership.
While Trump will be gone before year's end, the DNC must be torn down, burned, and the earth salted. No time like the present.
They lumbered us with Trump. Don't waste any anger on this disgraceful human being(?). Direct it to the Clinton relics who are the party's leadership.
While Trump will be gone before year's end, the DNC must be torn down, burned, and the earth salted. No time like the present.
3
Clinton got 3,000,000 more votes than Trump, and she lost three states by very slim margins. Please stop with the "worst campaign in modern history" nonsense. Did you live through Nixon-McGovern?
2
In general, politicians annoy. Both sides. The fact we have so many votes in congress strictly on party lines shows most of our pols don't have a thought in their heads.
But the left is particularly annoying because they rely on emotion, identity politics, ad homnem attacks. Any party that has Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer as leaders may as well quit. Any party that elects someone like Maxine Watters -- should give up. And if your likely next candidate for president is Elizabeth Warren -- that's like throwing in the towel.
Identity politics is a nonstarter for most of the country. And the hysterical trumpeting of various "liberal" causes grates. Particularly when mouthpieces like the Times so obviously cherry picks facts. Example -- a Climate Change article in the Times yesterday about planes being grounded in Phoenix because of the heat. But the reporters failed to mention the heat wasn't out of the typical summer ranger for Phoenix or that much of the heat increase in Phoenix is likely due to it being a huge Urban Heat Island that has grown dramatically over the last 115 years. No -- it's just global warming, see, and anyone who disagrees is a dupe of the Koch brothers.
The dems will succeed when they take more to the middle of the road, drop identity politics and get better candidates. And stick to facts (note to Obama -- HRC was not the most qualified candidate ever). Lies are good, but not when easy to debunk.
But the left is particularly annoying because they rely on emotion, identity politics, ad homnem attacks. Any party that has Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer as leaders may as well quit. Any party that elects someone like Maxine Watters -- should give up. And if your likely next candidate for president is Elizabeth Warren -- that's like throwing in the towel.
Identity politics is a nonstarter for most of the country. And the hysterical trumpeting of various "liberal" causes grates. Particularly when mouthpieces like the Times so obviously cherry picks facts. Example -- a Climate Change article in the Times yesterday about planes being grounded in Phoenix because of the heat. But the reporters failed to mention the heat wasn't out of the typical summer ranger for Phoenix or that much of the heat increase in Phoenix is likely due to it being a huge Urban Heat Island that has grown dramatically over the last 115 years. No -- it's just global warming, see, and anyone who disagrees is a dupe of the Koch brothers.
The dems will succeed when they take more to the middle of the road, drop identity politics and get better candidates. And stick to facts (note to Obama -- HRC was not the most qualified candidate ever). Lies are good, but not when easy to debunk.
8
The Dems went all in on this one. Piling on of money, East Coast Elites and Hollywood. If the Presidential election were held tomorrow I'd still vote for Gary Johnson...
4
Time for leadership changes in th e Democratic Party, not because of Georgia. Debbie stepped down. Now, it's Nancy's turn. The missteps by both and the faulty messaging and acute deafness will continue to plague us if allowed to continue.
1
Ridiculous headline.
Republicans lost seats in both houses of Congress in 2016. 54 percent of America voted against Trump in 2016. In every special election this spring, Democrats now get above 45 percent of the vote in deeply red districts where Republicans can't get above 52. Trump has awful approval ratings. The Republicare proposal has even worse ratings. The GOP has passed no major legislation at all.
Enough with these fools who think that because Democrats couldn't achieve total victory immediately out of the gate, the party has failed. That's dumb.
Republicans lost seats in both houses of Congress in 2016. 54 percent of America voted against Trump in 2016. In every special election this spring, Democrats now get above 45 percent of the vote in deeply red districts where Republicans can't get above 52. Trump has awful approval ratings. The Republicare proposal has even worse ratings. The GOP has passed no major legislation at all.
Enough with these fools who think that because Democrats couldn't achieve total victory immediately out of the gate, the party has failed. That's dumb.
4
I just heard Congressman Tim Ryan on MSNBC. I agree with him 1000%. And even Donald Trump said that "attacking me is not working." It is the economy, stupid. "What is the Democratic Party," asks my hypothetical ex-steelworker in Youngstown, Ohio, "going to do for me and my family?" Answer: a lot, healthcare, jobs accompanied by training for new skills, work repairing infrastructure supported by taxes on the rich, support for unions, all things that the Republicans are trying to take away. They are leaving you in the cold. We are working FOR you.
I am tired of Democrats self-congratulation after elections that they lose. The Republicans are sending congresspeople to Washington to vote on legislation. Mr. Ossoff goes home. Marching does not work. Voting and getting others to vote Democratic works. How many marchers actually vote Democratic? How many called a friend or relative in a swing state or a swing district and got THEM to vote Democratic? Happy with you marching? Get ready for eight years of Trump.
I am tired of Democrats self-congratulation after elections that they lose. The Republicans are sending congresspeople to Washington to vote on legislation. Mr. Ossoff goes home. Marching does not work. Voting and getting others to vote Democratic works. How many marchers actually vote Democratic? How many called a friend or relative in a swing state or a swing district and got THEM to vote Democratic? Happy with you marching? Get ready for eight years of Trump.
3
Democrats!, "restore a foundation of wining first in contested areas, then assuage the Liberal vs Center agenda to fit a gerrymandered district: we lost in firmly Red district by not much...so be emboldened, and press forward. Fortune does indeed favor the brave and just...thru love we build community. Conservatives use hate to tear our fabric os E Pluribus Unum apart!"
This is NOT complicated.
The Democratic party is controlled by the corporate Dems and their agenda is reflected in Hillary and Ossoff. She was a warmonger and a tool of Israel and the banks. Ossoff was against single payer health care and opposed taxing the rich.
This is the agenda of the "party of the people"?
The corporate Dems show no sign of giving up control -- they elected Perez, they continue to talk about Russia instead of health care and they can't win elections. We don't need two Republican parties.
The Green Party is the party of the future and while they have to overcome the corporate media blackout ala the treatment afforded Bernie, it is the only hope.
The Democratic party is controlled by the corporate Dems and their agenda is reflected in Hillary and Ossoff. She was a warmonger and a tool of Israel and the banks. Ossoff was against single payer health care and opposed taxing the rich.
This is the agenda of the "party of the people"?
The corporate Dems show no sign of giving up control -- they elected Perez, they continue to talk about Russia instead of health care and they can't win elections. We don't need two Republican parties.
The Green Party is the party of the future and while they have to overcome the corporate media blackout ala the treatment afforded Bernie, it is the only hope.
6
Republicans are ELITISTS. They believe the are superior to those too physically weak, poor, poorly educated to make it on their own without federal help. They believe that by killing off meals-on-wheels, and knocking millions off health insurance the morally inferior freeloaders toughen up, and if they don't, well, they're just plain weak (undesirable). They are the party of MORAL SUPERIORITY. This is the message Democrats have failed to drive home.
1
Problem one: the Democrats call themselves a "Brand," as if they are hawking hot dogs, tee shirts, underwear, and kitchenware instead of Good Governance.
The self-decieving logic: change the branding image and they can buy more votes. Self-destruction.
The self-decieving logic: change the branding image and they can buy more votes. Self-destruction.
4
Hillary Clinton may have alienated half the country by her words about "deplorables" but she did NOT say half the country was deplorable. She said half of Trump's supporters were in a "basket of deplorables." Why is the wording important?
Because people choose to see themselves as in the tribe of people who are seen as inferior by "those elites." There's a learned helplessness, as the author of Hillbilly Elegy pointed out, that causes people to not take ownership of their choices. Why not choose to see "the elites in cities" as people who are out of touch and in need of patient education by savvy people in small towns and rural areas? Why choose to see yourself as a deplorable instead of adding to the conversation and collaborating on how we can all support each other?
What if high-speed rail wasn't a "choo choo train" to sneer at because city folk came up with the idea (a soundbite offered by Wis. conservative talk show host Charlie Sykes) but instead a means to connect goods and services from less populated areas to the cities? What if extending broadband service allowed rural students to access high quality public education when teachers can't be enticed to move to small towns?
Why not work together instead of going to war against each other? Why not appreciate the diversity and the strengths it offers us?
We are stronger together. If you choose to be in a basket of deplorables, get out of it, because you don't belong there. You're better than that.
Because people choose to see themselves as in the tribe of people who are seen as inferior by "those elites." There's a learned helplessness, as the author of Hillbilly Elegy pointed out, that causes people to not take ownership of their choices. Why not choose to see "the elites in cities" as people who are out of touch and in need of patient education by savvy people in small towns and rural areas? Why choose to see yourself as a deplorable instead of adding to the conversation and collaborating on how we can all support each other?
What if high-speed rail wasn't a "choo choo train" to sneer at because city folk came up with the idea (a soundbite offered by Wis. conservative talk show host Charlie Sykes) but instead a means to connect goods and services from less populated areas to the cities? What if extending broadband service allowed rural students to access high quality public education when teachers can't be enticed to move to small towns?
Why not work together instead of going to war against each other? Why not appreciate the diversity and the strengths it offers us?
We are stronger together. If you choose to be in a basket of deplorables, get out of it, because you don't belong there. You're better than that.
2
You tried to buy an election with CA money and Hollywood celebrities, just like last November. What could go wrong? Lol.
13
‘Our Brand Is Worse Than Trump’ YUP!
4
Until democrats decide that someone who is not: an illegal, a refugee, an immigrant, a person of color, on public assistance, etc, in short a regular u.s. citizen, they're not going to win. Right or wrong, the average American is really tired of hearing they're bad people, racists, stupid, uninformed, crazies. Regular Americans gave BHO 8 years and didn't have much to show for it. They were then asked to trust HRC who promised to throw the borders open, send more jobs over seas, give more of their tax money to everyone but them and frankly it wasn't too hard to over look DJTs many short comings. Average Americans aren't stupid, they're desperate. 35 years of globalism, mass immigration, tax cuts for the wealthy, destruction of unions and deregulation of business have given us the country we have now. We have become a race to the bottom. A close look shows that both the right and the left have conspired to destroy the middle class and the aspirations of regular citizens no matter their color or station in life. Until the dems wake up and speak to everybody not just the welfare classes, immigrants and coastal elites, they aren't going anywhere.
21
"the average American is really tired of hearing they're bad people, racists, stupid, uninformed, crazies."
Then they should stop being "bad people, racists, stupid, uninformed, crazies." Otherwise, they are just reinforcing the impression.
Then they should stop being "bad people, racists, stupid, uninformed, crazies." Otherwise, they are just reinforcing the impression.
1
I'm not quite sure if you believe what you wrote or you were simply summing up the mindset of many white working/middle class Americans. If it's the latter, you're spot-on. There are plenty of holes in it, but the American people have been given 30+ years of right wing talk radio, 20 years of FOX News, and about a decade or so of actual fake news on the web.
Americans aren't stupid--they're ignorant or misinformed. There is a difference.
Americans aren't stupid--they're ignorant or misinformed. There is a difference.
1
If people and democrats in particular what to know why they keep losing they need to listen to Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks. He breaks down the truth of why the corrupt corporate democrats keep losing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJuzOqKjLVg
3
It's the culture, dummies. Radical left wings that have been embraced by Democrats try to silence free speech, assault protesters, call everyone racists, push a radical trans agenda, believe in racially segregated "safe spaces" (minorities only)...I could go on forever.
11
I thought only stooped, unedicated people voted Republican.
According to the NY Times, Georgia's 6th district is the 6th most highly educated in the nation.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/19/upshot/this-list-of-well-educated-dis...
So ends another Democrat fiction.
According to the NY Times, Georgia's 6th district is the 6th most highly educated in the nation.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/19/upshot/this-list-of-well-educated-dis...
So ends another Democrat fiction.
15
Only...He lost by 5 points where roughly 7 months earlier a dem lost by 23. Republicans needed spend 25 million to defeat a 30 year old who has never ran office before.
This should scare the GOP. People are so unhappy that an inexperienced dem in a VERY red district came so close
This should scare the GOP. People are so unhappy that an inexperienced dem in a VERY red district came so close
3
When the CEO has losses year in and year out, the CEO gets replaced. There is nothing mysterious about running a successful organization.
7
Actually, that's not always true. The CEO of IBM has presided over 20 quarters of revenue losses and stock value decline and she got a raise. She now makes 30 million a year. Bankers who created the financial crisis got raises and bonuses, not pink slips. In America, we no longer hold anyone of power to account. We are witnessing the fascist fusion of corporate power and the power of the state. But Democrats put this child up for election in Georgia when they needed an experienced hand. Imagine what a really strong Democratic candidate could have done in this race. Handel is also a weak candidate, but Republicans are tribal and will vote no matter who is on the ticket (witness who we have as president). Democrats are too busy arguing fine points and splitting hairs, tearing each other to pieces, and shooting themselves in the foot. We need a robust, deep bench of Democratic candidates who can capture the attention and the loyalty of the party faithful, of independents, and of those Republicans who hate Trump (and there are plenty).
3
And gets a giant golden parachute anyway. Which actually is mysterious.
1
“Seething” doesn’t win elections. While the party faithful “seethe” the Supreme Court is lost (i.e. Corporation are “people” too type decisions) and 23 million Americans lose Health Care for tax cuts for the wealthy which cause more income inequality.
We have a significant portion of electorate that is voting against their own interests. Examples; Why would a voter, living in rural America, with an income of $40,000/yr. be worried about inheritance taxes? Why would a woman, living in suburban America, vote for a party that is opposed to pay equality? Why would a factory worker in the Midwest be in favor of tax cuts for millionaires? Why would anybody vote for a candidate with extensive foreign dealings who refuses to release their taxes?
Why? Because they are being messaged more effectively. The Republicans offer short “common sense solutions” which are unworkable and rhetorically effective. Democrats offer nuanced perspectives and plans which are more likely to work and are rhetorically ineffective. Facts are; just enough Americans needed to tip an election one way or the other do not care about the details. They just want things “fixed” (whatever that means).
The Dems have to learn how to meet these people where they are or continue to lose. I think it is time to accept the huge failure putting all the eggs in one basket with Hillary was, clean house (start with getting rid of Perez) and begin to learn how to reach voters outside hardcore Dem base. Change or lose.
We have a significant portion of electorate that is voting against their own interests. Examples; Why would a voter, living in rural America, with an income of $40,000/yr. be worried about inheritance taxes? Why would a woman, living in suburban America, vote for a party that is opposed to pay equality? Why would a factory worker in the Midwest be in favor of tax cuts for millionaires? Why would anybody vote for a candidate with extensive foreign dealings who refuses to release their taxes?
Why? Because they are being messaged more effectively. The Republicans offer short “common sense solutions” which are unworkable and rhetorically effective. Democrats offer nuanced perspectives and plans which are more likely to work and are rhetorically ineffective. Facts are; just enough Americans needed to tip an election one way or the other do not care about the details. They just want things “fixed” (whatever that means).
The Dems have to learn how to meet these people where they are or continue to lose. I think it is time to accept the huge failure putting all the eggs in one basket with Hillary was, clean house (start with getting rid of Perez) and begin to learn how to reach voters outside hardcore Dem base. Change or lose.
6
we dem deserve to lose 100 more election if we continue to field office clerks as candidate
4
Jon Ossoff was a documentary filmmaker. In no way was he qualified for the office he was trying to run for. The Democrats need to put up real candidates who are ready to do real work. Stop the hand-wringing and get to work.
12
Ben Franklin was an inventor and an author before he got involved in politics. I see no reason we should be as critical as you are of John Ossoff. Ossoff ran in a district that was nearly impossible to win. There's no need for "hand-wringing" on this at all.
By the way, have you ever been to the district in South Carolina where there was another close race for a replacement seat? Aside from Rock Hill, SC, that district is rife with good old boys waxing nostalgic over the Confederate War. AGAIN, no need for "hand-wringing" when you work hard enough to employ enough brain cells on both these races.
Actually, Democrats did very well.
By the way, have you ever been to the district in South Carolina where there was another close race for a replacement seat? Aside from Rock Hill, SC, that district is rife with good old boys waxing nostalgic over the Confederate War. AGAIN, no need for "hand-wringing" when you work hard enough to employ enough brain cells on both these races.
Actually, Democrats did very well.
2
Democrats need to reawaken their commitment to supporting working people and families through an intensive sponsorship of investment in human capital development. Heavy emphasis should be paid to continuing education as a universal right; gets liberals out of the sinkhole of welfare and moves the argument into questions of equity and capital development. Education--especially early childhood--but higher ed as well need a huge infusion of capital nationwide. We need to figure out how to shore up the so called "land grant" college system in the states so that reduce the number of have-not regions of the country. We also need to reemphasize the indispensable role unions play in training skilled workers and go to battle against the anti-worker policies we see at work in the red states. Prevailing wage laws and those governing public projects need to be reinforced and expanded, so that union busting oligarchs are given a freer rein than they already have in the economy. What's wrong with positioning the party as the party of labor writ large? Not just a narrow-cast around organized labor, but addressing the needs of everyone who works and should earn a living wage. We should be the safety net for assuring workers don't get displaced by changing markets and technologies without a chance to retrain and keep up with the speed of global business.
4
I think this article is a bit deceptive. Even though Ossoff had the most votes, but not a majority forcing the runoff, Republicans had more total votes than the Democrats during the regular election. The fact that the margin was much smaller than Trump's is an indication that there is a shift towards the Democrats.
4
or not. You can't determine a trend based on 1 election --
1
The congressional democrats don't get it. They should be pounding the payment everyday with the fact that Trump's policies are a disaster for the people who voted for him. They should be telling those people, over and over again, that they would save their health care coverage, create jobs by supporting an alternative energy economy, create jobs by passing a beneficial infrastructure plan that produces jobs, not just windfalls for the rich, and offer government sponsored training programs so people that have lost jobs can see a path forward. Instead, the democrats sit mute.
1
What I want to know is how the Democratic Party can't face reality and do whatever is necessary to win close elections, instead twice in this century (Gore, H. Clinton) winning the national vote count while losing presidential elections in the Electoral College. Also, whoever was in charge of the decisions that have led to a nationwide failure of Democrats at the state and local elections for the last 18 years should step aside for new leadership recruited, at least in part, from outside the Democratic strongholds on the coasts and major urban areas. One other key to the party's comeback should be a complete restructuring of its messaging, targeted at two areas: much stronger critical attacks on Republican policies in all 50 states as threats to personal health, wealth, and security, and a major program of counterattacks on the Republican lies, character assassinations and fake stories used to keep Democrats on the defensive.
1
It escapes the Democrats that their first problem is thinking of their party as a "brand", as if it were a cornflake. Advertising campaigns for cornflakes are intended to market a product that is, in fact, not much different from cereal sold by other companies. The appearance of distinctiveness is what counts.
What voters want and need from leaders is a vision, well defined policies, and a commitment to principle, not power. The representative of the Democrats' "brand" last year had none of that. For the Democrats to win, they must stop trying to sell us something and give us people who believe in more than getting elected.
What voters want and need from leaders is a vision, well defined policies, and a commitment to principle, not power. The representative of the Democrats' "brand" last year had none of that. For the Democrats to win, they must stop trying to sell us something and give us people who believe in more than getting elected.
1
The Democrats are still reeling from their historic/epic loss in the Presidential race and are too focused on Trump hoping to dethrone him. Instead of gearing up for for the next contest they waste their money and energies for naught! Trump isn't going anywhere! Focus on a policy, direction, voice and a feasible candidate.
5
I don't regret a single dollar of the small contributions I made to Jon Ossoff or to the special election contenders in Montana and Kansas. Democrats, stop fighting each other, keep experimenting, change leadership if necessary, and let'S stay focused on winning back the house in 2018. In this for the long haul. Democracy is at stake.
3
Unfortunately you backed a loser. 30 yo, totally inexperienced. Why didn't a more seasoned candidate run?
3
For those Dems who still don't get how this happened, and are wondering what on Earth it will take to flip the House, try watching the movie "No" (2012). Present your side as the young, the future, practical & pragmatic, NOT revolution, but progress. Back in the '80s we thought we'd never get rid of Pinochet (certainly not with a biased electoral system), and thanks to a brilliant campaign, the impossible was achieved.
Scroll down and read Sleater's comment! Dems have come across in the last few decades as sellouts. Selling out to Wall Street, to Monsanto (Obama signed the Monsanto protection act) to corporatism. So why bother voting Dem when they are merely the flip side of GOP? I live in a blue state, which feels very much like a red state - rich rule, elitism, excessive religion, harassment of women at abortion clinics (this in "progressive" Montclair, and most of my liberal friends are unaware of it - being clueless is typically liberal nowadays), minorities treated like dirt and driven out of their homes. NJ the home of Newark and Camden. This is "liberalism." It has completely failed the people it's supposed to represent.
5
Prediction:
Forget about last Tuesday.
2018 midterms will be held under circumstances never before seen in the history of our country.
An election held while a sitting president is proven to have had knowledge of and approved efforts by his surrogates to work with Russian contacts to aid, abet and help coordinate cyber crimes against the Democratic Party during the 2016 election. Crimes against the US.
For the purpose of gaining advantage over his opposition and simultaneously advance hidden dealings between the President's business interests and Russia.
Watch Flynn try to save himself with damaging testimony, watch liaisons and coordination between Manafort and Russia (he resigned in August 2016 in the thick of the campaign the just when these connections became public), the pre-knowledge of Podesta email hack by Trump friend Rodger Stone (you tell me…how'd he know that! Who tipped him? Blabber mouth Donald?).
We now see that crucial states were targeted for messaging by hackers and foreign social media trolls. Who guided those pin-pointed efforts with their anti Democrat message? Guess.
Prediction:
The backlash in 2018 against a president, who will be universally seen as the worst ever traitor to our democracy and election cheater - combined with being the person who led the party that destroyed lives with their health care law will be astounding.
That cleansing, backlash vote will not be close.
Radical Republicanism, our internal enemy, will be crushed.
Forget about last Tuesday.
2018 midterms will be held under circumstances never before seen in the history of our country.
An election held while a sitting president is proven to have had knowledge of and approved efforts by his surrogates to work with Russian contacts to aid, abet and help coordinate cyber crimes against the Democratic Party during the 2016 election. Crimes against the US.
For the purpose of gaining advantage over his opposition and simultaneously advance hidden dealings between the President's business interests and Russia.
Watch Flynn try to save himself with damaging testimony, watch liaisons and coordination between Manafort and Russia (he resigned in August 2016 in the thick of the campaign the just when these connections became public), the pre-knowledge of Podesta email hack by Trump friend Rodger Stone (you tell me…how'd he know that! Who tipped him? Blabber mouth Donald?).
We now see that crucial states were targeted for messaging by hackers and foreign social media trolls. Who guided those pin-pointed efforts with their anti Democrat message? Guess.
Prediction:
The backlash in 2018 against a president, who will be universally seen as the worst ever traitor to our democracy and election cheater - combined with being the person who led the party that destroyed lives with their health care law will be astounding.
That cleansing, backlash vote will not be close.
Radical Republicanism, our internal enemy, will be crushed.
9
Your comment exemplifies why dems lose. Fact free but full of wishful thinking.
5
Don't rely on Trump to save the Democratic Party. Right now he's stomping all over you.
1
Here are a few reasons why liberal democrats are failing to win elections
1. Bill Mayer saying the the word in a classless attempt of humor and not being held accountable
2. Kathy Griffin with the likeness of Trumps decapitated head, that is vulgar
3. The play in Central Park with the depiction of Trump being assassinated is again vulgar
4. Democrats continue to use disparaging language to describe their fellow citizens, and that from the democratic so called leaders.
People are turned off by the mean spirited democrats.
1. Bill Mayer saying the the word in a classless attempt of humor and not being held accountable
2. Kathy Griffin with the likeness of Trumps decapitated head, that is vulgar
3. The play in Central Park with the depiction of Trump being assassinated is again vulgar
4. Democrats continue to use disparaging language to describe their fellow citizens, and that from the democratic so called leaders.
People are turned off by the mean spirited democrats.
13
Has anyone noticed the constant sexist remarks against Nancy Pelosi in these comments? "Schoolmarm." "Whiny voice." "Shrill."
Clearly, the triple standard against women still exists, even with our generally highly-educated NYT readership.
Sigh.
Clearly, the triple standard against women still exists, even with our generally highly-educated NYT readership.
Sigh.
15
Point taken.
So you have no intention of actually winning an election?
So you have no intention of actually winning an election?
3
Why does the NYT mislead its readers. The article claims that Ossoff rasied about $25 million "mostly in small donations". Now, he raised his money in large donations almost all of it coming from outside the district, particularly California. Ossoff tried to present himslef as a Blue Dog Democrat but anyon paying attention know that Pelosi used Blue Dog Democrats as sacrificial goats to get ObamaCare passed.
There is so much wrong with this article, it is not news. It is propaganda
There is so much wrong with this article, it is not news. It is propaganda
12
The Democratic party is committing hari-kari by turning its back on Bernie Sanders and his followers. With the worst person in history in the presidential office they can still not win an election?!!!!!!!! Dinosaur Nancy Pelosi has got to go!
7
Any Democrat who didn't vote is an idiot. The best person lost. Y'all got your 1950's Republican white bread Velveeta and mayonnaise mama instead of a man with vision, great enthusiasm and a distinguished background and great education.Republicans will speed the plow to the end of the planet.
4
"distinguished background"?
The kid is 30.
The kid is 30.
8
Other than $$, I am confused why Democrats frequently allow Hollywood celebrities to play a significant role in their campaigns. Many of Jon Ossoff's top donors/cheerleaders were famous actors, and Samuel L. Jackson even recorded a radio ad for him.....despite the fact that none of these people had any connection to the 6th district.
A whopping 90% of Ossoff's donations came from other states! He received NINE TIMES as much from California as he did from Georgia. Are Democrats so craven in their hunt for dollars that they don't see the problem with this??
They seem to have abandoned the notion of "all politics is local" in favor of courting coastal elites who think they know what's best for every state and city. Even the states and cities they wouldn't dare live in or visit.
A whopping 90% of Ossoff's donations came from other states! He received NINE TIMES as much from California as he did from Georgia. Are Democrats so craven in their hunt for dollars that they don't see the problem with this??
They seem to have abandoned the notion of "all politics is local" in favor of courting coastal elites who think they know what's best for every state and city. Even the states and cities they wouldn't dare live in or visit.
11
The ad was to help get out the vote. A recognizable figure endorsing a candidate can be helpful. In the daily business of life a face we recognize can motivate and personalize the effort to reach voters.
I agree that Hollywood celebrity overkill is bad.
I agree that Hollywood celebrity overkill is bad.
Quit the hysteria. Stop the self-flaggelation.
Stand for sensible governance and respect for all people. Campaign on doable things. Have dreams of doing even more, but be prepared for decades of selling those ideals.
Stand for the truth. History favors progressive ideas.
Knock off the emotional outbursts of outrage at Trump and his followers. Laugh at them. We simply can't respond outrage for outrage. They have an unlimited suppy.
Stand for sensible governance and respect for all people. Campaign on doable things. Have dreams of doing even more, but be prepared for decades of selling those ideals.
Stand for the truth. History favors progressive ideas.
Knock off the emotional outbursts of outrage at Trump and his followers. Laugh at them. We simply can't respond outrage for outrage. They have an unlimited suppy.
8
"History favors progressive ideas." - I know, right? They've worked out so well in Cuba, Greece, and Venezuela. Why not here?
1
Democrats are quick to point out that President Trump voters were non-educated deplorables. First advanced by Hillary, and taken up vehemtly by democrat voters and the media.
Since the election the bashing continued, increasing in tone and subject(s).
All of the educated have forgotten the game, from sand lot ball, to the pro's in every sport, you can talk smack, but you have to back it up. You cannot improve your standing by trying to bring down the opposition to your low level.
You have to prove to voters you are better, not that President Trump and the Republicans are worse.
Since the election the bashing continued, increasing in tone and subject(s).
All of the educated have forgotten the game, from sand lot ball, to the pro's in every sport, you can talk smack, but you have to back it up. You cannot improve your standing by trying to bring down the opposition to your low level.
You have to prove to voters you are better, not that President Trump and the Republicans are worse.
3
Where have the Democrats gone wrong? Let see:
1. Exploiting identity politics to keep a bunch of aging baby boomers in power instead of actually advancing an agenda that benefits middle class people. Let's face, it pinning an election on undocumented immigrants in a bid to attract Latinos was inept.
2. Re-electing Nancy Pelosi, whose district (San Francisco) is the American capital of extreme wealth imbalance, declining diversity and values that few people outside of San Francisco embrace, as House Minority leader. Also, and don't forget she's not a digital native. Why does anyone who can't Instagram hold any power today?
3. Failing to cultivate a deep bench of successors to the cabal of Baby Boomers who currently run the party. Sorry folks but Kamala and Corey are not the future of the Democratic Party.
4. Favoring "progressive issues" such as global warming over basic economics. For those of you who think climate change is a bigger problem than declining wage growth, you're simply wrong, "It's the economy stupid." People who don't have to work three jobs to keep the lights on and can afford to buy a house are more likely to care about cattle farts than those can't.
5. Progressive arrogance. Red staters are completely justified in wanting to stick it to left-coast liberals. The extreme intolerance of people with views not in lock step with those of us enlightened NPR listeners is sad. And, don't forget the condescension we have for anyone who disagrees with us.
1. Exploiting identity politics to keep a bunch of aging baby boomers in power instead of actually advancing an agenda that benefits middle class people. Let's face, it pinning an election on undocumented immigrants in a bid to attract Latinos was inept.
2. Re-electing Nancy Pelosi, whose district (San Francisco) is the American capital of extreme wealth imbalance, declining diversity and values that few people outside of San Francisco embrace, as House Minority leader. Also, and don't forget she's not a digital native. Why does anyone who can't Instagram hold any power today?
3. Failing to cultivate a deep bench of successors to the cabal of Baby Boomers who currently run the party. Sorry folks but Kamala and Corey are not the future of the Democratic Party.
4. Favoring "progressive issues" such as global warming over basic economics. For those of you who think climate change is a bigger problem than declining wage growth, you're simply wrong, "It's the economy stupid." People who don't have to work three jobs to keep the lights on and can afford to buy a house are more likely to care about cattle farts than those can't.
5. Progressive arrogance. Red staters are completely justified in wanting to stick it to left-coast liberals. The extreme intolerance of people with views not in lock step with those of us enlightened NPR listeners is sad. And, don't forget the condescension we have for anyone who disagrees with us.
14
The Dems are paying a price for not developing a farm team, & writing off large swathes of what used to be their base, the white working middle & lower classes. They've had too many years of 'celebrity' politicians like the Clintons & the Obamas who were allowed to suck up all the funding & the political oxygen without leaving any legacy in the form of a strengthened party. They've allowed themselves to become the captives of special interest groups & SJWs. Those of us who don't have the luxury of taxpayer funded body guards, like the Clintons, found her eagerness to empty the nations prison somewhat alarming. The Dems used to be for broad based prosperity for all, not just the biggest whiners. When millionairess Knowles did her black power routine at the Super Bowl, an event which traditionally unites all of America, I knew that Hillary would probably lose. People want to feel united, proud of their country, not endlessly shamed for things which are in the past & which for the most part have nothing to do with the majority of Americans. Dems need a positive, forward looking message. Don't shame people, challenge them. Make them want to build something. We can do better.
8
Of course the Democrats look worse than Trump because although Trump is trying to betray the white working class who voted for him, he hasn't had the opportunity to carry it out. The Democrats, on the other hand, have been screwing the working people, the unions, since Bill Clinton became the President. Under Clinton, Wall Street empowered and prospered at everyone else' expense while wages stagnated. Both the Democrats and the Republicans are the party for Wall Street. But at least the Republicans did pretend to be a party for the common man- until Trump.
4
Including the current congressional session (which ends in early January of 2019), Republicans will have been in charge of the House of Representatives for 20 out of 24 years (1995 - 2007 and 2011 - 2019).
Based on the evidence, it does not appear Republican voters really hate the status quo all that much, because it is “their” status-quo. It is truly “party-first” or "my party, right or wrong" with these voters; loyal to the point of self-delusion and destruction.
The Democratic Party needs to energize and turn out disaffected non-voters and Independents. That’s a much bigger pool to draw from. If a few Republican voters are peeled off in the process, well great.
But trying to win over large numbers of today's typical Republican voter? Total waste of time and resources. It will take a catastrophe - maybe not even that - for Republican voters to turn against a GOP that has screwed them over for years.
Based on the evidence, it does not appear Republican voters really hate the status quo all that much, because it is “their” status-quo. It is truly “party-first” or "my party, right or wrong" with these voters; loyal to the point of self-delusion and destruction.
The Democratic Party needs to energize and turn out disaffected non-voters and Independents. That’s a much bigger pool to draw from. If a few Republican voters are peeled off in the process, well great.
But trying to win over large numbers of today's typical Republican voter? Total waste of time and resources. It will take a catastrophe - maybe not even that - for Republican voters to turn against a GOP that has screwed them over for years.
2
Before we proceed into the future, we may offer our gratitude to Jon Ossoff and the those campaign workers committed to his election. Ossoff was personable, articulate, and credible. I spoke to him and like him. The message he had for the voters has to be more Franklin Delano Rooseveltish and no more Osama Barack Obamish.
2
Why should we vote for a party that allowed Wall Street to outsource our jobs for 25 years? Before technology came and took the rest. How can we really have all the free stuff you promise with only 1% paying for it as you propose? How can you explain 25 years of Democrats tearing American families apart by imprisioning them for minor crimes. Our harshest sentencing laws were passed by Democrats. It rings hollow to many when they see the outrage of Dem pols over a foreign national being deported for his/her crimes and the stress it puts on that family. No such emotions for the citizen arrested for a non violent crime.
Explain why Dems didn't charge any major Wall Street player with a crime for the 2008 meltdown ? Or how a DEM administration in 8 years prosecuted less gun crimes than his predescessors.
Ackonowledge that high school and college kids are losing their starter jobs to the undocumented as several government agencies have stated. Dems cannot even acknowledge publically ANY negative aspects to Visa overstays or border crossers.
Tax and spend and Borrow an spend policies are both bad if we could just here the truth.
Explain why Dems didn't charge any major Wall Street player with a crime for the 2008 meltdown ? Or how a DEM administration in 8 years prosecuted less gun crimes than his predescessors.
Ackonowledge that high school and college kids are losing their starter jobs to the undocumented as several government agencies have stated. Dems cannot even acknowledge publically ANY negative aspects to Visa overstays or border crossers.
Tax and spend and Borrow an spend policies are both bad if we could just here the truth.
8
Democrats should stop their immediate default to navel gazing. Their showing in ruby red districts is troubling for republicans period. Stay united, stay focused, hold VA's governor's seat, and take back NJ's in 2017. It's a long game.
5
Extremism on the left or right is extreme. Simple but true. Democrats paint... all police are bad and prejudice... all unions and union contracts good... all gun owners are right wing nuts.. all black lives matter.. even when gun toting and participating in a crime or disobeying a direct police order.. coal miners are all stupid, uneducated... all abortion restriction laws are bad... all blue collar folks are not educated... Republicans are in a similar funk... all gun laws are bad.. all unions are unnecessary,, all abortions even if medically necessary violate their religious wishes... health care is for some not all... 10001 nukes makes us safer than 10000 nukes..
somewhere along the way mature people are going to have to gain control and build a value add society again... Many of us disagree with our neighbors and friends routinely but get along and although disagree understand each others view... time for politicians to understand that
somewhere along the way mature people are going to have to gain control and build a value add society again... Many of us disagree with our neighbors and friends routinely but get along and although disagree understand each others view... time for politicians to understand that
4
The Democrats have swung too far to the left and alienated what was their historical base, blue collar, middle class workers. Trying to please every minority group and clueless millenials, joining the GOP in the offshoring of jobs, embracing globalism, weak foreign policy and chasing a dog with no tail, gun control are issues that aren't helping them. Throw in the fantasmagorical politicians from California and the Northeast leading the party and you have a recipe for continued voter dissatisfaction. Stupid is as stupid does.
8
It's really this simple...people care more about jobs and taxes than they do about transgender bathrooms. Would somebody, ANYBODY, get that message in the democratic party. PLEASE!
Stop with the radical fringe group nonsense and get back to the basics. A very successful democrat once said, "It's the economy stupid."
Until I know democrats care about my bank account I have to vote republican.
Stop with the radical fringe group nonsense and get back to the basics. A very successful democrat once said, "It's the economy stupid."
Until I know democrats care about my bank account I have to vote republican.
NO one is getting between my doctor and my body. No one is not going to separate church and state. If the Democratic Party does not adhere to those, then is will lose a considerable part of its newly active base that door knocks and donates. And remember many of us see Pelosi slamming as yet another "target the woman" ploy by the GOP unless the woman is herself a woman hater like Handel.
Winning will be about the larger message, one that overrides Fox and the Bannon crowd not undercutting your own party voters.
Winning will be about the larger message, one that overrides Fox and the Bannon crowd not undercutting your own party voters.
3
so...you care about abortion, not the economy.
1
The attacks on Pelosi is sickening! These Democrats (Tim Ryan et al) have no guts! Shame on you Tim
5
Of course the Democratic brand is worse than Trump. As long as they continue to support the whole PC jellyroll of campus rape hysteria, BLM, and radical feminism, it will continue. It was tough for the reasonable middle to make sense of the true positions of the two parties as long as the MSM had outsized influence and provided cover for Progressives, but even the most uninformed hermit now realizes that while all the media tilts one way or the other, the vast majority of outlets lean left.
Trump is not the Republican ideal, he's a crude wrecking ball to take down Progressivism and he's proving to be the right tool for the job. It appears America is now 'woke' to the ridiculousness of the Leftist agenda.
Trump is not the Republican ideal, he's a crude wrecking ball to take down Progressivism and he's proving to be the right tool for the job. It appears America is now 'woke' to the ridiculousness of the Leftist agenda.
9
This article is the only place where I have seen that Ossoff supposedly raised most of his money from "small donations"!
Ossoff raised most of his money from outside the district.
Here's what Democrats have to overcome. Working people are sick of promises. Years & years of promises have made them roll the dice. Trump's "What do you have to lose" applied to many groups. I believe they will give him a chance to perform. We had a gubernatorial candidate here in Maine who said she should be elected because she had been working on these problems for 40 years. Subconsciously folks thought, "So why haven't you solved the problems"! Kick out the oldsters...find some young QUALIFIED candidates with a solid plan...not a marketing plan!!
Ossoff raised most of his money from outside the district.
Here's what Democrats have to overcome. Working people are sick of promises. Years & years of promises have made them roll the dice. Trump's "What do you have to lose" applied to many groups. I believe they will give him a chance to perform. We had a gubernatorial candidate here in Maine who said she should be elected because she had been working on these problems for 40 years. Subconsciously folks thought, "So why haven't you solved the problems"! Kick out the oldsters...find some young QUALIFIED candidates with a solid plan...not a marketing plan!!
‘Our Brand Is Worse Than Trump’ ? Seriously? It's so frustrating to see this in a headline -- or anywhere in the text. Get it together Democratic Party -- stop buying into, and shouting from the rooftops the messaging about the DP by the GOP and their biggest fan -- Vladimir Putin.
4
Our "progressives" here are trying to console themselves with the narrative that pajama boy did better in Georgia than would be expected by a democrat in the subject district. This ignores the mega$ that was spent on his behalf. I guess Citizens United is no longer an issue, money spent means nothing with respect to the outcome?
8
I am 71 and have voted for most Dems most of my life.
It is long past time for Pelosi or anyone named Clinton or anyone connected with them to be gone. Lone gone. They are all part of the problem not part of the solution. The same goes for the Dem antiques in the Senate. Obama was the Dems last hurrah. Change or perish.
Interesting people from my part of the country? Hassan & Gillibrand.
It is long past time for Pelosi or anyone named Clinton or anyone connected with them to be gone. Lone gone. They are all part of the problem not part of the solution. The same goes for the Dem antiques in the Senate. Obama was the Dems last hurrah. Change or perish.
Interesting people from my part of the country? Hassan & Gillibrand.
4
The constant inane emails about losing this contest, needing more money and shaming the reader into giving did not help my mood about the candidate≥
S Winer, Massachusetts
S Winer, Massachusetts
2
As a life-long Democrat who works and volunteers with the poorest of the poor, I increasingly feel contempt towards the party. Here are a group of wealthy, elite Democrats who, through their actions, ignore the needs of the poor all the way up through the middle class while still promoting the message that Democrats are somehow morally superior. I heard a comedian refer to the moral high ground as the "VIP room for idiots." And here we are.
7
The Democrsts should embrace Bernie.
4
I'm a bleeding heart liberal democrat and will remain one until my dying day. We are supposed to take care of each other, rich or poor; we will leave these things when we die. What is wrong with having compassion for the poor, the mentally ill, the vulnerable. What really bothers me is the evilness and reach of the Koch Brothers Foundation / think tanks that have taken over our democracy for decades. Mr. Ossoff probably won last night, who knows right? Is there a paper trail on those votes for a recount or we just have to take their word for it? Until Citizens United is overturned, until the citizenry is able to remove the Koch Brothers funding from our politics, we will remain held hostage to whatever the two real co-presidents want. And just because you don't know what I'm talking about, does not make me wrong. I'm just a regular person who believes in the man on the street and fairness. I don't believe a corporation is a person, and I don't believe in how right wing repubs are being paid by their lobbyist the Koch brothers to take over the government. The citizenry of Georgia did not win last night, they all lost. We all did and will continue to do so until this is handled. Trump is the perfect puppet for handling the Koch's and his own personal agenda.
These Koch paid reps & affiliates will answer for being sellouts at some point; their reasons better be good as ETERNITY will be on the line. Winners: Koch Foundation. Losers: The People.
These Koch paid reps & affiliates will answer for being sellouts at some point; their reasons better be good as ETERNITY will be on the line. Winners: Koch Foundation. Losers: The People.
5
As an outsider, I can only say, that the Democratic party is only itself to blame for all its failures. No matter, what the pundits and the media says, the mere fact, that an outsider, like the current President could overcome all obstacles and defeat the preordained candidate cannot be wished away by blaming it on 'the Russians'.
The Democratic party lost its mass appeal, lost contact with the ordinary folks it allegedly represents and has a rotten to the core upper leadership.
It needs a complete revival shedding its old skin and grow a new one.
Otherwise it will be relegated to the role of the perennial loser.
The Democratic party lost its mass appeal, lost contact with the ordinary folks it allegedly represents and has a rotten to the core upper leadership.
It needs a complete revival shedding its old skin and grow a new one.
Otherwise it will be relegated to the role of the perennial loser.
9
No more Hillary to beat on? So now, it's back to Pelosi? Oh gee. Let me guess. If it doesn't have male genitals, it simply is not QUALIFIED to run for ANY government office, right boys?
First of all, Trump was in Georgia the week before the election. Trump? The Master of Election Rigging? Since the jury is still out on HOW the Russians rigged elections through datamining 200 million voters information, how does anyone know if Trump wasn't "giving lessons" to the Confederacy to teach them the Art of the Deal of election rigging, Putineska style?
Will all future elections be won by the GOP by a minimal 5 points like Handel won?
Americans now have every right to seethe with rage that someone as dirty as Trump would end up in the White House. Is he what the Founding Fathers had in mind for a president? You bet he isn't.
Trump refuses to admit elections were hacked. Steve King, the Corn Pone King, was a real joke watching his interview on CNN this week. He absolutely refused to admit even when he was shown videos of politicians from his own party that there is every evidence of Russian hacking into the election.
Is this the Confederate game now? King claimed he has not seen one shred of evidence. Gee, that's funny. He saw the video of Nikki Haley who saw evidence.
This has begun to smell more and more like massive Republican coverup. When King tried to use the tired out old Republican "but Hillary but Obama," they prove they need to grow up.
First of all, Trump was in Georgia the week before the election. Trump? The Master of Election Rigging? Since the jury is still out on HOW the Russians rigged elections through datamining 200 million voters information, how does anyone know if Trump wasn't "giving lessons" to the Confederacy to teach them the Art of the Deal of election rigging, Putineska style?
Will all future elections be won by the GOP by a minimal 5 points like Handel won?
Americans now have every right to seethe with rage that someone as dirty as Trump would end up in the White House. Is he what the Founding Fathers had in mind for a president? You bet he isn't.
Trump refuses to admit elections were hacked. Steve King, the Corn Pone King, was a real joke watching his interview on CNN this week. He absolutely refused to admit even when he was shown videos of politicians from his own party that there is every evidence of Russian hacking into the election.
Is this the Confederate game now? King claimed he has not seen one shred of evidence. Gee, that's funny. He saw the video of Nikki Haley who saw evidence.
This has begun to smell more and more like massive Republican coverup. When King tried to use the tired out old Republican "but Hillary but Obama," they prove they need to grow up.
3
welllll...double DUH!?
funny how trump tweets get the razz from the same press that can't stop what are, in effect, tweets (chirps? whines?) of their own, the same old personal attacks (trump is rather "humiliated" by "failure" of his china/north korea gambit than credited for 'fessing up, telling it like it is...imagine h(r)c or bho admitting anything)...morning joe, always last to get it, crows about exposing trump's "lies".
time to move on dems, we should sit the entire lot down and have them read the preamble to the constitution and roosevelt's four freedoms, clear statements of the principles that made the party the voice of the people and a hint to anyone paying attention of the trust that the party has betrayed.
lose the ossified leadership, put schumer and pelosi in a touring production of "the gin game," and while they're on the road, let's restore the oxygen needed to sustain new life, the oxygen that h(r)c and her gang shut off and get on with it...what would we do it we were in office? hopefully better than we did, letting, for example, the oxymoronic obama care wither, tweakless for eight years or going along to get along with a feckless foreign policy
citizen up!!
funny how trump tweets get the razz from the same press that can't stop what are, in effect, tweets (chirps? whines?) of their own, the same old personal attacks (trump is rather "humiliated" by "failure" of his china/north korea gambit than credited for 'fessing up, telling it like it is...imagine h(r)c or bho admitting anything)...morning joe, always last to get it, crows about exposing trump's "lies".
time to move on dems, we should sit the entire lot down and have them read the preamble to the constitution and roosevelt's four freedoms, clear statements of the principles that made the party the voice of the people and a hint to anyone paying attention of the trust that the party has betrayed.
lose the ossified leadership, put schumer and pelosi in a touring production of "the gin game," and while they're on the road, let's restore the oxygen needed to sustain new life, the oxygen that h(r)c and her gang shut off and get on with it...what would we do it we were in office? hopefully better than we did, letting, for example, the oxymoronic obama care wither, tweakless for eight years or going along to get along with a feckless foreign policy
citizen up!!
5
All of the outside cash and influence couldn't help Ossoff despite being an outsider in more ways than one. The Dems have to realize that their days of exclusion and appearance of superiority must come to an end. Oh and get rid of the old guard esp. the likes of Pelosi....she is poison and has been for quite some time.
4
They hated Hilary Clinton because she was smart, forceful and got things done. They hate Pelosi because she is smart and gets things done. The attacked Debbi Wasserman because she was smart, outspoken. They hate Elizabeth Warren because she is smart and gets things done. The are now going after Kamala Harris. She is very smart and very outspoken. See a pattern here? Republicans and Many Democrats just don't like "uppity" women.
3
What a distortion of truth! We oppose Hillary Clinton because her and her family has been marred in corruption scandals throughout their careers. They were the least trustworthy people in politics, and that says quite a lot! We oppose Pelosi because her coastal, elitist platform is just old-wind and has absolutely no captivating message for the majority of Americans. We oppose Elizabeth Warren because she's a pseudo-Progressive; her silence during DNC's dirty tricks against Bernie Sanders speaks in volumes! This is not a sexist issue, this is just a displeasure against bad leaders with bad platforms.
6
I guess the majority of white women who voted against Hillary also hate strong women. Yep, that's the ticket. Oh, and didn't a woman win this GA election? You should be celebrating!
Democrats are the party of progress. Now that the country is back working again after Republicans derailed the global economy. They are back at lining the pockets of the one hundred thirty-six families that already own more then all others combined.
The Oligarhay State of America.
The Oligarhay State of America.
1
Only Bernie Saunders and Elizibeth Warren are reasonating with the disaffected in this country. When is theDNC going to get that?
The hate mongering doesn't help those who Obama described as "those small town people clutching their bibles in one hand and their guns in the other" or as Hilary put it "the basked of deplorables". Those people were the Democratic Party's base. The Democratic Party chased them away. The Democratic Party with the lead boss and his potty mouth have become the elitists looking down their nose and chased their base to the GOP.
6
Georgia. Dixie. 1855.
Hello! They were cheering for this woman who will gladly deprive millions of health care. People may suffer or die.
They were CHEERING.
Democrats, stop clutching your pearls, and be proud that you almost beat this fool.
Hello! They were cheering for this woman who will gladly deprive millions of health care. People may suffer or die.
They were CHEERING.
Democrats, stop clutching your pearls, and be proud that you almost beat this fool.
Would the media please stand up and take a bow! They managed to turn this event in Atlanta into a media circus. Imagine that?!?!? I did not expect Jon Ossoff to win and I believe given what has to be a lot of name recognition, and a little tweaking, we have not heard the last of him. Of course I could be wrong, but .......
2
"Democrats Seethe After Georgia Loss: ‘Our Brand Is Worse Than Trump’" NO!
NY Times is sounding like a propaganda arm for the Republicans. The fact that the election in Georgia was so contested is a VICTORY for Democrats.
I never thought that the NY Times would twist this into a way to present Democrats as discouraged sore losers, ashamed of their so-called brand. No, no, no: we are encouraged at the huge number of small donations (and unsurprised by the small number of big donations from Republicans); and we're encouraged that we came close on this election.
And no Democrat I know thinks that any brand stinks more than Trump/Kushner's. What we "seethe" over is the use of our government to push Trump products --both here and in other countries.
Who is writing these headlines? This one's as bad or even worse than the recent one about Democrats "trying to gum up the works" on the Republican health bill--the one that's being written in private, behind closed doors.
NY Times is sounding like a propaganda arm for the Republicans. The fact that the election in Georgia was so contested is a VICTORY for Democrats.
I never thought that the NY Times would twist this into a way to present Democrats as discouraged sore losers, ashamed of their so-called brand. No, no, no: we are encouraged at the huge number of small donations (and unsurprised by the small number of big donations from Republicans); and we're encouraged that we came close on this election.
And no Democrat I know thinks that any brand stinks more than Trump/Kushner's. What we "seethe" over is the use of our government to push Trump products --both here and in other countries.
Who is writing these headlines? This one's as bad or even worse than the recent one about Democrats "trying to gum up the works" on the Republican health bill--the one that's being written in private, behind closed doors.
Pelosi has been demonized by the Republican/Right wing media so we need a new leader? Is there any Democratic leader that will not be demonized by them??? If a Silver Star decorated Vietnam veteran (Kerry) can be transformed into a traitor to his country in the minds of Fox News watchers, I'm not sure Democrats should be too hopeful that about a new face appealing to Republicans. Within a few months Fox breathless newcasters (or Rush Limbaugh) will have uncovered several Pizza-restaurant-child-trafficing corruption-style conspiracies to "discredit" the new Democratic leader.
Restore the union movement. Organize. Start with fast food workers.
7
Thar would be democrats. Unions for fast food workers who have no skills?
4
Yes. Raise fast food workers minimum pay to $20 hour and see how long it takes to replace them with robot hamburger assemblers.
3
Why on earth does anyone who is not a millionaire vote Republican? Please name one policy or program created by this party that does not sacrifice the public good for the enrichment of fat-cat businesses.
Say what you will about the Democratic party but at least they have attempted the betterment of the average American, sometimes less successfully than others.
It is so sad to see such ignorance equated as patriotism.
Say what you will about the Democratic party but at least they have attempted the betterment of the average American, sometimes less successfully than others.
It is so sad to see such ignorance equated as patriotism.
8
In reply to C Holmes Rancho Mirage CA
"Make America Great Again".
"Make America Great Again".
Because Democrats hate America and over tax the working class. Obamacare was nothing more than the largest tax on the working class in the modern era.
2
The dems are all milllionaires too. They represent the moneyed class perhaps even more so in some instances than the repubs (I'm thinking of the SF dems total embrace of the Silicon Valley solopsists, i.e. libertarians. Why is it do you think that our dem standard bearers (after it's all over and no longer on camera) rush to bankers etc for 3 figure handouts for speechs no one in their right mind would listen to otherwise?
1
The fact that Mr. Hamill, Pelosi's aid, leads his defense with the phrase 'top fundraiser' says it all.
5
The GOP's plan is fairly transparent: Demonize any woman Democrat (or just plain women in general) who attains any semblance of power. Bring the full weight of your propaganda apparatus into play and generate intense hatred in men and women alike.
Few people remember that just a few years ago, national regard for Hillary Clinton was at its peak, and Dems were sort of smirking they had such an unbeatable candidate.
Cue Trey Gowdy and the destruction machine of FOX News, Limbaugh, Breitbart,et al, and you have a soul-destroying hate machine directed at a woman. "Lock her up!"
This recent debacle in Georgia is a result of the Pelosi hate machine. Think about it. It's not only racism, it's patriarchy the Repubs are using to foment their victories
Few people remember that just a few years ago, national regard for Hillary Clinton was at its peak, and Dems were sort of smirking they had such an unbeatable candidate.
Cue Trey Gowdy and the destruction machine of FOX News, Limbaugh, Breitbart,et al, and you have a soul-destroying hate machine directed at a woman. "Lock her up!"
This recent debacle in Georgia is a result of the Pelosi hate machine. Think about it. It's not only racism, it's patriarchy the Repubs are using to foment their victories
9
You run an empty suit pajama boy candidate, who can't EVEN vote where he is running, and tie him to Pelosi, and back him with Hollywood money? It's too easy. The general public is catching on to the liberals/leftist socialist agenda of the dems that sooner or later you run our of other people's money to re-distribute. Go ahead, make up some good sounding talking points on the economy, but you better get rid of Sanders and Warren as the face of the party. Good luck with that. Get out of your bubble, there's a whole big country between the Hudson River and San Francisco Bay.
The Dems needs to say goodbye to the old guard. They lack vision, commitmentand connection to progressive Robles. Pelosi snd Feinstein need to retire gracefully just like Boxer did. They also need to focus on real social justice concerns for women, children, families, people of color, the disabled immigrants. LGBTQs and the planet. We need a hopeful, future focused platform focused on working people, the poor and our environment. We need modern strategies that recognize new means of communication and new players communicating real goals not myths of the path. We need to let go of Eurocentrism and embrace the entire diaspora of peoples and cultures in the US and around the world. Accruing "stuff" to keep a weak economic system based on "faith" in growth can no longer be our goal. Instead sustainability must become our primary objective.
1
Which voice will the Democrats heed? The voice of Bernie or the voices of Hill and Bill? The Democrats have lost their way and have abandoned the Middle Class to the clutches of the corporate power structure. Democrats are taking bribes from the Corporate kabal as much as the Republicans.
At some point Democrats will need to heed the Better Angels of their Nature.
At some point Democrats will need to heed the Better Angels of their Nature.
2
The response to the Georgia loss shows how out of touch the Democrats and the media (aka the Democrats) are. The shooting of Scalise should have elicited strong condemnation, but instead it elicited blame for Trump and Republicans. Even Bernie, who initially condemned the killer, later encouraged opposing Republicans using any means necessary. That indirectly suborned more violence.
Many decent people felt repulsed by the divisive and amoral tone of the Democrats. The Republicans used this justification for assassination in a last minute ad that called out Ossoff's and the Democratic stand on this issue. It was hard hitting and condemned by the media. It may also have turned the race in favor of the Republican.
Ironically, a historical analysis of civil unrest and breakdown of the country shows that it won't benefit the "emergents" that are the main constituency of the Democrats. It will reproduce the situation many of them came here to escape. It many benefit those Democratic leaders who engineered the national dissolution.
Many decent people felt repulsed by the divisive and amoral tone of the Democrats. The Republicans used this justification for assassination in a last minute ad that called out Ossoff's and the Democratic stand on this issue. It was hard hitting and condemned by the media. It may also have turned the race in favor of the Republican.
Ironically, a historical analysis of civil unrest and breakdown of the country shows that it won't benefit the "emergents" that are the main constituency of the Democrats. It will reproduce the situation many of them came here to escape. It many benefit those Democratic leaders who engineered the national dissolution.
4
Handel led a particularly nasty campaign. This Jay Bookman quote (AJC) pretty much sums it up from my point of view having worked on the Ossoff campaign from the beginning: "The bonds of tribalism are still strong enough to overcome any distaste for Trump that might be growing within the party. Republican operatives pressed those loyalties hard with their insistent, apocalyptic “us vs. them” theme, under the theory that winning ugly is still winning. It clearly worked."
8
While economics is important, the real difference between the parties, as Thomas Edsall has been continually pointing out in his columns, is primarily cultural (rural vs. urban, nationalist vs. globalist, etc.).
For decades now, the GOP has succeeded in defining the Democrats as the party of the bicoastal urban elite, who look down upon the heartland.
Of course, this portrayal is false, but the continued inability of the Democrats to successfully counter this stereotype has handicapped them in trying to spread their message of economic fairness.
For decades now, the GOP has succeeded in defining the Democrats as the party of the bicoastal urban elite, who look down upon the heartland.
Of course, this portrayal is false, but the continued inability of the Democrats to successfully counter this stereotype has handicapped them in trying to spread their message of economic fairness.
2
As the party of many cultures and interests, the Democratic Party has a problem akin to "herding cats." It is a bottom-up party listening to as many disparate groups as possible. The Republican Party, in contrast, is a top-down organization using right-wing media as its megaphone of lies in the interest of preserving an oligarchical state devoted to the top 1 percent. The right-wing media, so dominant in the more rural regions of the country, and influential in the red states, spoon-feeds the conservative messages created by hard-right lobbying groups such as ALEC and the Heritage Foundation. They draft many of the bills taken into the hallways of congressional offices where those bills are taken into closed-door sessions before submitted for a vote on the floors of the House and Senate.
It took the Republican Party over 30 years to create this environment of distrust in the government, starting with Reagan. The focus on self, promoted by Ayn Rand, has been at the core of the GOP chants for more freedom. What their followers can't grasp is that, while Nixon brought us the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, it has been the GOP leadership, led by the nose by corporate interests, that has worked to deregulate everything that is good for the American People.
What the Democratic Party leadership has failed to do is, effectively expose the Republican Party as the fraudulent mechanism dedicated to the keeping the rich in charge. We need leadership changes for our survival.
It took the Republican Party over 30 years to create this environment of distrust in the government, starting with Reagan. The focus on self, promoted by Ayn Rand, has been at the core of the GOP chants for more freedom. What their followers can't grasp is that, while Nixon brought us the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, it has been the GOP leadership, led by the nose by corporate interests, that has worked to deregulate everything that is good for the American People.
What the Democratic Party leadership has failed to do is, effectively expose the Republican Party as the fraudulent mechanism dedicated to the keeping the rich in charge. We need leadership changes for our survival.
3
Ossoff out of nowhere came within 4 points of winning in a Red District; Price won with 61.7% of the vote last Nov and his Democratic challenger lost with 38.3%; so I would say that Ossoff did well winning 48.1% to Handel's 51.9%. In 2018 Handel will have a record to defend; if Ossoff chooses to run against her I think he could win.
3
It's hard to believe that in 9 years the Democratic party has sunk so deeply in quicksand that every effort to right itself results in sinking deeper.
The saddest part is that the leadership fails to acknowledge the dire straights that the party is in. Nancy Pelosi continues to give barely intelligible explanations for the disaster but fails to look in mirror. Wall Street Chuck adds nothing to assuage the discontent of the minions and nothing changes.
Old leadership rarely gives up power unless forced to do so. It's time to apply some force.
The saddest part is that the leadership fails to acknowledge the dire straights that the party is in. Nancy Pelosi continues to give barely intelligible explanations for the disaster but fails to look in mirror. Wall Street Chuck adds nothing to assuage the discontent of the minions and nothing changes.
Old leadership rarely gives up power unless forced to do so. It's time to apply some force.
3
"“Republicans blew through millions to keep a ruby red seat and in their desperate rush to stop the hemorrhaging, they’ve returned to demonizing the party’s strongest fund-raiser and consensus builder. . ."
An interesting assertion, given that Trump only won in that district by 1.6%, and that the Democrats spent somewhere in the vicinity of 7 times as much as the Republicans. There's no way the DNC can support such a spending ratio in the midterms in 2018. On the other hand, given that Ossoff received 9x as many donations over $200 from California, Pelosi's state (and mine), as he did from the state he was running in, I guess I can see why he'd refer to her as a fund-raiser.
An interesting assertion, given that Trump only won in that district by 1.6%, and that the Democrats spent somewhere in the vicinity of 7 times as much as the Republicans. There's no way the DNC can support such a spending ratio in the midterms in 2018. On the other hand, given that Ossoff received 9x as many donations over $200 from California, Pelosi's state (and mine), as he did from the state he was running in, I guess I can see why he'd refer to her as a fund-raiser.
We need sanity. CNN ran a poll with a group of Trump supporters and asked them whether his aggressively tossing people aside for a photo op at NATO was rational. Women and men felt the behavior was "A-Okay" and signaled our "right and dominance" in the world order in behaving in this manner.
We got a whole lotta trouble when basic civility is seen as weakness. The sad fact is a little group of men are playing a whole lot of us. I think we need to decide just how much more is acceptable.
We got a whole lotta trouble when basic civility is seen as weakness. The sad fact is a little group of men are playing a whole lot of us. I think we need to decide just how much more is acceptable.
2
Examining the democrats behavior since Trump was elected makes it almost certain that moderates and independents will vote Republican in 2018 and 2020. While it is true that the Repubs were obstructionist during parts of Obama's reign, they were able to obstruct because they had the majority of the House, and then the senate as well. They didn't hold marches in the streets or call for Obama's immediate impeachment from the day he took office. They won the house & senate because they had a compelling message and it was clear to most Obama was a weak leader, a careerist, who'd taken advantage of identity politics to win.
Right now the dems have identity politics and anti-trump politics going for them. That ain't nearly enough. Obsession with climate change won't get the dems anywhere either. When the Times runs articles like the number of days with 95 degree temps is going to increase by the turn of the century (and similar) dems should go ouch. Apocalyptic predictions of the future (that are not falsifiable, science buffs) doesn't work with voters. You want to sell your position on an issue like CC, you need to have measured discourse and not attack skeptics but address their questions. And don't have people like Al Gore and Leo flying around in private jets to get their message across.
The dems need a platform but they don't have one. And running Elizabeth Warren in 2020 might galvanize the lefty base but it won't win that election.
Right now the dems have identity politics and anti-trump politics going for them. That ain't nearly enough. Obsession with climate change won't get the dems anywhere either. When the Times runs articles like the number of days with 95 degree temps is going to increase by the turn of the century (and similar) dems should go ouch. Apocalyptic predictions of the future (that are not falsifiable, science buffs) doesn't work with voters. You want to sell your position on an issue like CC, you need to have measured discourse and not attack skeptics but address their questions. And don't have people like Al Gore and Leo flying around in private jets to get their message across.
The dems need a platform but they don't have one. And running Elizabeth Warren in 2020 might galvanize the lefty base but it won't win that election.
2
They say the first step to wellness is to admit that you have a problem - this makes me hopeful. WAKE UP DNC - run a great candidate next time, that EVERYBODY can get excited about. Very impressed last week with Congressman Heinrich from NM. Gavin Newsom's "turn" must be coming up? (as it seems you run somebody who has waited for their turn - a really awful way to do it, as proven in 2016) Start thinking outside the box. The candidate doesn't have to have a well-known household name to energize the next generations to participate.
1
Democrats are wasting their time blaming the setback on Nancy Pelosi. When did a Democrat win in this constituency? The answer to the question should help them stop this blame game.
They know full well that, in this election, they have “exceeded their historical performance.” As long as that is the case, they shouldn’t allow themselves to be demoralized by this loss.
The most important point to remember is that the “guy” the Democrats are competing with is not just “telling fantasies”; he has been able to sell them successfully through his ability to tell lies without batting an eye. The electorate is mesmerized by the fantasy world he has created. One consolation is that no Democrat has stooped to that level yet.
They must stop blaming the messenger and learn to repackage the message. They should come up with a slogan akin to the one that brought them success in the 1990's: “It’s economy, stupid.”
They know full well that, in this election, they have “exceeded their historical performance.” As long as that is the case, they shouldn’t allow themselves to be demoralized by this loss.
The most important point to remember is that the “guy” the Democrats are competing with is not just “telling fantasies”; he has been able to sell them successfully through his ability to tell lies without batting an eye. The electorate is mesmerized by the fantasy world he has created. One consolation is that no Democrat has stooped to that level yet.
They must stop blaming the messenger and learn to repackage the message. They should come up with a slogan akin to the one that brought them success in the 1990's: “It’s economy, stupid.”
4
Its really not that complicated:
1 - adopt Bernie Sanders message about the economy
2 - relentlessly link GOP candidates to the "mean" healthcare law that the House passed
Then stay on message with the above and don't waste your breath talking about the Russia mess or Trump's shady character. Voters already know about that and have already decided whether they care or not.
1 - adopt Bernie Sanders message about the economy
2 - relentlessly link GOP candidates to the "mean" healthcare law that the House passed
Then stay on message with the above and don't waste your breath talking about the Russia mess or Trump's shady character. Voters already know about that and have already decided whether they care or not.
3
I don't know Mr. Cardenas or his message but I do know the common message of Hispanic politicians in the CA Legislture and Democratic Party and it is NOT one likely to resonate nationally. They are the heart and soul of "identity politics" and open borders fans to a man (and woman). They want to let anyone and everyone in Latin America come north and go to the U. of California for free while being given "sanctuary" from any counter efforts from the Federal government. They want to drain the tax/milk from Siicon Valley cows until those run dry or send their herds out of state and flee themselves to nearby no-income tax Nevada. Mrs. Pelosi is, in terms of the party from which she comes, almost a moderate so don't think there is salvation in replacing her.
7
When will Democrats "get" that their leftist value system that continues to passionately advocate for human beings that want to either deny their God- given gender or marry their same gender or claim multiple genders because......"they can" ....is NOT welcome by conservative Republicans. As for the Liberal perspective on job creation and the economy- what a hoax! Liberals think that by writing various checks to multiple charities per month renders them benevolent and socially aware of the REAL problems of the working class wo/man. Their intensely elitist and not to mention myopic approach to addressing and ostensibly seeking to resolve at least some of the issues of the average American continues to resonate across key constituencies. The results are real. Go fix yourselves!
4
In reply to Tricia Brennan Jamaica
What a great statement! All the Democrats mistakes encapsulated in a nutshell.
What a great statement! All the Democrats mistakes encapsulated in a nutshell.
2
Skip Kansas and Montana to focus on Georgia. Guess that didn't work.
3
Come on. It was an R seat. Almost even race. 50/50 presidential race. This was not a huge surprise. DNC is not at fault.
Quit sensationalizing something as ridiculous as this. Let's move on.
Quit sensationalizing something as ridiculous as this. Let's move on.
The Democratic Party is again being stupid. This is not about "branding" but the complacency and myopic vision of the Party which doesn't absolutely no grass roots work in the "Red States." Eight months after the election and They are still preaching to the choir. It they want to win elections, they absolutely have to get out there on a one to one basis and have conversations with the people who voted for Trump. The party needs to find out what the majority of people want and need from their government.
2
The Dems could have won this seat with a stronger candidate. Mr. Ossoff was earnest but unseasoned. He just wasn't convincing as a strong leader. And, the fact of his residency (no matter the reason) was an unnecessary deficit, and underscores his naivete.
2
Dear Democrats,
It is not the "brand", it is the product.
Deal with that if you want to win elections.
It is not the "brand", it is the product.
Deal with that if you want to win elections.
The democrats don't need to get rid of Pelosi they need to find a Trudeau.
4
You finally are catching on. Your brand is the worst from Obama to Hillary and beyond.
And, Donald Trump is the ideal for America.
And, Donald Trump is the ideal for America.
1
Okay. It isn't possible to be worse than Trump. Unfortunately, People, especially Americans, are suckers for hucksters, usually in religion and now in politics. Great ideas and leaders are not always popular. This is just biased reporting.
4
"Our Brand Is Worse Than Trump"?
Sorry, perhaps a catchy headline, but one that utter distorts the state of political affairs. Dem branding isn't worse than Trumps; it's their mind-boggling INEPTITUDE about expressing where they stand, what they're FOR, and what they're against.
When was the last time you heard a candidate, or party leader, give a strong assertion of what they believe in the last 10-15 years? THAT'S the problem! Inability to express core values and apparent timidity.
Ever since the Dems thought that "don't give them back the keys to the car" was a great campaign slogan in 2010, things have been embarrassing and inept. Remember Jon Stewart skewing Tim Kaine (then head of the Party) for the lameness of "brilliant" slogan on national TV? Kaine just didn't get what that was nonsense, and the Dems as a party STILL don't get it!
We need new leadership and candidates unafraid to stand up for traditional Democratic values: economic fairness, racial fairness, tax fairness, the environment, reigning in Wall Street and Big Business excesses, education, the arts, etc, etc, etc.
Say what you will about the Repubs, after crushing defeats they get new Party leadership and retool their campaigns. Democrats?
Sorry, perhaps a catchy headline, but one that utter distorts the state of political affairs. Dem branding isn't worse than Trumps; it's their mind-boggling INEPTITUDE about expressing where they stand, what they're FOR, and what they're against.
When was the last time you heard a candidate, or party leader, give a strong assertion of what they believe in the last 10-15 years? THAT'S the problem! Inability to express core values and apparent timidity.
Ever since the Dems thought that "don't give them back the keys to the car" was a great campaign slogan in 2010, things have been embarrassing and inept. Remember Jon Stewart skewing Tim Kaine (then head of the Party) for the lameness of "brilliant" slogan on national TV? Kaine just didn't get what that was nonsense, and the Dems as a party STILL don't get it!
We need new leadership and candidates unafraid to stand up for traditional Democratic values: economic fairness, racial fairness, tax fairness, the environment, reigning in Wall Street and Big Business excesses, education, the arts, etc, etc, etc.
Say what you will about the Repubs, after crushing defeats they get new Party leadership and retool their campaigns. Democrats?
2
This will only lead to more extreme liberal candidate. And as the Republicans drive the country into the ground, the backlash will be severe. We'll have a liberal Trump, and it's going to be just as terrible as a Trump.
I don't understand why Democrats would seethe at losing in a district that has always been republican. Being an off-year election doesn't change that...and, neither would having bernie campaign for him. Georgia is not exactly liberal, much less socialist.
3
Democrats lost last year because they ran a damaged candidate. Clinton (and Sanders) were then and are still not viable. Every time they speak, we lose voters. Ossoff was also a mistake. Inexperienced and not a resident of the district were major non-starters. We (Democrats) need a message and a platform that people can understand and embrace. Trump should never have happened.
2
It's time. Leader Pelosi, unfortunately, looks and sounds like a bit of a throwback. Her presentation of new ideas and of opposition positions falls short. I admire, respect and honor what she has done for so many years as a MOC, M/M Leader and Speaker, but her adaptation to new realities lacks a certain quality needed to connect to voters and to best represent whatever is next for the Democratic Party. One of the great failings of the Democratic Party --and it is not Pelosi's alone - is the grooming and promotion of Next Gen leaders...I see lots of talking heads but few if any mantle bearers. The time has come for many in the Dem. leadership to become mentors and to push, not just pull up into their personal orbit, the future.
6
The Democrats lost the presidential election because they had a weak candidate and no message. In Georgia they ran an untested candidate who didn't even live in the congressional district. Right now the only Democratic message is they hate Trump. Well, many Republicans aren't too pleased with him either. But while the Democrats rage, Trump stays focused on keeping his election promises. Trump's agenda is clear and is being accomplished. The Democrats won't be able to beat something with nothing. They will lose again in 2018 and 2020 if they stay this course.
9
Her message was just too complicated for you.
2
jburtch, Trump's agenda may be clear but, in most areas, he is not achieving it. First, he ran on building a wall on the southern border ( a physical one) and that he would get Mexico to pay for it. Neither of those things are happening. Second, he said he'd replace Obama care with a plan that covers everyone and would be cheaper. Neither the House nor Senate bill even tries to achieve the former and it is doubtful the plans would achieve the latter. Third, he is not pulling out of NAFTA as promised. Nor is he deeming China a currency manipulator as promised. However, he did keep his promise to pull out of the Paris climate accord, thereby ceding thousands of new jobs to China, Germany, Norway and other countries in industries of the future.
1
The Dems are just figuring out now that the value of their brand is akin to driftwood - seriously? If so, they are truly a case of the blind leading the blind. My take is that they know they're damaged goods and the inner core refuses to hand over power for the future of the party.
Now is the crucial time for true reform. The "old guard" of the Democrats such as Pelosi, Schumer and others need to cede control over to others within their party that actually can relate to and have a clue what it takes the average Joe or Jane to survive and (hopefully) thrive in our country today.
Maybe that's an impossible charge given that they are all politicians but whenever I see Pelosi or Schumer on TV or online it's same "old wind" that keeps blowin' my way. Hopefully Dems can get their act together because it's going to be a long 8 years of DJT if this keeps up.
Now is the crucial time for true reform. The "old guard" of the Democrats such as Pelosi, Schumer and others need to cede control over to others within their party that actually can relate to and have a clue what it takes the average Joe or Jane to survive and (hopefully) thrive in our country today.
Maybe that's an impossible charge given that they are all politicians but whenever I see Pelosi or Schumer on TV or online it's same "old wind" that keeps blowin' my way. Hopefully Dems can get their act together because it's going to be a long 8 years of DJT if this keeps up.
4
I'm so so sick of people blaming female Democratic leaders for these losses. I also can't believe anyone thought Ossoff would win this - I actually think it's a victory that he did so well. E.J. Dionne in today's Washington Post wrote an excellent analysis of this election-Ossoff came so close in the runoff that it scared them into really mobilizing their base. It does not matter who the minority leader is in these situations-WHOEVER it is, they would demonized and used as a tool to scare voters.
7
The Republicans claim to be the progressive party. Democrats could sue the Republicans for brand infringment however the Republicans claim to be the progressives party for the well off while the Democrats are the progressives party for the not so well off. Ask yourself to which party you would like to associate, the well off or the not so well off?
You can't expect to win an election like that. These people in Georgia are totally unaware. They don't research anything, they know they like the bible and republicans and that's all. They do like their parents did. They don't know they're losing their healthcare and their savings.
6
Gee, the Democrats are still wondering how to come back from their devastating losses since 2010 in Congress and in the states. The article quotes one representative saying that the party should be "aggressively focused on job creation and economic growth." Do you think? If the Republicans have done nothing else right, they have stressed the need for economic growth and job creation. Most Democrats want to emphasize their mantra of "free stuff for everybody," "trash Trump," and "identity politics," all of which are ignored by average Americans.
If the Democrats really want to become the majority party in America [that they were from 1932 to 1994], they will finally drop their emphasis on the liberal social programs that appeal to minority interest groups, and return to their platform of helping the working man and woman. Instead, they are now the party of elites: political activists, Hollywood celebrities, academicians, tech executives, personal injury lawyers and labor unions. Maybe its not that the GOP is so great; its that the Dems are so bad! And its not all about Trump!
If the Democrats really want to become the majority party in America [that they were from 1932 to 1994], they will finally drop their emphasis on the liberal social programs that appeal to minority interest groups, and return to their platform of helping the working man and woman. Instead, they are now the party of elites: political activists, Hollywood celebrities, academicians, tech executives, personal injury lawyers and labor unions. Maybe its not that the GOP is so great; its that the Dems are so bad! And its not all about Trump!
7
'Our brand is worse than trump'- never and should never be uttered. Mr. Osloff was not the right candidate- first off by not living in the district- a no brainer.
One can look back to the election, trump won the electoral vote, not the popular vote, Bush won the Supreme Court not the popular vote. These are symptoms of the problem.
Yes, it's time to look at the issues and fight for the core tenets of the Dem party. Time to allow new voices to be heard, but to blame Pelosi for the woes of the party is wrong.
It's hard not to be railing against trump- but the Dems should stick to what attracted them to the Dem Party.
One can look back to the election, trump won the electoral vote, not the popular vote, Bush won the Supreme Court not the popular vote. These are symptoms of the problem.
Yes, it's time to look at the issues and fight for the core tenets of the Dem party. Time to allow new voices to be heard, but to blame Pelosi for the woes of the party is wrong.
It's hard not to be railing against trump- but the Dems should stick to what attracted them to the Dem Party.
1
Four men lose elections and it's the woman's fault? Come, on. Democrats should be better than that. Among the four special elections, Democrats cut a total of 71 points into leads the predecessor's won by just 7 months ago, including 20 points in Georgia. That's not exactly bad news. Perez & Ellison need to show some leadership and 1) NOT send Bernie out to represent the Party -- more Democrats see him as divisive than don't. Let him do his good work in the Senate. 2) Find a few spokespersons whom both factions will listen to, like Elizabeth Warren or maybe even President Obama. 3) Distribute solid talking points that articulate our message. Although there are two distinct factions, there is only a hair's difference, if any, in what we want to see for our country. Party leadership needs to get out from where they're hiding and broadcast our message, loud and clear.
3
Appearances mean quite a bit and too often Democrats DO appear to be completely out of touch with Americans. I will never forget the time before a big debate with Trump that Hillary appeared to pass out on the street near her car. I was appalled that her big concern was whether she would get to some big fundraiser with Barbra Streisand! Money is needed but we need new blood where there is passion and an understanding of how a candidate appears. And sorry, Ossoff did not come off well to me...certainly not what would have been needed to flip a district. We have known since the Steve Forbes days that money can't make up for mediocre candidates.
3
there's hope for Democrats: Mark Zuckerberg will be 36 in 2020
I'm with "Sandra" from NY. What exactly is wrong with Nancy
Pelosi? The title of the article calls her out for what is wrong with the Democrats, but for the life of me I can't find anywhere the author says what it is specifically that Republicans actually have against her. I'm left to wonder if, like Hillary Clinton, she is simply a strong, outspoken, brilliant, female politician operating in a bastion of male dominance. Could it be that simple?
Pelosi? The title of the article calls her out for what is wrong with the Democrats, but for the life of me I can't find anywhere the author says what it is specifically that Republicans actually have against her. I'm left to wonder if, like Hillary Clinton, she is simply a strong, outspoken, brilliant, female politician operating in a bastion of male dominance. Could it be that simple?
9
Democrats are missing the forest for the trees. Look at the ages of the House Republican leadership: Paul Ryan, 47; Kevin McCarthy, 52; Steve Scalise, 51, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, 48. In contrast Nancy Pelosi is 77, Steny Hoyer is 78, and James Clyburn is 76. It seems to me that the Democratic leadership is so loath give up power that they are quashing younger, dynamic politicians from rising within the ranks. Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee for president? Please. She's thought was entitled to be President since Bill was elected in 1992. News flash. 1992 was a long, long time ago. Until they close the age gap, they will continue to lose.
It's New Deal 2.0 and everything it takes to get there, including some meaningful compromise on hot button social issues and a leadership housecleaning of those who served well but whose time is past. Can't do it? Forget about taking power in this purple country.
The divide between the parties seems permanent. I'm ready for a third party in the middle, OR the dems can finally get their act together and move toward the center. The right is far to full of hatred to even deal with.
Here's the platform. Talk about the economy, not just taxing the rich. Then speak of creating jobs (actually do it), but NOT at the expense of clean air and clean water. Use all clean energy modes to create those jobs. Use the environment to create tourism and promote environmental businesses. Social issues will fall in line. We can become respected once more as world guardians.
Here's the platform. Talk about the economy, not just taxing the rich. Then speak of creating jobs (actually do it), but NOT at the expense of clean air and clean water. Use all clean energy modes to create those jobs. Use the environment to create tourism and promote environmental businesses. Social issues will fall in line. We can become respected once more as world guardians.
2
I have little doubt Nancy Pelosi has done her job well and is a respected member of Congress yet I think we need to take a hard look at reality for millions of Americans. Earlier this year I drove through central Illinois on the way to visit a friend. I think I'm informed but I was struck by the images of town after town of shut down factories and boarded up buildings. if the factories close, the residents have no money. Most business follow shortly thereafter. Young people from families who have lived in these places for generations are forced to leave. There are no jobs. There is no way to make a living. This is the mistake the Democratic party and the media made in the last presidential election. A genuine disassociation from what is going on in the lives of millions of American in states like Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and many more. If you actually saw these places and what is happening in millions of Americans lives it would be easier to understand that to them, Nancy Pelosi may as well be from another planet.
2
The Democrats have been delivering a message of Republican lite and, as far as voters are concerned, it is stale beer. Until Democrats are prepared to return to their legacy of representing ordinary working Americans, they will remain a minority. That means creating economic security and delivering on the entitlement of every American ready, willing and able to work to find employment at a job paying wages that provide a middle class life style.
2
Democrats still don't understand why they lost the Presidential election and why they will continue to lose.
The answers are clear:
1. The Presidential election was lost because the Democrats severely miscalculated the appeal of their candidate. The responsibility sits squarely with the Democratic Party and they need to take a sober look at themselves.
2. Moving further to the left will not succeed since the voters they need to appeal to who voted for Trump will not accept more liberal policies. Appeal to the majority who are neither extreme left or right. The huge middle is where the win is.
The answers are clear:
1. The Presidential election was lost because the Democrats severely miscalculated the appeal of their candidate. The responsibility sits squarely with the Democratic Party and they need to take a sober look at themselves.
2. Moving further to the left will not succeed since the voters they need to appeal to who voted for Trump will not accept more liberal policies. Appeal to the majority who are neither extreme left or right. The huge middle is where the win is.
4
I agree the Democratic candidates should be better candidates with a clear, concise and persuasive policy message. However, I have felt that way for a very long time......long before Trump arrived on the scene.
I also believe the Democrats should spend less time focusing on the Republicans and definitely stay away from emulating it. If there ever was an American political party on the path of certain destruction, it is the GOP. The sad side-effect is their determination to destroy the US in their fight for survival. But, honestly, a party who has resorted to persuading people with propaganda and completely over-the-top hatred......appealing to the basest level of 'humanity'....is not standing on the strongest platform. When a political party is willing to accept an adversary's influence in an election (even tacitly), shrug it off and turn their hate-filled, angry focus instead on their fellow politicians, they have spelled their demise.
It may take years or even decades. In our 'I need to have everything now' society, I understand that seems an unfathomable amount of time. And, without question, the entire country will be damaged. But the Republican Party is using powerful tools of emotion right now that, I believe, will run the inevitable course to self-destruction.
In the end, weak candidates with poorly communicated messages from the Democrats will seem so simple and benign.
I also believe the Democrats should spend less time focusing on the Republicans and definitely stay away from emulating it. If there ever was an American political party on the path of certain destruction, it is the GOP. The sad side-effect is their determination to destroy the US in their fight for survival. But, honestly, a party who has resorted to persuading people with propaganda and completely over-the-top hatred......appealing to the basest level of 'humanity'....is not standing on the strongest platform. When a political party is willing to accept an adversary's influence in an election (even tacitly), shrug it off and turn their hate-filled, angry focus instead on their fellow politicians, they have spelled their demise.
It may take years or even decades. In our 'I need to have everything now' society, I understand that seems an unfathomable amount of time. And, without question, the entire country will be damaged. But the Republican Party is using powerful tools of emotion right now that, I believe, will run the inevitable course to self-destruction.
In the end, weak candidates with poorly communicated messages from the Democrats will seem so simple and benign.
1
When I look at the Democrats today all I see are the rich educated smarm laden elites from coastal cities and DC and the glitter crowd from Hollywood. The party is no longer that of the working man, it exists to serve itself. The Georgia election was all about outside interests and less about a local election. The same elite core attempted to do away with Bernie sanders' campaign in last years democratic primary and I think that proved decisive in the end. If you want to compete with the republicans you need leadership and a change in rhetoric and direction now.
7
Mr. Burns and Mr. Martin write: "Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and his supporters have pressed Democrats to embrace a more bluntly populist message...while more moderate Democrats in the party leadership have favored an approach closer to Mr. Ossoff’s. But in four contested special elections in Republican districts — including two, in Kansas and Montana, featuring Sanders-style insurgents — neither method provided the party with a breakthrough victory."
This is a disingenuous statement. While the Democratic challengers in Kansas and Montana failed, both candidates were all but abandoned by DNC leadership, which stated that both races would be impossible to win. Meanwhile, the DNC machinery was in full swing for Mr. Ossoff. It's very unfair to then compare populist vs. centrist Democratic campaign results, given the lack of support from DNC elites. These factors have been covered extensively by the Times, so it's surprising to me to read the statement made by the writers of this article.
This is a disingenuous statement. While the Democratic challengers in Kansas and Montana failed, both candidates were all but abandoned by DNC leadership, which stated that both races would be impossible to win. Meanwhile, the DNC machinery was in full swing for Mr. Ossoff. It's very unfair to then compare populist vs. centrist Democratic campaign results, given the lack of support from DNC elites. These factors have been covered extensively by the Times, so it's surprising to me to read the statement made by the writers of this article.
2
The Democrat brand is not “worse” than Trump. What is worse is their message branding. Democrats represent what most voters want to make this country great again, but do not provide a coherent, cogent message. Under this Republican Congress, the first order of business-repeal the Clean Stream Acts. No American prefers polluted waterways, land and air so mining companies can increase profits. Second order-repeal the law preventing mentally ill SSD patients from purchasing firearms. What number of Americans, Republican or Democrat, would agree? Now we come to the repeal of Obamacare. We know the repeal is a bait and switch for a tax cut for the wealthy. The Obamacare taxes in place were strengthening MediCARE – a program used by senior citizens of both parties. Repealing these taxes will SHORTEN MediCARE’s lifespan. Now Republicans want to make these tax cuts permanent, which every study proves TAX CUTS DO NOT INCREASE TAX REVENUE. Eventually when federal government revenue decreases, Republicans WILL cut Social Security and Medicare, even though ALL working Americans pay into Social Security and Medicare with each paycheck. Republican tax cuts are a roundabout way of eliminating, in their view, “entitlement” programs. Democrats are not worse than Trump, but must get their act together to access Republicans, Independents – all voters – inform them of the political realities, only then will Democrats have the platform to make this Country Great Again.
3
The Democrats have a problem but Georgia, SC and the other recent House races are not indicative of much. These are conservative districts and were a long shot to win. That is why appointments were made from them. The Democrats still did about 15% better in them than they did in 2016. If this pattern holds, where does the whole House end up? Nevertheless the Democrats need to push a Progressive message in contrast to Trump's puppets in Congress.
1
Clinton criticized Trump, but what did she had to offer?
Democrats criticize the Republicans, but what do they have to offer?
What is the Democrats' project/agenda/vision?
I don't know, they don't have one.
So let's vote for the Republicans.
Democrats criticize the Republicans, but what do they have to offer?
What is the Democrats' project/agenda/vision?
I don't know, they don't have one.
So let's vote for the Republicans.
2
The Democrats need to do some serious taking of stock which unbelievably they still have not done since Hillary's defeat. (1) We need to be clear of what we are FOR and HOW we propose to achieve our goals. We need to communicate in a way so that all Americans of various degrees of education and outlook can understand; not just folks who like to watch Rachel Maddow or Laurence O'Donnell. We cannot win back an America that continues to embrace democracy, respect and common decency by simply being anti-Trump. We need to cultivate and promote new leadership and ideas. That means it is time for Queen Pelosi, King Schumer, Princes Hoyer, Sanders etc. and even Elizabeth Warren, to pass the baton and abdicate the throne. They should step aside and use their experience to counsel, encourage and inspire from the sidelines but they cannot be the face and leadership of the Democratic Party any longer. It is not clear who are new leaders are or should be but most of the current field team are not youngsters! Most are in their 50s!! I am thinking of Tom Perez, Corey Booker, Chris Van Hollen, Julian Castro, Joaquin Castro, Jim McGovern, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar, Maria Cantwell, Tammy Baldwin, current and former governors like Jack Markell and Dan Malloy. (Unfortunately the Democratic gubernatorial bench is so shallow we can fit the members of the DGA around a conference room table.)
Unfortunately too many voters in too many of the more sparsely populated states with extra electoral clout per vote are repelled by certain things in the Democrats platform, like the abortion litmus test (for the record I am pro choice). The Democrat party needs to develop a more nuanced position on that issue in order to widen the support for their party.
Also, the rob from the rich and give to the poor Robin Hood thing has limits (Trump is Exhibit A for this limitation). Why is this? Even Joe Six Pack intuitively does buy the notion of a free lunch. They want programs that support private sector economic development rather than the tried and failed government programs of the past. They prefer leaders with a record of competence in the private sector. State level support for Dems has fallen because we correlate the DMV in each state with Dem incompetence. Unfortunately my suggestions for the Dems run counter to the positions of too many of their current constituents interests.
Also, the rob from the rich and give to the poor Robin Hood thing has limits (Trump is Exhibit A for this limitation). Why is this? Even Joe Six Pack intuitively does buy the notion of a free lunch. They want programs that support private sector economic development rather than the tried and failed government programs of the past. They prefer leaders with a record of competence in the private sector. State level support for Dems has fallen because we correlate the DMV in each state with Dem incompetence. Unfortunately my suggestions for the Dems run counter to the positions of too many of their current constituents interests.
1
I have just watched Nancy Pelosi state she is proud of the election results in Georgia, Kansas and South Carolina and claim the Republican wins were pyrrhic victories. How is it a pyrrhic victory when the winners will take their seats in congress?
1
Classic example of an out-of-touch politician who believes her own spin. A hazard of existing in the bubble.
Brand worse than Trump.....do ya think? Keep it up Libs, let Nancy, Chuck and Maxine be your spokes-people and keep up with no message, just continue being obstructionists and you may never win again! Except in SF, NY, and Chicago....ergo your 0-4 standing in elections since Trump won!
1
Democrat establishment needs to stop using the term, Working men and women. Everyone works. It means nothing.
Use the term Working Class, that is more specific term to use, defines us better.
Why are the dems afraid to say "Working Class?"
Use the term Working Class, that is more specific term to use, defines us better.
Why are the dems afraid to say "Working Class?"
1
Please take Debbie Dingall's advice. It is so typical of Democrat misunderstanding of what ails them. You, ms Dingall, are the typical politician. Trump is something new and different and has the interest of working Americans at the center of his domestic policy. Middle America sent Trump to D.C. to get rid of people like you, the wife of a career politician who thinks she gets to inherit her husband's seat.
"Our brand is worse than Trump" is pretty obvious nonsense.
You will win when you admit that the government can't solve all ills. When you admit that the bureaucracy does sometimes waste taxpayer money. That your leaders did nothing for 25 years while their donors on Wall Street outsourced good American jobs. You will win againg when you admit that one of the main reasons high school and college kids don't gain experience working at menial labor jobs is because Democrats allowed unscrupulous business owners to hire the undocumented. You will win again when you just one time admit that there are some negatives to people sneaking across the border or overstaying a visa. You will win when you admit that for 25 years you let democrat politicians break up AMERICAN familes by imprisoning their moms and dads for petty crimes so that the stain of Willie Horton wouldn't fall on your re-election bids.
2
Dear America,
Why is it so hard to resist Trump. He is gross - period.
Just noting but the Dems brand is not destroyed...but it could with some tickle ups. You need to change the DNC heads and start to have pro life gun swinger Dems representing down south.
Also the people like Biden right? Make him the face of the brand.
Why is it so hard to resist Trump. He is gross - period.
Just noting but the Dems brand is not destroyed...but it could with some tickle ups. You need to change the DNC heads and start to have pro life gun swinger Dems representing down south.
Also the people like Biden right? Make him the face of the brand.
1
Let them seethe; their hatred does not work in their favor. The American people are getting disgusted; those of us with morality and intelligence.
2
What an insulting comment. A few Democrats lost special elections in heavily Republican districts. Duh. Tens of millions of dollars in dark money went to the GA candidate's race making it the most expensive congressional race ever run. Hillary won three million more votes than trump even though the GOP had help from the a lazy media, the FBI director, Putin, his computer hackers and thousands of fake news stories that really stupid people believed.. Perhaps, the most egregious contributors to Hillary's loss were the late night male pundits who claim to be progressive but just couldn't endure a brilliant woman candidate. Stephen Colbert literally got down on his knees to beg Joe Biden to enter the race when it became clear that Hillary was going to be the nominee.
What Democrats need to do is stop rolling over for Republicans. The GA candidate never attached his GOP opponent to trump but she and her supporters rarely said his name without asserting that he was in Nancy Pelosi's pocket. Pelosi didn't campaign for him. They may have never met. Obama should have been less concerned about his legacy and more concerned about the country when it became clear that Putin was meddling in our election in an attempt to get trump elected. He made a low key announcement about the Russian's meddling but never mentioned that Putin was supporting trump. trump is the GOP's Achilles heel and Putin is trump's Achilles heel. Dems need to fight back but they have nothing in common with trump.
What Democrats need to do is stop rolling over for Republicans. The GA candidate never attached his GOP opponent to trump but she and her supporters rarely said his name without asserting that he was in Nancy Pelosi's pocket. Pelosi didn't campaign for him. They may have never met. Obama should have been less concerned about his legacy and more concerned about the country when it became clear that Putin was meddling in our election in an attempt to get trump elected. He made a low key announcement about the Russian's meddling but never mentioned that Putin was supporting trump. trump is the GOP's Achilles heel and Putin is trump's Achilles heel. Dems need to fight back but they have nothing in common with trump.
2
A party of rich liberal elites backed by wall street against a party of rich conservative elites backed by wall street. Eenie meenie minnie moe...
3
When I moved to the rural South from Silicon Valley, I was shocked to learn that apparently being a Democrat down here means that a) you're African-American, b) you are elitist, c) you are anti-religious (and pro-abortion), and d) you don't support the American values like marriage, family, hard work, and self-reliance. It's about like what they say about Californians in general: "fruits and nuts." The Democrats need to find out where they went wrong and how they lost a huge portion of the country to the Republicans.
1
I thought it was all Russia's fault, or Comey's fault, or just about anybody but the the people representing the Democratic party in America today.
2
We have only seen the beginning of the Trump Wave.
The midterms are going to see at least 3 more Senate seats converted to GOP positions -- and 10 or more House seats, possibly as many as 25.
The Democrats need to get the far left socialists and communists in check and marginalize them. But instead, the centrist Democrats are turning out for socialism and communism. And that only spells defeat at the polls for out-of-touch Democrats.
The Democrats needs to put down these violent "antifa" idiots and disavow their hidden-face actual fascist tactics but instead they are being embraced.
When leading Democrats call for violence and Bernie Sanders-loving lunatics act out on those proclamations, the entire party looks unhinged.
Furthermore, Nancy Pelosi is a washed out, mentally-challenged buffoon who lately doesn't even know who is president. And Chuck Schumer needs to retire so someone who doesn't look, sound and act like a miserly child-molesting cannibal can replace him. Two leaders of the party are way out of sync with mainstream America, irrational on a daily basis, disconnected from the rational base and siding with the kooks that backed the known criminal Hillary Clinton.
From where we sit over here in middle America, it appears that the Democrat Party is going to keep going downhill for another decade or longer. The reasons are readily discernible, but Democrats won't stop and look in the mirror.
The midterms are going to see at least 3 more Senate seats converted to GOP positions -- and 10 or more House seats, possibly as many as 25.
The Democrats need to get the far left socialists and communists in check and marginalize them. But instead, the centrist Democrats are turning out for socialism and communism. And that only spells defeat at the polls for out-of-touch Democrats.
The Democrats needs to put down these violent "antifa" idiots and disavow their hidden-face actual fascist tactics but instead they are being embraced.
When leading Democrats call for violence and Bernie Sanders-loving lunatics act out on those proclamations, the entire party looks unhinged.
Furthermore, Nancy Pelosi is a washed out, mentally-challenged buffoon who lately doesn't even know who is president. And Chuck Schumer needs to retire so someone who doesn't look, sound and act like a miserly child-molesting cannibal can replace him. Two leaders of the party are way out of sync with mainstream America, irrational on a daily basis, disconnected from the rational base and siding with the kooks that backed the known criminal Hillary Clinton.
From where we sit over here in middle America, it appears that the Democrat Party is going to keep going downhill for another decade or longer. The reasons are readily discernible, but Democrats won't stop and look in the mirror.
1
If it is any solace, Ossoff lost only by a 4-point margin. A loss, nonetheless. But, the 2009 comparison of 7-0 loss for the GOP was NOT a bellwether for the 2010 onslaught, the Dems. faced later. More notably, the 30 million or so dollar campaign expenditure price tag was, indeed, a colossal calamity. One is tempted to say, ''it is the messaging, stupid!''. The silver lining is it ain't over until it is over. Aggressive pro-people policy, rather than anti-Trump jeremiad, probably will work better.
Appearances, and a low-polling POTUS did not, evidently, matter. Once red from 1979, almost always red. Dems. have a Sisyphean task ahead of them in 2018, and nothing can be taken for granted. Many in the south are genetically engineered to vote red, no matter the candidate, even if he or she is a firebrand party person ,for the wrong reasons.
Unless a massive mutation happens in the DNAs of GOP voters, in the form of a concatenation of calamities, capturing southern states will continue to be a pipe-dream for the Dems. They have a lot of dangerous Damocles swords dangling above their heads.
Appearances, and a low-polling POTUS did not, evidently, matter. Once red from 1979, almost always red. Dems. have a Sisyphean task ahead of them in 2018, and nothing can be taken for granted. Many in the south are genetically engineered to vote red, no matter the candidate, even if he or she is a firebrand party person ,for the wrong reasons.
Unless a massive mutation happens in the DNAs of GOP voters, in the form of a concatenation of calamities, capturing southern states will continue to be a pipe-dream for the Dems. They have a lot of dangerous Damocles swords dangling above their heads.
Nancy is toxic. Put it all on Bernie.
I know exactly what is needed for the Democratic party and its brand to soar. Contact me in Mountain View, Ca and I will send it to you. No kidding. I tried to communicate this several times to Hillary Clinton but the message never made to through. This is important.
WOW this article sure gave the right wing GOP and the left wing Bernie Bros lots of room to make nasty comments here....What a stupid thing to say....the Democratic Party is not a BRAND and HRC won the popular vote by 3 Million..As a center left Dem...this whole title of the artlcle makes me angry.
5
I can't believe the stupid Democrat self-flaggelating hysteria. They are actually striving toward Republican victory in 2018. I think the noise is originating from the ones seeking to displace Pelosi. I have serious misgivings about giving in to the haters. They hate Pelosi like they hate Hillary; she triggers their rage in the same way. I think they have this all wrong, trying to cozy up to Trump country, where they are hated anyway. Those people hate everybody except themselves. They like Trump, even though they know he's lying, because he sells their hate right back to them, and that's all they really care about. The focus should be on the 60 % of decent people instead, and on sending Trump voters back under the rock they crawled out from under. Their priorities are wrong, so let's not be held hostage by them. Stay strong, resist and mobilize instead.
2
It's tough for Democrats to find a leader that satisfies all of its special interests unless somewhere out there is a gay, Black, Hispanic woman union organizer that's acceptable to Hedge Fund billionaires and Socialists.
2
Keep on pledging undying loyalty to Roe v. Wade. It's great for Republicans and eventually will be great for babies.
1
It has nothing to do with Republicans, Democrats. Moreover, Ossoff sounded quite intelligent, well-informed, etc, while Handel wasn't quite??? It is the people in that district who hope/wish to get a tax cut, or suffer from "Whitelash" (per Van Jones), etc.
If you go to Rustbelt, Ohio, etc., it is still the "people" but perhaps different set of issues: Whitelash, mechanization, resentment for educated people, etc.
In a Frank Luntz Focus Group (in Ohio), Trump supporters stated that Trump shoving the Montenegro prime minister at NATO showed "strength" of America ... Are these civilized people representing American Exceptionalism?
If you go to Rustbelt, Ohio, etc., it is still the "people" but perhaps different set of issues: Whitelash, mechanization, resentment for educated people, etc.
In a Frank Luntz Focus Group (in Ohio), Trump supporters stated that Trump shoving the Montenegro prime minister at NATO showed "strength" of America ... Are these civilized people representing American Exceptionalism?
1
The Democratic Party appears mortally wounded. Maybe this is because the Democratic legislators and other party leaders have forgotten the criminality suggested by the hacked emails of Hillary Clinton, John Podesta, Donna Brazile, Wasserman Schultz, and others. In fact, many of us have not forgotten that.
Further, we are constantly reminded of the Clinton Email Scandal by the Russia hacking investigation. What should be under investigation is not so much the hacking, I posit, but rather, the evidence of criminality revealed by the hacking.
For example, why doesn't anyone officially obtain from Podesta or Brazile or H Clinton or all three the emails of known provenance corresponding to Assange's hacked email about the CNN debate question disclosed to Clinton and Podesta by Brazile in advance of the debate. Was that hacked email in fact doctored or was the evident corruption in it actually the case. Did Hillary Clinton use illicitly gained information in answering a question at the CNN debate?
With this scandal left ignored, the Democratic Party can be assured that they have no future in this country for years if not generations. Therefore, they should be seeking investigation of the evident corruption of DNC leaders such as H Clinton by the Department of Justice to sort this out.
Further, we are constantly reminded of the Clinton Email Scandal by the Russia hacking investigation. What should be under investigation is not so much the hacking, I posit, but rather, the evidence of criminality revealed by the hacking.
For example, why doesn't anyone officially obtain from Podesta or Brazile or H Clinton or all three the emails of known provenance corresponding to Assange's hacked email about the CNN debate question disclosed to Clinton and Podesta by Brazile in advance of the debate. Was that hacked email in fact doctored or was the evident corruption in it actually the case. Did Hillary Clinton use illicitly gained information in answering a question at the CNN debate?
With this scandal left ignored, the Democratic Party can be assured that they have no future in this country for years if not generations. Therefore, they should be seeking investigation of the evident corruption of DNC leaders such as H Clinton by the Department of Justice to sort this out.
We, the American people, are rejoicing over the loss of Ossoff, who reportedly did not, and may still not, even live in the 50th District of Georgia. Looking forward to similar "Ossoff" losses down the road.
1
I believe most Americans wanted change because after 8 yrs this became huge to most of us.
I wish someone could explain to me how we got to a point:
*Illegals get better treatment in our state schools than USA legal students? Remember everyone pays taxes, the word here is illegal.
*How in the world in Obama care did we allow the Insurance,Hospitals and Pharmaceutical to exploit us. Cheaper to go to Mexico and Canada for our drugs? Hospitals $1200 a day for a room. Insurance premiums 100% increase. I cant afford to retire because insurance would eat 40% of retirement till I get to 66.
Dems want a win fix this.
I wish someone could explain to me how we got to a point:
*Illegals get better treatment in our state schools than USA legal students? Remember everyone pays taxes, the word here is illegal.
*How in the world in Obama care did we allow the Insurance,Hospitals and Pharmaceutical to exploit us. Cheaper to go to Mexico and Canada for our drugs? Hospitals $1200 a day for a room. Insurance premiums 100% increase. I cant afford to retire because insurance would eat 40% of retirement till I get to 66.
Dems want a win fix this.
3
When a baseball team has a losing streak year after year, you can't fire the entire team - you fire the COACH. Well, the Democrats are that baseball team. They lost both Houses of Congress under Coach Pelosi and have not gotten it back. Time for a NEW COACH!
1
Democrats have abandoned classic liberalism for a new version of socialism. Call it progressive or democratic socialism it's rooted in demonizing the successful, the banker, church, factory owner, farmer,storekeepers along with promises of nervana.
Hoping the hard left remains the voice of the democrat party, insuring more Trump wins in '18 and '20.
Hoping the hard left remains the voice of the democrat party, insuring more Trump wins in '18 and '20.
2
Anyone who watched Trump's Iowa rally knows why the Democratic brand is not "worse" than our childish, corrupt narcissistic president.
Democrats would be foolish to ignore the threat Trump poses to our democracy. His corruption, bigotry & blase attitudes about Russia & division in this country - which he feeds on - are toxic & threaten our democracy.
Democrats would rather keep fighting among themselves, making a loss in a Georgia special election a referendum on Trump. Maybe it was a referendum on the south!
That Georgia congregational district is my original home. My Dekalb County educated, prosperous neighbors were the most bigoted, antiSemitic people I've ever known. Much of the south is a lost cause, mired in the same poisonous cultural & social backwardness since the 1950s & 60s.
Assume Trump, an unreformed bigot who trolled a black president, slimed Muslims & Hispanics & insulted our values (dissing veterans & their families) owns the south. How could it be otherwise?
The south doesn't represent America.
Promote policies that address the concerns of working & middle class people across the rest of the country. Be the party that helps regular Americans get ahead economically. Ceding that argument to Trump in 2016 was lethal. Trump doesn't deserve their votes. But don't TELL people that, show Democrat's policies to help w/ economic concerns.
& stop getting caught up in identity politics. Hillary ran on those issues & Trump made it a stick to beat her with.
Democrats would be foolish to ignore the threat Trump poses to our democracy. His corruption, bigotry & blase attitudes about Russia & division in this country - which he feeds on - are toxic & threaten our democracy.
Democrats would rather keep fighting among themselves, making a loss in a Georgia special election a referendum on Trump. Maybe it was a referendum on the south!
That Georgia congregational district is my original home. My Dekalb County educated, prosperous neighbors were the most bigoted, antiSemitic people I've ever known. Much of the south is a lost cause, mired in the same poisonous cultural & social backwardness since the 1950s & 60s.
Assume Trump, an unreformed bigot who trolled a black president, slimed Muslims & Hispanics & insulted our values (dissing veterans & their families) owns the south. How could it be otherwise?
The south doesn't represent America.
Promote policies that address the concerns of working & middle class people across the rest of the country. Be the party that helps regular Americans get ahead economically. Ceding that argument to Trump in 2016 was lethal. Trump doesn't deserve their votes. But don't TELL people that, show Democrat's policies to help w/ economic concerns.
& stop getting caught up in identity politics. Hillary ran on those issues & Trump made it a stick to beat her with.
The biased Times of course doesn't highlight how 99% of Ossoff's money came from out of the district. They even quote a Pelosi staffer about how the Rs "blew through money" to hold the seat while Handel was outspent by at least 5 to 1. The article talks about how much the Rs spent, but not a word about how much the Ds spent. More dishonest "reporting."
5
I couldn't agree more about Ossoff's poor messaging. One of his main points in his relentless ads was that he helped "expose ISIS atrocities towards women". Seriously dude - you did that alone? Never mind the pictures of gays being tossed off roofs, infidels beheaded or so called 'Christians' crucified circulating around the internet - without Jon Ossoff we'd never know that ISIS was evil.
The fact that merely opposing something as vile and harmful to our country as Trump isn't enough to win elections speaks volumes about the quality of the people in this country. Americans hate to face the truth, but your country is riddled with a social disease.
2
Until Democrats change their agenda they will forever struggle to regain control.
Many people see D's as a party that cares more about illegal aliens than they do about American citizens. They see a party that stokes division among Americans, dividing everyone into identity-based groups and assigning victim status based on that identity, inadvertently perpetuating the very hatred they say they are against. People see a party that supports a war against our police and that condones violent rioting. They see a party that seeks to stifle any speech that it disagrees with. They see a party that works hard to mute anything Christian, but coddles and promotes anything Muslim... leaving many in disbelief that Democrats would openly back a group that routinely rapes its own children, oppresses and denigrates women, and seeks to behead anyone who disagrees with them. People see D's as a party that fights to make 0.01% of the population feel comfortable in the bathroom while making the other 99.9% uncomfortable. And they see a party that says the word "jobs" with empty intent, never taking decisive action to create them.
These are deep, systemic agenda issues. Yet, still, D's have yet to honestly reflect with introspection. Instead, they believe in staying the course... the only problem is "getting out the vote". They don't seem to realize that their core agenda repulses many Americans. It is the height of arrogance combined with ignorance.
Many people see D's as a party that cares more about illegal aliens than they do about American citizens. They see a party that stokes division among Americans, dividing everyone into identity-based groups and assigning victim status based on that identity, inadvertently perpetuating the very hatred they say they are against. People see a party that supports a war against our police and that condones violent rioting. They see a party that seeks to stifle any speech that it disagrees with. They see a party that works hard to mute anything Christian, but coddles and promotes anything Muslim... leaving many in disbelief that Democrats would openly back a group that routinely rapes its own children, oppresses and denigrates women, and seeks to behead anyone who disagrees with them. People see D's as a party that fights to make 0.01% of the population feel comfortable in the bathroom while making the other 99.9% uncomfortable. And they see a party that says the word "jobs" with empty intent, never taking decisive action to create them.
These are deep, systemic agenda issues. Yet, still, D's have yet to honestly reflect with introspection. Instead, they believe in staying the course... the only problem is "getting out the vote". They don't seem to realize that their core agenda repulses many Americans. It is the height of arrogance combined with ignorance.
The Democratic Political Class is as blind and dumb as the Republican Political Class.
We, that's the 1/3 of a billion American citizens, owe $20Trillion. Our debt is increasing @$500Billion annually with no end in sight.
Health care cost $3.2Trillion in 2015, is increasing @5-6% annually with no end in sight, and the evil twins answer is bitterly bickering about which Band-Aid to use while the patient is flat lining.
The list of serious, fundamental, structural economic catastrophes goes on and on with no end in sight.
Washingtonians have no solutions. They are the problem.
We, that's the 1/3 of a billion American citizens, owe $20Trillion. Our debt is increasing @$500Billion annually with no end in sight.
Health care cost $3.2Trillion in 2015, is increasing @5-6% annually with no end in sight, and the evil twins answer is bitterly bickering about which Band-Aid to use while the patient is flat lining.
The list of serious, fundamental, structural economic catastrophes goes on and on with no end in sight.
Washingtonians have no solutions. They are the problem.
1
Annnnd...back to the entire Trump administration now under investigation.
1
Dems ran Hillary as Republican-lite and lost, then continued to run other Republican-lites like Ossoff, and they continue to be surprised they lose? Are they learning disabled? Run candidates that have actually come through for the 99%. Of, by, for.
1
Look at the electoral map. Trump won close to 85% of the counties in America while Clinton won less than 15%!
By geography America is overwhelmingly conservative & do NOT want open borders, socialism, & MASS Islamic immigration & that is exactly where the Democratic Party is headed if they get power!!
People see the NIGHTMARE parts of Europe has turned to & they do NOT want that here!!
By geography America is overwhelmingly conservative & do NOT want open borders, socialism, & MASS Islamic immigration & that is exactly where the Democratic Party is headed if they get power!!
People see the NIGHTMARE parts of Europe has turned to & they do NOT want that here!!
1
Trump lost the popular vote by over 3 million votes. In Trump's own terms, the election was rigged, both by the Russian, but even more so by the bogus gerrymandering.
2
what happened:
Scene one, 2016:
Liberal Dems to Trump supporters: you shouldn't make fun of experts all the time
Trump supporters: get stuffed, we have ENTHUSASM !!!
Scene two, 2017:
Experts to Lib Dems: don't have high hopes for MT or GA06, which are heavily R districts.
The best would be to come close, if we come close, indicates things are going well
Lib Dems to experts: get stuffed we have enthusiasm
Result: Dems come close
Scene three, June 2017:
Result, portrayed in media: disaster for dems, and Liberal Dems who ignored experts are given more media space then Dems who didn't ignore experts
Scene one, 2016:
Liberal Dems to Trump supporters: you shouldn't make fun of experts all the time
Trump supporters: get stuffed, we have ENTHUSASM !!!
Scene two, 2017:
Experts to Lib Dems: don't have high hopes for MT or GA06, which are heavily R districts.
The best would be to come close, if we come close, indicates things are going well
Lib Dems to experts: get stuffed we have enthusiasm
Result: Dems come close
Scene three, June 2017:
Result, portrayed in media: disaster for dems, and Liberal Dems who ignored experts are given more media space then Dems who didn't ignore experts
This story reveals the very essence of what so many of us despise about American politics. The fretful Democrats are asking themselves, "What can we say to those disgusting Trump voters that would make them want to vote for US?" instead of acknowledging that this portion of the "stupid American people" (Jonathan Gruber) either doesn't agree with or doesn't believe them? They despise these "deplorable" people but really, really want their votes.
Debbie Dingell's unhinged suggestion to "attack the president more" shows yet again the profound insensitivity Democrats continue show to the people who voted for Trump. These voters, even those who held their noses while voting for him, see the Democrats' nonstop attacks on the president and on Republican Congressmen and Senators as an attack on themselves, personally. Adam Schiff's vicious attacks on Devin Nunes, for example, have turned me against him forever. We don't want jackals in Congress, ripping their rivals to pieces and devouring them in pubic.
Debbie Dingell's unhinged suggestion to "attack the president more" shows yet again the profound insensitivity Democrats continue show to the people who voted for Trump. These voters, even those who held their noses while voting for him, see the Democrats' nonstop attacks on the president and on Republican Congressmen and Senators as an attack on themselves, personally. Adam Schiff's vicious attacks on Devin Nunes, for example, have turned me against him forever. We don't want jackals in Congress, ripping their rivals to pieces and devouring them in pubic.
2
Don't be sullen and melancholy Democrats, you have done the following to ensure that you are competitive in 2018 and 2020:
1. Addicted enough people to welfare;
2. Divided enough people based on race, class, gender, religion, and sexual preference;
3. Brainwashed enough spongy brained college students with militant lefty professors and universities;
4. Captured complete control of the MSM to disseminate your fallacious and inflammatory propaganda de jure;
5. Convinced enough people that America is very bad and that Republicans are the reincarnation of Hitler mixed with the Anti-Christ, and are responsible for all the worlds and Americas problems, and that you will make it right.
6. Somehow convinced enough people that Democrats are tolerant, loving, and patriotic.
7. And finally and most importantly ... you have convinced enough people that they are victims - that cannot save themselves - and that they must be saved by the Democrats. What a coincidence - the fundamental selling point of every religion you supposedly detest.
1. Addicted enough people to welfare;
2. Divided enough people based on race, class, gender, religion, and sexual preference;
3. Brainwashed enough spongy brained college students with militant lefty professors and universities;
4. Captured complete control of the MSM to disseminate your fallacious and inflammatory propaganda de jure;
5. Convinced enough people that America is very bad and that Republicans are the reincarnation of Hitler mixed with the Anti-Christ, and are responsible for all the worlds and Americas problems, and that you will make it right.
6. Somehow convinced enough people that Democrats are tolerant, loving, and patriotic.
7. And finally and most importantly ... you have convinced enough people that they are victims - that cannot save themselves - and that they must be saved by the Democrats. What a coincidence - the fundamental selling point of every religion you supposedly detest.
Not a devastating loss! Ossoff got what he got in the primary: over 48% in a blood red state. That's good. We knew that in the main election the republicans would band together. What's the surprise? He did great considering the odds. And it's not Pelosi they hate it's San Francisco. What's SF famous for? LGBT people. Urban people. Others. This election reveals what we've always known, repubs hate others, but that things are changing for the better. Come on dems! Grit your teeth and get on with it. It'll happen. Resist!
1
Why did Obama win two terms? Because he is passionate! When he is campaigning he is amazing. America loves passion. I watched part of the debate with Handel and Ossoff. I did not see passion. People want someone who will fight for them. Why does Sanders have a huge base? Because he is passionate and believes what he is saying. America is tired of fake politicians. We want someone who has the integrity and backbone to stand up to special interests. Until democrats learn to stand up for what they believe in, we will keep electing republicans.
Headline should read: Our brand worse than Trump for Americans who are as awful as he is. 50% of GOP don't believe engaged in cyberwarfare so idiots will be idiots. How are Democrats supposed to compete in districts where people are so ill-informed? Do they have to lie and pander as much as GOP to win? If so, our republic will be "nothing—just a name, without substance or form," to quote Caesar on the Roman Republic of his day.
If it is any solace, Ossoff lost only by a 4-point margin. A loss, nonetheless. But, the 2009 comparison of 7-0 loss for the GOP was NOT a bellwether for the 2010 onslaught, the Dems. faced later. More notably, the 30 million or so dollar campaign expenditure price tag was, indeed, a colossal calamity. One is tempted to say, ''it is the messaging, stupid!''.
Appearances, and a low-polling POTUS did not, evidently, matter. Once red from 1979, almost always red. Dems. have a Sisyphean task ahead of them in 2018, and nothing can be taken for granted. Many in the south are genetically engineered to vote red, no matter the candidate, even if he or she is a firebrand party person ,for the wrong reasons.
Unless a massive mutation happens in the DNAs of GOP voters, in the form of a concatenation of calamities, capturing southern states will continue to be a pipe-dream for the Dems. They have a lot of dangerous Damocles swords dangling above their heads.
Appearances, and a low-polling POTUS did not, evidently, matter. Once red from 1979, almost always red. Dems. have a Sisyphean task ahead of them in 2018, and nothing can be taken for granted. Many in the south are genetically engineered to vote red, no matter the candidate, even if he or she is a firebrand party person ,for the wrong reasons.
Unless a massive mutation happens in the DNAs of GOP voters, in the form of a concatenation of calamities, capturing southern states will continue to be a pipe-dream for the Dems. They have a lot of dangerous Damocles swords dangling above their heads.
Let me settle this -- you're BOTH terrible.
8
I wonder if developing policies on jobs at a time of 4.5% unemployment is going to get people elected.
What needs to be done is identifying what anxieties weigh on people and where they really hurt. Yes, there are sectors like coal mines that have employment issues and NAFTA impacted areas and practical solutions need to be found. But beyond that we need to understand what people want, not necessarily nationally but where need to be regionally also.
What needs to be done is identifying what anxieties weigh on people and where they really hurt. Yes, there are sectors like coal mines that have employment issues and NAFTA impacted areas and practical solutions need to be found. But beyond that we need to understand what people want, not necessarily nationally but where need to be regionally also.
1
Well, people work more than one job to get by. So they are "employed", but don't have enough money for basic needs. Can you think of such a situation?
Some economists (even "liberal" ones) argue income inequality doesn't hurt "economic growth". Well, I think it does! I just don't have enough income to lead a stable life!
Some economists (even "liberal" ones) argue income inequality doesn't hurt "economic growth". Well, I think it does! I just don't have enough income to lead a stable life!
Reading the comments, I find one common theme. Everyone speaks about what THEY, meaning the established parties, need to do. I have yet to see a comment about what WE need to do to insure our government is responsive to the needs of the people they represent. How many of these "armchair" politicians expressing their opinions actually engage in political activity. This is not a sprint, but a long journey.
Randy Bryce, a union iron worker from Wisconsin, just announced that he is running for Paul Ryan's seat. WE THE PEOPLE need to insure he has the support he needs to topple Ryan.
Randy Bryce, a union iron worker from Wisconsin, just announced that he is running for Paul Ryan's seat. WE THE PEOPLE need to insure he has the support he needs to topple Ryan.
5
Oh dear - what about David Yankovich (D) - also running against Paul Ryan?
1
If there's an 18% point swing in every contested red district next year, democrats will be very pleased with the result. The S.C. outcome was even more surprising.
The republican party has numerous canaries in their coal mine on life support right now, but they aren't paying attention.
The republican party has numerous canaries in their coal mine on life support right now, but they aren't paying attention.
2
First of all the 6th district in GA voted for one of their own who will deal with local issues. The fact that she didn't win with a larger gap is encouraging for the democrats period.
Second, we need new and fresh leaders in the party who resonate to the centrist folks and don't make it about social issues!
Third, we need a younger Bernie who wants medicare for all, cheaper college education and JOBS JOBS JOBS. Show middle state America how infrastructure would create lots of jobs and how the GOP is lying about the coal jobs. Period.
Second, we need new and fresh leaders in the party who resonate to the centrist folks and don't make it about social issues!
Third, we need a younger Bernie who wants medicare for all, cheaper college education and JOBS JOBS JOBS. Show middle state America how infrastructure would create lots of jobs and how the GOP is lying about the coal jobs. Period.
3
..." with lawmakers, activists and labor leaders speaking out in public and private to demand a more forceful economic message heading into the 2018 elections." Let me just lay out a short personal anecdote to expand your thinking.
I am struggling to understand why the Democratic Party loss is so surprising.
I was a Democrat for 55 years. I was in a labor union. I was a progressive activist - 60s through the 90s. I voted for Obama, twice. But my heart had said something was wrong with my head for decades, after Bill Clinton won. I never listened to it.
In many respects, Donald J Trump is my polar opposite. I went to a rally of his in Phoenix just before the election. What a great group of people. Like many of them, I spent most of my life as a civilian, but like many I went to Iraq. That changed me, thanks to divine providence.
Trump captured my vote, as he has millions of others like me who have "had it" with the never-ending liberal idiocies of the Democratic Party. If for no other reason, he and I both share an innate disdain for what the Democratic Party has become.
I still dislike the ideas of many of the neo-con Republicans, but personally I respect them far more now than the frauds like Pelosi, Schumer, and most of all, former Democrat Bernard Sanders.
Millions like me - and we come in all ages, races, and backgrounds - are thankful for the fact that America doesn't always get the President it thinks it wants, but it always gets the one it needs. MAGA, DJT.
I am struggling to understand why the Democratic Party loss is so surprising.
I was a Democrat for 55 years. I was in a labor union. I was a progressive activist - 60s through the 90s. I voted for Obama, twice. But my heart had said something was wrong with my head for decades, after Bill Clinton won. I never listened to it.
In many respects, Donald J Trump is my polar opposite. I went to a rally of his in Phoenix just before the election. What a great group of people. Like many of them, I spent most of my life as a civilian, but like many I went to Iraq. That changed me, thanks to divine providence.
Trump captured my vote, as he has millions of others like me who have "had it" with the never-ending liberal idiocies of the Democratic Party. If for no other reason, he and I both share an innate disdain for what the Democratic Party has become.
I still dislike the ideas of many of the neo-con Republicans, but personally I respect them far more now than the frauds like Pelosi, Schumer, and most of all, former Democrat Bernard Sanders.
Millions like me - and we come in all ages, races, and backgrounds - are thankful for the fact that America doesn't always get the President it thinks it wants, but it always gets the one it needs. MAGA, DJT.
People are forgetting that Hillary actually received almost 3,000,000 more votes than Trump. Our antiquated election system did not represent "the will of the people". It should be changed for future presidential elections. That aside, Sanders' sudden jump into the race was the reason for the divided Dem vote on election day. This country will never vote for a candidate who openly calls him/herself a Socialist. That faction of the party needs to move to the center and cooperate to find a candidate known on the national front. My suggestion would be Rep. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Com. now appearing prominently on nightly TV. Obama came into the public view when he gave that amazing rebuttal to the State of the Union address by Bush. Schiff exhibits that same cool command of the situation.
5
That's 3 million people in the populous liberal bubbles of San Francisco, New York and Chicago. Not representative of america as a whole. Relying on this was Hilary's mistake and allowing those cities to elect our leaders would be a mistake
Dem has gone too far left. It needs to get back to center. With Sanders' rise, however, it can hardly be expected that it is gonna do that. What is likely to happen is that the moderates are gonna leave the party. Dem is gonna diminish significantly.
2
I contend that the way forward for the Democratic party is not the continued determination to convert moderate and conservative voters who have no interest in voting for the ideals perpetrated by the left. The way forward is no longer bridging a gap between the center-right and the center-left, but by creating a populist message that will engage nonvoters and give them a genuine reason to leave their homes and head out to the polls for the very first time. In Georgia's 6th district, the population is somewhere near 700,000, yet only a third of those individuals found the need to vote on election day. Perhaps they were not interested, or simply misinformed, but perhaps the decision between Handel and Ossoff seemed so benign that it was preferable to stay home. The fact of the matter is, Handel won by less than 10,000 votes. Therefore, Democrats, with their anti-Trump drivel failed to get 10,000 new voters out of the nearly 450,000 individuals who didn't vote — due in part to the fact that their message was so blatantly uninteresting to elicit such a response. The way forward for the Democratic party is not by converting right-wingers or centrists, but by creating new voters, and the only way to accomplish that, is by creating a message that is inspiring. Center politics in America is not the way forward unless you are looking for defeat, instead, create a populist left-wing economic message that focuses on job growth and see how the voters will react.
3
The encouraging part of this news is that Democrats managed to unite around a candidate who wasn't exactly a preferred pick for the party. In a normal election cycle, the liberal base of the Democratic party would want nothing to do with Ossoff. Democrats everywhere should be embarrassed that the party didn't field a candidate who actually lived in the district he sought to represent. Yet, Democrats united around this candidate and a few other less than preferred candidates in these special elections.
And, that's good. In 2018, Democrats should run qualified candidates in each of the 435 congressional districts. Those candidates should be able to tailor their message to those districts without fear that the liberal base of the party will howl in rage and deny them resources. Politics is about compromise. There's value to control of the House and the Senate even when some members of the majority vote more often with the minority. The ability to install committee chairs and set the agenda is no small thing.
And, that's good. In 2018, Democrats should run qualified candidates in each of the 435 congressional districts. Those candidates should be able to tailor their message to those districts without fear that the liberal base of the party will howl in rage and deny them resources. Politics is about compromise. There's value to control of the House and the Senate even when some members of the majority vote more often with the minority. The ability to install committee chairs and set the agenda is no small thing.
Ossoff's mild message about jobs and economic growth in an affluent area without big problems was a mistake. But the bottom line is that there are a lot more Republicans in the area than Democrats. There is no big mystery there. Bigger picture - I hope the Democrats can find their footing, because I don't feel like I live in a democracy anymore. Tragic.
1
The Democratic party has to recover from eight years of poor to non-existent leadership by Barack Obama, Democratic President and head of the party. By making Hillary Clinton Secretary of State, a position for which there were many more qualified candidates, he handed her a platform from which to run for President in 2016. His agenda was always his legacy and in 8 years it would be handy to have Hillary take over the White House, when he would be still young and ripe for a top position, granted as his reward. He is nothing if not a careerist and we saw how vigorously he campaigned for her (inappropriately, even before the nomination.) But, the risk was that by making her 'Madame Secretary' he handed over the party to the Clinton machine. Their agenda was not strengthening the party, but getting Hillary into the Oval Office, where, interestingly enough, her husband had shamed her. Perhaps that was her cold revenge plan.
The unexpected scenario was the rise of Sanders. He actually had ideas about fixing some moribund parts of our society and he had integrity--something the Clintons can never recover, as they doubtless never had any. Whether or not one supports Sanders' solutions, there was energy there and an opening to a new generation. However, the Clintons had pre-empted any such grass-roots initiative and the Democrats ended up with the wrong candidate. After Barack Obama's non-leadership which allowed this, the party will have to painfully rebuild.
The unexpected scenario was the rise of Sanders. He actually had ideas about fixing some moribund parts of our society and he had integrity--something the Clintons can never recover, as they doubtless never had any. Whether or not one supports Sanders' solutions, there was energy there and an opening to a new generation. However, the Clintons had pre-empted any such grass-roots initiative and the Democrats ended up with the wrong candidate. After Barack Obama's non-leadership which allowed this, the party will have to painfully rebuild.
3
I'm starting to think that the only way to turn Trump voters away from the Republican agenda is to wait until they've been forced to see what it is and what it does to them. So far, too many people are giving Trump credit for the continuing good effects of the Obama presidency or arguing that Trump hasn't been given a chance to put his promised agenda into effect. Democrats also have to overcome very effective Republican propaganda that has made voters believe that progressive policies will cost jobs and bankrupt the country. Until then, the best we can do is plan for the misery ahead and try to soften its effects on ourselves and on the people who will be hurt worst by it. Let's hope that by 2018, enough people will have figured out what's being done to them and decided they want a change.
2
The Republicans win in a district they have controlled since 1979 and they do a victory lap. Why? They are desperate to talk about anything but collusion with the Russians. Most Republicans would vote for a Russian before they would vote for a qualified Democrat and that says something about the state of their Party. See you in 2018. Oh, and Republicans as the 'jobs' party. They must be high on something, someone said.
2
Nancy Pelosi is a lighting rod for Republicans. When she shows up on the scene they show up to vote. I recently left the Democratic Party for reasons largely associated with Pelosi's shortcomings. I simply can no longer listen to the whining Democratic drone. I am now more comfortable with my independent status.
2
I feel disappointed too. But I think Trump's support is based so much on lies that it won't erode perceptibly until his egregious programs become reality. Who can he possibly blame then? We have yet to allow the facts to have impact.
I am amazed that Dems thought that they could take a solidly Red Congessional district, expending (and wasting) so much money and expectation.
If Pelosi, Schumer, and Warren are the best the Democratic party has to offer, they are in real trouble.
4
What a bizarre conclusion--Democrats are seen as "worse than Trump" because a young candidate could not win a seat in Georgia? Handel is not Trump: she's a Republican (which some could argue is NOT what Trump is). A real Republican won in a long-time Republican district. Instead, it's astounding that an untried Democratic candidate won 48% of the vote. THAT is amazing.
1
I'm not a Republican, but I don't see a focused, clearly-articulated and passionate message coming from the Democrats...certainly nothing to persuade voters to the party. They also need smart, personable, honest and media-savvy leadership, to help build a stronger party. "Youth" isn't a key factor, as proven by Bernie Sanders. Enthusiasm is.
The 24/7 media needs to get off the almost constant coverage of Trump and the Russian investigation, so that viewers can see what is really going on in the world - raped climate change, massive population displacement, genocide, wealth disparity. (I don't list terrorism as that is one topic for which the media will diverge.) Maybe more voters will have their eyes opened and understand how serious the stakes really are.
The 24/7 media needs to get off the almost constant coverage of Trump and the Russian investigation, so that viewers can see what is really going on in the world - raped climate change, massive population displacement, genocide, wealth disparity. (I don't list terrorism as that is one topic for which the media will diverge.) Maybe more voters will have their eyes opened and understand how serious the stakes really are.
"The Parties" are water-logged and drowning. I personally am spending my time working on a local election in Albuquerque to get a new mayor, Tim Keller, elected. Tim says one of his main jobs is TO LISTEN. Oh and he managed to get public financing. I say work at a local level...and let go of sinking ships.
Identity politics have become so strongly identified with the Democratic party--and are so instinctively recoiled against by vast swaths of the population--that unless the Dems temper the emphasis on difference and diversity, they--not sure if it is a "we" for me anymore--will always be wondering why they didn't win. Again.
This is not about a failure to acknowledge brute facts (like problems in the criminal justice system) but about a failure to speak to people in the way they want to be spoken to.
This is not about a failure to acknowledge brute facts (like problems in the criminal justice system) but about a failure to speak to people in the way they want to be spoken to.
4
Ridiculous. Lets go to the numbers. In the races in Kansas, Montana and Georgia the Democratic candidates, regardless of experience, backgorund etc., all substantially "overperformed". Most surprisingly (although it went under the radar) in So. Carolina the Democrat lost by only about 3,000 votes in a low turnout contest. All four of these House seats had been virtually uncontestable for the Democrats in the past. The Democrats' frustration, anger, - whatever - is understandable, but is not justified by the outcomes in these four House races. Instead of venting their collective spleens, they should start now to field and cultivate candidates for 2018. That's when things will really matter.
7
I hate to say this but maybe the Dems need to play as dirty as the Republicans do. I live in GA and a republican super PAC ran an add that was to appeal to African American voters. It used Obama's words (out of context of course), to warn voters not to vote for Osloff. The republicans made sure everyone thought Hillary was a crook. If Bernie had been the democratic candidate I'm sure they would have portrayed him as a Communist to be feared. They do not deal in fact they just throw out misinformation that slanders their opponents.
The Dems need to start to be much more forceful in their campaigning . They need to crawl around in the mud a little. It's how the Republicans are winning. It's a sad state of affairs but it is reality at this moment in time.
The Dems need to start to be much more forceful in their campaigning . They need to crawl around in the mud a little. It's how the Republicans are winning. It's a sad state of affairs but it is reality at this moment in time.
9
The democrats need a clear message that isn't anti-Trump. They have the belief system but no clear delivery.
And perhaps nancy pelosi needs to go, too.
And perhaps nancy pelosi needs to go, too.
2
Quite a few Democrats commenting here have bought into the anti-Pelosi trope which, to me is a symptom of what's wrong with the party. Although the party needs new non-Clinton blood, Nancy Pelosi has served the party well
1
(Hit the submit button too soon on my kindle tablet.) Was going to say that the party has moved right to keep up with the GOP under Clinton and now we're trashing Pelosi because the cons are trashing Pelosi. Stand up for our people and stand up for our values, which Representative Pelosi has done for decades. Yes we need new blood, but who wants to work for people who are going to turn against them because of republican attack ads?
Who would suspect that Republican attack ads against Pelosi would be so effective sowing discord in her own party. It's like blaming Hillary for the Trump coup.
1
Everything would be different if it wasn't for Bernie. Bernie denigrated the Democrats and Hillary for his own ego. The Democrats are fine and they lost in Georgia cause Georgia is still the deep South no matter how much it has changed. What Democrats have to do is stop trying to outflank each other to the left. The far left is an ideology shared by all Democrats. But some of us are mature enough to know how to get there. Hillary was one of us.
4
I am a right of center democrat who has always voted the democratic ticket. I did not vote for Clinton. The democratic hierarchy who insured her nomination should all be retired those that are prominent, Pelosi, Wasserman, Braizille, Obama(Chicago democratic machine) the unknown top tier influential people should step aside Liberal voters should dump the word liberal from their lexicon and just be democrats
Going forward work all of America marginalized the 2 coast play book. Adopt a platform that deals with elevating working class people of all races,ages organize the people before the get to the ballot box. Take as many ideas from the progressive playbook as possible,limit the corporate election influence.
For 2020 run Warren for president or an Anglo male from the heartland. For 2018 forget about being unhappy with Trump but use his actions as part of the game plan. Give visual prominence to worthy blacks,Latinos,Asians and women. Use FDR's playbook come up with a workable health care plan. Show America the difference between Republican and Democratic policies. The economic pie is never going to get larger,it just needs to be resliced
Going forward work all of America marginalized the 2 coast play book. Adopt a platform that deals with elevating working class people of all races,ages organize the people before the get to the ballot box. Take as many ideas from the progressive playbook as possible,limit the corporate election influence.
For 2020 run Warren for president or an Anglo male from the heartland. For 2018 forget about being unhappy with Trump but use his actions as part of the game plan. Give visual prominence to worthy blacks,Latinos,Asians and women. Use FDR's playbook come up with a workable health care plan. Show America the difference between Republican and Democratic policies. The economic pie is never going to get larger,it just needs to be resliced
1
Two things; "resistance is futile" and, it's not that the Democrats brand is worse than Trump's, it's that the Democrats have no brand. They have a collection of highway bill boards that they think of as a brand. One of these signs is about gender identity, another is about identity politics, the other is about income inequality, oh, and there's one that tells you there is a "safe space" at the next exist. Meanwhile, they promote road rage by constantly honking the horn at any car with a Trump bumper sticker and by trying to stop traffic altogether. Gentlemen and ladies of the Democratic Party, the "smoke" that you are constantly talking about is not an indicator of Trump's collusion with the Russians but rather, that your house burning down.
1
I don't follow right-wing misogyny (and, indeed, independent misogyny too) but it does feel bizarre to me that this article takes the Republican caricature of Pelosi as a "fact" which Dems now have to confront. Perhaps the two men who wrote this article, Burns and Martin, might wish to consider the extent to which Republican attack ads and the vilification they inflame in the base (and, again, in woman-fearing independents) do not reflect the actual history of Pelosi's performance in Washington. I'm not a big fan of centrist Dems, but I'm far more terrified of the vicious misogyny that is openly and semi-murderously fueling Republican hatred of "liberals" (semi-murderous as of now--but it will happen). These two authors treat misogyny as an established, objective fact, now internalized as Pelosi's so-called unpopularity. This is chilling to me. Come on, guys, call a spade a spade. Or is being a woman in politics a legitimate source of "unpopularity?"
2
Let me ask a simple question: is there a home in the democratic party for racists, homophobes, and misogynists who are otherwise economically progressive? (and no, this isn't name calling, these are the words that describe the actual attitudes and behaviors of many millions of Americans, unfortunately).
I thought LBJ settled that question 50 years ago, but maybe I'm wrong.
I thought LBJ settled that question 50 years ago, but maybe I'm wrong.
1
A die-hard Republican will ALWAYS vote for the Republican candidate...no matter who the candidate is, no matter how vile, crooked, whatever you want to call it. Republicans will always votes against their own best interests. History shows us this.
Democrats need to keep the base they have and add those who are not die-hard Republicans, those who vote the person, those who will give a candidate a chance to make the country work. Since Democrats refuse to get out and vote during critical mid-term elections, special elections, they have no one to blame but themselves. Who wouldn't support a living wage, decent healthcare, protected social safety nets, clean air/water, etc., etc? Stop running against Trump. We are sick and tired of him. Don't give him what he wants: PUBLICITY.
Democrats need to keep the base they have and add those who are not die-hard Republicans, those who vote the person, those who will give a candidate a chance to make the country work. Since Democrats refuse to get out and vote during critical mid-term elections, special elections, they have no one to blame but themselves. Who wouldn't support a living wage, decent healthcare, protected social safety nets, clean air/water, etc., etc? Stop running against Trump. We are sick and tired of him. Don't give him what he wants: PUBLICITY.
3
The demise of the Democratic party at the polls can be directly traced to the irony of this statement by Rep Dingell of MI : “We need to show working men and women we understand their anxieties and fears,” she said, “and show that Trump is treating them like just another politician.”
Rep Dingell - YOU are a politician. It is not enough to endeavor to "show" working men and women you "understand" their anxieties and fears. You must be -of- them. In all ways that you are set apart, including your Congressional Health Insurance, you are -not- of the difficulties that beset the middle class in America. Let me repeat that : when the middle class needs or depends on government subsidized health insurance, we are indeed in dire economic times. Nothing you have said, Rep Dingell, sets you apart from Trump.
The Dem's lost in '16 because their candidate was No Better Than Trump. And... with respect to immigration and gun control, proved to be terribly out of touch with what would be practicable in America today.
Rep Dingell - YOU are a politician. It is not enough to endeavor to "show" working men and women you "understand" their anxieties and fears. You must be -of- them. In all ways that you are set apart, including your Congressional Health Insurance, you are -not- of the difficulties that beset the middle class in America. Let me repeat that : when the middle class needs or depends on government subsidized health insurance, we are indeed in dire economic times. Nothing you have said, Rep Dingell, sets you apart from Trump.
The Dem's lost in '16 because their candidate was No Better Than Trump. And... with respect to immigration and gun control, proved to be terribly out of touch with what would be practicable in America today.
It's the gun control stupid. Statements such as these are big part of the problems Democrats are having: "There are too many guns on the street." "We need sensible gun control" with absolutely no mention of what that might be. "It's too easy to buy a gun." "We need controls like those in place in the UK and Australia." "No one needs to own an assault weapon, which is a weapon of war."
The 100 million gun owners across the U.S., many or most of whom are ok with background checks, read or hear these statements coming from across the Democrat political spectrum and know what the endgame is: gradual confiscation of firearms and restrictions on gun ownership that will lead, as has happened in the UK and Australia, to the elimination of any individual right of armed self-defense. Democrats and Progressives seem no to get it, and will continue to lose until they do.
The 100 million gun owners across the U.S., many or most of whom are ok with background checks, read or hear these statements coming from across the Democrat political spectrum and know what the endgame is: gradual confiscation of firearms and restrictions on gun ownership that will lead, as has happened in the UK and Australia, to the elimination of any individual right of armed self-defense. Democrats and Progressives seem no to get it, and will continue to lose until they do.
Oh yeah there are tons of people in Australia who've died because they didn't have a gun , seriously.
There are anecdotal and very few examples of people "defending" themselves with guns, whereas there are too many examples of people being murdered with guns, so many it's not even worth listing. The gun debate is over in the US, Americans are idiotic, hysterical and blind to fact when it comes to gun control and it's not even a debate worth having anymore
There are anecdotal and very few examples of people "defending" themselves with guns, whereas there are too many examples of people being murdered with guns, so many it's not even worth listing. The gun debate is over in the US, Americans are idiotic, hysterical and blind to fact when it comes to gun control and it's not even a debate worth having anymore
I thought it was russia again.
Calling your party "a brand" explains its defeat.
2
Why is anybody surprised? The Democratic Party is dead. It committed suicide the day it stole the primary from Bernie. Of course the establishment candidate isn't going to win - when will the establishment get the message that they are not wanted? And LOL, of course this "democrat" campaigned right of center. Just like hillary.
Newsflash democrats: YOU CANT WIN ELECTIONS WITHOUT PROGRESSIVE BACKING. Also, you can't be a centrist and a progressive - hint hint hillary.
Newsflash democrats: YOU CANT WIN ELECTIONS WITHOUT PROGRESSIVE BACKING. Also, you can't be a centrist and a progressive - hint hint hillary.
1
It's not the brand, so much, but the Dems fielded a guy with zero experience who doesn't even live in the district, and he still have the GOP candidate a run for her money. Stop building up false hope and work on better candidates. It's this false expectations that's hurting your brand.
"Our brand is worse than Trump!" Really? Based on a 4% "loss" in a reliably Red district, counted on paperless DREs manufactured by Diebold and programmed at the mysterious Election Center at Kennesaw State U., where they leave passwords to voter databases lying around in public and then lie about it??
It may interest some to know that the GA-6 VoteByMail ballots, 10% of the total electorate and the only ones where votes were recorded on paper, Ossoff WON by a margin of 28% (64% - 36%). The other 90% of the "ballots" exist only as 1s and 0s somewhere in those networked Diebold computers, completely unauditable and unrecountable (barring a seizure of the machines, and that's not happening because they're "corporate property," off-limits to all inspection.
As for the Democrats, the bonus points you get from rigging elections: the "losing" party staggers drunkenly from Plan A to Plan B and on through the Plan Alphabet, believing that none of their plans is working and so abandoning superior ones (that actually would have won, barring the rig) for progressively more inferior ones.
After awhile it gets so bad you wouldn't even have to rig--except (and it's a big except) that the party perpetually in power also gets drunk and governs more and more extremely and abysmally, with the result that it becomes grossly unpopular and so HAS to rig (and in fact rig BIGGER), even though the other party in is complete soul-searching disarray.
Remind you of any scenarios?
It may interest some to know that the GA-6 VoteByMail ballots, 10% of the total electorate and the only ones where votes were recorded on paper, Ossoff WON by a margin of 28% (64% - 36%). The other 90% of the "ballots" exist only as 1s and 0s somewhere in those networked Diebold computers, completely unauditable and unrecountable (barring a seizure of the machines, and that's not happening because they're "corporate property," off-limits to all inspection.
As for the Democrats, the bonus points you get from rigging elections: the "losing" party staggers drunkenly from Plan A to Plan B and on through the Plan Alphabet, believing that none of their plans is working and so abandoning superior ones (that actually would have won, barring the rig) for progressively more inferior ones.
After awhile it gets so bad you wouldn't even have to rig--except (and it's a big except) that the party perpetually in power also gets drunk and governs more and more extremely and abysmally, with the result that it becomes grossly unpopular and so HAS to rig (and in fact rig BIGGER), even though the other party in is complete soul-searching disarray.
Remind you of any scenarios?
1
The huge crowds Bernie was drawing was played down or ignored by the MSM and he had the winning message that drew people to it...is that clear enough for you?
1
there were two California liberals totally out of touch with the national mood of the electorate....one was Barbara Boxer who belatedly (and thankfully) retired. the other is Nancy Pelosi who clearly is an egomaniac and refuses to retire, in spite of what is good for her Party. It's past time for Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio to lead a coup. The majority of elected Democrats in California are too beholden to, and spolied by, the cash of public employee unions that they have lost touch with the reality of the workers.
1
Just a minor fix:
No leadership, no message, and no plan. What could possibly be wrong with the Obama-Clinton Corporatists?
No leadership, no message, and no plan. What could possibly be wrong with the Obama-Clinton Corporatists?
1
6 months later the DNC have only just thought that they might have a problem? If you get beaten as badly as they have, for as long as they have you'd think the first thing you'd do is have a top down rebuild
1
Nancy Pelosi needs to step down. She is toxic to Democratic efforts to win seats in the House.
1
“It’s not enough to say, ‘I want jobs,’” Mr. Himes said. “You need more than that, particularly when you’re competing with a guy who is telling fantasies.”
But what to do when a good number of voters actually believe those fantasies?
But what to do when a good number of voters actually believe those fantasies?
Simple The Democrats need to be more Bernie and less Bezos. You can't win an election by appealing to Silicon Valley, Hollywood, Wall Street and The A.I.P.A.C. Lobby alone. You've also got to deliver when you have the chance, triangulating(A.C.A.), to appease your big donors isn't going to cut it anymore. Endless wars with taxpayer money and poor people's lives( on both sides) isn't going to cut it anymore. People, even the "deplorables" know when they are being had, for them it's easy, you've allowed their livelihoods to disappear as you gather round and applaud Silicon Valley companies that either "disrupt" existing jobs or create new companies with very few employees and huge benefits to a few thanks to voodoo economics. If I remember correctly internet companies like Amazon did not have to charge their customers taxes for years, that in itself was a real killer for brick and mortar bookstores where the whole thing started, which Democrat got that piece of legislation through. Attempting to mug any canidate not the choice of Pelosi, Wasserman Schultz and Reid through controlled media, including The Times, doesn't work anymore, the young Silicon Valley types get their news elsewhere, they are hip to the bias, and the "ones left behind" because you've spent money on Wars for you friends instead of education, healthcare and housing for your citizens will never be Democrats again, you sold them on God and Country to keep them angry at our "enemies" du jour. Good luck!
1
My friends and myself all strong democrats all feel it is time for Nancy and Hillary to step aside out of the limelight.
We are all tired of them and need new faces.
We are all tired of them and need new faces.
1
May I remind you that Clinton actually WON by 3 million votes? Stop whining, stop making a storm in a teacup.
In stead of laying your head on the block, how about gazing across the Atlantic Ocean at what is occurring with liberal voters in France and the UK and Germany? Find a Macron.
Seriously, what people fail to recognize is the steam building among the 20 and 30 somethings who are about to inherit a very sick earth all because our generation gluttonously consumed like pigs. Whether or not they decide to label themselves Democrats this age group will speak up in America as they have abroad. Besides this there are other factors, such as the fact that by the mid terms 20 million people will fall off insurance and Donald Trump will have had many more months to exercise his skill set upon the world. The only way to control Donald Trump is to control Congress--that is a relatively simple principle, and with the previously mentioned motivations, the mid-terms are practically won already. Cheer up.
In stead of laying your head on the block, how about gazing across the Atlantic Ocean at what is occurring with liberal voters in France and the UK and Germany? Find a Macron.
Seriously, what people fail to recognize is the steam building among the 20 and 30 somethings who are about to inherit a very sick earth all because our generation gluttonously consumed like pigs. Whether or not they decide to label themselves Democrats this age group will speak up in America as they have abroad. Besides this there are other factors, such as the fact that by the mid terms 20 million people will fall off insurance and Donald Trump will have had many more months to exercise his skill set upon the world. The only way to control Donald Trump is to control Congress--that is a relatively simple principle, and with the previously mentioned motivations, the mid-terms are practically won already. Cheer up.
1
Wow took them long enough.
If you woke up in November and found your party's candidate lost to Trump, it was time then to clean house and reevaluate everything. Get a younger leader and move forward. Out with the old regime.
1
Opposition to Nancy Pelosi is yet another example of raging misogyny, at least in part. A big percentage of voters hate powerful women. Those voters like their women thin, beautiful, and SILENT. The perfect political woman? Jackie Kennedy.
2
Its less misogyny than it is generationalism.
Pelosi (and Schumer) are the old guard who have had their chance to imprint the Democrat brand across the American political landscape (in Pelosi's case since 1987) and regardless of her past record, her brand is now stale.
A younger generation of voters are looking for real alternatives to the 'business as usual' Democrat platform and they are looking for it to be delivered by the politicians of the future not the same tired faces of the past.
At 77 Its time for Pelosi to put the the party and country above her personal ambition and burnish her legacy by falling on her own sword.
Pelosi (and Schumer) are the old guard who have had their chance to imprint the Democrat brand across the American political landscape (in Pelosi's case since 1987) and regardless of her past record, her brand is now stale.
A younger generation of voters are looking for real alternatives to the 'business as usual' Democrat platform and they are looking for it to be delivered by the politicians of the future not the same tired faces of the past.
At 77 Its time for Pelosi to put the the party and country above her personal ambition and burnish her legacy by falling on her own sword.
Republicans have perfected the art of "Emotional Branding." Imagine someone at a party shouting "outrage for the $6 million the city has now to pay to that brown-skinned pedophile who raped a white child, who sued because he was slightly injured when captured." Whether the above is true or not, the damage has been done. If you want to then build a brand based on defending people wrongly accused of heinous crimes, you are doomed.
Democrats: It's better to be in the attack with a POWERFUL idea that resonates with your target audience, and that you can own and defend, than being pulled into the other group's path, where you are in the retreat and likely to be crushed.
Democrats: It's better to be in the attack with a POWERFUL idea that resonates with your target audience, and that you can own and defend, than being pulled into the other group's path, where you are in the retreat and likely to be crushed.
3
We need people who are not as entrenched in the last 30 years of Democratic policies as Pelosi. Just like the Republicans, who are now daily arguing with THEIR candidate in office, the Dems need a new voice. Not necessarily a younger voice (Bernie is older than Trump), just someone who understands that it's the economy, stupid. The economy for the middle class which drives us. I have seen great EPA regulations that are so onerous to maintain, it's ridiculous. We need better policies that aren't crazy to uphold, don't cost millions of dollars or millions of jobs. Unions are not the enemy (Firemen and Policemen owe their lives to the protective gear their unions have insisted upon). But how is it possible we have pedophiles who can't be fired from the classroom because their union won't allow it? That doesn't pass the reasonableness test. We need Glass-Steagall back NOW, we need someone on Wall Street to fear the outrage of the American people when it comes to the fraudulent practices put in place by banks like Wellsfargo, I mean who wen tot jail for that? NO ONE. People lost their jobs, but that ruined middle class lives and no one went to prison!! Again, this doesn't pass the reasonableness test. If Pelosi and Hoyer can't be made to understand simple common sense then they need to go. I don't comment here on the nightmare that is the Republican leadership because I am not a Republican.
2
As a lifelong Dem and DNC member for more than a half century, I say to my fellow party members: Please, get a grip and take a deep breath.
Yes, in these Special Elections, we are zero for four. If you were hoping for a win in anyone of these races, I can see you are disappointed. I too was hoping we might win at least a couple races, especially Georgia. But as a seasoned veteran, I wasn't expecting it.
I'm of the mindset: Hope for the best, expect the worse. And that is what all who aspire to be a veteran of political battles need to be. Politics is a brutal sport. One should never assume the outcome, never put their hearts on their sleeves. To do so will see you succumbing to a death of a thousand cuts. Do not invest your heart and soul into any race. They are snapshots in time.
Here are the facts: The Dems would have lost all of these races by huge margins if Pence was president. The Dems would have lost all of them if Hillary were President. But for the insertion of the abysmally ignorant Occupant of the Oval Office, none of these seats would have been flipped. That is a fact.
What does matter is that Dems came close. And although coming close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, we Dems should take some solace with the knowledge that less than six months in office (remember, this is normally a president's honeymoon period), for Dems to come so close is amazing. Trump is in deep trouble. His "best days" are behind him.
What "best days"?
DD
Manhattan
Yes, in these Special Elections, we are zero for four. If you were hoping for a win in anyone of these races, I can see you are disappointed. I too was hoping we might win at least a couple races, especially Georgia. But as a seasoned veteran, I wasn't expecting it.
I'm of the mindset: Hope for the best, expect the worse. And that is what all who aspire to be a veteran of political battles need to be. Politics is a brutal sport. One should never assume the outcome, never put their hearts on their sleeves. To do so will see you succumbing to a death of a thousand cuts. Do not invest your heart and soul into any race. They are snapshots in time.
Here are the facts: The Dems would have lost all of these races by huge margins if Pence was president. The Dems would have lost all of them if Hillary were President. But for the insertion of the abysmally ignorant Occupant of the Oval Office, none of these seats would have been flipped. That is a fact.
What does matter is that Dems came close. And although coming close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, we Dems should take some solace with the knowledge that less than six months in office (remember, this is normally a president's honeymoon period), for Dems to come so close is amazing. Trump is in deep trouble. His "best days" are behind him.
What "best days"?
DD
Manhattan
Overhyped, overplayed.
2
Another nail in the coffin of the Democratic Party. Always trying to go to the Right of the GOP, frightened to take a principled stand on anything in fear of alienating their corporate handlers. Hooray !!!
2
Demographics added to the selective perception of many Democrats equals defeat. Factor in the primal fears including the most disturbing ----- many people in America are nastier then ever because they are fearful of being dominated by non-white people. Yes, I said it and until the Democrats stop looking through rose colored glasses they will never succeed! Address the fear, Be realistic and Solve Problems, don't just tell us what's going to happen next!
1
If the Democrats are to have any hope, then they need to stop with the hate and negativity.
2
I was a Democrat for more than a decade. Obama was horrible. Voted for Trump as an independent. Would do so again. The Democrats simply hv become the party of give me, give me and nimbies . They don't have a commercial bone in their bodies when we live in a commercial world.
2
And yet California, the most democratic state in the Union, has a thriving economy, within the top 8 in the world, if it were not part of the US. The economic focus is increasingly on science-driven sectors: clean energy, technology, and medicine. All areas which Trump denies are the way forward. Don't confuse shifting wealth from public to (a few) private hands, the Republican agenda, with real economic progress.
4
I just talked Wed with a 76 year old when man acquaintance from Maryland who is supporting trump yet because democrats are causing grid lock and Obama caused a crisis in health care. He also state it not right that people will go broke while in long term careened or serious illnessis . I mentioned what till the new health care plan but it fell on deaf ears . This is an example of what i called a flawed electorate and they will support hose who are not in their interest to support, a weird phenomenon
Yes, I agree--it is very strange. It is also sad because many Trump supporters will be hurt as a result of his policies.
1
Instead of a message of job creation in a time of nearly full employment, why not focus on the wages those jobs pay, which have stagnated for 30 years at every level except the C-suite. It's the economic inequality, stupid!
5
I don't think it is just economic inequality. It is also a pervading sense of cultural displacement in a vastly changing, globalized world. I think the Left needs to craft better messaging to those (e.g. rural whites) who seem to feel this displacement the keenest.
1
The Democrats keep banging their heads against the same wall over and over and over. So, once more, Dems: cast off the exhausted, outdated, centrist Clintonism of the past; start paying more attention--real attention--to the progressive policies of the Sanders faction; and, last but not least, start reaching out to white males. You lost them years ago to Reagan, and it is finally time for you to acknowledge that you MUST get them back.
2
How do you plan to get back the white male when your policies place white males at the very bottom? There is simply no room in the Democratic Party for any white male who is not liberal, an academic, a lawyer or government worker, or a member of some interest group seeking benefits from Democratic controlled government.
1
Any suggestions on how to reach out to white males? (I am asking seriously...I see this message a lot but very few people offer specific suggestions for how to do so.) I would be very interested to hear what you have to say.
As a life-long Democrat who did NOT vote for Hillary The Deplorable, I can say that the Democrats, who always talk a good game, are, along with the GOP, the biggest bunch of hypocrites, liars and reactionary losers to come down the pike in my lifetime, effective only at prostituting and shilling themselves to corporate interests, while shafting the working class in this country.
As long as the party remains hijacked to the bloodsuckers and parasites of the Clinton “wing,” this Democrat (and many like myself) with continue to support The Green Party and other independent candidates. Anyone BUT Clintonite Democrats. Don’t blame Jill Stein, The Russians, Comey, Julian and Wikileaks, Anthony Weiner, or misogyny for Hillary’s disastrous campaign. Blame yourselves for your narcissistic blinders and your narrow “faith-based” identity politics that precludes any genuine self-reflection, objectivity or basic critical thinking skills. Your party is a total mess and, in large part, you can thank the Clinton machine (experts in enriching themselves) for helping to get you there. And Bernie, sorry, afraid you’re just part of the problem.
What an absolutely pathetic bunch. And you're gonna continue losing in 2018 and 2020!
https://consortiumnews.com/2017/06/21/russia-gate-flops-as-democrats-gol...
https://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/26/its-not-gonna-be-okay-the-nausea...
As long as the party remains hijacked to the bloodsuckers and parasites of the Clinton “wing,” this Democrat (and many like myself) with continue to support The Green Party and other independent candidates. Anyone BUT Clintonite Democrats. Don’t blame Jill Stein, The Russians, Comey, Julian and Wikileaks, Anthony Weiner, or misogyny for Hillary’s disastrous campaign. Blame yourselves for your narcissistic blinders and your narrow “faith-based” identity politics that precludes any genuine self-reflection, objectivity or basic critical thinking skills. Your party is a total mess and, in large part, you can thank the Clinton machine (experts in enriching themselves) for helping to get you there. And Bernie, sorry, afraid you’re just part of the problem.
What an absolutely pathetic bunch. And you're gonna continue losing in 2018 and 2020!
https://consortiumnews.com/2017/06/21/russia-gate-flops-as-democrats-gol...
https://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/26/its-not-gonna-be-okay-the-nausea...
5
I like Pelosi but she has become a right wing lightning rod. I hope she does not run for reelection next year since that would take away a Republican weapon against other Dems like Ossof.
Pelosi is a loser. Plain and simple. She should do what British Prime Ministers do when they lose. She should get out. But no. She is an arrogant useless embarrsssment. As long as she stays, the Democrats will lose. She and Hillary and all the other losers need to go. Immediately. But they won't. They want their power and perks. And Trump will be around for 8 years. They are a disgrace.
2
A house divided aagainst itself can not stand.
What's the surprise? Democrats do indeed need a new brand and to get rid of the present aged & out of touched leadership... Seriously, Jon Ossoff on CNN "I'll move to the district if I win..." then follows up with "I've lived with my girl friend for 12 years..." This from a person trying to win a rural, bible belt, conservative political enclave of the republican party since 1979? His running was as good an idea as republicans running grandpa Dole against swinging bad uncle Pres. Clinton in 1996. All "politics are LOCAL"
3
I am amused by the naivety of some people who describe a Democratic Party as a "party of compassion". You must be kidding me. Otherwise, you must be kidding those people who always voted democratic and get their life worse and worse to find out in end that they are "deplorables". The Hollywood story of compassion party fits greatly on the hills, Manhattan and in the media though. That is the only thing which matters.
3
I don't get why it is always presented as the Bernie wing against the Hillary wing. Hillary lost because there is noone left in the party that supports the demoxratic message of the 90s.
The Democrats already have a middleground message: The things Obama ran on!
They have to get back to that.
The Democrats already have a middleground message: The things Obama ran on!
They have to get back to that.
As a Saudi, I don't a dog in this fight t. This quote summarizes the issue between rep and dem “You need more than that, particularly when you’re competing with a guy who is telling fantasies.” Trump promised in his campaign that Saudi would be treated differently from the "crock" Hilary and Obama and yet he has resumed the arms sales that were ceased by Obama after reports of human violations in Yemen after some sword dancing with our king. It's funny for us , Saudis, that he said " we won't lecture you" but wasn't that a promise you ran on it. I don't like Hilary but if she were the president, I think, more serious talks about rights for women and men in Arab nations would be conducted and lectured.
4
Those 'dems' who are calling for Pelosi's scalp are effectively doing the Republican's heaviest lifting. Cut it out!
4
Our brand is not worse than Trump but it is confused, diluted, unfocused, and its voice is ragged, worn out, and weak. Merkley, Warren, and others need to get out front with a unified message.
Just as importantly I am sick of the press speaking for me and my party. Report the news/events. Stop making the news.
Our Brand is Worse Than Trump is just a flat out stupid statement. Get off you backsides leave your building and phone and go report on the disaster that is befalling the people of this country. Because with every passing day the MSP is looking like elite isolated egotistic morons.
ALEXANDER BURNS and JONATHAN MARTIN — News flash, people are hurting and its getting worse every day.
Just as importantly I am sick of the press speaking for me and my party. Report the news/events. Stop making the news.
Our Brand is Worse Than Trump is just a flat out stupid statement. Get off you backsides leave your building and phone and go report on the disaster that is befalling the people of this country. Because with every passing day the MSP is looking like elite isolated egotistic morons.
ALEXANDER BURNS and JONATHAN MARTIN — News flash, people are hurting and its getting worse every day.
2
I saw Ossoff on Rachael Maddow's show and I'm sorry but he didn't look and sound impressive to me. Looked to me Dems were sending a shepherd into the lions' den, not a gladiator. But I contributed $50 to his campaign. Oh well, no big whoops.
3
Democrats problem in a nutshell: The majority of people in this country don't want their ultra-liberal, celebrity-driven, redistributionist, politically correct brand of elitist socialism.
Trump won because, while he was making speeches to the people of Flint, MI, talking about their lives and their problems, Hillary was busy introducing Katy Perry and explaining why Bruce Springsteen couldn't be at her rally in PA. (This actually happened; I saw it myself a night or two before the election.)
The democrats have no freakin' idea what it means to struggle anymore. They've become the party of the rich, who grasp at power by exerting control over their constituents' lives. Well, guess what? Their constituents are sick of it.
How bad is it? Even today, with everything that's gone on since the election, I'd vote for Trump before I'd vote for Hillary Clinton. She is anathema and represents well what the modern democratic party stands for.
Nancy Pelosi is far more interested in hurting republicans and claiming political victories. The picture of her marching with a giant gavel after the Obamacare vote is burned in my memory. She isn't interested in helping people. She's only interested in winning and making republicans look bad.
The democrats may take the House back next year, if Trump doesn't straighten up and CNN and its ilk keep harping on the non-story about Russian "collusion." But, the democrats will still be out of touch. No amount of fake news is going to change that.
Trump won because, while he was making speeches to the people of Flint, MI, talking about their lives and their problems, Hillary was busy introducing Katy Perry and explaining why Bruce Springsteen couldn't be at her rally in PA. (This actually happened; I saw it myself a night or two before the election.)
The democrats have no freakin' idea what it means to struggle anymore. They've become the party of the rich, who grasp at power by exerting control over their constituents' lives. Well, guess what? Their constituents are sick of it.
How bad is it? Even today, with everything that's gone on since the election, I'd vote for Trump before I'd vote for Hillary Clinton. She is anathema and represents well what the modern democratic party stands for.
Nancy Pelosi is far more interested in hurting republicans and claiming political victories. The picture of her marching with a giant gavel after the Obamacare vote is burned in my memory. She isn't interested in helping people. She's only interested in winning and making republicans look bad.
The democrats may take the House back next year, if Trump doesn't straighten up and CNN and its ilk keep harping on the non-story about Russian "collusion." But, the democrats will still be out of touch. No amount of fake news is going to change that.
2
You might want to look at what Republicans propose for legislation versus what Democrats propose before you accuse Democrats of not caring. The Republicans are passing legislation to help the rich, not the poor. Without a majority the Democrats can't stop them.
Making a speech does not equal caring. Look at his rich, privileged cabinet.
Making a speech does not equal caring. Look at his rich, privileged cabinet.
1
Dems spend more than republicans and get slaughtered. stupid dems will never understand.
Having spent a few days in Atlanta in early June, I can tell you that every one of Handel's TV ads centered around the phrase "He's a liberal. You can't trust him" with the word "liberal spit out. I can also tell you that about half of Ossoff's ads centered around "she will vote with Trump," and the other half laying out policy goals, like education and jobs (not specifics).
As long as the word "liberal" remains a horrible expletive in the minds of half the population, even in the most highly educated Republican district in the nation, and as long as someone as conservative as Ossoff (the Clintons or Barack Obama) can be labeled as such. Democrats can argue policy all they want. It will be to no avail.
As long as the word "liberal" remains a horrible expletive in the minds of half the population, even in the most highly educated Republican district in the nation, and as long as someone as conservative as Ossoff (the Clintons or Barack Obama) can be labeled as such. Democrats can argue policy all they want. It will be to no avail.
As a former Dem, and an Indie since 2004 (and therefore largely disenfranchised in the state of New York) I say enough with this absurd two party system. All you Dems who complain Sanders was a carpet bagger- you may be right but he had no choice if he wanted to be a viable candidate in this country. And that's just galling.
3
Listen up DNC.
In the last election I reluctantly intended to vote for HRC, but the thought that in all of this great nation, ONE candidate who represented the past, not the future, was presented as the uncontested entitled heir to the WH so enraged me that I couldn't. All the sidebar noise had no influence regarding my intended vote for Hillary.
If you don't wake up and recognize us liberal leaning main stream, upper middle-class white folks as the bedrock of the party it'll be a cold day in hell before you return to any power in DC.
How do you spell Hillary..........Pelosi!
In the last election I reluctantly intended to vote for HRC, but the thought that in all of this great nation, ONE candidate who represented the past, not the future, was presented as the uncontested entitled heir to the WH so enraged me that I couldn't. All the sidebar noise had no influence regarding my intended vote for Hillary.
If you don't wake up and recognize us liberal leaning main stream, upper middle-class white folks as the bedrock of the party it'll be a cold day in hell before you return to any power in DC.
How do you spell Hillary..........Pelosi!
1
New platform.
1) Delete the 22,000 page tax code, and write a new 10 page code that any 10th grader can understand and collapse all tax brackets down to 5 and include ALL income as the same. Universal appeal!
2) Allow any person to sign up for medicare with a sliding scale cost based on age and income. The younger and healthier you are, the less you pay.
3) Forgo any discussion about LGBTVQ issues - there should be done other than no discrimination
4) Illegal immigrants under NO circumstance should get welfare, medicaid, medicare, organ transplants, etc.
5) The military budget will be capped at the inflation rate in absence of a war declared by congress
6) The federal government will stay our of the vagina and the uterus discussion.
DONE.
1) Delete the 22,000 page tax code, and write a new 10 page code that any 10th grader can understand and collapse all tax brackets down to 5 and include ALL income as the same. Universal appeal!
2) Allow any person to sign up for medicare with a sliding scale cost based on age and income. The younger and healthier you are, the less you pay.
3) Forgo any discussion about LGBTVQ issues - there should be done other than no discrimination
4) Illegal immigrants under NO circumstance should get welfare, medicaid, medicare, organ transplants, etc.
5) The military budget will be capped at the inflation rate in absence of a war declared by congress
6) The federal government will stay our of the vagina and the uterus discussion.
DONE.
1
Democrats: Most Americans agree with progressive positions: single payer health care, strong, well-funded public education, higher taxes on the wealthy, the role of government generally in making lives better.
Yet, in a misguided effort to appeal to the nation's tribal Republicans (those who adhere to a party even though they disagree with most of that party's individual positions), the Democrats keep moving further and further to the center, until now they are to the right of where most Republicans were a few decades ago.
That. Isn't. Working.
Take a leaf out of Sanders' playbook: be loud and vocal on the issues themselves. Move back to the left where you belong. If you keep sounding the drum of progressive issues (instead of constantly trying to hush them up for fear of offending the right), you will start winning elections. You need to vocally stand for efforts to reduce economic inequality, and have a clear, left-wing plan for what you intend to do about it. Enough with identity politics, and banging away constantly about who can use which damn bathroom.
Your failure to do so suggests that you Democratic politicians are as much in the pockets of your corporate overlords as the Republicans, and that you, as rich as most of you are, don't want higher taxes either.
Yet, in a misguided effort to appeal to the nation's tribal Republicans (those who adhere to a party even though they disagree with most of that party's individual positions), the Democrats keep moving further and further to the center, until now they are to the right of where most Republicans were a few decades ago.
That. Isn't. Working.
Take a leaf out of Sanders' playbook: be loud and vocal on the issues themselves. Move back to the left where you belong. If you keep sounding the drum of progressive issues (instead of constantly trying to hush them up for fear of offending the right), you will start winning elections. You need to vocally stand for efforts to reduce economic inequality, and have a clear, left-wing plan for what you intend to do about it. Enough with identity politics, and banging away constantly about who can use which damn bathroom.
Your failure to do so suggests that you Democratic politicians are as much in the pockets of your corporate overlords as the Republicans, and that you, as rich as most of you are, don't want higher taxes either.
3
I am a 84 yo. who has voted democrat all of my life, no more. The Party itself caused this mess of losers by selecting Clinton rather than the better choice that actually represents us, Bernie Sanders.
I will NEVER vote democrat again. I will always support Sanders or Warren, our real choice. I will never donate money to the Dems Party anymore.
The Democratic Party has screwed itself.
I will NEVER vote democrat again. I will always support Sanders or Warren, our real choice. I will never donate money to the Dems Party anymore.
The Democratic Party has screwed itself.
3
They just don't get it. It's not that working class voters don't understand the facts, it's that their vote is being driven by emotion, not logic. They are voting their culture and identities, and against a perception that because of them, liberals are disinterested in them, disregarding and contemptuously dismissing them as "transparent people". Until Democrats realize this, they are going to have a hard time returning to power.
The radical liberal elements have to realize that in order to succeed in politics, you need to be smart, not just right. This means sometimes settling for half a loaf, and realizing that their more centrist colleagues are their colleagues and allies, not their adversaries.
The radical liberal elements have to realize that in order to succeed in politics, you need to be smart, not just right. This means sometimes settling for half a loaf, and realizing that their more centrist colleagues are their colleagues and allies, not their adversaries.
2
You are right, this has been the work of the Clintons and the RNC leadership. Neither is true to their objectives and because parties in power always purchase the media - the betrayal is never reported.
So who should be hung for destroying our democracy? First, the DNC leadership, then the RNC, then the media. They have done this to us - and the more you can talk facts and logic to voters - the more they realize how deceived they are. Yeah - I'm talking to you - American!
So who should be hung for destroying our democracy? First, the DNC leadership, then the RNC, then the media. They have done this to us - and the more you can talk facts and logic to voters - the more they realize how deceived they are. Yeah - I'm talking to you - American!
Pelosi was re-elected herself by 81% and represents the people that elected her. California is thriving under all Democrat state leadership these days and the economy is booming. In fighting by different factions of Democrats is more of a problem than different regions being more or less liberal. We need to move towards politicians representing the people that elect them instead of demonize different points of view. If Democrats want to win more seats in current Red State, they need to focus on the issues in that region - not attacking Pelosi who very effectively represents the view points of the majority of people in her district.
California is booming? Yes. The rich are doing well. There's a marked class structure of inequality with the highly educated with huge student debt working for menial wages and real estate out of reach for all working middle class. Government corruption is rampant. The head of the UC Regents Janet Napolitano misappropiated $175 million tax payer dollars and public universities give preference to illegal students. Entertainment hires its own and the employment stats for qualified behind-the-cameras women and minorities are in single digits. It's great.
1
Menial wages? At least they're working, unlike the older people they displaced.
1
Any prominent Democrat will quickly become "an intensely unpopular figure on the right and a longstanding target of Republican attacks." Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barak Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren-- it doesn't matter who, they will be vilified by a sophisticated, coordinated and well-financed propaganda machine that operates in tandem with the Republican Party. Its most visible arm is Fox News but it also encompasses radio, print and, increasingly, social media. Emulating the tactics of the right would be anathema to liberal values, but Democrats urgently need an apparatus capable of countering the propaganda campaigns waged against them. Simply replacing leadership or tweaking the policy message is not going to change the dynamic.
2
Ronna Romney McDaniel was on TV yesterday, and she said Republican internal polling had predicted Kandel by 4 points. When asked about the Pelosi ads, she said Pelosi had the name recognition. Republicans do know how to win.
Democrats?
It's been a 10 years since George Lakoff wrote "Don't Think of an Elephant", and still all the issues are framed by Republican memes.
15 years since Karl Rove's district by district maps and strategies started winning for Republicans, the Democrats are still polling demographic groups nationally.
10 years since the grassroots erupted on both ends of the spectrum, Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party. All we hear about from the "experts" is how do we channel that into votes, and not, if a movement doesn't believe in voting it isn't a movement.
2 years now since a Republican candidate and then president made staying on message was pure poison to an electorate that is sick and tired to its very soul of advertising and branding. Democrats stay on message instead of trying to believe in something.
7 years since the Democratic congressional election strategy of only spending in "key" elections turned a near veto-proof majority into a permanent minority. And still they won't spend.
And Black Lives Matter and all the other interest/internet groups? 50 years ago, LBJ demanded a quid pro quo from MLK, and got one. Then, and only then, he delivered. What are the Democrats getting out of BLM? One single vote? Ever?
Democrats?
It's been a 10 years since George Lakoff wrote "Don't Think of an Elephant", and still all the issues are framed by Republican memes.
15 years since Karl Rove's district by district maps and strategies started winning for Republicans, the Democrats are still polling demographic groups nationally.
10 years since the grassroots erupted on both ends of the spectrum, Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party. All we hear about from the "experts" is how do we channel that into votes, and not, if a movement doesn't believe in voting it isn't a movement.
2 years now since a Republican candidate and then president made staying on message was pure poison to an electorate that is sick and tired to its very soul of advertising and branding. Democrats stay on message instead of trying to believe in something.
7 years since the Democratic congressional election strategy of only spending in "key" elections turned a near veto-proof majority into a permanent minority. And still they won't spend.
And Black Lives Matter and all the other interest/internet groups? 50 years ago, LBJ demanded a quid pro quo from MLK, and got one. Then, and only then, he delivered. What are the Democrats getting out of BLM? One single vote? Ever?
1
In all the analyses of why Hander won and Ossoff lost, one obvious fact hits me but is little mentioned. Ossoff didn't live in the district he was running to represent. As a voter in a far away state, when I heard that just before the election, I doubted he would win. In America we almost never vote for someone running outside their district of residence and voter registration. A fatal flaw.
1
It's time for Nancy Pelosi to step down. We need someone younger and less polarizing. Mitch McConnell is his own noose, as is Paul Ryan. We need candidates who can bring our ideas to the fore in a way that uses common sense rather than combative, condescending rhetoric.
2
How about Democrats in the House gather around Adam Schiff from California to replace Pelosi? As the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, he is a virtual fixture on the news networks, and in my view, comes across as serious, non-partisan, and focused on the right fallout from the Russian hacking: the intrusion of a foreign power in our affairs of state.
Meantime, let Chuck Schumer babble on on the floor of the Senate as Minority Leader, but have Democrats put out front a Senator will real chops, such as Amy Klobacher?
Finally, put Howard Dean back in charge of the DNC. Tom Perez may be a good guy, but he's drying paint as a speaker and leader. Dean performed astutely in his previous DNC stint, and he'd be a welcome signal to the party that messaging, candidate recruitment, and state level organization are essential if the Dems hope to regain power.
Meantime, let Chuck Schumer babble on on the floor of the Senate as Minority Leader, but have Democrats put out front a Senator will real chops, such as Amy Klobacher?
Finally, put Howard Dean back in charge of the DNC. Tom Perez may be a good guy, but he's drying paint as a speaker and leader. Dean performed astutely in his previous DNC stint, and he'd be a welcome signal to the party that messaging, candidate recruitment, and state level organization are essential if the Dems hope to regain power.
3
DO something positive instead of making defensive warfare. Propose something positive for economy, education, healthcare. This country likes optimism, this country likes money. Put social issues like transgender, gay rights, immigration, abortion on back burner for now. The party of economic change. Clean jobs. Tech jobs. Environmentally-friendly jobs. More education to respond to national and global workforce needs. Healthcare so that people can work more, earn more, take care of their families more.
1
This is why I implored Rep Lofgren NOT to support Pelosi to be the Minority leader in the House. But the Democrats are so entrenched in hierarchical structure that they don't even know they are squashing the fresh voices in their own party. The fact that they elected Perez to be the DNC chair also does not bode well for the party. The Democrats deserve to lose but we the people deserve better.
Sure, there's a lot of work that needs to be done - but a note to the Chicken Littles, the sky isn't falling when the Dems make their best showing in the Georgia 6th in forty years. Handel has always had the facility to disappoint people in every job she's ever had, and her current post won't be an exception.
3
I would hope that the demo would stop concentrating on being the opposition party and bring forth ideas - "when they go low we go high"
Democrats, if you want to know how to beat Trump check out a certain senator from Vermont. He has the integrity, the policies, and millions and millions of followers and admirers across all demographics. He has been trying to give you the answers for a couple of years: start listening, and you can win back Congress. Step 1: ditch your donors.
1
Comments cracks me up; we narrowly lost close races in deep red states, don't overreact, blah blah blah. Fact is we lost again just like the huge egg laid last November in what should have been a slam dunk. Agree with Ryan, the brand is flawed and turning that reality around is mighty complex but starts with party leadership acknowledging its severity and being open to major change.
Pelosi is demonized just like Ms Clinton was/is, and however unfair that maybe, "it is what it is", her negatives/persona far outweigh her positives and that ain't turning around anytime soon. This isn't about ageism/sexism, Its what any well run companies or organizations continually undertake to stay relevant, innovative and successful, they foster and encourage leadership development and make changes when appropriate.
That time is now --- This current "guard" has to GO!!!!
Pelosi is demonized just like Ms Clinton was/is, and however unfair that maybe, "it is what it is", her negatives/persona far outweigh her positives and that ain't turning around anytime soon. This isn't about ageism/sexism, Its what any well run companies or organizations continually undertake to stay relevant, innovative and successful, they foster and encourage leadership development and make changes when appropriate.
That time is now --- This current "guard" has to GO!!!!
I don't quite get the "pile on Pelosi" rhetoric that mysteriously became universal yesterday in the news and press. If we want to talk about lackluster leadership in the DNC, look no further than Perez.
There are more republicans in this district than democrats. The arithmetic was against Ossoff and the attacks, while seedy, surprised no voter. Whining has become a way of life for some, an excuse for losing. Most have no earthly idea who Nancy Pelosi is. She disappears and the attacks will find new demons. Perhaps the democratic ad makers should think about using images of Newt Gingrich waddling into countless TV appearances. One wonders why they avoid any hard hitting.
1
Yes, Doc! The Dems need to learn how to hit hard! Seems Bernie Sanders knows how. The rest of them are afraid...? I don't know what it is: Afraid of WHAT? And I have to say as much as admire and like Michelle Obama, I have learned in this life that "when they go low, we go high" DOES NOT WORK. Most of the time it just allows you to be trampled.
1
Still contempt for the working men and women. I don't know how you can be pro illegal immigration and pro labor. Naturally LGBT rights are important but they do not need to be the cornerstone of campaigns. Lastly, I'm liberal or I used to think I was, now I view the party as taken over by the Evergreen University crowd while I'm Bret Weinstein. Certainly not voting for Republicans, Tim Ryan out of Ohio looks good as a fellow meditator. I don't think Warren has a chance but I like her as well. But I currently feel the left as intolerant as the right - I choose neither.
1
JPR: I don't think ANYONE is in favor of ILLEGAL immigration. NEVER!
We won. We may not have the seats in office, but we won. It's was truly giving the Republicans a "run for their money." I will happily take this silver Olympic medal and help turn it to gold in 4 years. I hope the miillenials are inspired and can see what hope and action can be created when you use your voice and presence in real interactions with people. No need to hide behind social media. Follow your millenial leaders who are changing the world for the good of humanity, and turn away from those only helping themselves win popularity and money. Your generation has depth so let that shine.
4
This issue of NYT has a fascinating opinion piece that claims that the division today is not between right and left but between nationalists and globalists. The writer is spot-on. The GOP has mutated into the party of white nationalism, resentment and backward-looking nostalgia. The Democrats have to declare themselves to be the party of globalization, science, technology and the future. Appeal to the knowledge workers. Whip up the urban and metropolitan voters. Talk to the immigrants and the young. Don't try to bring back the "working class" in the Rust Belt - they will vote for Trump even as they are coughing out their black lungs without the benefit of health insurance. Defend tax increases not by appealing to empathy for the poor but by promising tangible dividends for the upwardly mobile: free education, infrastructure, cheaper health insurance. Create a compelling narrative for tomorrow instead of recycling the worn-out slogans of yesterday.
2
Yeah, screw the working class, they're just idiots who vote against their own interests.
AND YOU WONDER WHY THE DEMOCRATS CANT WIN AN ELECTION AND ARE SEEN AS THE PARTY OF THE COASTAL ELITES!!
AND YOU WONDER WHY THE DEMOCRATS CANT WIN AN ELECTION AND ARE SEEN AS THE PARTY OF THE COASTAL ELITES!!
Yes, Mor!
And I don't know what is "nostalgic" about people getting sick and dying from lack of health care, or what is "nostalgic" about not being able to breathe, and being poisoned when you roll back regulations, and allow corporations to pollute and poison howsoever they wish!
"Create a compelling narrative for tomorrow instead of recycling the worn-out slogans of yesterday." YES!!!!!
And I don't know what is "nostalgic" about people getting sick and dying from lack of health care, or what is "nostalgic" about not being able to breathe, and being poisoned when you roll back regulations, and allow corporations to pollute and poison howsoever they wish!
"Create a compelling narrative for tomorrow instead of recycling the worn-out slogans of yesterday." YES!!!!!
1
Maybe because I am from Puerto Rico I have more of an ulterior perspective but, have we forgotten that this is in Georgia? A state that stills wields confederacy symbols, including their flag? This doesn't say anything about democrats, this is just a reaffirmation of the racial views of the south and how they will stand with a man who is catering to those views. Let's not sugarcoat it. That said, this also shows that the landscape is changing, she didn't win by a comfortable margin. I will be surprised if this keeps on happening 10 years from now, when american eligible electorate is more diverse. But now? Nope. Not surprised.
1
There is an deep angst amongst the people.Many do not understand what is the reason they have been sidelined from the Main Street of economic progress.
In comes President D. J. Trump who has the panacea to there anguish & insecurities.
America FIRST,WE THE PEOPLE,rhetoric,gives the very ordinary people(VOP's) empowerment they so crave for their solace. Its the new high.
The result,Georgia reelects GOP.Please do not be under the mistaken assumption that it's GOP victory.
It's the victory of OUR President D. J. Trump by WE the People.(the vast majority of ordinary people)
Wait for DJT's reelection in 2020 for newer,innovative,Pulitzer Prize winning Rhetoric.
DJT is an Genius in the fine art of mesmerising WE THE PEOPLE
In comes President D. J. Trump who has the panacea to there anguish & insecurities.
America FIRST,WE THE PEOPLE,rhetoric,gives the very ordinary people(VOP's) empowerment they so crave for their solace. Its the new high.
The result,Georgia reelects GOP.Please do not be under the mistaken assumption that it's GOP victory.
It's the victory of OUR President D. J. Trump by WE the People.(the vast majority of ordinary people)
Wait for DJT's reelection in 2020 for newer,innovative,Pulitzer Prize winning Rhetoric.
DJT is an Genius in the fine art of mesmerising WE THE PEOPLE
I like Nancy Pelosi, but I do believe we need new, younger blood to counter act the old white men of the GOP. Who are our rising stars? Al Franken? Cory Booker? Al Franken seems to be the most vocal and confident of the Dems, and offers ideas, not just politico speak. Let us move forward into the 21st Century. Everyone is tired of the same old, same old.
1
I like Al Franken a lot. He is not just smart as a whip, but he is quick, clever, funny, and has a lot of charisma. He is definitely " a rising star."
1
The Republicans rally around their candidate, even if it is a garbage storm like Trump. The Democrats constantly fight amongst themselves, often over social issues - even though "America votes with it's pocketbook"
I am so tired of Pelosi congratulating herself because the Democrats lost by less.
She and Hillary have to go - they are the face of failure and until the Democrats fire all the old guard and bring in fresh leadership talking nuts and bolts issues that ALL of America cares about, they will continue to lose by less and stupidly think they won
I am so tired of Pelosi congratulating herself because the Democrats lost by less.
She and Hillary have to go - they are the face of failure and until the Democrats fire all the old guard and bring in fresh leadership talking nuts and bolts issues that ALL of America cares about, they will continue to lose by less and stupidly think they won
1
1. Cut ties with Wall Street. Trump did, until he was elected.
2. Stop being elitist and politically correct. Be correct. Call an illegal an illegal. Call a bad trade deal a bad trade deal.
3. Slow globalisation. Its inevitable but if you slow it down, then institutions have time to catch up. Global institutions.
4. Appeal to the young. ZIRP has transferred huge wealth to the gambling class.
5. Appeal to the old. ZIRP has transferred huge wealth to the gambling class.
2. Stop being elitist and politically correct. Be correct. Call an illegal an illegal. Call a bad trade deal a bad trade deal.
3. Slow globalisation. Its inevitable but if you slow it down, then institutions have time to catch up. Global institutions.
4. Appeal to the young. ZIRP has transferred huge wealth to the gambling class.
5. Appeal to the old. ZIRP has transferred huge wealth to the gambling class.
Someone like New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu represents the BEST of leaders today in America, democrat or republican. https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/national/full-speech-mitch-landrieu...
He represents the shining light that has drawn all kinds of tired hungry persecuted enslaved people to our shores.
Do not underestimate or overlook the power and strength of courage, kindness, compassion and ability to bring people together to move the country, FORWARD, while learning the lessons of the past to steer us away from our deep rooted faults, tragedies and collective errors.
He is from the South too...and a democrat.
He represents the shining light that has drawn all kinds of tired hungry persecuted enslaved people to our shores.
Do not underestimate or overlook the power and strength of courage, kindness, compassion and ability to bring people together to move the country, FORWARD, while learning the lessons of the past to steer us away from our deep rooted faults, tragedies and collective errors.
He is from the South too...and a democrat.
2
Because Landrieu is a Democrat from THE SOUTH, he could be very instrumental in turning the republican tide of southern voters towards DEMOCRACY. They MIGHT find a kindred spirit in him. I am afraid that it has come to a point where I see Democrats as representing DEMOCRACY and COMPASSION, and republicans as representing FASCISM and CRUELTY.
1
Folks, I've lived in Sandy Springs for 30+ years. I've read the NYT for 30+ years. This election was not about Red/Blue or anti-Trump. It was about the 6th district in Georgia. The media hyped it to about Trump. It was simple. Experience from a respected low-key local lady who lives in the 6th district. She'll work well on school issues, our traffic problems, our local real estate taxes and issues with Marta and Braves traffic. She didn't get elected for national views on defense spending or Obamacare or Russia. The comments are just hilarious. Come visit the 6th district. You'll understand then. Just regular well-educated folks. And make sure to go to a Waffle House!
1
Let's call it for what it is: the Democrats aren't resonating. In other words, they don't have anything relevant to offer.
1
Many interesting comments. But still a loss.
In the 50's my family was a small business democratic family, following the principles of the Kennedy era. Today, the party ignores the average voter's issues, demands fealty to collectivist goals and cannot persuade average voters of the merits of their programs, so it demonizes (bigot, racist, homophobe, liar) anyone who disagrees and doubles down on offering benefits for votes.
Sorry, the party will not regain political importance until leadership embraces (and truly believes) in hard work, personal responsibility, equality of OPPORTUNITY, and not "perfuming the pig" when the public doesn't buy their progressive ideals. We must put first security, rule of law, personal freedom to live as one wants, not what government wants, and campaign on straight talk with ideas that are easily understandable and based upon the right to enjoy the fruits of one's labor. These are the principles that made our country great once and our party "of the people" and if they sound like the Republican message today, that is because the Republicans took what worked for the Democrats in the 50's, 60's and 70's and the Democrtas gave them up. If we want to return to relevance we need to reclaim this territory.
In the 50's my family was a small business democratic family, following the principles of the Kennedy era. Today, the party ignores the average voter's issues, demands fealty to collectivist goals and cannot persuade average voters of the merits of their programs, so it demonizes (bigot, racist, homophobe, liar) anyone who disagrees and doubles down on offering benefits for votes.
Sorry, the party will not regain political importance until leadership embraces (and truly believes) in hard work, personal responsibility, equality of OPPORTUNITY, and not "perfuming the pig" when the public doesn't buy their progressive ideals. We must put first security, rule of law, personal freedom to live as one wants, not what government wants, and campaign on straight talk with ideas that are easily understandable and based upon the right to enjoy the fruits of one's labor. These are the principles that made our country great once and our party "of the people" and if they sound like the Republican message today, that is because the Republicans took what worked for the Democrats in the 50's, 60's and 70's and the Democrtas gave them up. If we want to return to relevance we need to reclaim this territory.
1
Dems need to vet good candidates. Very good candidates. This has not been happening. Avoid too many on the primary ballot cannibalizing each other. Carisma is important... as are brains. Also avoid veering too far from the Center (please sit down Bernie). Finally, the DNC needs to realize it's no longer about TV ads -- it's about feet on the ground.
1
"Avoid the left" is why this dead party continues to lose. Thank god.
Bob, the Democrats certainly should not cannibalize each other, which is a clear way to sow dissent amongst their ranks. (trump cannibalized all his opponents very successfully, however.) Charisma is VERY important, as is intelligence. (trump, to me, has no charisma, and no intelligence; rather he is a con man, a pathological liar, a narcissist, a braggart, and a buffoon; his followers seem to eat it up. Millions of them may lose access to health care, but this is what they love. That is OK with them; they will just blame Hillary and Obama, and maybe Bernie.) As far as veering too far from the Center, I am afraid that the Progressive movement of the Democratic Party is the way to go. The rest of the Democratic Party seems to me to be republican "lite." We do not want that, and it does not fire up the people. We need service, compassion, attention, thoughtfulness, morality, and decency...not more benign neglect, and "lite" corporatism. We need to veer away from the Center and into the Progressive movement to address and remedy the issues that the majority of today's Democratic base fervently believes in. We don't need "a little fix" for health care, for instance; we need single payer health care. Bernie--Please do not sit down!
1
I wish a NYTimes investigative reporter would revisit the Republican REDMAP strategy from years ago and write a splashy story on its political impact today. Because they played long ball and it was a genius power grab, and incredibly damaging to our democracy. The Supreme Court's decision to hear the Wisconsin case is a great excuse to research REDMAP. The majority never seems to win here on policy or house seats - and it ain't just the Electoral College at work. Ossof? Bryce? They are not even close to the story. Oh well, maybe someone at WAPO will take it on.
Pelosi is a symptom, not a problem, and I think most people know it. People disillusioned by both parties are another symptom. America is so beyond the damage caused by politicians and political entities serving themselves instead of the public that they would and unfortunately have elected someone like our president. If your answer to the current situation is to spend all the money you can in a desperate, insincere, survival-motivated Hail Mary in Georgia then you obviously don't get it.
If you actually want your principles represented then destroy the rotting behemoth and rebuild it so that it actually represents people. Apologize to the public for the DNC disaster that was the party's death knell. Look at what your notion of "success" drove you to do with Clinton. And then do what you should have done years ago. Continuously, aggressively, forcefully remove and replace corruption with moral standing. Replace survival at the cost of the public with doing the right thing for your country. Replace self-serving interest with other-serving interest. Keep doing that without expecting the same "success" that's been motivating the parties for this long.
If you actually want your principles represented then destroy the rotting behemoth and rebuild it so that it actually represents people. Apologize to the public for the DNC disaster that was the party's death knell. Look at what your notion of "success" drove you to do with Clinton. And then do what you should have done years ago. Continuously, aggressively, forcefully remove and replace corruption with moral standing. Replace survival at the cost of the public with doing the right thing for your country. Replace self-serving interest with other-serving interest. Keep doing that without expecting the same "success" that's been motivating the parties for this long.
Until Democrats come up with a convincing form of socialism based on American values, they will continue to fail. Democrats must take a clearly contrary position to Republicans.
Hillary was completely contrary to Donald Trump. The only thing that hurts her is that her plans are complicated not simple slogans like "make America great" or "free college free healthcare." Which you're saying is that the Democrats should bumb down like Republicans.
Nothing wrong with Nancy, she is an excellent tactician and knows how to legislate but her face has been around for too long and the Republicans have destroyed her image.
1
Hillary won by 3 million votes and the only reason you're saying that is because of the electotal college loss. Republicans have destroyed their own image. I can't believe losing congressional seat in the deep South is considered to use democratic loss. Republicans have taken over the deep South ever since Ronald Ragan's dog whistles. It's slowly eroding but it still will take a few more years.
1
After seeing Ossoff give his concession speech on Youtube, I was much less inclined to view his candidacy unfavorably."Bref," he seemed likable, like the kind of chap that if you met him on the street, and invited him to have a cup of coffee, he would oblige.Approchability is the word that appears appropriate.The sincerity of the man shone through, and his fiancee exuded a genuineness. a charm that disarmed , I have a hunch, thousands of potential voters.Ties to Pelosi and all that money coming in from the outside probably doomed him, but as the old cliche instructs us, "Money is the mother;s milk of politics." Casualty of his defeat will be without a doubt Congresswoman Pelosi.just as DWS and HRC are in the process of becoming troglodytes within the Party.Likewise for Sanders, with his utopian promises of college free tuition and free medical care.He's selling his followers a bill of goods, unrealizable objectives. Sanders condemned violence and violent rhetoric after the massacre on the baseball diamond on the Senate floor, but he never lifted a finger to tone it down in previous campaign speeches. Sanders, Pelosi and HRC are all septuagenarians, and younger Dems. are becoming impatient. Sanders's followers are something else.. When one was asked by CNN reporter to define socialism, he replied"Boy, that's a tough one. Hope this doesn't appear on television!"
1
Where was Rep. Ryan of Ohio, the man responsible for the quote, "our brand is worse than Trump," when Nancy Pelosi was working tirelessly to pass the ACA and bring healthcare to millions of Americans. Nancy Pelosi is not a problem, gerrymandering is. Trump lying about everything is a problem, Paul Ryan's desire to get rid of medicare is a problem, Mitch McConnell's hiding the healthcare is a problem. Jon Ossoff ran a great race and came close let's not invent new problems and demonize Nancy Pelosi.
1
I live in the 6th and Dekalb county did not come out to vote. Democrats did not get out on a rainy day for Ossoff. That district was drawn by Reps long ago and is extremely difficult for ANY Dem to win. Not his message so much as low turn out.
1
Trump and the Republicans are all "Bullies in Chief" and they have tarred a progressive, caring party in the media. Who has time to read the fine print?
Certain patriots (like Pelosi) have been slandered by the right wing media. This is hard to undo, a person cannot "unhear" something. Dems have become that moral, smart high school girl whose reputation was ruined by gossip, by those mean girls who sway public opinion. One of the best ways to fight this is to change the dialogue, and as much as Pelosi has done for millions, it is time for her to show even greater patriotism. A person like Tim Ryan would be a better adversary against those Bullies in the White House: male, white, midwestern, with a name just like one of the worst of the White House Mean Team. Change the dialogue and start winning. We can do this.
Certain patriots (like Pelosi) have been slandered by the right wing media. This is hard to undo, a person cannot "unhear" something. Dems have become that moral, smart high school girl whose reputation was ruined by gossip, by those mean girls who sway public opinion. One of the best ways to fight this is to change the dialogue, and as much as Pelosi has done for millions, it is time for her to show even greater patriotism. A person like Tim Ryan would be a better adversary against those Bullies in the White House: male, white, midwestern, with a name just like one of the worst of the White House Mean Team. Change the dialogue and start winning. We can do this.
1
Nancy Pelosi comes across as an old schoolmarm, waving her fingers at the camera spewing out some grandmotherly advice. She never has anything new to say; it's always in response to something the Republicans have done. She can't lead, only nitpick. Then there's Bernie Sanders, who's older than dirt and sees the solution to all America's ills is by stripping the rich and redistributing the wealth. Like that's going to happen. The Democrats have no leadership, no platform and a vision of some bizarro utopia where no one works and everything's free.
1
Both political parties are a complete disgrace, incompetent and hypocritical to the core, worse than ever in US history, and off the scale of acceptability. They are wrecking American democracy, and need to die before that democracy can be truly rejuvenated.
1
Why can't you people just accept the idea that the majority of people don't believe, after giving Democrats, progressives, ,liberals, etc. ample years in Washington to make our country better, Democrats' ideas work. The people are not collectively dumb; they "get it" and want a return to what made America great in the past. Democrats talking about changing their messages is just proof that they will say anything to get elected and, once in power, will then try to implement their failed ideas. The American people are not going to open the access to power to them again. We are not stupid.
1
Maybe the DEMS should be truthful and acknowledge the obvious: The middle class is losing in a battle of Class Warfare.
The fact that Pelosi and Schumer are the heads of the party shows that the Democrats haven't learned a thing from the 2016 election.
I have not seen solid numbers on voter turnout/apathy among Dems from the Georgia race but we know from other elections over the last decade that the numbers are depressing.
Where's the passion among liberal votes? For some, well, for me (though I remain a passionate voter) it is the party, its leadership and the people it chooses to run. The choice always seems to be the GOP's millionaire with massive skin in the game to the Dems' millionaire with massive skin in the game.
Google the net worths and bios of Hillary, Pelosi, Ossoff and other "people's party" politicians. You will see six, seven, eight zeros to the left of the decimal point. Do you really think these people are going to sacrifice personally just keep working people happy and healthy?
When I get donation requests from candidates, I Google and then I write back and almost always say I don't give money to millionaires. If they are so passionate about representing the working class and getting money from me, sell the Mercedes G Wagon, the summer house on Cape Cod, the condo in Aspen; forego the African safari, the trip to the Seychelles, the country club membership; send the kids to the local state university instead of the Ivy League, mow your own lawn, clean your own house, trim your own bushes and pour the dough into the campaign.
For some reason, they never write back. Skin in the game, baby. Fixing this country is going to require personal sacrifice and Dem leaders are not up to it.
Where's the passion among liberal votes? For some, well, for me (though I remain a passionate voter) it is the party, its leadership and the people it chooses to run. The choice always seems to be the GOP's millionaire with massive skin in the game to the Dems' millionaire with massive skin in the game.
Google the net worths and bios of Hillary, Pelosi, Ossoff and other "people's party" politicians. You will see six, seven, eight zeros to the left of the decimal point. Do you really think these people are going to sacrifice personally just keep working people happy and healthy?
When I get donation requests from candidates, I Google and then I write back and almost always say I don't give money to millionaires. If they are so passionate about representing the working class and getting money from me, sell the Mercedes G Wagon, the summer house on Cape Cod, the condo in Aspen; forego the African safari, the trip to the Seychelles, the country club membership; send the kids to the local state university instead of the Ivy League, mow your own lawn, clean your own house, trim your own bushes and pour the dough into the campaign.
For some reason, they never write back. Skin in the game, baby. Fixing this country is going to require personal sacrifice and Dem leaders are not up to it.
People need to get a grip. This is a conservative district in the South. The fact that the Dem candidate came within five points of winning is an indication that the Left is making progress.
Plus the right-wing candidate said that the people in her district didn't even deserve a living wage. That tells us the extent that these voters have been propagandized to see the Left as evil.
Plus the right-wing candidate said that the people in her district didn't even deserve a living wage. That tells us the extent that these voters have been propagandized to see the Left as evil.
Anytime one party can promise reducing your taxes they are going to win. The Republicans will only start to lose once it's clear that they can't deliver...be patient.
1
Pelosi is connected to the hip of the failed Democratic Leadership Council policies brought to us by the Clintons in the 1992 campaign. Indeed, her power id based on the ability to raise money from corporate/lobbyist interests. Democrats need to move on from Pelosi, Clinton and their policy orientation.
The Democratic leaders support guns and butter. But when it comes to a choice, guns win. They run a party of the 1% and the 99%, but when push comes to shove, the 1% wins.
Apparently, relentlessly spewing hate for Trump, obstructing possible progress on all of issues, saying "it is my right that someone else has to pay for my food, housing, health care and even college education", taking a global vs U.S. centrist view, and childish, communistic-like slogans like OCCUPY, RESIST, OBSTRUCT, etc is not what wins elections. Time for the Dems to try plan B (positive, pro-America and pro-citizen policies?).
1
With unemployment low, I don't see why the Democrats should build their message around the ideas of jobs and the economy.
Of course, creating jobs was an important part of Trump's message, but voters didn't seem to be interested in how he would create them, the mere fact of him being a businessman was enough to trust him on this issue.
If the Dems want to win in 2018, they should do what all winning candidates always manage to do: to find an issue that is new, and that forces the other side to talk about it too, knowing that it's always the original "brand" that ends up being more trusted on that issue.
Trump clearly picked the issue that set the tone for the entire presidential election in 2016, and it was an issue the GOP was reluctant to embrace openly until then: racism and anti-"Islam" resentment. Simply taking over the narrative that Fox News has made many conservatives believe on all the other issues (health care, climate change, Obama) was all that was needed next, in order to fire up the GOP base.
So what should Dems pick in order to set the conversation for 2018? THAT is the most urgent question now, NOT what voters may care most about (such as jobs), because no matter what Trump does or says, when it comes to the economy the impact of his decisions will not be felt yet in 2018, and thanks to Obama the economy will continue to thrive, so many GOP voters will believe that Trump is doing great on jobs, AND that that's because of his unique business background...
Of course, creating jobs was an important part of Trump's message, but voters didn't seem to be interested in how he would create them, the mere fact of him being a businessman was enough to trust him on this issue.
If the Dems want to win in 2018, they should do what all winning candidates always manage to do: to find an issue that is new, and that forces the other side to talk about it too, knowing that it's always the original "brand" that ends up being more trusted on that issue.
Trump clearly picked the issue that set the tone for the entire presidential election in 2016, and it was an issue the GOP was reluctant to embrace openly until then: racism and anti-"Islam" resentment. Simply taking over the narrative that Fox News has made many conservatives believe on all the other issues (health care, climate change, Obama) was all that was needed next, in order to fire up the GOP base.
So what should Dems pick in order to set the conversation for 2018? THAT is the most urgent question now, NOT what voters may care most about (such as jobs), because no matter what Trump does or says, when it comes to the economy the impact of his decisions will not be felt yet in 2018, and thanks to Obama the economy will continue to thrive, so many GOP voters will believe that Trump is doing great on jobs, AND that that's because of his unique business background...
While I applaud Ms. Pelosi for her hard work and commitment, it is surely time for a leadership change at the top of the Democratic Party. Years of demonization of her by the right has, as with Hillary, taken its toll. Fairly or not to Ms. Pelosi, if there is any hope of retaking the House, we need a fresh, strong leader who can repackage and effectively sell the Democratic brand. The stunning incompetence and lunacy of Mr. Trump notwithstanding, the economic winds, at present, are at his back and could result in the Republicans sailing into the midterm election with more than sufficient momentum to keep the House. We need a leader who can motivate the party to unite on common goals and mobilize a concerted effort toward voter registration so necessary, especially now in the face of the pernicious effects of gerrymandering and anti-voter legislation. Thank you Ms. Pelosi for all you have done. Now please step aside gracefully in the interest of your party.
5
While it is true that any Democratic leader would come under fire from Republicans, it is time for Ms. Pelosi to resign. She is responsible for the lack of coherent policy and has effectively done little more than tread water by attempting to build phony consensus and unity in the party. She has failed miserably beyond having members tread water on issue after issue.
We also endured far too many years with Harry Reid in charge of the Senate. It is refreshing to have Sen. Schumer take charge and exercise some decisive leadership for a change. We now need to make a leadership change in the House, as well. The 2018 mid-term election may very well depend on it.
We also endured far too many years with Harry Reid in charge of the Senate. It is refreshing to have Sen. Schumer take charge and exercise some decisive leadership for a change. We now need to make a leadership change in the House, as well. The 2018 mid-term election may very well depend on it.
5
Promising jobs and fiscal restraint just makes Democrats watered-down Republicans, and who would vote for that? Democrats need to take a hard look at why people don't trust them: Democrats say they're for the working people and the downtrodden, but when they get into office, they prove to just be another party of capitalist greed and alienation. Bernie Sanders was the only Democrat over the past decade to challenge the failures of society that capitalism have brought us (alienation from each other as we're forced to scrap over fewer and fewer resources, exploited workers who can't make ends meet while jobs are sent overseas, for-profit healthcare system that does its best to not have to pay for coverage people need) and he was by far the most exciting candidate in the race last year. If Democrats don't model themselves after his campaign and his messaging, they're going to be lost in the wilderness for the next generation as Republicans destroy our natural resources, keep people sick and uncovered with healthcare, and destroy the gains we've made as a society over the past hundred years with what little social safety net we've made.
2
They can't "message" their way out of this mess they've created. The democrats are a center right party and unbelievably it took until 2016 for voters to realize it. Voters want a strong labor movement, and they have nowhere to go. Bernie was our best choice, and the democrats committed political suicide as a party by sabotaging him.
1
Here, here, Joseph! Everything you say is TRUE.
1
As a resident of Georgia, I was FAR from discouraged by Jon Ossof's 3 percentage point loss to Karen Handel in the 6th. I have lived in GA most of my adult life, and I am enormously encouraged by the fact that a relative newcomer in a (previously) heavily-Republican district came so close! 2018, here we come.
4
I live in a suburban area of a large city in a red state. I am happy to report that some life long Republicans here who voted for Trump are very unhappy with him. I believe they might be willing to switch parties at the Presidential level in the next election, which is astonishing. But I have had no indication that they would switch parties at the local level.
So I think it's a good sign that Ossoff did as well as he did. Trump is clearly a drag on his own party, and he has yet to face a crisis, other than of his own making. That can't last forever, and his popularity could easily sink lower. At that point you might see a shift at the local level.
So I think it's a good sign that Ossoff did as well as he did. Trump is clearly a drag on his own party, and he has yet to face a crisis, other than of his own making. That can't last forever, and his popularity could easily sink lower. At that point you might see a shift at the local level.
3
The Democratic Party probably needs to get smaller before it regains strength and political power. The focus needs to be on economic issues. So long as liberal social issues remain so heavily in the mix, a substantial number of voters will feel they have no home in the Democratic Party.
2
Stop. Just stop. An unknown Democratic candidate took on a well-known opponent in a heavily Republican district and managed to do 10 points better than the candidate just 9 months ago. This is a victory, just not quite as large a victory as wanted/needed.
4
Exactly.
It is the GOP which seems to be focused on bathrooms. It's not Democrats who have written and sponsored those bills requiring children to use the bathroom which corresponds to the gender on their birth certificate. Republican voters are ignoring reality in many other areas such as the environment and economics. For example, there were just under 77,000 coal mining jobs in 2014. The decline has been caused by changes in sources of energy -- solar, natural gas. In fact museums employed more than 91,000 and the arts (museums, theatre, etc.) employs approximately 1.5 million! That dwarfs the number of coal mining jobs. The Democrats do need to emphasize jobs and that retraining is part of the answer as are new industries such as solar power.
2
Democrats need to start talking about our VALUES and how those values form the basis of the policies and programs we support. This they way I start political discussions: "Democracy depends on citizens caring about each other and taking responsibility both for themselves and for others. This yields Government with a moral mission: to Protect and empower all citizens equally. The mechanism for this is through the Public system of public resources necessary for a decent private life and robust private enterprise: roads, bridges,education,health care, communication systems, basic research, police & military, fair judicial system, healthy water, air, safe food, parks and more". Having stated my core belief I can then discuss the merits of policies and programs within that belief system. Try it - it works! I credit George Lakoff's book "The Little Blue Book" with this insight. I wish ALL Progressives (especially politicians) would read this book.
4
I think we Democrats ought to look at the Georgia results as a win. The seat had been solidly Republican since forever. Ossof came within four points of victory. Clearly Trump has created considerable damage. The 2018 elections will prove that.
However, I too think the Democratic leadership must change. It is time for new ideas and young leadership. Bernie Sanders should now become a mentor. He should be looking for and nurturing an up and comer to stand for election in 2020.
However, I too think the Democratic leadership must change. It is time for new ideas and young leadership. Bernie Sanders should now become a mentor. He should be looking for and nurturing an up and comer to stand for election in 2020.
3
Democrats do need an economic platform that is easy (and fast) to communicate. However, I do believe that the biggest hurtle for Ossoff was his age. At 30, he is very young. As someone in their mid-50's and very liberal, I think his extreme youth hurt him. Interestingly, there is a tremendous amount of age discrimination in the workplace for people over 50, they are practically unemployable in most fields. Yet the opposite is true in politics. Age is seen as an asset, with the experience age brings as necessary to making sensible decisions. I do wish there was a bit more balance. Both politics and work would benefit greatly from people of diverse age groups (as well as racial and gender diversity). I think Georgia was an outlier, Ossoff's extreme youth, combined with a conservative district, made it an uphill battle. That said, the Democrats should not be quick to brush off this loss. Instead, they would be wise to carefully re-evaluate their situation if they hope to make ground in 2018 and beyond.
1
A San Francisco based House Minority Leader, a New York based Senate Minority leader. Good people, but the exact stereotype portrayed by the right. It supports the Republican's claim of the 'Coastal Elites' that run the Democratic Party.
For the good of the Party Nancy Pelosi should recognize this, as success is more important than whether this criticism is fair. We need to regain our support in the mid-west, as the South remains a bastion of the right. Highlighting the anti-worker policies being rolled out by the Republicans is not enough (although crucial). We need new messengers that have not been demonized for a decade (see what happened to Hillary Clinton), and from other areas of the country. It is what it is.
For the good of the Party Nancy Pelosi should recognize this, as success is more important than whether this criticism is fair. We need to regain our support in the mid-west, as the South remains a bastion of the right. Highlighting the anti-worker policies being rolled out by the Republicans is not enough (although crucial). We need new messengers that have not been demonized for a decade (see what happened to Hillary Clinton), and from other areas of the country. It is what it is.
2
I lived in the 6th District in Georgia for years and my children still live there. It is a staunchly red district -- it is the district of New Gingrich, Johnny Isaakson, Tom Price. There were certain races where Democrats either didn't even run, if they did run didn't really campaign, or if they campaigned they were defeated sometimes by a landside.
I just don't get how Democrats can be discouraged or Trump can be encouraged because an historically red district voted for a Republican. This was predicable and it has been happening long before Trump came along. And it wasn't a Trump referendum. Many people voted (shocker; some voters are actually informed) for Ossoff or Handel, the actual local candidates. If the vote had been "hey do you think Trump is doing a good job?" the outcome may have been different.
This race should never have been turned into a referendum. Democrats should not be discouraged. Republicans should not be emboldened. Trust me, the story here is not that the Republican won it's that she almost lost -- to a young millennial who doesn't even live in the district!
I just don't get how Democrats can be discouraged or Trump can be encouraged because an historically red district voted for a Republican. This was predicable and it has been happening long before Trump came along. And it wasn't a Trump referendum. Many people voted (shocker; some voters are actually informed) for Ossoff or Handel, the actual local candidates. If the vote had been "hey do you think Trump is doing a good job?" the outcome may have been different.
This race should never have been turned into a referendum. Democrats should not be discouraged. Republicans should not be emboldened. Trust me, the story here is not that the Republican won it's that she almost lost -- to a young millennial who doesn't even live in the district!
5
All of this hand-wringing is ridiculous and self-defeating. Should Pelosi be replaced? Who knows? Forty-five has a popularity rating in the 30s. This was a Republican district in a red state. After Obama's reelection in 2012, Republicans faced the same quandary; in fact they wrote up some study showing what they had to do to become relevant. Pundits wrote them off as a permanent minority party. Forty five won because he was NOT a traditional Republican. Now we need to stand back and let the American people see what they've elected. My guess is that it won't take too long before they begin abandoning that side.
1
Yes, the Democrats need a message on the economy, specifically jobs. But they need messages on education, environment, legal and social justice, and international relationships which make sense and show that government is an advocate of all people. It needs to end their Roosevelt-strategy of sticking together identity groups, appeals to which promote division today, not unity. And finally, as a sign of that inclusive approach, its national candidates especially, should visit and campaign in the non-bicoastal states and in the rural as well as the urban areas in states. Democrats cannot make the case for being a party for the people if it refuses to meet with and talk with (not to) them.
Making lots of promises isn't the best idea, but making sure candidates relate well to their constituents is extremely important. Speaking about how the Democratic philosophy differs from Republicans...not merely working for the upper echelons but for everyone (even the most wealthy...they're constituents, too). Pushing for good schools (not a free education, by the way, which almost certainly is unappealing for those without children who feel they have to shoulder the added burden) but a path to reasonable costs.
Explaining military needs, the importance of military but why we need not spend over $600 billion per year, much of it wasted...why do we need B1 bombers or F35s (at $90 million per) to deal with ISIS, for example. And how some of this money can be used for the benefit of all Americans.
Why law enforcement is important, but we don't want 2 million in jails and how we can better deal with crime through participation in the workforce, etc.
Explaining why controls on guns benefits everyone.
Explaining why we work for everyone and why everyone matters.
Why protecting the environment is so important for us and our children.
And Nancy Pelosi must be replaced: she is just too much of an easy target for Republicans to hammer.
Explaining military needs, the importance of military but why we need not spend over $600 billion per year, much of it wasted...why do we need B1 bombers or F35s (at $90 million per) to deal with ISIS, for example. And how some of this money can be used for the benefit of all Americans.
Why law enforcement is important, but we don't want 2 million in jails and how we can better deal with crime through participation in the workforce, etc.
Explaining why controls on guns benefits everyone.
Explaining why we work for everyone and why everyone matters.
Why protecting the environment is so important for us and our children.
And Nancy Pelosi must be replaced: she is just too much of an easy target for Republicans to hammer.
1
I'm sick of losing. The Dems need to do whatever it takes to win, because that's all that matters. Leadership is expendable, and it's tough to argue that the current leadership/direction has worked over the past decade with so many losses across congress & states. R's are clearly awful, and this task shouldn't be as hard as it's become.
2
No, reporters and the media generally can only see the real issues and needs of Americans in the archaic framework of traditional politics. "Democrats Seethe" is another comic book headline. It fits with the "POW", "BAM" school of reporting and is of no real value in our need to examine the broader dynamics of our electoral process, a changing economy, and the success of 20+ years of organized right wing propaganda. This election was best characterized as a prime example of how huge amounts of outside money are funneled by billionaires to candidates meeting their needs. Even with this, Ossoff gained significant support in the center of a deeply red state. Like the Bernie Sanders story, there really is a widespread "resistance" emerging and it has nothing to do with the old and dying established Republican and Democratic Party.
1
A 77-year-old who has been in Congress for 30 years cannot possibly be the face of the future. (My 80-year-old mother has blessed this comment, lest I be accused of ageism.)
6
I'm sure if we squint just a bit more we will see the successes over the past 10 years of the Democratic Party elite. Even we dullards will surely see why the judgment of the Party elite warrants the bottomless self-regard they hold for it. We will get why their judgment on all things electoral must be heeded, despite all evidence to the contrary (900+ seats lost at the state and national level in 10 years.)
How could we not? I mean, consider: the people who, in the past 10 years, were fine with the idea of making a "grand bargain" to slice Social Security and Medicare if the deal was right; the ones who were right there for the bail-out of Wall Street and its CEO potentates in the crash, but knew it was a bridge far too far to expect even greater concern, and action, to help the average Joe and Jill, the actual victims of the Street's chicanery; the ones who gladly played deaf to the clamor of Americans that those responsible for the crash be held culpable and accountable; the ones who, even now, with one electoral failure after another, insist that the only sure remedy for that is to drill down, push even harder what has been rejected over and over again.
I have an idea. Gather 100 people mixed by age, race, socioeconomic class; ask each, "What does the Democratic Party stand for to you?" Don't be surprised if you get 100 different answers. The Party itself doesn't know who, what or why it is. How can the country? To understand that could be a real good place to start.
How could we not? I mean, consider: the people who, in the past 10 years, were fine with the idea of making a "grand bargain" to slice Social Security and Medicare if the deal was right; the ones who were right there for the bail-out of Wall Street and its CEO potentates in the crash, but knew it was a bridge far too far to expect even greater concern, and action, to help the average Joe and Jill, the actual victims of the Street's chicanery; the ones who gladly played deaf to the clamor of Americans that those responsible for the crash be held culpable and accountable; the ones who, even now, with one electoral failure after another, insist that the only sure remedy for that is to drill down, push even harder what has been rejected over and over again.
I have an idea. Gather 100 people mixed by age, race, socioeconomic class; ask each, "What does the Democratic Party stand for to you?" Don't be surprised if you get 100 different answers. The Party itself doesn't know who, what or why it is. How can the country? To understand that could be a real good place to start.
3
Osoff ran as if he were Hillary Clinton, light. Right down to courting Republicans instead of telling them what a Democrat could do for this country to make it better. Or have the Democrats become so wealthy, so corporatized they don't know what they can do different ? Or don't want to. Is there any difference between the two parties today ?
He also wasn't from the district and didn't move to the district.
And I have to agree with the guy who asked earlier - who do they think they are kidding with the small donation talk. It was massive amounts of corporate money from outside the district.
He also wasn't from the district and didn't move to the district.
And I have to agree with the guy who asked earlier - who do they think they are kidding with the small donation talk. It was massive amounts of corporate money from outside the district.
3
I will share with you again the post I authored on the morning of November 8, 2016.
Today is an anxious day for many Americans. I, for one, just completed my responsibility as a citizen and cast votes for President, Congress and a slew of local issues I'm equally educated on as the charade posing as our Presidential contest.
My biggest concern is also my biggest disappointment. As a conservative whose favored candidate (Rubio) won my state but lost the primary to DJT, I was forced to do some serious self-reflection to understand what 'this' was all about.
I concluded that DJT wasn't running against Rubio, Cruz, Kasich or any of the other qualified candidates in my party. He was running against the Establishment.
Not just the Establishment of my party, but the ESTABLISHMENT. For him to win the GOP primary and lose to HRC would mean we took this pain for no reason at all;with no good outcomes. The only way good could come from this was if my Democrat friends had to endure the same pain and self-reflection.
DJT was our penance for 25 years of both parties ignoring the 100 million working People in America. After all, you don't prune a 25 year old overgrown tree by only choosing to trim branches from half the tree. The whole tree needs trimming.
I felt bad for my Democrat friends who simply have dismissed DJT as a joke and a disgusting replica of a human being. They have not prepared themselves one iota to accept the fact that tomorrow morning, he will be our President.
Today is an anxious day for many Americans. I, for one, just completed my responsibility as a citizen and cast votes for President, Congress and a slew of local issues I'm equally educated on as the charade posing as our Presidential contest.
My biggest concern is also my biggest disappointment. As a conservative whose favored candidate (Rubio) won my state but lost the primary to DJT, I was forced to do some serious self-reflection to understand what 'this' was all about.
I concluded that DJT wasn't running against Rubio, Cruz, Kasich or any of the other qualified candidates in my party. He was running against the Establishment.
Not just the Establishment of my party, but the ESTABLISHMENT. For him to win the GOP primary and lose to HRC would mean we took this pain for no reason at all;with no good outcomes. The only way good could come from this was if my Democrat friends had to endure the same pain and self-reflection.
DJT was our penance for 25 years of both parties ignoring the 100 million working People in America. After all, you don't prune a 25 year old overgrown tree by only choosing to trim branches from half the tree. The whole tree needs trimming.
I felt bad for my Democrat friends who simply have dismissed DJT as a joke and a disgusting replica of a human being. They have not prepared themselves one iota to accept the fact that tomorrow morning, he will be our President.
I'm a Democrat and I'm not seething. And god knows our "brand" is far superior to the party of Trump. Ossoff did incredibly well, almost won, and Hillary would be our first female President except for the collusion which stole the election from her. I keep thinking of JFK's "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." That's the renewal of spirit America needs now, and we Dems intend to do it.
4
It IS time for the traditional Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi to step down. They (and Clinton) have presided over the decimation of the party and hold the blame for losing the Presidency. How could we have lost to Trump??! It wasn't the Russians, it was their tone-deaf approach to, well, everything, especially their insistance on annointing HRC. We need to see fresh blood and fresh ideas. With that said, it really would have been a miracle for Jon Ossoff to win in GA-6, and I think he ran a great campaign. He is just the type of new Democrat we need to see if we want to take back the house.
2
Party leaders encourage others to "emphasize the positive aspects" of four losses in a row, two against flawed candidates. No more "gold stars" for effort. Win races or step aside.
We will see more compromise as a liberals realize they have to depend upon conservatives for financial support.What is happening politically is an image of what is happening to the collective personality. It has been exploding ,like the huge volcano beneath Yellowstone national park. The collective unconscious, indeed the individual collective archetypal unconscious is undifferentiated, virtually inexhaustible supply of Pure undifferentiated energy like volcanic magma. Much of that is manifested externally in the left. The right controls it, and suppresses it, but it is there nonetheless .It is power and that undifferentiated Power is manifested by the ID=the rational mind needs to draw upon its energy. The conservatives and liberals need to control that energy or it is divided against itself-and manifests itself in a society that is fractured. The harmonic necessary to accomplish this is gentleness toward the erupting force . Opposition intensifies the force. To win the left requires gentleness not opposition . Our society will be healed when the two forces work in harmony. instead of mass hysteria.If anything the Democratic Party needs now it is to acknowledge and accept The governance of the conscious rational side.Very strong opposing forces achieved the drafting of our Constitution. We emerged from revolutionary and civil wars. We know how to do this. We have done it before. We lived past actual wars, and can do it again.
The Democratic Party is not your grandparents’ Democratic Party. The party has moved to the right and grown fat and complacent. The party “base” is no longer working class – that segment has moved to the Republican Party. The party base is now wealthier and more educated, and the money behind the party is more interested in retaining its wealth and growing it than fighting for issues like healthcare, education and jobs that most affect working class people. Democratic wealth has a lot in common with conservative money, and like it, it is rooted in Wall Street. The party has betrayed any “progressive” tradition it had. It is easy to be liberal on social issues like gender rights; basic human needs are tougher to fight for. The few true progressives in the party are labeled radicals. The picture is pretty clear: the Democratic Party as we knew it no longer exists. Revive it? It’s not going to happen – too many fundamental changes have taken place, and too much money is at stake. Electing millionaires and billionaires to legislatures, Congress, and the White House is not going to help the working class. Lenny Bruce said: People are leaving the Church and going back to God. That’s what real progressives need to do – leave the moribund Democratic Party, and invest in a true progressive party, one that will once again recognize that a healthy society is one in which the playing field is, if not perfect, at least more level than it is now. And that is the job of government.
I thinks its illustrative of the identity problem that the Dems have, that the GA 6th is now in play for them while working class district are turning red. After HC's jumble of a campaign message, Dems need to get back to their roots, develop their bench down ballot bench, and possibly get new leadership at the top.
When an organization goes downhill, often a change in leadership helps bring it back on track. It may not be fair or Pelosi's fault that she's so toxic, but it seems it must be dealt with.
As an independent and someone that has voted on both sides of the aisle in recent elections, I see their "brand" as toxic at the moment. The "RESIST" and capitulation of the parties leaders to the intolerant antifa movement coupled with the over the top whining from Democratic leadership in Washington has completely destroyed any credibility to me. Let's hope they firm it up and get back to the business of leading and not complaining.
1
It must be that the Democratic leadership believes that most people will come crawling back on their knees to the Party. If that's the case, they can keep waiting. Rather than take the opportunity to push a forceful, progressive agenda, they are hoping to run out the clock. It would be hilarious if it weren't so tragic. The Democratic Party does not care about the working class or poor. They just don't.
Maybe democrats need to start saying the opposite of Republicans.
Example-- Republicans message 'unions are greedy', 'unions are job-killers': 1) unions are good for the worker therefore good for the economy. 2) unions are the capitalistic/business way to negotiate fair wages and compensation 3) unions keep government from inserting themselves in the form of wages
Republican message-- 'government is bad' 'big government is bad': 1) government is good 2) schools, firefighters, libraries, police, teachers, postal service, roads, highways, traffic lights, schools, infrastructure... 3) employment in all sectors of work-field 4) investors 5) protects individuals against big corporate greed 6) common defense foreign and domestic
Example-- Republicans message 'unions are greedy', 'unions are job-killers': 1) unions are good for the worker therefore good for the economy. 2) unions are the capitalistic/business way to negotiate fair wages and compensation 3) unions keep government from inserting themselves in the form of wages
Republican message-- 'government is bad' 'big government is bad': 1) government is good 2) schools, firefighters, libraries, police, teachers, postal service, roads, highways, traffic lights, schools, infrastructure... 3) employment in all sectors of work-field 4) investors 5) protects individuals against big corporate greed 6) common defense foreign and domestic
A one size fits all strategy is only going to be tepid at best. Democrats just need to become more skilled at turning the attention and marketing themselves. Right now, they should be "wallowing" in grief and, well, generally grabbing every sound bite of media attention. Trump knows that negative attention from the media is just as good as positive attention since it is simply name recognition that matters these days with not very discerning voters. The problem with Pelosi is that she is only one of a few names known to the ever younger public...like an old shoe. Republicans are using simple but effective marketing against Democrats...remember Kamala Harris...just shut them up is the strategy. Also, it should not be impossible to tailor a handful of specific messages for different voters. Starting by really hammering away on the effects of ending of Medicaid expansion because that includes all of the states that flipped the last presidential election. Repeat this message until their noses bleed...like GOP does with their fake mantras. Dems should remarket the benefits to people who now have it, over and over as well. Love this article. Definitely fix your basic marketing strategies, democrats.
I made contributions to both the Sanders and Clinton campaigns (that I could ill afford). I also contributed to Ossoff's campaign. I receive 5 or 6 emails a day from democratic organizations (mostly DNC) asking me for another contribution. I've become so weary of these that I usually just look at the subject and delete them. What has been particularly annoying has been the subject lines during the Ossoff run. "Huge loss in Georgia" proclaims one or two and the same day I'll receive another 1 or 2 saying "Big win in Georgia," all the time knowing the election was still weeks away. There doesn't appear to be any "leadership" in the Democratic party...no message. The only message I am receiving is to throw more money into a black hole. I think losing sports teams often go back to "fundamentals" to rebuild their programs. Perhaps it is time for the DNC to take a breath, step back and really take a look at their strategies and then rebuild from the ground up. No more "chicken little" activity...running around shouting "the sky is falling" isn't getting us anywhere.
1
We need policies that help the working class, not a rainbow. I want to hear about how we can move our healthcare system towards single payer, not who can use what bathroom.
The core issues that can be used to win in almost any district in our country have been listed hundreds of times in these comments. Why can't the Democratic party figure out what most Americans are crying for?
The core issues that can be used to win in almost any district in our country have been listed hundreds of times in these comments. Why can't the Democratic party figure out what most Americans are crying for?
I don't pretend to be the pseudo-sophisticated kind of savant Democrats want as their advice giver. I am a mere retired English teacher. However, having made this disclaimer, I hereby state the Democrats are way too sophisticated and calculating for their own good. They had a candidate for their nomination who generated vast appeal among the young and among progressives like myself (I'm 78 years old), and he can readily communicate with working class people (whom Hillary termed the "deplorables'). His name is Bernie Sanders; remember him? I remember well that the savants, including the Times' editorial board and the all-knowing Paul Krugman, could not stand him -- declared him to be too socialist, even dishonest (Krugman), too vulnerable to yet another Trumpian sobriquet ("crazy Bernie," Socialist -- I can hear it now). However, it should by now be obvious that he was and is everything the Trumpistas thought they were voting for and didn't get. I think a 78-year-old Bernie could and can outrun any other Democratic candidate I see out there. It's time to disabuse ourselves of the ageism that afflicts us; after all, the Donald and Bernie are vertually the same age. And if the Democrats can't see their way clear to this way of thinking, it's time Bernie ran as an independent. The Democratic party need to redefine itself or change its name to the Independent party.
I am not disheartened, but I would have liked to see Pelosi step aside in favor of Tim Ryan of Ohio. We need representation of the people in the middle. In fact, I pretty much knew the Democratic Party was gonna take off like a lead sinker when Pelosi wouldn't step aside. For the good of the country.
Such an overreaction. Yes, the message needs to be clarified and stronger. But to equate the Democrat brand with that malignant narcissist? Really? Calm down. And let's not fracture into self-destructive wings, either. The two "sides" of the party have too much in common to do that.
Reacting to these congressional defeats in overwhelming Republican districts is like reacting to a baseball team's losing streak in April. Stop it.
Reacting to these congressional defeats in overwhelming Republican districts is like reacting to a baseball team's losing streak in April. Stop it.
1
I have this to say to the Democratic Leadership, and credit goes to Thomas Frank, author of "Listen Liberal: Or Whatever Happened to the Party of the People?" You can have the college educated, they are only 35 % of the population. Adopt policies that provide ALL of those things that the poor, the uneducated, the blue-collar worker, the elderly, the former coal-miners etc. etc. etc need and want, although they may not realize the difference. And a lot of those 35% would jump on the bandwagon too. Please, just walk away from the Bill and Hillary Clinton. They had their time in the limelight and they had a good run, but the times they are a changin' and you need to too.
Democrats stand for high taxes, lax immigration, unfair welfare, wasteful government spending, distant centralist/federal control, and anti-business beaurocracy. How about the opposite:
1. lower taxes - a little goes a long way
2. reform legal immigration
3. tie welfare to community service
4. cut all "nice-to-have" spending, target redundancy
5. pull washington back out from education to environment
6. focus on small business and middle class employees equally
7. revamp technology and client service in government throughout, starting with elections.
Then lean back and win elections.
1. lower taxes - a little goes a long way
2. reform legal immigration
3. tie welfare to community service
4. cut all "nice-to-have" spending, target redundancy
5. pull washington back out from education to environment
6. focus on small business and middle class employees equally
7. revamp technology and client service in government throughout, starting with elections.
Then lean back and win elections.
It's pretty hard to win in a district like this, or any district, when the candidate lives elsewhere. Especially a first-time candidate. That part is easy to understand.
4
I had no issues with Nancy Pelosi at all until she decided that a woman's right to choose was an expendably luxury. This is why she (and Keith Ellison) need to go, and why I will never accept Bernie Sanders as the leader of my party (which he is trying to be without actually being a MEMBER of it). It's time for fresh voices who are committed to women's health care and won't compromise.
5
He would have one if it wasn't for the runoff, plus he did well for a Dem in that district, so I think they have reason to be optimistic.
6
It is not a question of Nancy Pelosi's leadership performance to date. She is indelibly tied to the lack of Democratic success. It is time for new faces at the top of the Democratic Party if it is to attract significant enthusiasm from voters. I register as a Democrat so that I may participate in Kentucky's primary system. At heart I am more of an independent and former life long member of the Republican Party. I vote the issues and for the best candidate to address those issues. The Democratic Party has a lot of old baggage to discard it must renew itself.
4
I recall watching Nancy Pelosi on Meet The Press when Tim Russert was still alive and thinking she sounded like Aunt Clara from "Bewitched". She was already displaying the signs of aging wherein people grasp for words due to memory loss. She can retain an elder statesman position and give advice but she and Bernie Sanders need to turn the keys over to Kamala Harris and other up and coming Democrats.
3
Harris,an affirmative action party hack, is exactly what we don't need in elections outside of the bantustan of urban California.
Clearly, the 'Bernie Sanders' wing of the Democratic party needs to assert itself.
2
Because Bernie lost in a landslide to Hillary? Yes Hillary.
2
Bernie Sanders is not a member of the party.
Pelosi is too much of a talking point and too polarizing. She does need to step down. Politically the democrats need to have someone from the midwest to be the house leader.
The democrats need to start campaigning now with a constant drumbeat of pointing out how the Trump and Republican party are not doing anything to help the working class. I would like to see Obama take an active role in this effort. Democratic governors and members of congress need to get into the routine of showing how the republican agenda is leaving the middle class further behind.
They still need to stand behind the social issues of the day - immigration, women's rights, discrimination, etc, but need to focus on economic issues. For the democrats the plight of the working class is a winner for them.
The democrats need to start campaigning now with a constant drumbeat of pointing out how the Trump and Republican party are not doing anything to help the working class. I would like to see Obama take an active role in this effort. Democratic governors and members of congress need to get into the routine of showing how the republican agenda is leaving the middle class further behind.
They still need to stand behind the social issues of the day - immigration, women's rights, discrimination, etc, but need to focus on economic issues. For the democrats the plight of the working class is a winner for them.
1
Is the problem Pelosi? Or is it the DNC, its funding and the funding of all the hangers-on? Even with what amounts to a full court press for a modestly progressive candidate, the Democrats can't win. Sanders lost to Hillary because his rhetoric frightened people, and Hillary lost because she didn't stand for anything that people could grasp. The Democrats have forgotten how to "get out the vote" in favor of ever more narrowly focused polling (which only works if you ask smart questions of all the people, so, it won't ever be a reliable guide). The Party has to be rebuilt from the ground up.
2
Sanders lost to Clinton because DNC manipulated the election in favor of the queen. Why hide the truth? The voters truly rejected her although DNC thought the queen must be anointed at any cost.
1
The
the Democratic Party needs to let its candidates represent their districts and not the national party. The Republican party needs to do the same thing.
We're in the mess we're in partly because both national party organizations can't allow the individual states and districts to respond to their own needs and interests.
the Democratic Party needs to let its candidates represent their districts and not the national party. The Republican party needs to do the same thing.
We're in the mess we're in partly because both national party organizations can't allow the individual states and districts to respond to their own needs and interests.
2
To rebuild a team or an organization takes effort and time Democrats need to have a long term view and not get bogged down by election losses in the short term. Democrats should focus on getting message clarity that resonates with the masses. No need to panic yet! Who knows what Trump brand is all about. It changes every day.
Did the election of Donald Trump teach you nothing at all?
Do you think that Mr. Trump is actually "a Republican?" How could he be? He has no prior political experience at all! The Republicans allowed him to join their ranks only so that he would not defeat both entrenched parties as an Independent, which he easily could have done.
The American people want their government to CHANGE. But, their government apparently does not. Still pointing fingers at the "other" side. Still making deals with business and ignoring human beings. You should take another cue from the President's famous television shows and be reminded that, if you're not doing your job to the satisfaction of the people who gave it to you, you're going to lose that job and deservedly so. Perhaps the Congress – on both sides – has forgotten what its duty actually is.
Do you think that Mr. Trump is actually "a Republican?" How could he be? He has no prior political experience at all! The Republicans allowed him to join their ranks only so that he would not defeat both entrenched parties as an Independent, which he easily could have done.
The American people want their government to CHANGE. But, their government apparently does not. Still pointing fingers at the "other" side. Still making deals with business and ignoring human beings. You should take another cue from the President's famous television shows and be reminded that, if you're not doing your job to the satisfaction of the people who gave it to you, you're going to lose that job and deservedly so. Perhaps the Congress – on both sides – has forgotten what its duty actually is.
1
I so long for the Dems to speak clearly and plainly without talking down to voters, to ditch the superficial checklist of talking-point promises to micro-groups, to abandon the failed strategy of trying to out-center the right. I want them to return to fundamental core values of the sanctity of the vote, equal protection under the law (aka civil rights), the fight for meritocracy is a noble and worthy struggle, and that we're all in this together. The corporate Bill Clinton/Pelosi/Podesta wing of the party is none of that.
The great irony I see is that this should be the time for a resurgence of values the Democrats have always stood for, so it must be a leadership, and message issue. After Bill Clinton's victory the Republican think tanks went to work. The result was not new policy it was new messaging, how cleaver. Talk about taxes, which are the dues we must pay for everything from roads to social security became "your money", as if an individual could, or should be able to say what road, bomb, or police service should be paid for. Yes, what is the Dems language? When Trump supporters allow me to talk to them they are surprised to learn that most are already exempt from much more inheritance tax they they will ever receive, and no they didn't know that the Medicaid they do need will be lost. Why, don't they know this from the Democrats messaging?
2
It is time for a change in leadership, Pelosi's time is over and democrats need to look for future leaders.
We are seething as it is clear to most Democrats how devastating the Republic agenda will be for most Americans yet that vision isn't being articulated in a way to bring out the voters and definitely not changing any minds.
We are seething as it is clear to most Democrats how devastating the Republic agenda will be for most Americans yet that vision isn't being articulated in a way to bring out the voters and definitely not changing any minds.
1
You have a Republican Party that is privatizing our Public institutions. The military, Schools, prisons and I suspect police aren't far behind. The Democratic party stands for big government that provides services.
How about competent government services that are publicly owned as a message. That means Universal health care is mandated and delivered to the public competently. It means we don't have unending wars that last decades that are stalemates. Speedy trials in our courts. A prison system that reduces recidivism and doesn't just warehouse large portions of our society in terribly harsh conditions. Roads and bridges that are the envy of the world. A world class electric grid that doesn't leak power and reduces outages. A national wifi grid that safe and secure from hacking and provides great service to everyone.
If you're going to be the party of public services you have to deliver them when you create them. The ACA, while for many better than the previous system and certainly better than the top secret Republican replacement, picked winners and losers, was terrible executed and completely unaffordable in the long run because of it's lack of a strong mandate which is the centerpiece of universal coverage. It doesn't surprise me at all that the Republicans were able to destroy the Democrats after the ACA passed. While half a loaf is better than none it's not good enough anymore.
How about competent government services that are publicly owned as a message. That means Universal health care is mandated and delivered to the public competently. It means we don't have unending wars that last decades that are stalemates. Speedy trials in our courts. A prison system that reduces recidivism and doesn't just warehouse large portions of our society in terribly harsh conditions. Roads and bridges that are the envy of the world. A world class electric grid that doesn't leak power and reduces outages. A national wifi grid that safe and secure from hacking and provides great service to everyone.
If you're going to be the party of public services you have to deliver them when you create them. The ACA, while for many better than the previous system and certainly better than the top secret Republican replacement, picked winners and losers, was terrible executed and completely unaffordable in the long run because of it's lack of a strong mandate which is the centerpiece of universal coverage. It doesn't surprise me at all that the Republicans were able to destroy the Democrats after the ACA passed. While half a loaf is better than none it's not good enough anymore.
2
Not only do the Dems need s message, they also need a viable candidate. "Any warm body" is not going to fly even in a favorable climate.
2
When the only argument about political parties is down to which is the worst, it is time for a new one altogether. At least 80% of the American people are in the middle, not far left or far right, yet the extremists have taken over both parties. It is at least time to overhaul how the parties and primaries are run, and what probably is most needed is a new, centrist party that will address facts not beliefs.
1
I am reminded of Will Rogers comment, "I'm not a member of any organized political party; I'm a Democrat."
2
At this point, any party that had a legitimate interest in the fundamental role of government: to provide for the security, education, and welfare (physical, mental, and economic) of Americans would probably do very well, aside from far-left or far-right extremists. Unfortunately, both parties have completely lost the plot and have become polar versions of greed and a moralistic quest for power. Thus our fate will be in the hands of extremist voters who are immune to reason and self-interest. A Democratic Party shows interest only in "winning" in the short term, rather than actually become a party interested in governing, only plays into the hands of the "new" Republican Party, who's hold over its unified "base", based in fear and hatred, is unbreakable.
1
Democratic Party leaders are as power hungry as the Banana Republicans. They are stuck to their positions placing themselves above country. The current leadership has to go. And the message has to be more specific. Medicare for all would have been a lot better than the ACA. The GOP would not have been able to block Obama since everybody knows Medicare.
The GOP has language studied to the 'T'
Dems have a long way to go
The GOP has language studied to the 'T'
Dems have a long way to go
Pelosi is not charismatic, dynamic, or compelling when she speaks and her message is one of opposition rather than that of a progressive, clearcut program. Perhaps her leadership role behind-the-scenes in Congress is effective; her public persona doesn't inspire.
The interim replacement elections are signals both of hope and the need for dramatic shakeups in the Democratic party.
The shock would've had been that Democratic candidates prevailed in long-entrenched Republican strongholds. The promise is in the decreasing margins in these interm elections. Ossoff was an unlikely winner in Georgia's sixth district in the best of times. The focus should be on why and how he made inroads into this electorate.
Pelosi isn't the only Democratic leader who needs to pass the torch. It's time to shake the dust from our political feet.
The interim replacement elections are signals both of hope and the need for dramatic shakeups in the Democratic party.
The shock would've had been that Democratic candidates prevailed in long-entrenched Republican strongholds. The promise is in the decreasing margins in these interm elections. Ossoff was an unlikely winner in Georgia's sixth district in the best of times. The focus should be on why and how he made inroads into this electorate.
Pelosi isn't the only Democratic leader who needs to pass the torch. It's time to shake the dust from our political feet.
2
The DNC and Nancy Pelosi lost all credibility in the last Presidential election when they handpicked Hilary Clinton as their nominee over the will of the voters and Bernie Sanders, as well as when they forced through the ACC with enormous giveaways to health insurers and drug companies. Time for change.
1
Part of the problem is that Republicans sell people on culture, but have no policies. Democrats are all about policies - which sounds like "elites" talking down to people. The media, which only cares about ratings, don't have time for policies - just rhetoric, controversy, drama, and anything else that garners ratings by invoking emotions rather than rationality. This is a media failure, not a Democrat failure.
The brand is fine. The messaging is a disaster.
The Democrats require fresh leadership.
I never mention Nancy Pelosi when discussing policy with GOP leaning friends. Fair or not, perception of her as a leader even among my Democratic friends is that she was a petty, controlling Speaker. She is a lightning rod for the GOP. She has enjoyed a career of accomplishment in public service but it is time for her to move on. I don't see the Democrats making any traction under her leadership.
I never mention Nancy Pelosi when discussing policy with GOP leaning friends. Fair or not, perception of her as a leader even among my Democratic friends is that she was a petty, controlling Speaker. She is a lightning rod for the GOP. She has enjoyed a career of accomplishment in public service but it is time for her to move on. I don't see the Democrats making any traction under her leadership.
1
There are 435 seats in the House of Representatives. That was one. Calm down.
I will say, as atrocious and indefensible as Republican policies are, I don't see them cutting their own throats about how "bad their brand is" whenever they lose an election. They re-trench and fight again.
Progressive policies work. The vast majority of the American people want affordable health care, infrastructure spending, quality education, good jobs, an end to cronyism in our government, and environmental protection. The Democratic party - and our candidates- need to stop running away from that. They need to be bold, clear, and relentlessly on message.
Stop crying, self-sabotaging and fight. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
I will say, as atrocious and indefensible as Republican policies are, I don't see them cutting their own throats about how "bad their brand is" whenever they lose an election. They re-trench and fight again.
Progressive policies work. The vast majority of the American people want affordable health care, infrastructure spending, quality education, good jobs, an end to cronyism in our government, and environmental protection. The Democratic party - and our candidates- need to stop running away from that. They need to be bold, clear, and relentlessly on message.
Stop crying, self-sabotaging and fight. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
1
I wasn't always a fan, but since the passage of the ACA I've seen that Nancy Pelosi knows how to wield power. I suspect her male colleagues are same male types that always resent strong women leadership. It wouldn't matter who the Democrats had for leadership, the GOP would make them the bogeyman. What is baffling is why Osoff didn't make Trump one. The lack of enthusiasm for either candidate tells me, that Osoff left some votes on the table by not directly attacking Trump.
1
Embrace single payer healthcare.
Four percentage points in today's political climate is a landslide. It's becoming clear to everyone except the nytimes.com that the Dems support of the SF and NY style liberal agenda simply will not wash with the majority of Americans. Time to face facts, the Dems are perceived as the party of hateful splinter groups out for themselves and basically Anti-American. I see no way out as the basket of despicables is not about to ease up on their successful marketing of this travesty and the dems seem incapable of any strategy that does not embrace that fundamental perception.
Yes, let's fall apart after a district that's been red for four decades stays red.
Let's become cannibalistic, turning our outrage on one another and blaming Hillary, Pelosi, the party platform, and anything that could possibly explain this not so unexpected loss. Let's feed on ourselves, causing long term damage that will still be trying to heal when the 2018 midterm elections roll around. Let's make the road to victory easier for the GOP.
Despite having an incredibly flawed leader, the GOP has learned one important lesson - unity. Sure, in a normal political universe they'd have all thrown him under the bus on principal and to save themselves, but they haven't and it is somehow working. And the Democrats are cracking under the strain.
This isn't the time to panic and to drastically change who were are. Sure, you may win a few stalwart Bernie Bros over with an alt-left platform, but what about the rest of us who are more moderate? Hillary still won 3 million more votes than Trump and socialism isn't going to win the Midwest.
Yes, we do have to be bold and call the GOP out on their hypocrisy. We have to make certain their supporters know that their leaders have lied to them and sold them out time and time again. We can't cower, forfeit the narrative, and waste our energy with infighting. This is ridiculous. We're better than this.
Let's become cannibalistic, turning our outrage on one another and blaming Hillary, Pelosi, the party platform, and anything that could possibly explain this not so unexpected loss. Let's feed on ourselves, causing long term damage that will still be trying to heal when the 2018 midterm elections roll around. Let's make the road to victory easier for the GOP.
Despite having an incredibly flawed leader, the GOP has learned one important lesson - unity. Sure, in a normal political universe they'd have all thrown him under the bus on principal and to save themselves, but they haven't and it is somehow working. And the Democrats are cracking under the strain.
This isn't the time to panic and to drastically change who were are. Sure, you may win a few stalwart Bernie Bros over with an alt-left platform, but what about the rest of us who are more moderate? Hillary still won 3 million more votes than Trump and socialism isn't going to win the Midwest.
Yes, we do have to be bold and call the GOP out on their hypocrisy. We have to make certain their supporters know that their leaders have lied to them and sold them out time and time again. We can't cower, forfeit the narrative, and waste our energy with infighting. This is ridiculous. We're better than this.
Maybe we democrats are barking up the wrong tree. I think the policies are not that important. Which policies of Trump got him elected? He said one thing one day and the exact opposite the next. So I think people on both sides of some issues voted for him. Maybe it is just a cult of personality. Trump got elected because he was as crass as many of his voters. People loved Bernie. Find us a likable person to run as a democrat. In 2020 we need someone 40 or 50 to contrast to a 74 yr old Trump. Time for the next generation. HRC had her turn now we have to save the party. And when it comes to congress run someone who lives in the district. Even if you have to buy him a house!
No social security fix, no education plan, no job growth plan, no Obamacare fix, no Medicare fix, no plan to make defense more cost effective,no infrastructure plan. The entire party just can't stand there, hiding behind a giant "Dump Trump" sign.
1
They have to. It's all they have.
Each party is trying to knock itself out in the ring, and the blood is splattering all over the spectators, the American people. We are the losers in this constant battle.
Congressman Seth Moulton has it right, he is backing 8 former veterans for Congress seats and here is his reason why, "We need more service-driven individuals who are prepared to put country over party, and people over politics." THAT should be the motto for the American Resistance.
Trump is all about the Constitution of Trump which is self-promotion and promotion of his businesses worldwide using his presidency as coin. The GOP are lightheaded with power and the prospect of massive tax credits for the wealthy. The Democrats are fighting to have a voice, standing in line with the rest of America, and the silent response from those currently in power is deafening.
The demolishment of a democracy and our self-respect as a country which was a shining star in the world. Trump fights truth with lies and fake news and there is no justice for all as he is an amoral, unethical, corrupt little bully of a man who has created his own reality and lives in it, deaf to the rest of us. Most of our GOP happily follow his example.
None of them can transcend their own selfish needs and wants to do their jobs which is to serve our country and its people. They laugh at this ideal in their backrooms.
Congressman Seth Moulton has it right, he is backing 8 former veterans for Congress seats and here is his reason why, "We need more service-driven individuals who are prepared to put country over party, and people over politics." THAT should be the motto for the American Resistance.
Trump is all about the Constitution of Trump which is self-promotion and promotion of his businesses worldwide using his presidency as coin. The GOP are lightheaded with power and the prospect of massive tax credits for the wealthy. The Democrats are fighting to have a voice, standing in line with the rest of America, and the silent response from those currently in power is deafening.
The demolishment of a democracy and our self-respect as a country which was a shining star in the world. Trump fights truth with lies and fake news and there is no justice for all as he is an amoral, unethical, corrupt little bully of a man who has created his own reality and lives in it, deaf to the rest of us. Most of our GOP happily follow his example.
None of them can transcend their own selfish needs and wants to do their jobs which is to serve our country and its people. They laugh at this ideal in their backrooms.
A strong person, a leader in the Democratic Party will always be demonized and used by the opposing party. For whatever reason it seems that a female is easier--I stand with Nancy Pelosi. Younger leaders will emerge through this debacle and they would be wise to learn from her.
It's not 'policy' that Dems are losing, it is 'rhetoric', and the simple repetitive messaging (language) that has been happening for years within Republican Party. 'Job creators', 'immigrants take jobs from Americans', 'taxes kill jobs and take money from your pocket', 'big government is bad', 'regulations are job killers', 'immigrants want to harm us', 'Muslims kill Christians', 'war on Christmas', 'right to work', 'unions are job killers', 'guns don't kill people', 'need to protect yourself', 'MSM lies'....on and on. Big government, immigrants, democrats and MSM (women are starting to creep into this messaging more) are all working against you and preventing you from good jobs. Messaging 'feels true' (because one needs to understand why their life is changing). The message is simplistic and it lays blame on ones 'political opponent' and it is much easier messaging to blame something/someone rather than a vague, complicated process that is truly at work.
Demonizing certain institutions (government and media) will have people voting against their interests. 'Simple', 'gut' messaging is very effective but will bring to risk our democracy as we know it.
It's not 'policy' that Dems are losing, it is 'rhetoric', and the simple repetitive messaging (language) that has been happening for years within Republican Party. 'Job creators', 'immigrants take jobs from Americans', 'taxes kill jobs and take money from your pocket', 'big government is bad', 'regulations are job killers', 'immigrants want to harm us', 'Muslims kill Christians', 'war on Christmas', 'right to work', 'unions are job killers', 'guns don't kill people', 'need to protect yourself', 'MSM lies'....on and on. Big government, immigrants, democrats and MSM (women are starting to creep into this messaging more) are all working against you and preventing you from good jobs. Messaging 'feels true' (because one needs to understand why their life is changing). The message is simplistic and it lays blame on ones 'political opponent' and it is much easier messaging to blame something/someone rather than a vague, complicated process that is truly at work.
Demonizing certain institutions (government and media) will have people voting against their interests. 'Simple', 'gut' messaging is very effective but will bring to risk our democracy as we know it.
1
It's not who you are, it's who voters think you are.
Nancy Pelosi is not the person the Republican Party has depicted but she is that person in the minds of too many Republican voters. If the Democrats want to appeal to everyday voters and truly change their orientation from Republican-Light to hard changing economic savior, she needs to step away from the spotlight. Sadly, I'm not convinced the Clinton-Obama Republican-light wing of Democratic Party will change soon enough to forestall the great damage being inflicted on our country by the Republicans. Dems have to realize voters need a reliable choice -not a wimpy hope.
Nancy Pelosi is not the person the Republican Party has depicted but she is that person in the minds of too many Republican voters. If the Democrats want to appeal to everyday voters and truly change their orientation from Republican-Light to hard changing economic savior, she needs to step away from the spotlight. Sadly, I'm not convinced the Clinton-Obama Republican-light wing of Democratic Party will change soon enough to forestall the great damage being inflicted on our country by the Republicans. Dems have to realize voters need a reliable choice -not a wimpy hope.
Democratic losses in the special elections proved, once again, that you cannot overestimate the ignorance of the average American voter. Those who vote against their own interests don't want facts about health care, climate change and foreign policy. They want to be lied to and the Republicans have become very adept at lying. So when the Liar-in-Chief tells them he has already created millions of jobs they lap it up, even though they remain unemployed and the coal mines are still closed. And when he tells them they will have better, cheaper health care for all, they'll lap it up again even as they lose their health care. Sadly, it may take years of losing what they had before they get "tired of winning."
3
The Democrats need to wake up... and shake things up. They simply need to replace Pelosi and the leadership team. If what you are doing has failed for 20 years, hello, you need to try something else.
1