how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory [View all]

By Liberal Librarian

Will Rogers’ old aphorism—”I belong to no organized political party; I’m a Democrat”—was, at one point, an endearing shorthand for the messiness of Democratic politics. Now, however, it may threaten Democratic chances to gain back the House and hold the Senate this year.

A few examples:

* Today President Obama travels to North Carolina for an event. Democratic senator Kay Hagan is staying in Washington, DC, for the Senate session. Now, while commendable, it is rather interesting that she couldn’t spend a couple of hours welcoming the leader of her party to her state as she gears up for a tough election battle. One has to wonder if she’s putting distance between herself and the President.

snip/

If Democrats had touted the many benefits of the law, rather than running away, triangulating, or voting to “reform” it as 67 of them just did last week, Koch-fueled ads would have little effect. Politicians who stand proudly behind their party’s signal achievement of the past 50 years are in many ways inoculated from attack ads; such politicians are seen to have principles, and to fight for those principles, which is attractive to voters. But if a politician hems and haws about Obamacare, it’s no surprise that his constituents might look askance at him. It is the Democrats’ weak-kneed response to the ACA which opens them to attack ads.

Of course, the Democratic Party will never be like the GOP, marching in lockstep, run from the top down. But, a modern political party has to show some unity, has to present a face that, while there is diversity, there are overriding themes and principles which unite and motivate the party. Without that unifying message, the party will lose the midterms, and make the final two years of Obama’s term a war of attrition, with not much getting done. Hopefully it’s not too late for Democrats to learn this lesson, set differences aside for the moment, and unite to bring Pres. Obama a Congress with which he can work. The country’s fate depends on it.

Tweets

No Child Left Behind
January 15, 2014 at 3:16 pm
Thanks for your post LL. It is the analysis of an objective observer.

There are two types of politicians, those with convictions who stand by them, those who are there to help themselves. Unfortunately there are quite a number of Dems without any political convictions.

As for the former Montana governor, he will not go anywhere. His peak was at the 2008 Democratic Convention. He is passé.

jacquelineoboomer
January 15, 2014 at 4:05 pm
When I read this, LL, I wanted to both clap my hands about your insights, and clench my fist for the actions and words of a few Democrats.

Luckily, there is an endless supply of chocolate.

Cindy
January 15, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Linda,
She is trying to distant herself from the President and now the repukes are talking about it. I get so angry; Dems have “we the people” on their side, and are cowards. Running from health care is pure ignorance on their part.

The repukes cost us 24 billion dollars over foolishness, they will not help 1.3 million families who are hurting, 2 students shot yesterday, 8 million jobs created, 48 months of job growth, we are out of Iraq, deficit is cut in half, car industry was saved, the President kicked A _ _ twice to win two elections while repulsive repukes bashed him with Jeremiah Wright, hardest working President we ever had, food stamps cut by the repukes, veterans are suffering because of repukes, affordable health care for millions, etc. etc. etc.

Now, can I ask the proverbial question?

Why in the HELL are Democrats running from President Barack H. Obama?

I’m sorry for ranting, I am mad, they are wiesels with big mouths and no action.

http://theobamadiary.com/2014/01/15/how-to-snatch-defeat-from-the-jaws-of-victory/#more-152812