David Plouffe is back to run the 2010 mid term elections for the Democrats, and he gives a stirring message to Democrats in today’s Washington Post. Hat tip to Dansac at Dailykos for this, one of the few mature and sane bloggers there who hasn’t written a GBCW in the last few weeks.
Among the other sterling bits of advice and comfort he has for the coming year is this:
No bed-wetting. This will be a tough election for our party and for many Republican incumbents as well. Instead of fearing what may happen, let’s prove that we have more than just the brains to govern — that we have the guts to govern. Let’s fight like hell, not because we want to preserve our status, but because we sincerely believe too many everyday Americans will continue to lose if Republicans and special interests win.
There’s much more to this piece than that – so I’d recommend a full reading of it. In fact, this last salutary note is put way at the end of his recommendations. Nice to see someone starting with the political realities rather than some psychological smackdown. (On that score – if I ever hear the phrase ‘circular firing squad’ again I’m going to turn my mattress into an aquatic wetland wildlife reserve).
I’m still slightly perturbed by the hair rending and coverings of sackcloth and ashes that have greeted the loss of one senate seat. I can understand some people might have some egg on their face – step forward Jane Hamsher and the ‘kill the bill’ brigade – but is HCR genuinely over?
If so, it’s a big setback for a healthier fairer America. But is it a ‘moral catastrophe’ something on a par with the Great Depression as I’ve also heard said? Was their this general self immolation after the failure of Hillarycare in the 90s?
Even more importantly the Scotus Decision on Campaign Finance just gave the Dems are moral and political crusade that can radically define them in opposition to the Republicans. In this sense, Scotus has given them a gift
In 2006 and 2008, voters sent an unmistakable message: We want decisive change. This was not just a change of political parties. Instead of a government that works for the entitled and special interests, a government that looks out for Wall Street, they wanted a government that works better for them, a government that plays the role it should to help foster the security of the middle class.
“Change” is not just about policies. In 2006, Democrats promised to drain the swamp and won back Congress largely because the American people soured on corrupt Republican leadership. Many ethics reforms were put in place by the Democrats. But a recent Gallup poll showed that a record 55 percent of Americans think members of Congress have low ethics, up from only 21 percent in 2000. In particular, we have to make sure the freshman and sophomore members of the House who won in part on transparency and reform issues can show they are delivering. The Republicans will suggest they have changed their spots, but the GOP cannot hold a candle to us on reform issues. Let’s make sure we own this space.
So read the Plouffe piece. Celebrate the fact one of the smartest political strategists is back. And take that rubber sheet off your bed.
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