This is my argument for sitting out the 2010 elections, or at least foregoing donations, GOTV, and such, in the wake of the (sure to continue) health care debacle. I am not actually convinced of this position, and am willing to be persuaded it's wrong, but I at least want to give an argument as to why this is, in the long run, the best option for us. Briefly, the arguments in favor of this are:
-we will lose relatively little ground if Republicans gain some seats
-we will make progressives a credible threat in the future
The arguments against, which I will attempt to refute, are:
-this was the best we could have hoped for on health care
-we are still going to see more good from Dems in Congress than Republicans, so we should hold our nose and GOTV
-the Republicans listened to their base, and look what it got them: loss of the House, Senate and White House
-most Dems in Congress are sympathetic to our efforts, don't punish them
But, I should say from the outset, this isn't about payback or revenge. It's about what's best for progressive policies, in the long run. It's about changing people's political calculus, and giving ourselves a bigger voice. My argument below the fold:
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