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  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad (3.42 / 7)

    While it's nice to see some gasoline thrown onto the smoldering Plame scandal, and it's nice to see the democrats show a little spunk, I think this ad is another disappointing of example of the democrats being reactive instead of proactive.  Ads like this play a vital role, but as an opening volley in the 2004 election TV campaign it wastes valuable TV time on a republican scandal that may or may not have legs.  

    It may be an effective fund raiser for the party faithful, but it also reinforces several negative stereotypes of the democrats:  It reeks of political opportunism (because it is);
    It plays into the "they just hate Bush" meme, and most importantly, it says nothing about the democrat party or its candidates.  It's a coke ad that only talks about pepsi.

    I think the democrats have an opportunity in the 2004 campaign to challenge the republicans on larger more fundamental issues about American values and priorities, but they can't do it unless they have a vision for the country.  I know what the republican vision is (both stated and unstated), and I think I know what the democrat vision is, but I can't be sure because the democrats haven't stated a vision effectively in over 40 years.

    Perhaps I'm being overly harsh, but I'm tired of seeing the democrats always portrayed (and portraying themselves) in contrast to the republicans as opposed to have an independent view.

    by Riffin Man on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 04:30:50 AM PDT

    •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad (3.66 / 3)

      I mostly agree with this.  I think pushing the Plame issue is important because it exposes something about the Bush administration which is irrefutable - that they use bullying and smear tactics to gain legislative leverage.  This goes back to why Jeffords left the Republican Party.  And why Gephardt was fool enough to negotiate that Iraq deal with Bush when others were still fighting over it.  And why the Democrats have trouble winning elections even when their positions are popular.

      But it has to be caged with a larger, clear articulate message and I haven't seen that come out of Democrats for some time.  The DLC approach to me is to say nothing controversial in order to gain power.  But power is useless without a will to use it.

      by seamus on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 05:12:50 AM PDT

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    •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad (3.00 / 2)

      Good riff, Riffin.

      I'm of the same mind with everyone here that showing up to the fight is a big move by the DNC.  But with all the Dem party's self-proclaimed media savants, why the heck isn't an ad like this less obviously negative and more constructive?  This nonsense about "we hold our noses when mudslinging, but only do it because it works" is SO Karl Rove . . .  'Murkins know when their chains are being yanked, but listen to that garbage only because there's no other postive political dialogue out there.  

      All it would take is a tag at the end of the ad saying "Democrats believe in the integrity of our intelligence services, and talking truth to the American people," and the thing would have a completely new spin.  And people will listen.  

      If a mouth breather like me can think that up, can someone get me a gig doing ads for the DNC?  I like long lunches and slushy expense accounts.

      by chrississippi on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 06:04:53 AM PDT

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      •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad (none / 1)

        People do listen to negative ads. Especially when they're substantive. You know, real quotes and actual facts.

        This ad isn't about the Dems. It's a condemnation of BushCo. No "we're on the side of goodness and light" statement needs to be added. It would weaken the attack, because it would emphasize the partisan politics.

        God bless America. God bless our troops.
        God damn George Bush to the fires of eternal damnation.

        by Bill Rehm on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 08:01:00 AM PDT

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    •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad (none / 0)

      I agree with Riffin and have said so with different text at other places in the liberal ether.

      You don't motivate people to be civically active by pointing out what felons the opposition are.

      It's not so much that they fail.  It's that they don't seem to try.

      by paradox on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 06:40:53 AM PDT

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      •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad (none / 0)

        I am not a crook

        Like hell "you don't motivate people by pointing out what felons the opposition are."

        "Throw the bums out" is one of the oldest rallying cries in politics.

        God bless America. God bless our troops.
        God damn George Bush to the fires of eternal damnation.

        by Bill Rehm on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 08:02:29 AM PDT

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