I just got a call from a Beverly with the DCCC. Honey, I went blank for a moment, then off I went.
After finishing an instinctual, hysterical laugh, I said, "Write this down, Bev." I told her not to ask me for money till I see some damn action on the Hill. "Some balls!" I told her. "And as for the DSCC, the same goes for them."
It was made clear that any campaign contributions I made would be done on an individual-candidate basis, without any dictum from the beltway. Yadda, yadda, yadda.
"And when the time comes," I demanded, "the DCCC better get behind some candidates that will have the temerity to stand up to the establishment and speak truth - and from the heart. No more stinkin' DINOs, thank you very much. AND, I'll send you a contribution as a reward for good behavior, if and when I see it."
Click.
(flip)
OK. After I hung up I realized: What a moronic rant.
Why, O why, wasn't I able to gather my thoughts and speak in a rational manner? You know, just in case she wasn't merely a telemarketer without a pencil. I would give anything to have the chance to plead with the poor Beverly in hopes of getting my message across. How could I be so crazed to deny a contribution and then demand they put money and muscle behind a certain type of candidate?
I had just finished reading pessimist's post at The Left Coaster, Hey! Democratic Party! Consult This!. And I was wound up.
So I ask, what does one tell the DCCC (or DSCC or DNC) when they call to ask for a contribution, and how do you say it to make an impact. Then there's the question of settling down enough to discuss something without acting like Ralphie in "A Christmas Story" when he's describing his coveted Christmas wish for a Red Ryder.
I'm pretty sure I didn't handle it well.