I read this over at
Political Wire earlier today
A new Democracy Corps poll shows the country has "lost confidence in President Bush's leadership, direction and plans for the country, and seems to have closed down on him and his conservative project. His job approval continues downward, and 45 percent of voters say they are 'finished with him.' This is a moment when Democrats can get heard on their plans and their direction for the country, as voters are focused not just on Katrina, but even more on Iraq, the deficits, gas prices, and the economy."
Bush Must feel exhausted.......
This is a moment when Democrats can get heard
I think i have been going at this politics thing 7 days a week since about May of 04.
Voter registration, Canvassing, phonebanking, training others, organizing meetings, strategy meetings, fundraising, letters to the editor, building press contacts, researching and of course blogging.
And quite frankly, today i feel burned out. It's about the 3rd time i have felt like this since May of 04. I even told my wife I was gonna stop once - but like an addict i didn't.
It's tough to keep going sometimes when you have nothing to show for your work - well not election results anyhow, which is really all that matter.
I often get REALLY dismayed by the apathy of others, even the laziness - you often feel like you are working on your own - trying to do everything yourself - if only others would step up you repeat to yourself.
Of course, others do step up and that is what keeps me going. It's never enough people, it never will be - but enough to keep me going and give me some energy and hope.
I was hoping 2005 was going to be a building year. Rebuilding my county party (it's getting better and fielding a full slate in Nov 2005) and building a brand new county Political action committee (Licking County Pro-Active Citizens).
The kind of year where you put in a few hours a week ready for 2006.
Hasn't really turned out like that. First while a lot of talk was going on about the Ohio election we were out planning the Reform Ohio Now effort - I didn't expect it to get this far - and somewhere down the line I think I need to write a monster diary thanking a bazzillion people.
Then came Social Security. Organizing forums, a local letter writing campaign, pressuring our GOoOper congressmen.
One of those is Bob Ney and he has kept us busy - with the tremendous help of CREW.
We have also been involved in a few local dog fights.
So it has been busier than 2004, if that was possible.
As the weeks have gone by since last November things are changing so fast, something new each week.
First local parties hanging onto Kerry volunteers and rebuilding, Then groups like the Central Ohio Progressive and Democratic coalition forming, Blue88 organizing, numerous Ohio blogs, including oh02.com that spearheaded the Hackett effort, and of course www.growohio.com
Even the Ohio Democratic County Chairs are moving into the 21st century with some real data tools.
We have some early candidates, and as soon as Hackett announces the top of the ticket is complete.
When i look at what is ahead in the next few weeks leading up to our essential 2005 elections, and then the massive effort for 2006 the amount of work that lays ahead is incredible. It won't all get done, and what gets done won't always be perfect.
What is different though, is that for the first time in a long time Dems and progressives feel connected and together in a common cause.
I am starting to feel like we are becoming a force to be reckoned with at the grass roots. An emerging powerhouse to rival the religious right (say what you want about them - they are organized, efficient, and just never stop working - they earn what they have achieved)
So, I am going to close this diary tonight with a simple request. If you aren't already a member of a local grass roots organization, or Democratic club please consider joining one and donating a few hours of your time each month (or week). Help out a local candidate - or send a few bucks to somewhere where it will do some good (www.Reformohionow.com - hint hint).
If you are already a member and are contributing to making us a force in politics - you're a star, pat yourself on the back - and get back to work - your neighborhood, state and country is counting on you !
And How is Bush (and the GOP machine) feeling about this ? Scared Shitless.