Digby issues a timely warning:
I said this yesterday and I'll repeat it. This image of "powerlessness" at a time when the Republicans are on the ropes is the biggest problem we face for the fall elections. If Democratic pols don't understand that they are flirting with terrible grassroots defeatism, then they are going to lose. They must take action (and I don't mean boring press conferences and 10 point plans) or it won't matter a damn if the Republicans are on the ropes --- demoralized Democrats are not going to bother with them. Come on. Speak for us. If not now, when?
Many in the party leadership don't seem to realize just how precarious is the coalition of interests backing the Democrats this Fall. I am surrounded by Democrats who are as pissed at their leadership as they are at the Republicans, yet they stick with the party because it is the only hope they see of bringing about real change.
But that hope is balanced on the edge of a knife. It is threatened every day by the actions of the leadership that tempt many in the grassroots to just throw up their hands, yell "fuck it!" and walk away.
It is exhausting having to repeatedly talk Democratic activists off the ledge whenever the leadership craps on their efforts. Right now this coalition is being held together by an even smaller group of activists who are willing to make the effort to do that talking. But if the leadership isn't careful, no amount of our work will make a difference and the party will end up hamburger on the sidewalk.
My message to the leadership: wake up before it is to late!