Let me tell you a true story.
In 2003 my county formed a group of progressive Democrats. We didn't think the local Democratic party had its priorities straight nor did we like the inefficient way they organized and the way the money was spent. They were past their prime.
We took our energy and know-how to the meetings, were elected as delegates, organized precincts in 2004, and worked to get out the vote. The excitement was incredible.
Then we elected progressives as officers of the party. They are much like the people on the front page here, much like the diarists: intelligent, energetic, full of ideas. 2005 was our year.
Our officers made it clear that this was a new day. And it was.
By the end of 2005 all of the moderates and conservatives had dropped out along with most of the progressives who weren't pure enough, who had a different and more inclusive idea of what a Democrat was.
Now it is 2006 and there is little organizing going on, there is little money coming in, there is no energy or excitement.
In our primary this week, there were no Democrats standing outside the polling places, no Democrats working the phones. No Democrats.
But our local party is still "pure", much smaller, but "pure".
As I said, this is a true story.
I read Daily Kos two or three times a day. It's a great site. It's a great community. But it only supports a half dozen Democrats. All of the national Democrats are "spineless", "don't have an agenda", "just don't get it."
You've finally convinced me. There are no Democrats, except the chosen half dozen, who should be elected to office.
Yeah, the Republicans are ruining the country, our economy is going south, Iraq is a catastrophe. Health care. science, jobs and educational opportunities are disappearing. Global warming...good god!
I won't vote for a Republican. Only a handful of Democrats are worthy of holding office. But we agree we must take back the House and Senate in five and half months.
With who, exactly?
My county Democratic Party writ large.