It’s time to dump Harry Reid. Liberals and Progressives can easily do it "via the sit at home" vote. Allow me to explain...
As most know, Harry Reid is currently in a very tight race against Sharon Angle in Nevada. Recent polls are as follows:
LVRJ/Mason-Dixon 8/9 - 8/11 625 LV 46 44 Reid +2
Reuters/Ipsos 7/30 - 8/1 462 LV 48 44 Reid +4
Rasmussen Reports 7/27 - 7/27 750 LV 45 43 Reid +2
Notwithstanding the fact that Sharon Angle is nuts, I firmly believe that Harry Reid’s continued leadership in the Senate is likely to result in even more damage to the Democratic party. Harry Reid has been a political disaster for Democrats. We need to cut him loose to save ourselves.
But first, let me say that perhaps I will get my wish. I think Harry Reid takes for granted that a small portion of the Democratic Base may find his latest equivocation to the politics of fear as one step too far on the path of weak leadership. (not to mention offensive and hurtful). This week, Harry stated as follows about the "mosque" controversy in New York:
"Senator Reid respects [the 1st Amendment] but thinks that the mosque should be built someplace else."
As such, Harry basically panders to an ideology of intolerance. Rather than talk facts and lead or actually STAND UP for Democratic principles of tolerance and inclusion, Harry folds. He does not dare talk about how its not a mosque but a cultural center or say that its two blocks from the WTC or indicate that the planner was a key asset of the FBI in counter terrorism or talk about how America should be a nation of tolerance and not cower like wimps... he instead caters to fear. Nor does he dream of going on the offensive by attacking the source of the controversy (a conspiratorial wing nut blog).
Is this what we call leadership in the Democratic party? I hope not.
Yet it gets worse when you consider the politics. By taking his position, Harry gave legitimacy to the right wing’s politics of fear. Harry has given legitimacy to the modern day version of the Southern Strategy. Instead of blacks, in 2010 some in the right wing are now using gay marriage, latinos, muslims, tigers, and bears (oh no!) to gin up their base. This week has seen some of the ugliest politics I have ever seen in my 36 years of life. I am disgusted. Harry should have punched someone in the mouth (figuratively) but instead he basically joined in with the fear mongers.
Now, when a Progressive or true Democrat takes a stand for the Bill of Rights, or our party’s policy of inclusion in the big tent, the GOP can call them a traitor or weak at national security..etc. They can say, "even your Majority leader is on our side...why not you." It’s abhorrent. Harry Reid is SUPPOSED TO LEAD...not equivocate on such fundamental issues.
In fact, for such fear and racism to be mainstream and to be further allowed to go mainstream by our politicians and press tells me that this nation is dangerously close to something quite ugly if the fear mongers get back into power. McCarthy anyone? A great philosopher once said: "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering." ―Yoda —
But the latest equivocation by Harry Reid on the cultural center is only one glaring example. This is nothing new. Democrats have paid a heavy price for Harry Reid’s failures. Harry’s constant lack of leadership has made it politically feasible for these worshipers of fear and the right to get back into power by fundamentally allowing the narrative to constantly be run by the right in the Senate. He has allowed Senate procedure to be used as a tool against Democrats. All along Harry Reid has been silent.
Yeah maybe he complained. But I never saw a figurative boot kicked. I never saw a figurative hammer dropped from the sky. No, I saw meek utterances and wines. I ask, where are the BLOODY COTS? I want a real filibuster Harry. We have 10.5% unemployment for God’s sake! DO SOMETHING!
Politically..Harry Reid is and has been a disaster for the democrats. They apparently think liberals and progressives don’t matter in the White House. Well, liberals and progressives in Nevada certainly can matter in this election. Vote to stay at home. The Democrats need a strong majority leader to play rough elbows. When was the last time Harry was on any TV network forcefully winning the narrative against Republican stupidity? Has he ever been on Sunday talk? When was the last time Harry charged ahead for Progressive values? Has he ever been on MSNBC trying to unite the base?
Harry Reid is from Nevada. He is always weak politically there because he in a purple state. He can barely get re-elected at home. Hence, how is he ever going to be a strong candidate to lead the Democratic party to fight the politics of fear and the narrative of faux news? He is not. Its time for a new face in the Senate. Someone who knows how to kick a boot, repeatedly, hard, and with the self righteousness of reality, truth, and optimism on their side. A leader is not someone that embraces the narrative of fear or uses fear of failure to be their primary driver. Has Harry learned nothing from Yoda?
Let us not forget that Harry Reid never pushed for a public option in the Senate during the healthcare reform debate. He did not even allow a vote during reconciliation. And why are the GOP allowed to filibuster without staying up all night? The Dem’s could just keep making the object all night long for unanimous consent motions if they really wanted to fight. I have observed no organization or strategy against the bullying tactics by the Democrats in this Senate. That is clearly the responsibility of the Majority Leader. The Republicans have been able to clog up the gears and benefit politically by simply saying no...without any price or shame for the damage they have done in the past or the present.
The bottom line is there is no fight in Harry Reid for the Democratic Party or when it comes to true reforms for the working class when faced with GOP obstructionism. Harry only fights when it comes to his own survival. Angle is indeed a nut. But I believe the Senate will not go Republican even without the continued "leadership" of Harry Reid.
UPDATE***
Three Points:
*I am not some GOP spy.
*Ok, so my idea has not "taken hold" amongst many. But what are the real chances of replacing Reid in the next Congress? I say nil. I am not writing to be popular. I really think the guy has to go. The Democratic party needs a facelift.
*I will give you this. My diary is contingent on there being "padding" in keeping the Senate. If it appears from the polls that's in question, I agree...you have to hold your nose and go vote for Reid.