The most pressing issue facing progressive Democrats in the 2006 election cycle is to retake Congress in order to have some ability to derail the Bush agenda which is dismantling our civil liberties, destroying the economy, and threatening the entire world. Most, if not all, Kossacks are in agreement here. Prospects for the House of Representatives are good. The Senate will be a much tougher nut to crack - requiring a gain of six seats while the majority of seats in play in 2006 are currently held by Democrats.
That is why I have been baffled by the netroots' strategy to go after Joe Lieberman while, at the same time, endorsing Harold Ford, Jr. Ford has been accused of having liebermanitis because of his support for the Iraq War and Bush administration initiatives. In fact, Ford's ratings from various progressive political organizations are slightly below Lieberman's. If a vote is a vote is a vote in the Senate, then why are progressives spending so much effort to remove one Lieberman simply to replace him by another who is 30 years younger?
"You have to understand people like George Bush. He's a nice guy. We need to learn from him." - Rep. Harold Ford, (D-TN)
I am well aware that Lieberman is the Democratic poster child for Bush's illegal and brutal war against Iraq. I am also aware that one of the best ways to derail Neocon militarism is to retake the Senate. The current netroots' strategy seeks to defeat Lieberman - an incumbent Democratic senator who, for now, still leads significantly in the polls. Lamont's primary victory didn't alter the Senate composition one iota. Even if Lamont wins in November, it still won't alter the party makeup. If Lieberman, now running as an independent, wins - then he may very well caucus with the Republicans creating a net loss of one Senate seat. I can't tell you the number of Kossacks who have responded, "So what! He's a Rethug anyway." Great strategy!
In tandem with the drive to remove Lieberman, the netroots has supported Harold Ford's bid to become the first elected African American senator from the South since Reconstruction. After Ford's comment dissing Democratic National Chair Howard Dean, it seems hypocritical that Ford retains netroots' support. The same actions and comments that gain Lieberman opprobrium get Ford a punt. What's more, Tennessee has been trending Republican for more than a decade. Gore lost his home state in 2000 by 4%. Kerry lost by 14% in 2004. The past four senate races have produced lopsided Republican margins - even with strong Democratic candidates like Nashville Congressman Bob Clement. Nashville Congressman - Memphis Congressman.
Like my checking account, the Democrats' political and financial resources are limited. The current strategy gobbles up money and media attention - diverting them from crucial races like Whitehouse or Sheeler in Rhode Island, Bob Casey in Penna., Sherrod Brown in Ohio, Claire McCaskill in Missouri, Jon Tester in Montana, and Jack Carter in Nevada. All of these races are close. The Senate math is easy. Both Lamont and Ford are facing long odds. To have left Lieberman in and to have given Ford only moral support and a smile would have cost nothing. Plus, the Connecticut seat would have remained Democratic - the Tennessee seat, Republican.
The money and political resources saved could have been used in crucial races. Instead, the Connecticut and Tennessee races will consume Democratic political and financial capital while the races that really could result in the Democrats regaining the Senate go begging. And this doesn't even begin to address crucial House races.
Here is a comparison of Lieberman's and Ford's ratings:
(Most recent ratings)
Overall:
ADA
J.Lieb 80
H.Ford 80
Civil Rights:
ACLU
J.Lieb 83
H.Ford 47
NAACP
J.Lieb 85
H.Ford 78
Environment:
League of Conservation Voters
J.Lieb 70
H.Ford 67
Gay Rights:
Human Rights Campaign
J.Lieb 88
H.Ford 44
Health Care
American Public Health Assoc.
J.Lieb 90
H.Ford 88
Labor:
AFL-CIO
J.Lieb 85
H.Ford 73
CATO
J.Lieb 57
H.Ford 75
Social Security:
Alliance for Retired Americans
J.Lieb 100
H.Ford 100
Women:
NARAL
J.Lieb 75
H.Ford 60
NOW
J.Lieb 75
H.Ford 86
Source: Project Vote Smart
http://www.vote-smart.org/...
http://www.vote-smart.org/...
Of course, I recognize that we are now in the thick of things. Whether I think it was a good strategy or not, I must be honest and say, "Where do we go from here?" We don't have anything to offer Lieberman since everything in DC is controlled by the Republicans. If we threaten him, we will only drive him into the Rovian fold along with his supporters. I would hope that the Dems use more carrot than stick. Offer him any position in the next Democratic administration - and, yes, that probably means Secretary of State. Put it in writing in a sealed letter. If he stays in as an independent, use honey rather than vinegar. Woo his supporters rather than browbeat them.
Now, the odds are going to be long for Lamont if the Connecticut race remains a 3-way proposition. We need to reassess the campaign after Labor Day and again in early October. If Lamont is behind by double digits consistently, we should consider moving assets elsewhere. This applies even more so to Ford's Tennessee race. If Ford is way behind after Labor Day and the numbers don't show any upwards movement then redirect resources to more critical races. The Connecticut and Tennessee races are going to steal all the oxygen and air time as so many have already stated. We shouldn't let great candidates languish in other states when there is still the possibility of retaking the Senate.
I've been called all sorts of obscenities for posting these points, but I stand by my observations. The choice to go after Lieberman and to support Ford made little sense as a Senate strategy - but that's where we are now. A Democrat who was a shoo-in is marginalized while a similar, conservative, pro-war Democrat with little chance of being elected is supported. It has been an immense waste of political resources that are needed to recapture the Senate in races that are winnable. ¡ Punto!
PS - I am reminded of that fine disco hit Nothin' from Nothin' and fear that the Dems will be left with nothing in these two senate races.