To: The Democratic Blogosphere
Re: Party Unity; Stop Bashing Each Other, Start Bashing the Real Opposition
President Bill Clinton made some very wise remarks last night at Terry McAuliffe's going away party. He suggested that Dems stop beating up on each other and channel our energies at those whom we most disagree with. Clinton, quoted in today's Post, remarked:
"Every time I see somebody who identifies himself as a liberal saying I betrayed the liberal base of the party, I want to say 'How?' " Clinton said, arguing that his presidency had boosted the middle class and the poor and that his policies had brought gains for women, minorities and gays. "We've got to stop beating on each other and redirect our fire against the people we disagree with."
Exactly!! Having worked on the DNC Chair's race, I saw first-hand Democrats unloading friendly fire on fellow Dems....
Having worked on the DNC Chair's race, I saw some first-hand atacking of fellow Dems -- of the brutal, character-assasination sort. My candidate never engaged in these tactics (never would), but people on the campaign would regularly go online -- to DailyKos, myDD and the others -- and systematically attack other Democrats who were running for Chair. And it was an organized, calculated assault.
When the race narrowed to Donnie v. Dean, a large share of the blogosphere united against Donnie (who was not my candidate) and viciously attacked his record (justified) and honesty (a bit of a stretch). Donnie may not be the best man for Chair, but he's not an enemy of the Party.
Tim Roemer received merciless attacks from nearly everyone involved -- and especially for the pro-abortion rights lobby. Roemer (not my candidate) was cut down before he could make any argument -- and was actually hissed at during conferences. This is a guy who served on the 9/11 commission and has a lot to offer the Party with his strong credentials on security (an area where we're obviously flailing). And because of his views on abortion, he never even had a chance to talk.
Regularly on DKos I see people bashing Joe Lieberman and others. Now I'm not in his camp either -- too conservative for my taste -- but I do value him as powerful Senator and longtime leader of Democrats (even if he did kiss W.)
So who did I work for, if not Donnie, Roemer or Joe? Well it wasn't Dean either -- for a longtime I was the embodiment of ABD. But you know what -- instead of taking this space to list what I don't like about Dean or haven't liked about him in the past, I'd rather just say he's a great guy with a clear passion and commitment for the Party, who can raise money and energize regular people back into the political process.
And I'm excited to have him as Chair, because I know he'll wake up every morning with one thing on his mind: taking out Republicans.