It's hard for me to read Daily Kos anymore. People are wallowing in fear. "How will Dean's hangnail affect his electability?", "The Republicans are saying Clark didn't de-fuzz his sweater today!" Too often, the discussions are framed in terms of the negatives that are happening to us.
That's why the Republicans win. They frame the issue as far away from them as possible, unless they pre-emptively claim a victory for themselves. They make a lame proposal, attack the other side and watch us crumble.
Why help them?
On the day after SOTU, why are diaries debating how Bush's anti-gay stance will affect Democrats? Why aren't we talking about the Republicans un-Christian intolerance and backward thinking? Why aren't we looking for ways to react to the Republicans instead of sticking to our guns, standing for something and setting the agenda on issues of Republican weakness?
I know the idea of Daily Kos is to discuss, to kvetch, to share info, but wouldn't it be better if we came up with some more practical ideas? Wouldn't it be better if we generated some momentum for our side? Wouldn't it be better if a visit to Daily Kos gave us ammunition we can use in daily conversation.
The inside story of the campaign is fun and all, but let's not get mired in it. Let's think like a think tank. Let's create more ways to win instead of worrying about not losing.