I just heard Hackett speak at the local coffee shop/bookstore in Bowling Green, Ohio. This college town is surrounded by rural communities and is about 25 minutes from Toledo. Mere competency and solid liberal credentials in the democratic party is not good enough, here or anywhere in the state for that matter. Hackett emphasized leadership, leadership style, and communicating the democratic message succinctly, honestly, and forcefully will unseat Dewine and that is the ultimate goal.
In this dairy I'll merely recount, to the best of my ability, the meet and greet.
More on the flip
Before I start I would like to qualify that I was near the back and could not hear everything that was said, especially some of the questions that were asked. I was not taking notes or recording the event, so all of this is from memory. This is also a couple of hours after the event - I had to get home, get kids ready for bed, etc. so I will do the best I can.
"Grounds for Thought" is a landmark in BG, a locally owned and operated business that has done well over the years. It sits on Main Street and is a place where college students study, families bring their kids, retirees play Scrabble, junior high kids come for hot chocolate, and people of all walks of life scour the shelves for that one book they've been looking for. At first I wondered how Hackett would fair in such an intimate setting, a setting where the people he would be speaking to feel comfortable and thereby easily and quickly engaged in dialogue. He did well.
He started by taking a brief, informal survey of the audience. There were a handful of independents and republicans, but for the most part he was speaking to the party faithful. I was impressed that he spoke candidly about the party throughout his "speech" (I put that in quotes because it didn't feel polished enough for a speech) and in the question / answer session. He discussed the party's lack of leadership and lack of clear message, and highlighted that was a shame because we have a damn good message (that's my paraphrase of his words -- he did not say that in those words --, but I think it describes his passion on the issue).
During the question answer session, he made a point of calling on republicans and independents in the crowd. At one point, a young republican asked about education and then on whether Hackett would rule out attacking Iran. Hackett answered the funding of education question by looking at/repealing Bush's tax cuts and by reexamining our 6 billion a month middle east most troublesome adventure.
The second question, obviously a garbage question to get a simplistic yes or no answer, was answered by saying it was too complex of an issue for that type of thinking. He said that military 101 says we go to war because the politics failed. The young yellow elephant pressed him and continued to try for a yes or no answer. At that point I wish Hackett would have turned it on this kid, and asked him if this fine young man would serve if our country had to go into Iran; I wish Hackett would have described our dire military situation that can not sustain the troop levels as is right now, and explained that they just raised the minimum age to 40 because they cant meet the troop needs, and prodded the chickenhawk to sign up after college, especially if we have to go into Iran. He might have mentioned how Murtha has come discussed the "Iranian issue" (as made up as it is) and segued into the baseless attacks on ex-military. Even if he did not put the kid on the spot, it may have been a good moment to educate the audience and highlight some things he would do for the military right now and not in some fictitious scenario.
A couple of things I think worth noting. 1) Moderate republicans and ex-military responded to hackett's messages of privacy and gun ownership. Hackett discussed the idea of limited government not in terms of services, but in terms of civil liberties. One gentlemen, a self identified republican from Wisconsin and Army vet said he was uneasy about the republican parties "McCarthy-like" tactics and invasion of privacy issues. Hackett's exploration and dialogue on these issues went smoothly as he seemed to be in a place he felt comfortable. (Side note: At a later point I believe this particular republican even said, "I'd vote for him"). In Ohio, we need thinking republicans, true moderates and independents, and Hackett has the policy, the message, and the delivery to make it happen.
- He did not back down from his now infamous commentary about the hijacking of the Republican Party. He also did not back down from democratic critics concerning his stance on the 2nd amendment. No matter whether you agree with him on all the issues, the fact that he is not afraid to say what he feels and stand up to personal attacks is huge. He does not cower to the RW attack machine and that is a breathe of fresh air, especially for us in the darkness of Ohioan republicanism.
- At times he looked for suggestions from the audience on specific issues and said it was an honest inquiry. This may be taken as a dodge of the question even when sincere (and I got the impression he was being sincere). He should have a staff person compile these ideas, because I think some of them had merit and he should make it clear that he is compiling them. He should also highlight when a suggestion from a "regular" person has given him ideas or helped him develop a plan.
- Honesty. He was honest about his own shortcomings and the party's. He was honest about their strengths as well. He invited open dialogue on turning those weaknesses into strengths. We at DKos know that is sometimes a difficult path, but I salute him for taking it.
- I've had enough of the party of capitulation. When Reid, Pelosi, Murtha, Dean, and others stand up, I take notice. I cheer and smile and, before I got my last heat bill, actually send money. Are they perfect? No. Are they going to do everything politically that I would do? No. Can I count on them to stand up for me, my family, and my values when it comes down to the wire? Absolutely. And I'll stand with him.