I just want to take a little time today and reflect on the great hand that the Kentucky grassroots is being dealt this election cycle. While I’m the first to admit that beating Mitch McConnell this fall will be a challenge, the grassroots has a real opportunity to cash-in on a trifecta of opportunities the presidential primaries and your hard work have given us.
By now it’s clear that John McCain will be the Republican nominee for president this fall. It is also clear, that no matter who the Democratic nominee is, his or her candidacy will be a historic one that will unite the base like never before. And, most importantly, the Kentucky grassroots is working harder and smarter and making more of an impact than ever before. These three things are a lethal combination for Mitch McConnell’s candidacy in the November elections.
Come with me as we examine the triple-play that will usher McConnell out the door this fall.
(1) McCain versus McConnell Republicans
John McCain at the top of the Republican ticket this is terrible news for Mitch McConnell. In short, John McCain Republicans simply are not Mitch McConnell Republicans. McConnell represents the far right wing of the Republican party. That wing is not going to show up to the polls in November to pull the lever for John McCain. I don’t have to belabor the point because you need only listen for five minutes to any conservative talk radio show to know that the McConnell wing of the party is planning on staying home on Election Day out of protest.
Moreover, John McCain Republicans aren’t afraid to vote cross party in the election. The McCain wing of the party has an independent streak and is more committed to ideas than to the party. Again, bad news for McConnell. Everyone but the extreme right realizes that McConnell simply doesn’t represent Kentuckians and consistently fights against the best interest of those in our state in favor of big corporations.
(2) Energized Democratic Base
The Democratic base is energized like never before. Almost every caucus and primary that has been held to date has seen dramatic increases in Democratic voter turnout. Democrats are excited about both of the candidates left at the top of our ticket. And, no matter which one prevails, he or she will drive out the base this fall in record numbers.
While some people may be skeptical of the difference the strong base will make and point to recent polling that show Obama down by a wide margin to McCain in Kentucky, I would argue that doesn’t matter. First, if he is the nominee Obama will certainly close that gap significantly. Secondly, as long as our base comes out the Democrat at the top of the does not have to win Kentucky in order for us to beat McConnell. In short, our base will turn out, the McConnell base will not and the independent McCain voters will break in our favor.
(3 and Most Importantly) The Kentucky Grassroots/Netroots
The Kentucky grassroots and netroots are stronger than ever before. We stand on the brink of an important opportunity to usher in a changing of the old Kentucky guard. But, in order to do that we have to stand up, pick our candidate and fight like hell. Any less is a concession to McConnell and his corrupt, immoral leadership.
The grassroots of Kentucky has shown its power, and the best is yet to come. To date, The Nation ran a cover story on the grassroots power in Kentucky, the grassroots elected John Yarmuth, one of the most progressive Democrats in the country, to Congress and Mitch McConnell mentions the very visible grassroots movement (and its opposition to him) in every pathetic fundraising letter he sends out.
Next Steps!
The stars are lining up in our favor, folks. McConnell is raising insane amounts of money this cycle because he’s more aware than anyone of the trouble he’s in. Now, more than ever, it’s important that we look at our options and choose the fourth peg of our strategy: a strong, progressive Democratic candidate.
I mentioned yesterday that I like what Greg Fischer is saying and the strong network of support he is building across the state. I think he would be a great opponent and fighter who could make the most of this opportunity against McConnell. I hope you’ll give all the Democrats a good look and get behind one. The opportunity for new leadership for Kentucky is very real.
(cross posted at DitchMitchKY.com)