And let me set a benchmark right here and right now. There is no Goddamned reason why the Democrats should not be able to take back the House of Representatives, and pick up at least 5 Senate seats in November, if you follow the correct election strategy.
None.
So, do not think we will let you off the hook if you follow the safe, easy, and chickenshit path of not creating distinctions between the Democratic party and the Republican party that will excite and motivate your base.
A dead buffalo could run the Democratic Congressional campaigns this year and pick up SOME seats!
The question is whether you squander your historic opportunity by playing it safe and acting like mealy-mouthed dumbasses, or you go for the tidal wave and sweep the GOP bastards out of power.
This means going to the American people and demonstrating that you "get it," that you are humble, that being out of power since 1994 has made the Democratic party more hungry, more ready to lead, and willing and able to govern the right way. Namely for the people, and not just for wealthy plutocrats.
Ask them for a chance to prove yourselves.
The People WANT to vote for the Democrats. They just don't trust you yet. So long as that is the case, the GOP will be able to play on people's fears and doubts to squeak out narrow victories.
And I'm not talkng about national security here. I'm talking about being a sober, grownup, competent, level-headed party that actually listens to the people, and cares about what they think.
Campaign as the People's Party, again. The party that will be the voice of the American people in Washington.
Take a chance. Be bold. Be optomistic. Be honest.
By vacillating and wringing your hands, you are sending a message to people that you don't know ahat you stand for, that you are cold and calculating, that you don't have any core principles or beliefs, and that you won't stick up for yourselves or you beliefs.
Voters get that message. They sense your insecurity.
They think:
"If the Democrats won't even stand up for themselves and have no core principles for which they will fight, how can I trust them to protect ME from our enemies?"
You want to look tough on national security? Start standing up for core Democratic principles, and never back down from a fight with the GOP over them. EVEN IF YOU LOSE!
In fact, you gain more with the voters by showing you will fight to the last man or woman for a LOST CAUSE on a core principle, than by compromising.
It's called "character."
So, get your fucking acts together...or lose.
UPDATE: Matt Stoller over at MYDD
essentially agrees with me. He argues that, ironically, Billbray ran to the LEFT of Francine Busby on many issues (except immigration) and won. And that Busby ran a typical, by the numbers dumbass beltway-driven campaign and lost.
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