MyDD :: Open Thread

Open Thread

by Todd Beeton, Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 07:33:14 PM EST

What's going on tonight?

Permalink :: 54 Comments :: Post a Comment

"Olive branch" of sort for the Clinton supporters here:

I made a line of products for Clinton supporters who are now for Obama but still want to acknowledge Hillary. They say "Hillary Has My Heart, Barack Has My Vote". And as a peace offering of sorts, as an Obama supporter, I will donate proceeds from these items to Clinton's debt relief.

http://www.zazzle.com/democrattotheend*/ products/cg-196053165511745923

by democrattotheend on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 07:38:02 PM EST

Re: Open Thread (2.00 / 2)

Cool idea.

I'm as strong as a bull moose, and you can use me to the limit. - Teddy Roosevelt

by fogiv on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 08:05:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Great idea! (2.00 / 2)

You're setting a good example for Dem unity.

by Betsy McCall on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:55:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The following (2.00 / 1)

diary should be on the rec list!
http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/7/7/14151 0/9739

Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:51:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (2.00 / 5)

perusing the comments in a few diaries I'm noticing an invasion of the site by anti-Obama zealots. This is a site for Democrats to help elect Democrats, right? WTF is going on around here?!

Obama supporter working to defeat McCain.

by Rumarhazzit on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 07:41:23 PM EST

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (2.00 / 1)

This site seems better than it was during the primaries. But I guess that does not say much.

by democrattotheend on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 07:41:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yes, but then it was Democrats fighting (2.00 / 5)

Democrats for the nomination. Now I see way too many commentors here supporting the defeat of our nominee. Not good....

Obama supporter working to defeat McCain.

by Rumarhazzit on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 07:47:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes, but then it was Democrats fighting (2.00 / 4)

Glad to have you back Rumar, and your support against the negativity of our nominee.

Toot, thank you for raising such a terrific person...You done good and we will have you in our hearts.

by hootie4170 on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 08:04:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes, but then it was Democrats fighting (2.00 / 2)

I'll say. It's been pretty quiet the last few days. The weekend was as hostile as any time during the primary here.

Jerome promised a new ratings system so until then it's the primary wars all over again in here. This time we've got trolls posing as Clinton supporters so the level of vitriol is up a notch.

Today though, GREAT DIARIES left and right. Kudos to all.

Welcome to a landslide WITH white working class, latinos, women and holding on sweeties!!!

by spacemanspiff on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 09:25:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes, but then it was Democrats fighting (2.00 / 2)

Not at all good. It's been hard to be here lately, some strange undercurrents. I figure it will pass at some point.

by mady on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 09:24:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Hannity (2.00 / 2)

I have an hour commute and only one talk station to listen to, one with the usual conservative cast of clowns. When I'm bored to tears I like to see how long I can listen to the claptrap before my head blows off.

What I found interesting today is how Hannity echoes, almost word for word, the comments of some of our most concerned commmentors -- almost like they were taking their talking points straight from Hannity.

Today's anti-Obama rant was all about all his "180s" and how the man has no integrity because he's "constantly shifting" and Hannity pretty much listed the same lame list using the same empty hyperbole we are subjected to here.

The place is infested with Republican trolls who feel they are being oh so clever in disguising themselves as outraged real liberals and betrayed Clinton supporters.

One big clue -- not how while they can write passionately about their hatred of Obama, you'll never see them display anywhere near the same passion or any real insights into the issue that supposedly was their "tipping point".

I don't know how to control them, other than baffling them with facts.

Sexism is real.

by grassrootsorganizer on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:20:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hannity (2.00 / 1)

To be fair I do the same thing on Hannity's forum. I am a massive concern troll, but unfortunately I get outed every couple weeks or so and have to come up with a new identity each time. Truth be told, they are probably even more divided than we are on about every issue, but they all show up and vote for the Republican when election day comes. Hopefully we do the same come November.

by Xris on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:45:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hannity (none / 0)

show up to vote that is, not sure why I worded the last sentence that way.

by Xris on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:47:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hannity (2.00 / 1)

I did that once myself back in 2004, as part of a Jesus General initiative, can't remember the site now, but I lasted less than 24 hours. Somehow they saw through my slavish and slightly homoerotic fascination with Laura Bush.

Forgot how much fun that was! Should try it again. Thanks for the reminder.

Sexism is real.

by grassrootsorganizer on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:50:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hannity (2.00 / 1)

I get way to into it. I research their posting styles and arguments so I can try and pass for one of the "pack". Of course I usually over do it and they spot me right away.

But my all time favorite past time is calling in every morning to our local conservative morning show and pretending that I am someone different everyday. Its a 20 minute drive to work and no one really pays attention to this guy, so today I was Steve the pissed off conservative plumber. The host has started to figure me out and just calls me "dave the liberal" but with the trade mark snarl when he says liberal. You should try it, it will make your morning go so much better.

by Xris on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:53:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (2.00 / 6)

If there ever was a Speakers' Corner in the Hyde Park of Left Blogistan this is it. Kind of charming in an irrelevant and slightly dysfunctional way.

by Shaun Appleby on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 07:45:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (2.00 / 1)

Did you see the Russian Studies professor on Washington Journal this morning? (VERY interesting!).

He's supporting Obama, and when a challenged him on some criticism he had of Obama, the professor said, "Criticism makes the candidate better."

It's Republicans who think criticism is tantamount to treason or hating (American/Obama/whatever). It's Republicans who sign loyalty oaths and insist that no bad word ever be said about their Dear Leader figure.

It's Republicans who put the man above the law, the Constitution, the country.

by Juno on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 07:46:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (2.00 / 7)

While admirable in theory, and practice, wouldn't it be refreshing if could we at least try to win this time?

by Shaun Appleby on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 07:50:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (none / 0)

By attacking and insulting fellow Democrats???

Not sure that's the way to do it.

by Juno on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 08:04:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (2.00 / 5)

I was thinking along the lines of not attacking and insulting fellow Democrats, particularly the presumptive nominee. 'I weep for you', the Walrus said, 'I deeply sympathise.'

by Shaun Appleby on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 08:21:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (none / 0)

You know what?

That literally made me shudder.

Haven't we just been through eight years of that kind of thinking?

by Juno on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 09:20:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (2.00 / 1)

Obama supporters are acting just like the Bushies!

One note Juno strikes again!!!!!

Welcome to a landslide WITH white working class, latinos, women and holding on sweeties!!!

by spacemanspiff on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 09:22:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (none / 0)

Fuck off Troll.

by Fistjab on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:24:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (none / 0)

You mean ONLY...

by Juno on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 09:22:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (none / 0)

'I weep ONLY for you', the Walrus said, 'I deeply sympathise?'

by Shaun Appleby on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:11:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (none / 0)

You can't say ANYTHING about Obama without being called a ___!

by MeganLocke on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 09:10:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (none / 0)

Indeed.

But it turns out, what they mean is only Obama shall not be spoken ill of.

by Juno on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 09:21:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (none / 0)

Actually I was being sarcastic - I thought that was obvious. I can't imagine anyone looking at this site and coming to the conclusion that saying anything about Obama at all is verboten.

Hillary Clinton is off limits - MOSTLY.

by MeganLocke on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:08:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Very true (none / 0)

Obama needs all the help he can get, including criticism from fellow Dems, to make him a better candidate.

Its going to be a tough race and its more important than ever for Dems to communicate honestly with voters about the best way to deal with the issues. Running close to the GOP is a proven loser.

by Betsy McCall on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:00:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (2.00 / 1)

I think most(many, some) folks on this site would like to get him into the 'Dear Leader' position first, then criticize/lambast/loathe him. Personally, I love the guy.

by Roberta on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:12:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm back from a long overdue vacation and (2.00 / 3)

It's been pretty bad lately.

I'm as strong as a bull moose, and you can use me to the limit. - Teddy Roosevelt

by fogiv on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 08:04:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I, for one, will not waste a single moment (2.00 / 3)

engaging with someone here advocating for, or supporting, Obama's defeat. What can we do in addition? Autoban? Hiderate on sight (one abuse of the site rules deserves another)? Suggestions?

Obama supporter working to defeat McCain.

by Rumarhazzit on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 08:26:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I, for one, will not waste a single moment (none / 0)

Beats me. I've just been keeping my head down for the most part.

I'm as strong as a bull moose, and you can use me to the limit. - Teddy Roosevelt

by fogiv on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 08:27:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I, for one, will not waste a single moment (none / 0)

It's not interesting to be on this site though - honest discussion is impossible.

by MeganLocke on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 09:11:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I, for one, will not waste a single moment (none / 0)

Loyalty oaths!

by Juno on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 09:37:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I, for one, will not waste a single moment (none / 0)

How about kicking your ass back to puma pac? by a ban.

by Fistjab on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:26:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I, for one, will not waste a single moment (none / 0)

You can't say ANYTHING about Obama without being called a ___!

by MeganLocke on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:05:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

an invasion of the site by anti-Obama zealots. (2.00 / 1)

They seem to pass through like swarms of mosquitos blown by the wind.

by Beren on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:26:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

mccain trolls (2.00 / 1)

acting like "concerned" Democrats.

Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:52:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (2.00 / 2)

Anyone who's been to the MSM web sites has seen the lead-in, "Bush says Russia's new president is a 'smart guy'."

I'm sure the naturally funny people of this world (I'm not one of them) are generating material on this at a staggering rate.

by Bob Miller on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 07:57:53 PM EST

talked with two progressive activists today (2.00 / 2)

who are as worried as I am about the Obama campaign taking control over GOTV in Iowa this fall.

Our fears are threefold:

1. Obama's field plan will not focus on the key precincts and areas we need to win or hold seats in the legislature.

2. Obama will feel so confident about winning Iowa that he will pull GOTV operations out of here in September or October and deploy those resources in other states.

3. Obama's campaign may set out to mobilize Republicans and Republican-leaning independents who will support him for president but vote GOP down ticket. Certainly their game plan before the Iowa caucuses included mobilizing Republican voters.

There is a natural tension between a presidential candidate and down-ticket candidates in terms of where GOTV resources should be allocated. I like the idea of state parties coordinating the GOTV, because I feel that will lead to more balance.

See if Saxby Chambliss is helping you.

by desmoinesdem on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 08:22:03 PM EST

Those are valid concerns (none / 0)

and we have to remind ourselves we're dealing with a candidate and campaign who have little to no experience in running a successful national campaign against a GOP candidate.

There are bound to be a lot of mistakes and miscalculations and its better to address them early instead of later.

by Betsy McCall on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:03:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Those are valid concerns (2.00 / 1)

Thank you for your concern.

Welcome to a landslide WITH white working class, latinos, women and holding on sweeties!!!

by spacemanspiff on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:15:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: talked with two progressive activists today (2.00 / 1)

During my job searching, I've applied for a field job with the Obama campaign. I spoke to the field director for Alaska this evening who told me he is hiring at least 20 organizers for Alaska.

I understand why you are worried about the GOTV operation being taken over by Chicago, however, the fact that the Obama campaign is investing that much money into ALASKA of all places makes me think that they have a pretty good plan to win with big coat tails in November.

It's not the same as having the state-run coordinated campaign, it's something different. Let's see how it plays out, and I think it will have all of us smiling November 5th.

John McCain: Four More Years of Failure.

by dannybauder on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:38:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: talked with two progressive activists today (none / 0)

my experience as a volunteer in missouri has been that the campaign has been active everywhere and intensely interested in local input. on the fourth i registered voters in Lee's Summit (yes, as in the summit belongs to Lee, that Lee), a suburb of Kansas City whose claim to fame is that it contains the scary ass church featured in Jesus Camp.

The group contained three organizing fellows, one paid member of the campaign, and about 12 volunteers. the campaign assured us that they refuse to cede ANY part of this state and they practically hounded us for ideas and input about events and places that would be successful in registering voters.

my suggestion is to get involved with the campaign, share your concerns, and give suggestions for making sure those things do not happen. if the campaign is anything like they are in missouri, i believe your concerns will be heard.

best of luck and thank you for all you do in iowa.

by elie on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 12:34:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I had a live conversation (2.00 / 3)

with someone I deeply respect that supports Sen Obama and posts on various blogs.

I have made a promise to tone down my biting rhetoric. I apologize if I have upset anyone.

by Coldblue on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 08:27:40 PM EST

Re: Open Thread (2.00 / 3)

Interesting view from the other side of the hill:

Above all, McCain is painfully aware that he is being diminished by his own campaign.

This last point is galling. McCain has been a major figure in American public life for quite a while. And yet his campaign has made him seem somehow smaller. Obama is a first-term senator with no legislative achievements to speak of. His campaign has helped him seem bigger, more presidential.

Even Obama's adjustments for the general election -- his flip-flops -- have served in an odd way to enhance his stature. Some of them suggest, after all, that he is at least trying to think seriously about what he would do if he were actually president. So Obama has achieved the important feat, as the campaign has moved on, of seeming an increasingly plausible president. McCain seems a less plausible president today than he did when he clinched the nomination.

William Kristol - So Where's Murphy? NYT 7 Jul 08

Seems like the Republicans are having trouble even watching this without tearing their hair out in clumps.

by Shaun Appleby on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 08:52:00 PM EST

Kristol is correct (2.00 / 2)

McCain is running a terrible campaign. However I'm not certain that rearranging the deck chairs is the answer, so that is good for us.

by Coldblue on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 09:40:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Kristol is correct (2.00 / 2)

I am slowly converting my Republican friends and coworkers. Of course not all of them will pull the lever for Obama, but I am definitely making them less scared of him. My new strategy is to convince them that it is in their best interest that McCain lose so they can run a hard core conservative in 2012. You would be amazed how much traction that gets me.

by Xris on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 10:46:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Kristol is correct (2.00 / 1)

Whatever it takes! Hey, but 2012, hopefully the economy will be looking up, and we can crush that hard core conservative!

No way. No how. No McCain.

by freedom78 on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:10:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The irony (2.00 / 1)

is that the Republicans will likely do just that...even if McCain is the incumbent.

by Coldblue on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:19:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Kristol is correct (2.00 / 2)

Apparently, the Republicans are counting on the 2010 midterms to gain governorships, and redistrict after the census... This is something that Howard Dean is keenly aware of, since that's how Republicans won back the house in the 90's... so, let's hope his successor will keep building the state parties, and Obama has a good first two years.

I think he will. The guy knows how to sell his vision to America, and even in rough times, we should be good... let's get him elected first! :-)

While pathetic on their part, it's a smart long term strategy attempt... we need to stay vigilant and make sure we counter strong. I have no doubt that the Obama team will be able to do that!

It profits a PUMA nothing to give their soul for the whole world... but for McCain? --Sir Thomas More (if he were here now)

by LordMike on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:45:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Kristol is correct (none / 0)

I am just trying to do my small part in helping. I work 6 days a week to pay my bills while I go to school at night getting a teaching certification, so I do not have a lot of time to volunteer. So I spend my days in the factory I work at "spreading Obama fever" as I call it. I have at least a third of the day shift converted, just need to keep working:)

by Xris on Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 10:07:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Kristol is correct (none / 0)

forgot to add that you would love seeing all of the Obama shirts popping up everyday. This is below blue collar work, and most of the people I work with barely finished high school. They are amazing people who bust their asses everyday for their families. One of my co workers who is a refugee from Bosnia came in wearing a home made shirt with a walker and McCain 08 slogan on it. I just about crapped myself laughing.

by Xris on Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 10:08:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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