The Democrat Thread

[CrimsonWeltall]

What an odd place to post this story... Do Dems not believe in Christianity or something?

 

I'd guess it was posted here because it was a conservative saying something stupid.

[Balta1701]

I'd guess it was posted here because it was a conservative saying something stupid.

On Fox News (the official channel of the Republican Party)

[HuskyCaucasian]

Limbaugh LOVE'S his heath care in Hawaii... doesnt realize it's a "socialist" system.

 

Limbaugh couldn't resist a few political comments in the short press conference at the hospital. He said he got the best health treatment in the world "right here in the United States of America."

 

"I don't think there's one thing wrong with the United States health system," Limbaugh said.

 

He thinks he's being a smart ass; that he'll show Obama by holding a news conference to tout the care our current health care system provided him.

 

Unfortunately for him, or fortunately for his health, Hawaii has pretty much had what amounts to universal health care since 1974.

 

His treatment, under the Hawaiian system, and one he'd call socialist on any given day, was the best possible care he could have gotten despite being very similar to that dreaded "universal health care" he rails on and on about.

[Rex Kickass]

So remember a couple weeks ago, when that Alabama Democrat defected to the GOP in Congress? This little drama is quickly becoming a comedy. I think if the show was on Fox, it would be "Parker Griffith Can't Win."

 

First, his campaign consultants dropped him.

Then, the teabaggers decided to primary him.

Now, his entire staff quit.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/04/p...s_n_410280.html

 

Nearly every staff member of Democrat-turned-Republican Rep. Parker Griffith's office quit Monday morning in response to his decision to switch parties. His chief of staff resigned, along with his entire legislative and communications team -- many of whom have worked for Griffith since before he arrived in Washington.

 

"Alabama's Fifth District has deserved and has benefited from great Democratic conservative leadership since Reconstruction. And until now they had it," Chief of Staff Sharon Wheeler said. "I appreciate Congressman Griffith's being a very dedicated congressman. But we believe he made a mistake -- a well-intentioned but misguided mistake that is not in the interest of the great people of North Alabama who elected him a year ago as a Democrat. As his staff, we wish him only the best, and we all remain committed to the citizens of the Tennessee Valley. But we cannot, in good conscience, continue working for him. It is with deep sadness that we leave our work for the Fifth District. But because we are unwavering in our own principles, we have no choice but to move on. We do not know what the future holds, but we are taking a leap of faith with the belief we will soon find ourselves in the employment of principled public officials."

 

I always find party defectors to be fascinating, but Griffith's "reading of the tea leaves" last year has been an unmitigated disaster. Usually a party switch can be a boon to the party that is able to make it happen - but in the GOP's case, its becoming a farce, and definitely will make any unhappy Democrat think twice about bolting. The cash strapped RNC is going to have to pay to protect an incumbent in a primary that they had a real shot of picking off in the general.

[NorthSideSox72]

So remember a couple weeks ago, when that Alabama Democrat defected to the GOP in Congress? This little drama is quickly becoming a comedy. I think if the show was on Fox, it would be "Parker Griffith Can't Win."

 

First, his campaign consultants dropped him.

Then, the teabaggers decided to primary him.

Now, his entire staff quit.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/04/p...s_n_410280.html

 

 

 

I always find party defectors to be fascinating, but Griffith's "reading of the tea leaves" last year has been an unmitigated disaster. Usually a party switch can be a boon to the party that is able to make it happen - but in the GOP's case, its becoming a farce, and definitely will make any unhappy Democrat think twice about bolting. The cash strapped RNC is going to have to pay to protect an incumbent in a primary that they had a real shot of picking off in the general.

I'd have to think that major staff changes would occur when these guys flip anyway. Did it happen with Alexander? Or to look at the other direction, what about Ben Nighthorse Campbell?

 

[Texsox]

I'd have to think that major staff changes would occur when these guys flip anyway. Did it happen with Alexander? Or to look at the other direction, what about Ben Nighthorse Campbell?

 

I think for many staff members in Washington, it's a job.

[NorthSideSox72]

I think for many staff members in Washington, it's a job.

Well sure, but I think a party change for a Congress person is probably similar to an administration change, though maybe not quite as dramatic. There would be a shift.

 

[Rex Kickass]

Well sure, but I think a party change for a Congress person is probably similar to an administration change, though maybe not quite as dramatic. There would be a shift.

 

A mass resignation is pretty rare... although you're likely to see some staff turnover (especially on a campaign side of things,) staff members also get attached to the person they work with.

 

A lot of these people would have left, they just would have left more gradually - to go work for another campaign, or the state party, etc. Judging from the article, they basically quit en masse and without other jobs - and that's pretty rare.

[Texsox]

Well sure, but I think a party change for a Congress person is probably similar to an administration change, though maybe not quite as dramatic. There would be a shift.

 

It probably depends on position. I knew a couple people that went to work on congressional staffs after college and they wound up working for Dems and Reps at various times. They compared it to working for Coke or Pepsi. If you like the soft drink wars, it doesn't matter which side you are on. One became a bit of an expert on telecommunications issues and was in some demand during the days immediately before and after the break up of Ma Bell. His pov was he was educating on the issues and what they did was out of his control. I have also heard, from a former co-worker that about 1/3 of the staff tends to stay when a new representative comes in, no matter what the party is. Handling requests from constituents is about the same no matter which party is involved.

 

All this leads to my suspicion that they have been promised jobs with the Dems and this may have been a well orchestrated move. But that's my "they all do it" paranoia.

[kapkomet]

A mass resignation is pretty rare... although you're likely to see some staff turnover (especially on a campaign side of things,) staff members also get attached to the person they work with.

 

A lot of these people would have left, they just would have left more gradually - to go work for another campaign, or the state party, etc. Judging from the article, they basically quit en masse and without other jobs - and that's pretty rare.

 

 

It was great when Specter did it, now it's "chaos" and no one will ever do it again (turn from Dem to GOP).

 

He lost staff too.

[Texsox]

It was great when Specter did it, now it's "chaos" and no one will ever do it again (turn from Dem to GOP).

 

He lost staff too.

 

Party switching will always be rare, but will always happen. As Rex noted earlier, (not the post you quoted), this has probably not worked out. But your idea that no one will ever do it again, I think is a touch kaperbolic™

[kapkomet]

Party switching will always be rare, but will always happen. As Rex noted earlier, (not the post you quoted), this has probably not worked out. But your idea that no one will ever do it again, I think is a touch kaperbolic™

 

 

He said it, not me. He didn't say "never" but of course, republicans are a disaster and democrats are awesome. (and yes, it's the cheerleader thread, I know).

[Texsox]

He said it, not me. He didn't say "never" but of course, republicans are a disaster and democrats are awesome. (and yes, it's the cheerleader thread, I know).

 

From Rex

I always find party defectors to be fascinating, but Griffith's "reading of the tea leaves" last year has been an unmitigated disaster. Usually a party switch can be a boon to the party that is able to make it happen - but in the GOP's case, its becoming a farce, and definitely will make any unhappy Democrat think twice about bolting. The cash strapped RNC is going to have to pay to protect an incumbent in a primary that they had a real shot of picking off in the general.

 

I don't see your analysis coming from this. It sounds like both the GOP and Griffith have lost in this switch. Seems fair to say that might cause some people to think twice before leaping.

[Balta1701]

From Rex

 

I don't see your analysis coming from this. It sounds like both the GOP and Griffith have lost in this switch. Seems fair to say that might cause some people to think twice before leaping.

There's also the interesting element in this case of it being literally a first year representative. He can't say like Specter could "The party has moved away from the ideals when I first ran" or "I don't support our most recent choice for Speaker of the House/President" because, you know, they were the same last year.

[southsider2k5]

It was great when Specter did it, now it's "chaos" and no one will ever do it again (turn from Dem to GOP).

 

He lost staff too.

 

It just goes to show you the idea of the "Big tent" is a joke. Its a big tent as long as you agree with everything they tell you to agree with.

[Texsox]

It just goes to show you the idea of the "Big tent" is a joke. Its a big tent as long as you agree with everything they tell you to agree with.

 

Didn't he leave the "big tent"? Are you suggesting he left because the party forced him out? Wait, of course, because GOPs are all about integrity and doing was is right, not about what is best for themselves*.

*A tip of the hat towards Kap for inspiring me.

[kapkomet]

The only reason he switched is because he thinks he can get elected in his district easier being a GOP candidate then a Democrat candidate. And the "tea leaves" generally speaking would suggest he's right. But it's purely for selfish reasons (i.e. Specter, who was going to get his ass kicked in a GOP primary).

 

[lostfan]

It just goes to show you the idea of the "Big tent" is a joke. Its a big tent as long as you agree with everything they tell you to agree with.

If this was true the Dems would've passed a healthcare bill with a public option back in the summer.

[kapkomet]

If this was true the Dems would've passed a healthcare bill with a public option back in the summer.

 

 

BS.

[lostfan]

Every elected Democrat is exactly the same, so much so that they can't... even agree... on their biggest legislative priority in the past 40-something years when they have a supermajority and solid control of the House?

[StrangeSox]

Exactly.

 

The dems are completely unstoppable with 60 seats!

 

Yet they've failed to pass anything of note.

 

I lost my tally on reality v. conservative talking points.

[southsider2k5]

And yet here they are, leaving the party, threatening each other, and running people against their own party. Yep, the big tent totally exists.

[lostfan]

Which is a sign that all Democrats DO think the same? Or don't? I don't know what you're saying, unless there is some further meaning to it that I can't see it's kind of a worthless point. There are 300 million people in this country and everybody wants different things so of COURSE there's going to be conflicts, and of course the party's leadership wants to have the strongest odds of passing the laws they want possible. Who wants to have disagreement just for the sake of being able to say they have it? That would be kind of stupid actually. Any person in charge with any kind of sense (i.e. not a Michael Steele) would run their show like that.

Edited January 5, 2010 by lostfan

[Rex Kickass]

It just goes to show you the idea of the "Big tent" is a joke. Its a big tent as long as you agree with everything they tell you to agree with.

 

Joe Lieberman says hi. He left the whole party and he still gets a chairman's gavel.

[lostfan]

I feel like we argue about this at least once a month, it's a requirement to maintain modship here.