Madrak Challenges Sestak on Netroots "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" Syndrome
This was a really productive discussion, and I'd like your thoughts. I talked to Joe Sestak (PA-7) backstage after the panel, and he told me he would start a netroots caucus in the House - and one in the Senate if he wins!
It might be the answer we're looking for; I believe it could increase our clout. (As someone commented to me today, politicians just don't care about one $20 contributor. But a few thousand $20 contributors can inspire a little respect.)
If Joe makes this happen, it means that caucus members will keep us informed on developments regarding our issues, and it means that caucus members who respond to our issues will be able to use us as attack dogs more effectively. This seems like a win/win.
Rep. Pat Murphy (PA-8), an early netroots favorite who joined the Blue Dogs after his election, approached me in the convention center lobby and quite enthusiastically told me if there was a netroots caucus, he would "absolutely" join. (This was after I first called him a few rude names over his FISA vote. But we kissed and made up, and he told me to call him any time I had a question. The fact is, he is with us on most of the issues. Not all, but most.)
a progressive voice with a caucus in the senate? great!
Some stuff you can't make up!
I lost it and was rolling around on the floor after your "had me under the bleachers, but wouldn't take me to the prom" quip. I dutifully re-wound, and played the clip again. You were brilliant.
Great arguments made.
In a very good way. You had EVERYBODY'S attention.
Good questions. Thanks for the things that you do.
That does sound good, but they forget about us because we forget about them too. The health care lobyists got those thousands year after year, our groups are 1 time funders. That might change if we have anorganization. Susie can you run for a seat? Can ya, I don't agree with some things you write, but I gaurentee, I have way more respect and trust in you than any politition in PA.
I am pleased the FISA vote pisses you off.
finished.
Pat Murphy (PA-8) is with us on most issues? Issues like not murdering babies or stop lights at busy intersections or maybe 6 day work weeks? On the issues where we need him and where we expected his help he has ... how should we say?.... let us down. Now he is mining the money pool for more $$$$. Think about it. Once bitten twice shy and all that.
a gay marriage caucus /s
LOL, lets hope not.
Yes, he is as are most Blue Dogs. No respect for him and could care less that he is with us on "most issues". Really, why we call these guys Dems is beyond me. The only thing I can figure is that they HAVE to run as Dems to get elected and once elected they show their true selves.
Murphy is a red district so his voting doesn't surprise me at all. He was a strong conservative voting block in the district.
He needs to throw us at least one substantial bone.
to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell. As a vet, he's a very effective voice on this. I give him a lot of credit for this.
A former award-winning journalist and lifelong class warrior, keeping a jaundiced eye on the Washington elite.
I didn't know that. That's good. Any time you have information about Murph please let us know so that we can evaluate if he is worth it. Thanks for that info Susie. It helps!
After watching Pat fight tooth and nail and finally ending the Iraq war, with the other Democrats now in majority and his traitorous FISA vote you can't find a better Mini-me republican.
The guy makes me sick being in his district.
I saw you on C-Span (Washington Journal) and thought you did a good job.
Sure, call him any time. Uh huh. Right. Like all the other dems who won in 06 by opposing the war, and taking all kinds of small donor contributions, he probably supported every Bush off-the-books spending proposal for Iraq after getting in office. And, FISA, of course.
And now, he's a Blue Dog...busily fighting against every MEANINGFUL Democratic proposal. Yes, I'm sure he votes with us on who-cares resolutions (except Petraeus-Betray Us, of course), but when the rubber meets the road, I'd have to guess he's beating feet as far to the right as he can get.
Democrats in Congress always seem to think they were lucky as hell to win, and once in office, they better not do anything to upset the "real" electorate - you know, the "right thinking" Merkins (double entendre intended).
My experience with Democratic lawmakers is that the last thing they want is to hear from liberals. Of course, they'll gladly take the cash contributions, but they don't want to HEAR from us. Good lord, you have empty hair-do's like Dianne Feinstein bragging about it, with her "not one whit" idiocy.
Conversely, these same "democrats" sit right up and pay extra close attention when conservatives contact them. Those are the people whose opinions count. Us liberals are considered cranks and loonies in most cases, and at the very least, as pests and annoyances.
Sorry, I realize none of this is an original thought. But Gawd, and I ever exasperated with the Democratic Party, starting right at the top with our quisling-in-chief, now moonwalking as fast as he can from a public option.
Abso-fucking-lutely! A guy like Murph has to support us on a subject like health care. I know it is difficult for him but we got him elected. If he loses an election because he did the correct thing then at least he would know he was correct. He should be able to explain to his conservative constituent why he voted for it. He may not be able to convince a mob but if he worked at it he could convince a few at a time. Have them over for a BBQ a hundred at a time or 50 at a time or 25. Talk to them. Let them voice their concerns. Calmly. He would be able to answer each and every one with the truth and show them how they have been punked and used and manipulated. If he does this a 100 times the facts will sink in... probably. If they don't then so it goes. He would at least be able to show the Democratic Party that he he gave it his all and he should be able to get another job through the Party as compensation for what he did. If he votes Republican then I don't care whether he gets reelected or not. And the Party should not care either. What good is it for Democrats to support a DINO?
If we want our Blue Dogs in Congress to support health care reform, then we need to remind them that this is the most important issue of our time and that they need to show courage by voting yes to the public option. The screaming/912/teabaggers didn't vote for them the first time and won't be voting for them the next time so they shouldn't worry about offending them. There are many moderate Republicans that live in the suburbs of Philadelphia and these moderates are the ones that voted for Murphy, Sestak and Holden. These moderates are not out there screaming. They do want to know more and they will appreciate health care reform. We do need to let the Blue Dogs know that we won't be there if they don't vote for the public option.
I now know who not to go to for political advice.
No more Blue dogs to hold up the process that the majority of Americans want.
At our County Democratic Committee meeting yesterday, Joe Sestak was the guest speaker. After listening to him speak and visiting his website and learning his positions, I will vote for him in the primary and I will help his campaign. Joe is the real deal.
I live in Phila., PA. The counties Pat Murphy and Sestak represent are right next door. They both voted for FISA/retroactive immunity for telecoms. I am not thrilled at all with these guys.
I usually lurk here - but I just had to comment about this post. The Blue Dogs have consistently betrayed us - I am just amazed that you would still believe a word any one of them says. I for one am totally done giving any money or credence to conservatives.
I have been under the impression that he is a Blue Dog too. Although he sounds good, I don't trust him at all. As far as I'm concerned, he has to prove to me that he is not. Prove first, money later. After Obama, I have been fooled for the last time!
After all, he voted for the war and for FISA. His record is pretty much the same as Specter, as I pointed out in the part that's not included in the video.
I'm only noting what he promised. I did want to remind him who brought him to the dance but I'll be surprised if there's any effort at all to give us a place at the table - Murphy, too.
They're politicians, after all.
A former award-winning journalist and lifelong class warrior, keeping a jaundiced eye on the Washington elite.
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