February 28, 2007

2/28: Time For Their Own Pony Plan?

With major lefty bloggers admitting "leaders of the netroots have not stepped up yet on Iraq," it's worth asking, what are the preferred Iraq solutions of the netroots two traffic leaders, Eschaton's Duncan Black and DailyKos' founder Markos Moulitsas? Atrios is no doubt correct when he writes: "We don't all get to micromanage the Iraq war -- not me, not Joe Klein, not Nancy Pelosi. ... Maybe Pony Plan X is superior to that option, but Pony Plan X generally involves wishing that competent people who wanted to leave Iraq were going to do that in a sensible way. That just isn't really an option." If Atrios prefers the Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) plan to the Rep. Jack Murtha (D-PA) plan, he's posted few suggestions on how to move Dems in that direction. So where does that leave those in the netroots who want to use Dem control of Congress to end the war as soon as possible? What should their strategy be to force Dems to take the necessary action?

IRAQ: The Natives Are Restless

Netroots' frustration over Dem failure to take concrete action on Iraq is growing to the point that primaries are being suggested for all those who don't either support Rep. Jack Murtha's (D-PA) plan or the rewrite of the Authorization for Use of Military Force. Daily Kos' mcjoan finds news from both the House and Senate discouraging, while diarist Big Tent Democratclaims the recent drop in Maj. Leader Harry Reid's (D-NV) Daily Kos approval numbers reflects his "ineffectual" leadership and calls for the House to lead on the issue.

At TPM Cafe, Win Without War head Tom Andrews ("a leading figure of the antiwar movement") tells Greg Sargent "Congressional Dems are at risk of badly botching the public relations battle over Iraq" and must "move more aggressively to confront the Republicans in the political showdown over ending the war." Form Andrews: "There should be a relentless attack. Dems in Congress should be talking relentlessly about the lack of equipment, the lack of training, the multiple deployments, every day. ... Even if you don't have a specific plan yet, you can at least stand up and counterattack against this Republican assault."

Also admitting they have no strategy, MyDD's Matt Stoller writes: "The leaders of the netroots have not stepped up yet on Iraq, and we need to figure out a strategy to do so. We need your help. One of our problems is that we can't find or agree on a bright line to draw, so we can't make good arguments for why members of Congress should be challenged in the electoral realm. We could argue for withdrawal, but even Hillary Clinton has a withdrawal plan, and I have no idea how to trust her. ... What do we get behind?"

Fellow MyDDer Chris Bowers also acknowledges "growing consternation within the progressive netroots about what many consider to be the slow and ineffective steps Democrats in Congress have taken to end the war" and reviews options on how to act moving forward before concluding: "We have to define both what a favorable outcome on Iraq in the Senate would be, and what we will do ourselves to help the Senate Democratic leadership achieve that result. ... Those who straight up oppose Murtha's plan or a rewrite of the AUMF should be targeted in primaries or see a withdrawal of party committee support for re-election. Those who we are certain are not working fast enough or effectively enough should receive the negative messaging and direct activism I described above."

IRAQ II: So Many Options ...

Daily Kos' mcjoan looks at Rep. David Wu (D-OR)/Yale prof. Bruce Ackerman's American Prospectarticle advocating "an overall limit on Iraq war expenditures" as a possible route for Dems to end the war and compares it to the Murtha plan: "The Wu/Ackerman proposal would essentially do the same, but without any of the potentially messy Constitutional complications of Congress telling the President how to conduct a war. ... It would essentially set a date for redeployment--the day the funding runs out. Personally, I'd prefer December 31, 2007, or even March 30, 2008 to September 30 of next year, but the key element is setting a date beyond which no more funding will be available. Wu and Ackerman address this as well, saying that it would be up to Congress to set the funding level and thereby setting the end date."

Fully in favor of the Murtha plan, Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) took to The Huffington Post asking readers to prepare for "the legislative equivalent of the gunfight at the OK Corral." Moran blogs: "The Democratic caucus is a very diverse body. This is a strength for our party, not a weakness. It does, however, make legislating difficult at times, especially given the narrow majority we hold in both the House and Senate. I expect there will be great debate within our caucus over Jack's proposal. But in the end, what he has crafted gives voice to the strong concerns the American people expressed at the polls last November."

Not as enamored with Dem diversity on Iraq, Daily Kos' Kagro X takes on Blue Dog "less-confrontational approach[es] that merely requires the president to affirmatively certify when he orders such a deployment." Kagro writes: "Do the Blue Dogs, whose criticism of the Murtha plan is being led by Reps. Jim Matheson of Utah and Jim Cooper of Tennessee, really think they're onto something here? ... Neither plan stands a chance at being accepted by the "administration," but at least Murtha's had the virtue of actually trying to do something about the president's continued violation of military readiness policy, even if some would consider it much less than necessary."

IRAQ III: Isn't Levin Up In '08?

Conservative bloggers have a new favorite Senate Dem. following Carl Levin's telling the Senate Armed Service Committee: "I think we ought to take action on all fronts including Syria and any other source of weapons coming in, obviously Iran is the focus - but it shouldn't be the sole focus." RedState's Erick Erickson responds: "Folks, did you get that? In addition to admitting we need to keep troops behind in Iraq, Carl Levin now says we need to go after Syria and Iran. ... I'd like to congratulate Carl Levin for undercutting several of the major Democrat talking points and I'd like to thank Senator Levin for calling for military action against Syria as well as Iraq."

MyDD's Matt Stoller also took notice of Levin's comments, posting video and writing: "The video snippet is Levin being frustrated that the military doesn't have a plan to go into Syria. Levin's office is Phone (202) 224-6221. If you have some time and are from Michigan, can you ask him why he doesn't support the Murtha plan to fully equip the troops before deploying them?"

GOP FIELD: Issue Watching Romney

IA's Krusty Konservative highlights features he does and does not like about the WH '08 official websites including:

• John McCain: "What I like: The Undecided Tab - There are only two kinds of voters, committed and uncommitted. This tab makes it easy for those very important uncommitted voters to know where to go to get their dose of straight talk."
• Mitt Romney: "What I like: The Stay Informed - I like how the Romney site posts favorable blog entries on their front page. It's a great way to keep fresh content on their site to keep Romney's committed supports checking in and getting their dose of Mitt. ... What I don't like: Issue Watch - I think he should have called it something else, calling it Issue Watch will not help calm conservatives who worry about his varying stances on social issues."
• Rudy Giuliani: "What I like: Rudy's Record - I think it was wise to emphasis his past accomplishments, not his stance on social issues. ... What I don't like: The lack of an issue section - While I think it's smart to stress his record, you can't ignore the issues facing our country. He needs to be aggressive in defining his positions because if he doesn't his opponents will, which is always bad news."

BROWNBACK: Helping The Cause?

Under the header "Running for McCain's Veep?" The Corner's Kathryn Jean Lopez posts an official Sam Brownback campaign email attacking Mitt Romney on abortion and comments: "On the chance he might be a true-blue latter-day lifer it strikes me as unwise for Brownback - who is running in part to make sure such issues get a hearing, right? - to tear him down so directly and consistently. People would still be thoroughly scrutinizing Romney's record - as we should any candidate - without Brownback pile-on."

After Rich Lowryasserts tearing down Romney is the only shot Brownback has at the nomination, Lopez responds: "I obviously don't disagree - certainly if Brownback wants to win, that's the strategy. But Brownback is not going to be the nominee and so if I were Brownback - who I'm sure genuinely cares about the sanctity of human life - I'd be concerned that I'm trying to kill the guy who might best represent where I'm coming from."

Indicating he's currently in the 'Brownback's not gonna win' camp, The Brody File reports his sources "across the Republican spectrum believe he has no chance. Even Evangelical leaders privately wonder." TBF adds: "The sense is that he simply can't raise enough money like the big boys and he doesn't have that dynamic and strong personality like the other big three."

Back in IA, the Caucus Cooler posts Brownback's "leadership team" and comments: "Showing regional diversity Brownback made pickups in all corners of the state."

GILMORE: To Blog After He Gets To WH

Speaking to a Heritage Foundation sponsored blogger briefing, Jim Gilmore stirred a minor buzz 2/27 promising to be "the first President to maintain a personal blog." Townhall's Matt Lewis explains: "Because it came up in response to a direct question (very late in his briefing to us), it does not appear to be the case of a candidate merely seeking to pander to the blogosphere."

Also at the event, Townhall's Mary Katharine Ham explains the context behind Gilmore's pledge: "He recalled his response to 9/11-- he was governor when the Pentagon was hit. He needed to be in touch with local and regional first-responders, the media and Virginia citizens on a running basis, all day long. He used several press conferences and a TV appearance to do it, but he noted that it would have been helpful to put pertinent information up on a blog that day."

RedState's Rob Bluey notes that before making his blog promise Gilmore first took the time to hit his opponents: "The former RNC chairman also told bloggers that he's the only conservative in the race. He recited a list of reasons why the leading candidates -- Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and Mitt Romney -- are not conservatives. In a swipe at Romney, Gilmore said he hadn't "shifted" in his views. He called Romney a "liberal governor" and "liberal candidate" from Massachusetts. He was equally tough on McCain and Giuliani."

GIULIANI: Moving The Prince Of Darkness To Light

Catching readers up on Laura Ingraham's radio show, The Corner's Kathryn Jean Lopez reports Bob Novack "is changing his view that [Rudy] Giuliani can't be nominated by the Republican party. Novak added though that he does continue to think that Rudy is a "timebomb" when it comes to the personal stuff and cautions that the attacks have not yet begun."

Also at The Corner, Larry Kudlow picks up on New York Sunreports of Giuliani's "party of freedom" themed comments to the Hoover Institution. Kudlow highlights Giuliani's claim that "while Republicans believe that the American economy is 'essentially a private economy,' Democrats 'really believe, honest, that it is essentially a government economy.'"

Also a fan of the Hoover comments Captain's Quarters liked Giuliani's "more libertarian approach for the Republican Party -- free markets and smaller government. ... It's a moderate policy that fits within a conservative vision, which could be a winning combination, especially in attracting moderates and independents." CQ also commented on Rudy's following foreign policy thoughts: "We have to say to the rest of the world, 'America doesn't like war.' America is not a military country. We've never been a militaristic country." CQ comments: "Sounds a bit like "Morning in America" again, an approach that will help garner support for Giuliani among conservatives -- at least on vision."

Completely unpersuaded by the Sun's write up, Bull Dog Pundit at Ankle Biting Pundits writes: "As far as then content of his speech, at this point it's a good idea to stay away from the divisive issue he has with a majority of the Republican primary base on abortion, gay rights, gun laws, etc. There will be plenty of time for that later. He's wise to stress areas of agreement he has with conservatives, which is what he did here."

Also unhappy with the recent "Conservative Rudyfest" NRO's Mark Levin writes: "There is actually very little that's conservative about Giuliani, other than his law-enforcement record. Yes, he made the trains run on time ... ut please, spare us the fiction that he's some great conservative."

MCCAIN: Two Words

Responding to Dick Morris and Eileen McGann's 1,179 word article on John McCain's "Campaign Collapse," Don Surber identifies just two words that explain the entire demise: "McCain-Feingold." Surber explains: "The fundamental difference between McCain 2000 and McCain 2008 is that he put his name on a law that forbids people from speaking out against their congressman within 60 days of an election. ... He is no longer John McCain. He is McCain-Feingold." Instapundit links and adds simply: "I think that's right."

Townhall's Hugh Hewitt argues McCain's problem are deeper than just CFR: "The GOP base has a trust issue with McCain, one that flows from the 2000 campaign, McCain-Feingold, the Gang of 14, the McCain-Kennedy immigration bill, the September 2006 derailing of the Republican end-game strategy." Hewitt goes on to argue that unless McCain starts courting GOPers instead of the "Hardball/Meet The Press audience ... The big three could be the big two by Memorial Day."

ROMNEY: The Boston Globe Had Credibility?

Scott Helman's Boston Globe article on a leaked strategy memo drew little conservative bloggers attention outside of pushback from Pro-Mitt Romney quarters. Townhall's Hugh Hewitt hits "Scott" for only linking to one of the 77 slides of the memo writing: "The paper wants its reporter to be the trusted intermediary of the news, but by filtering the story, the exact opposite effect is achieved: The paper loses credibility rather than gaining reputation for delivering news."

MyManMitt claims the memo came from outside the campaign and "it's doubtful the Governor ever saw it." MMM adds: "Most of this is low-grade stuff that my dog could write. From the pathetic graphics in the deck (OK - I'm a snob when it comes to PPT graphics) my dog probably did write it. In short, congrat Scott Helman.... you bought your guide to the 2007-2008 Fantasy Football season in February."

Also in Romney rumors, Race4'08's Jason says inside talk from Romney's 'finance loop' is that Romney "is breaking almost all of his daily and weekly fund-raising goals. ... The word is, prepare for March 31st."

DEM FIELD: And Then Go See Cubs-Mets At Wrigley

Touting the forum as "an opportunity to use technology to empower regular citizens and grassroots activists to engage, vet and evaluate America's potential leaders, both face-to-face and online" YearlyKos' Gina Cooperinvited all WH '08 Dems to attend a candidate forum 8/4 in Chicago, IL, during the blogging community's 8/2-5 convention. Mcjoandescribes the event as the "best opportunity to evaluate the Democratic field of Presidential candidates, up close and personal."

Yearly Kos '06 speakers included Sens. Harry Reid (D-NV) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA); Gov. Howard Dean, Tom Vilsack, Bill Richardson and Mark Warner; ex-General Wesley Clark. New York Tomes Magazine author Matt Bai, Mcjoan (aka Joan McCarter), and Dr. Jeffrey Feldman will moderate the forum, asking questions submitted in advance "from tens of thousands of blog readers."

DODD: Predating The Constitution

Highlight's from MyDD's Jonathan Singer's just posted Chris Doddinterview from 2/21's Dem forum in Carson City, NV, include:

• Jonathan Singer: Let's start talking about that issue, Restore Habeas. Do you want to talk a little bit about what that's about, what you're trying to get accomplished and why it's so important to you?
• Chris Dodd: It's the rule of law. This even predates the constitution. It's about as fundamental a principle as I can think of. The idea that I can hold you indefinitely without ever telling you what you're being held for, I don't know what anyone's politics may be, but the idea that you tolerate that as an American is something I'd be surprised at.
• Singer: What do you say to address these concerns of people who think he, in their opinion, voted wrong in 2002? What will assure them that that won't happen again in the future as president?
• Dodd: First off, I've said I made a mistake and I wish I could have it back, although I honestly think George Bush was going to go to war with Iraq no matter what we voted on five years ago, too, by the way. ... So I just feel it's time we start redeploying immediately. I'm all for the training mission. I'm all for the border support mission. I'm all for the counter-terrorism missions. But you can do that with a very much smaller number than 135,000 troops we have there. Put some in Afghanistan, they could really use the help, put them in Qatar and Kuwait, if you want to, so you're over the horizon, but get out of these places and let the Iraqis assume this responsibility.

OBAMA: Far Ahead Of The Competition

Writing at techPresident Former RNC eCampaign Director Michael Turk compares the interactive features of both GOP and Dem candidate official websites and declares Barack Obama's effort the clear winner: "The tools are far ahead of anything available on the GOP sites. It pains me to say that, but it's not even close. They're far ahead of anything on the Democrat sites as well. ... Obama allows users to create their own blog, to create events, to fundraise, and to network together. The ability to organize laterally is present in every one of Obama's tools and stands in stark contrast to McCain's top heavy style."

Impressing not just GOPers, Obama continues to get passing grades from netrooters examining his policy record. Complaining that Obama "hasn't used populist or socialistic language" MyDD commenter jallen still concludes: "I want someone who uses a lot of populist messaging, which he doesn't. He usually comes off, to me, as more of a progressive, but it is clear now that he is a social democrat. ... He has a clearer and more consistent history than the others, and I would probably be happy with him as president. I just wish he would talk about it more, but he maybe too cautious."

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Always Bet On The People With Guns

Linking to Richard Dreyfus' Washington Monthlyarticle on the possible non-bloodbath should US forces leave Iraq, Kausfiles warns readers of a "Secret Neocon/Peacenik Convergence of Wishful Thinking." Kaus writes: "Do you get an eerie sensation reading arguments on the left about why there won't be a sectarian bloodbath in Iraq if the U.S. leaves ... Dreyfuss' argument shares the wishful-thinking quality of the pro-war, welcome-us-with-flowers thinking of the Bush administration neocons. ... Sure a majority of Iraqis may be non-sectarian nationalists. But they aren't the people with the guns. The people with the guns seem to be sectarian extremists. If we leave, will they give up their guns? I doubt it."

LEST WE FORGET: Eery Is Definitely The Right Word

Linking to Youtube video The Gap Band's song "You Dropped A Bomb On Me" The Plank's Jonathan Chait thinks he has found THE Barack Obama campaign theme song: "The logic is irresistible. The chorus, which is repeated approximately seven thousand times, sounds like his name--"Baby, you dropped Obama on me." If you hear the song, it makes you think of Obama, over and over again. Plus, of course, the song is really catchy.

Chait continues: "It works thematically as well. Think about it--what are Obama's biggest political liabilities? 1) Perceived as "not black enough." 2) Too weak on national defense. Now watch that video. It's nothing but African-Americans and warplanes dropping bombs! It's eerily on message, almost as if Obama's message team created that video specifically for his campaign."

Posted by Conn Carroll at February 28, 2007 12:37 PM