March 12, 2007

3/12: Moving Voters Vs. Moving Candidates

As the latest blast from the past YouTube (of ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani supporting tax payer funded abortions) circulates through conservative blogging circles, its worth noting the decidedly different tacks progressive and conservative bloggers have taken in approaching WH '08 candidates. For conservative bloggers, its all about digging into their candidates pasts to best identify which of their policy histories best mirrors conservative principles. As the netroots recent victory over Fox News and NV Dems shows, progressives are more interested in seeing which candidate is most responsive to their issues.

For example, Atrios told readers 3/6, he was "trying to stay out of the intra-party primary food fight as much as possible" but would reward "good behavior" when he found it. Using remarkably similar language, DailyKos' founder Markos Moulitsas rewarded John Edwards with a fundraising link as a reward for his "good behavior" in being the first to skip the Fox News debate. Looking forward, we wonder which is the better approach for ensuring a nominee that each movement can be happy with?

NV CAUCUS: Too Hot For TV!

Citing a Fox News Pres. Roger Ailes joke about Pres. Bush confusing Osama and Obama, NV Dem Chair Tom Collins and Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) announced via email that NV Dems were officially cancelling their scheduled WH '08 debate with Fox News. The email did not mention any pressure from blogs or other online sources. Identifying the 'Big Winner' of the debate cancellation, DailyKos' founder Markos Moulitsas painted a broader picture of the forces at work: "the Progressive movement, which came together at all levels -- netroots, grassroots, and even some institutional players."

Kos also declared John Edwards and Bill Richardson as winners for spurning the event, and he branded Barack Obama a 'mild loser' for missing an opportunity to show leadership. More concerned about the reputation of NV Dems, Reno and Its Discontents' Myrna Minx admits "there may be some initial embarrassment and even anger" but also claims "our internal debates will result in a better organized and focused organization-an organization that can run a successful caucus and bring Nevada the kind of attention it deserves."

Comparing Dems to "the pathetic people who go on Jerry Springer-style shows" because "any form of humiliation was worth a little bit of TV exposure," The Huffington Post's Mike Lux suggests "Once again, the progressive movement has saved the Democratic Party from itself." Lux adds: "I don't want to get too cocky here. I know my side of the party makes mistakes too. But I would ask my careful, cautious, conventional wisdom-following friends in the party establishment: pay attention. The times, they are a-changin', and sometimes - a lot of times, actually - the outsiders have it right."

Plenty of conservative bloggers took note of the story, including Townhall's Dean Barnett: "It was a power play. It was one of Markos' well-chosen battles that allowed him to demonstrate his power. Yes, the entire Democratic presidential field looks pathetic for bowing to the irrational wish of a blogger. But it doesn't make the blogger look ridiculous. It makes him look like a king-maker."

CLINTON: Win NH, Or Die?

Only conservative bloggers seemed to care that Hillary Clinton was in NH 3/10. Democracy for NH posts one photo of HRC from the even but offers no further commentary. At deadline,netroots NH stalwart Blue Hampshire has nothing on HRC's visit. On the right Granite Grok links to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) aide Patrick Hynesreport and video from Clinton's "100 Club" dinner speech.

Not in NH, but still tracking developments in the state, MyDD's Jerome Armstrong notes Team Clinton recently added ex-Howard Dean aide Sarah Nolan to the campaign and may land the endorsement of Dem activist Bill Shaheen (also husband to ex-NH Gov. Jeanne Shaheen). Armstrong comments: "That's substantive, as it shows that Clinton is getting the leadership of both the Dean and Kerry '04 operations." Armstrong looks ahead: "Considering that all the rumors say that New Hampshire is likely to jump ahead of Iowa for its primary, Clinton is in a very strong position to begin the nomination on a winning streak."

Bloggers were less impressed with HRC comparisons to JFK. The Huffington Post's John Bohrer quips: "So quit with the comparison, Hillary, unless you want to remind us of Dan Quayle."

EDWARDS: The Decider

Reminding readers he still hasn't made up his mind who he'll support, Kos does link to a John Edwards fundraising appeal "to reward good behavior," specifically Edwards decision to skip the Fox debate. From Edwards Dep. Jonathan Prince's pitch: "Enough is enough. It's time to send a clear message to Fox News and their allies that their right-wing talking points and temper tantrums won't go unchallenged anymore - when it comes to what Democrats should do in the Democratic primary, we'll decide - no matter what they report."

Edwards also received high praise from CaliticsTodd Beeton for not using the Golden State as an ATM on his last visit: "John Edwards came to California last Friday and stayed through Monday when he appeared at UCLA for the latest stop on his college tour. ... The fact that John Edwards is speaking to California voters whose attendance doesn't depend on a 4-figure donation is significant. It says that sure, he's coming here for money but he also cares about the issues regular California voters care about."

OBAMA: No Hope On Foreign Policy?

The Left Coastersoccerdad is no fan of Barack Obama's "nonsense about Iraq" since Obama " has adopted the centrist view that the problem is with the Iraqis." SD adds: "Without a fundamental change in policy towards the Middle East there is no hope for this country. We will be subject to never ending war in the name of Israel and oil. There must be an explicit repudiation of the America's hegemony towards the rest of the world. ... The Democratic leadership wants no change in policy and in fact are just as willing to back this mad extension of the Carter Doctrine for their corporate masters. When it comes to Mid East policy there is little difference in substance between the Repub and the Centerist Democrats."

GIULIANI: YouTube Strikes Again!!!

The latest episode of the YouTube 2008 Wars is making its way across the conservative 'sphere, this time in the form of an '89 clip showing Rudy Giuliani supporting tax payer funded abortions. The Right Angle's Matt Naugle blogs: "I don't see how social conservatives could end up ignoring Rudy's liberal tendencies. And clearly, no candidate is safe from the anonymous youtube monsters."

ROMNEY: Just Because The Times Said It, Doesn't Necessarily Mean Its False

Townhall's Hugh Hewitt reminds readers that the New York Times' David Kilpatrick called Hewitt 2/28 fishing for negative info for Kilpatrick's 3/11 article on Mitt Romney's use of foundation "to influence his image on the right." Hewitt comments: "Today's article does not mention the call or my post about it. How many other groups and individuals did Mr. Kilpatrick call and ask if Romney had "spread cash around" in their direction, to quote Mr. Kilpatrick from our call, only to be told "absolutely not?" Would it matter if Mr. Kilpatrick had been fed a dozen rumors from anti-Romney activists and called each of them only to be told in no uncertain terms that no such payments had occurred? This is why MSM loses credibility every day with the center-right: An MSMer starts with a thesis and meticulously compiles all the evidence that supports it and leaves off with all the stuff that doesn't."

Hewitt's recounting of Kilpatirck's tactics seemed to soften Romney-doubter Bull Dog Pundit's take on the piece: "However, just because the source is tainted doesn't mean the information is bad, or that the implication isn't true. One thing is certain, this information isn't going to help Romney, whose main weakness thus far has been his seeming opportunistic positions on social issues depending on the time and place he's asked the questions."

Speaking of anti-Romney activists, under the header "Bay Staters vs Romney" Andrew Sullivan breathlessly links to MassRepublicansForTruth which describes themselves as "a federal political action committee comprised of local activists around the United States." The site includes links to the virulently anti-gay group MassResistance.

THOMPSON: Cone On In

Fred Thompson's non-WH '08 announcement on Fox News 3/11 received a moderately warm reaction:

• Townhall's Dean Barnett: "Let me offer the following as an unequivocal Mitt Romney supporter: I think it would be great if Fred Thompson got in the presidential race. He would be a wonderful candidate, and would strengthen what I think is already a pretty strong Republican field.
• RedState's Mark Kilmer: "but where does he stand on the issues? The portion of the transcript with his answers to Wallace's "lightning round" questions is below the fold, but it looks pretty good. He gives some specifics and explanations, and others would have to come, but some conservatives might be about to find their man for 2008."
• Captain's Quarters: "Thompson also had no trouble talking policy, even if some of the current crop of candidates have had some reservations about stating their positions in clear terms. On abortion, Thompson declared himself pro-life, and he also opposes gun control, two issues with which Republicans have issues with the current front-runner, Rudy Giuliani. He opposes comprehensive immigration reform as it is currently understood; he wants border enforcement first before any other considerations. ... If anyone has contact information for Senator Thompson, I'd love to get it."

PROSECUTOR PURGE: Where There's Smoke...

While they are sure AG Albert Gonzalez's involvement in the recent firings of eight U.S. Attorneys is "almost the definition of what impeachment is truly intended," the netroots are still asking themselves what actual statutes Gonzalez may have violated. Talking Points Memo's Josh Marshall hopes Dems investigate the firing of San Diego AUSA Carol Lam, who successfully convicted ex-Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-CA) of corruption. Marshall argues a Dem investigation should reveal that Lam was fired because her further investigations were about to focus on Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA) and and Bush Administration dealings with the CIA.

Following Paul Krugman's lead, Daily Kos' Kagro X ties the attorney firings into a larger picture of DOJ wrongdoing including misuse of NSA security letters and redistricting in TX. MyDD's Jonathan Singer asks the House Jud. Cmt. to begin impeachment hearings on Gonzalez now arguing: "such a move would both begin to ensure that there is some accountability for the actions of this administration -- accountability that has been sorely lacking due to President Bush's reticence to fire his incompetent personnel -- and it would put Republicans on the record as defending someone whose actions have undermined the Constitution."

Also pushing for impeachment:

• Down with Tyrnany: "But what I don't understand is why the Democratic majorities in Congress haven't moved to begin impeachment proceedings. Maybe someone can explain that to me. ... I know I heard Arlen Specter (R-PA) hinting at it the other day. But the Democrats are in the majority and it's their duty to move on this."
• The Left Coaster: "I will repeat what I said last week: how long will it take for Patrick Leahy to subpoena Gonzales and drag his lying ass in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee to explain under oath the lies he has already told? ... It's well past time for the Democrats to wipe the sleep from their naive eyes and publicly call this for what it is.
• The Carpetbagger Report: "
• Daily Kos' mcjoan: "By all means, Bush should force Gonzales's resignation. That is not about to happen, so this Congress must be prepared to impeach this Attorney General."

IRAQ: Losing This Battle To End The War?

Iraq is causing just as much division for the netroots as it is for congressional Dems. MyDD's Chris Bowers and Matt Stoller are both unhappy with the the compromise legislation that Dems are currently pushing through the House (they are slightly more satisfied with the Sen. Dem proposal), but both claim the Dem bills are strong enough to force Pres. Bush to take unpalatable actions that will hurt him politically:

• Bowers: "The progressive opposition might have helped improve the bill somewhat, even though it is still clearly not what we looked for, hoped for, and fought for these past years. However, it does contain enough provisions that will force Bush into operating the war illegally if he refuses to begin drawing it down over the next year or so."
• Stoller: "The point here is to get to Bush saying flat-out that he will not obey the law, and will not obey Congressional authority. ... The point of this Iraq debate is not to get the perfect bill, or even a good bill. It's to get any bill that restricts Bush and helps move us closer to ending the war. Because that will bring the public into the fight, and keep in mind, the public hates George Bush, and the public hates this war."

On the the other hand, Daily Kos' mcjoan and Talk Left's Big Tent Democrat label the latest House bill just more "kabuki" and argue that progressives are better off making the principled case for fully funded withdrawal and then taking that message to the public. BTD blogs: "First, no, not defund the government, defund the Iraq Debacle. If the Republicans choose to shut down government in order to force the continuation of the Iraq Debacle, do not give in. Fight the political fight. We'll win." Mcjoan, House Dems: "It seems they are also determined to lose this round on political terms. If they can't make policy, they should at least be making the effort to make a statement."

IRAQ II: Is That A Magic Wand In Your Pocket, Or Are YouTube Just Happy To See Me?

David Sirota correctly notes "the blogosphere is abuzz" about video of Rep. David Obey (D-WI) telling "antiwar activists" outside his Rayburn office, "We don't have the votes...do you see a magic wand in my pocket...how the hell are we going to get the votes for it."

Sirota, however, argues that the video does not help the anti-war effort as much as its posters think it does: "I'm going to say a few things here that some of my readers aren't going to like - some things that I've been pondering as I am writing my new book. But it's important at times to look at ourselves and our movement critically if we are to continue advancing. Here's the deal folks: There are some "idiot liberals" out there, and this episode actually highlights that reality."

More Sirota: "berating one of the antiwar movement's longtime leaders and then trying to mount his head on the virtual YouTube wall over a debate about the best WAY to end the war suggests that the antiwar movement fundamentally does not understand the very power structure it is trying to influence. ... The idea that Jack Murtha - the guy who voted for the war, the guy who was one of the most outspoken pro-war Democrats, the guy who has never seen a defense bill he didn't try to increase - is now an antiwar saint beyond reproach, but Dave Obey is some sort of pro-war villain is so fundamentally absurd it suggests that at least some who liken themselves as progressive movement leaders really are "idiot liberals" because they have positively no idea how the hell basic movement building or power works.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: The First Step Is Admitting You Have A Problem

Noting that Harris poll tracking on liberal vs. conservative self identification has been steady for decades, The Washington Monthly's Kevin Drum writes: "Ronald Reagan made conservatism slightly more popular and Clinton made it slightly less, but the changes have been modest and today we're in almost precisely the same spot as we were in 1976. What's more, the fact that this supposedly conservative country continues to favor operational liberalism hasn't changed much either. Apparently we just don't like to admit it."

LEST WE FORGET: Pooling Your Madness

The Bivings Report's Erin Teeling ranks the best websites for hosting online office pools, based on: Ease of registration; Interface; Customization options (i.e. rules and features); Flexibility (having multiple brackets and groups); Extra features (message boards and updates); Prizes. (because some people like to play for more than bragging rights):

• 1. MSN/Fox Sports College Bracket Challenge - Easy to use interface with different tabs for group standings and your own personal bracket.
• 2. Yahoo Tournament Pick'em '07 - Probably the best bracket display of any of the systems.
• 3. CBS Sportsline Bracket Challenge - This was the only website I found that allows you to customize the points system for your bracket.
• 4. Facebook Men's Basketball Tournament 2007 - Great message board system.
• 5. ESPN Tournament Challenge - I can't even judge this year's system because I can't get past the registration page, which seems to be broken.

Posted by Conn Carroll at March 12, 2007 12:41 PM