Debbie Wasserman Schultz: ‘There Aren’t Going To Be Any Repercussions’ If Walker Wins In Wisconsin'

[WillyT]

DNC Chair: ‘There Aren’t Going To Be Any Repercussions’ If Walker Wins In Wisconsin
KYLE LEIGHTON - TPM
MAY 25, 2012, 5:23 PM



<snip>

Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has said Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s “attacks on workers’ and women’s rights are the definition of a fireable offense” and that recalling him would “<send> a powerful message to the far-right extremists.” But on Friday she downplayed expectations for her party if Walker stays in office. In an interview Friday, Wasserman Schultz said “there aren’t going to be any repercussions,” nationally if Wisconsin voters decide to stick with Walker.

The interview, taped for C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” and reported by the Washington Post, is set to air Sunday.

Wasserman Schultz made an effort to keep the national presidential race separate from the Wisconsin race, which is set to be decided in under two weeks. And there’s a reason for that — Walker has an enormous cash advantage, and has led Democratic challenger Tom Barrett in polls for more than a month, even in surveys commissioned by Democrats.

“It’s an election that’s based in Wisconsin. It’s an election that I think is important nationally because Scott Walker is an example of how extreme the tea party has been when it comes to the policies that they have pushed the Republicans to adopt,” Wasserman Schultz said. “But I think it’ll be, at the end of the day, a Wisconsin-based election, and like I said, across the rest of the country and including in Wisconsin, President Obama is ahead.”

Democrats involved in the recall effort have been frustrated by the lack of support from the DNC, despite the late fundraising push. A party official in Wisconsin told the Washington Post that while the DNC has said the right things, they haven’t provided the financial support state forces had expected.

<snip>

More: http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/05/wisconsin-recall-protests-scott-walker-dnc-wasserman-schultz.php

WaPo: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/wisconsin-recall-dncs-debbie-wasserman-schultz-sees-no-national-impact-if-democrats-lose/2012/05/25/gJQAVJ8KqU_blog.html

[3waygeek]

1. WTF?

If Walker isn't recalled, the teabaggers' power will only increase.

[SunsetDreams]

39. Context is everything: here is her ENTIRE video Interview

http://www.c-span.org/Events/Newsmakers-with-Rep-Debbie-Wasserman-Schultz/10737430971/

The interview is 32:11 long. The particular spot that is relevant to these articles starts at 12:53.

I tend to not like short quotes. It leaves too much context out.

The Reporter asked "What do you believe the repercussions would be for Democrats if they end up losing in the recall election?"

[spanone]

103. +1000

[bigdarryl]

127. Get her THE FUCK out of that position

Shes to damn soft how can she make a a
stupid statement like that

[senseandsensibility]

2. But really, what do you expect her to say?

If we lose... it's over? I think she needs to contribute more, do more, etc. Not happy with her at all. She should be piling money on this race. We're in agreement there.

[KharmaTrain]

11. She's Spread Too Thin...

The DNC is primarily concerned with the 435 (actually more like 100 competitive) House races and 15 or so tough Senate races...the resources have to go around and last until November. Generally it's not a DNC function to deal with a governor's race and as been posted here often the DNC and OFA are busy with the GOTV effort.

If the folks in Wisconsin don't know the stakes in this election and re-elect that scumbag, they get what they deserve. And, no, the world will continue to spin and there are a lot of other races out there to work on and win.

[sabrina 1]

18. Debbie doesn't like to attack Republicans, she prefers to get along with them.

No surprise she would not be standing firm with Wisconsin Dems. considering her history when it comes to fighting Republicans.

She is at best, extremely misguided and should be removed from this position. This is a time when Democrats need a real fighter. The Republicans are fighting hard to win this election and the people of Wisconsin have put up a heroic fight to get to this point. She has done nothing to help them, while the RNC is fully backing Walker with all their resources.

If Dems lose, her reputation will definitely suffer badly, so she might want to listen to the Wisc Dems who are in a far better position to know how important this race is, along with Rachel Maddow who might be a better choice for that position.

Sometimes I really wonder about Debbie, is she just clueless, or is it something else? To actually think you do not have to FIGHT to WIN! Unbelievable.

[tcaudilllg]

31. Good point! Someone start a petition!

We need to see her eat her words!

[sabrina 1]

59. There is a petition which had over 100,000 signatures more than a week ago. I think that might

be why the DNC finally woke up and offered some help to Wisc Dems. Along with all the negative articles, even in the MSM, asking why the DNC was not backing the Dem Candidate in Wisc. Even Cher, a supporter of Wasserman tweeted her last week, saying if she did not get involved, she would lose respect for her. Seems to be working, but we should not have to work so hard to get the party leadership to support Democrats in a race as important as this.

[DMNinFL]

45. REALLY??????

>Debbie doesn't like to attack Republicans, she prefers to get along with them.

Wow! Tell that to West!

Do you have any good links to back up the statement you made.

Thanks.

[sabrina 1]

64. Yes, she's been attacking them lately. As for West, you would need to be insane to NOT

attack that moron.

But her history is not one of fighting to help good Democrats when the opportunity arises and she has angered local Democrats for her actions in a race where really, there should have been no need to even think about it.

Here, DUer Seafan provided some background on why she is not too popular with other Dems:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=post&forum=439&topic_id=2484057&mesg_id=2484151

What was she thinking here? The actions she took drove out a good candidate, who had a good chance of defeating a seriously flawed Republican in a fairly evenly divided dist. But Wasserman pushed a very flawed and unpopular Democrat into the race, for what purpose?

Sorry there have been too many times when her decisions have seriously questionable regarding helping Democrats win.

[SunsetDreams]

47. "She has done nothing to help them" Please watch the FULL Video

http://www.c-span.org/Events/Newsmakers-with-Rep-Debbie-Wasserman-Schultz/10737430971/

The relevant part to this OP starts at 12:53.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

104. Yea, well, what do you say to those who say "She hasn't done enough lately to help them"?

Change the subject?

Say or imply that the labor union leaders and others are saying that "She has done nothing to help them"?

Refer to a video which doesn't establish that she sent the $500K requested by Barrett after the primary to Barrett?

The DNC has money. At least some of the Democrats who voted for Barrett's competitors in the Democratic primary haven't decided to turn out for Barrett. Barrett needs money. He specificially asked for money. And it is somehow adequate to send emails for fund-raising instead of sending the needed cash?

Then, on top of that, have DNC supporters criticize union leaders and others who have pointed out that the DNC has not sent the cash which they are sitting on?

[KharmaTrain]

50. Much Of The Money Has Come From SuperPacs...

The RNC (which is headed by a Wisconsite...Reinhold Preibus) is a small player compared to all the big money SuperPacs...the Kochs in particular, who are saturating the airwaves. Walker's own PAC also has drawn in a lot of wingnut money.

The problem is Democrats aren't spending anywhere near what the rushpublicans are this year. Every day we hear of yet another billionaire whose ready to throw several million to a SuperPac that Democratic groups haven't and aren't set up to counter. If there was ever a need to demonstrate people power this is the time and place. The only way to counteract the big money is to organize and get out the vote. It's not something that shows up in any polls until election day and is the Democrats best and only hope here.

It's easy to point fingers of blame if things don't go your way but the bottom line here is its the people of Wisconsin and the union movement that have the most at stake here and a loss in this re-call (including not retaking the state Senate) should fall on their shoulders. But right now there's still an election to fight and win...I'll look for scapegoats later...

[cstanleytech]

67. I think most of us would like to get along with them

but the problem is their policies and opinions make alot of us want to vomit.

[Katashi_itto]

19. Totally agree. WI gets what it deserves, I feel sorry for our people, but then its how it is.

Course I think you wont have an operating Democratic Party in WI after this. But if DNC wants to play it that way it's on their heads too.

[tcaudilllg]

28. It means heads are gonna roll in Wisconsin Dem circles.

The Dem party is only a front for the natural alliance of people who have disdain for the far right. On the other hand, that also means accommodating the center, which is what the function of the organization should be (not in yielding to it, but in contesting its state).

[calimary]

60. It means we need HOWARD DEAN back.

Somebody who actually goes OUT THERE to the far corners, PERSONALLY, and reaches out. And believes the fight is in all 50 states. Look what happened on his watch in 2006 and 2008.

I was originally pleased with Debbie Wasserman Schultz as the choice to head the DNC, but she's been a horrific disappointment. Just another Terry McAuliffe. USELESS. "Oh he's SUCH a GOOD fundraiser!" I heard over and over again from friends at my kids' school who were fairly well connected in Democratic circles. He did NOTHING. Didn't matter how much money he supposedly helped raise. It did NOTHING. You have to do a lot more than fundraise. You have to REACH OUT. You have to be forceful and focused and willing to fight. She's done NOTHING. She had no aggressive media outreach that pushed its way onto "Meet the Press" or "Face the Nation" or any of those others. Instead we've had Sunday after Sunday after Sunday after Sunday where there were entire panels of guests who were GOP or CON-slanted. NO Dems. I guess she's just another one of those naifs who believe that "the people will KNOW!" "The people will SEE what's happening and they'll get it." WELL THEY DON'T.

They simply DON'T. Especially when there's this carpet-bombing barrage of negativity in the media coming our way around-the-clock, and everyone on our side just naively thinks the American people will just somehow magically "see" or "get it. "That's over-estimating the electorate by about 5 billion lightyears. It's very disappointing.

And AGAIN she's got her head up her ass. Saying this means nothing??????? I am just amazed. With that attitude, then yeah, we're gonna lose Wisconsin. And that will be a HUGE shot in the arm for the bad guys who'll say, all over the country, with their around-the-clock media messaging - "see? We can go ahead with this agenda! The voters approve! See? We CAN screw the unions. We CAN screw the Democratic fundraising power base! We CAN screw the workers. We CAN screw the women! What do we care if they fuss and protest? They don't VOTE. They don't bother. They're apathetic. They give up really quickly. They get despondent and we can use that and exploit it! And pretty soon our beloved kkkarl rove WILL INDEED have his permanent republi-CON majority that he's been designing and working toward for more than two decades. And even the demographics - more women and minorities - won't make any difference because WE've got the money and WE've got the power, and WE've got the infrastructure in place, and they have NOTHING. AND they have no money.

And all of us wind up having no America anymore, either. Not the America we grew up believing in, that the words all tell us is true, that the words on the Statue of Liberty said were true, that the words in the Constitution and other founding documents said were true, that the reforms and advances and benefits we fought so hard for - are all rolled back, and that the American mindset of democracy and liberty and justice for all will shrivel into some sort of hybrid neo-feudalistic oligarchy where it's "of the corporations, by the corporations, and for the corporations" and the so-called "American Dream" is attainable for a few thousand of the have's and have-more's, while a few hundred million of the have-nots just get tossed by the wayside. Think I'm overstating it???? Obviously Debbie does.

Debbie does - something or other. Disappointment for one thing.

[sendero]

86. You could say this..

... ""Oh he's SUCH a GOOD fundraiser!" I heard over and over again from friends at my kids' school who were fairly well connected in Democratic circles. He did NOTHING. Didn't matter how much money he supposedly helped raise. It did NOTHING. You have to do a lot more than fundraise. You have to REACH OUT. You have to be forceful and focused and willing to fight. She's done NOTHING. "

You could say this about 98% of Democrats over the last 15-20 years. Sometimes I think the whole party has been infiltrated.

[calimary]

108. Yeah, no kidding, sendero.

It's really discouraging. They fight like they really don't want to win all that badly. Or like they really just don't get who and what they're up against. Either way, heads in the clouds, or buried in the sand.

SO damn discouraging.

[WillyT]

110. Yep... Cenk Of TYT Fame Describes The Democrats As...

the Washington Generals to the Republican's Harlem Globetrotters (Ironic I know)...

The Dems are there so it looks like a game, but it's a game designed for them to lose.

And there ARE days...



to you and Sendero!!!

[WillyT]

109. + 1,000,000,000... What You Said !!!

[WillyT]

30. Rachel Madow Agrees With You...

Link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002729043

[shcrane71]

123. I saw Maddow speak in Milwaukee

It's EXTREMELY important for Dems to be able to recall Walker in a blue state. Any American that is concerned about fair wages, living wages, fairness, the environment, keeping corruption out of our political system... just any American that believes democracy should be closely watching Wisconsin's election. If Walker doesn't get recalled, it's proof positive that elections can and are being purchased.

[muriel_volestrangler]

33. If they got a win now in Wisconsin, it'd help in November

'Momentum' isn't just a bad slogan for Joe Lieberman; it's an actual part of politics. There's one election in June that will have high visibility throughout the country; to think that if a Republican in favour of extreme austerity wins it, there won't be repercussions for the congressional and presidential elections, which are all about austerity budgets too, just looks dumb. Dubya-level dumb. Palin-level dumb.

[KharmaTrain]

43. Flavor Of The Moment...

I don't downplay that a loss in Wisconsin will be a big letdown, but we're still 6 months out from November and a lot of "momentum" is still to come. Maybe, just maybe a loss in Wisconsin will give a jolt to people in other states...especially Michigan, Indiana and Ohio who are in similar messes. But I doubt a loss in Wisconsin will have any effect in the Massetchussets Senate race or and other big races that will determine who controls the House and Senate. Those races have far more ramifications than a state election.

The key to winning in Wisconsin has been and still is GOTV and the ground game. Over 1,000,000 people signed petitions for this recall and you would think that if a large majority of these people show up Walker will be history. The people in that state have endured 18 months of this political circus and if they don't understand what the consequences are in their own lives and vote to retain this shitbag, there's little the DNC or anyone can do about it.

[muriel_volestrangler]

79. Over 1.1 million voted for Walker in 2010

http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/percent%20results%20post%20recount_120710.pdf

It would be folly to assume that a significant proportion of those who signed the petition voted for him in 2010. Yes, GOTV and the ground game are key; but I can't see that DWS's nonchalance is going to help that.

I think a Democratic loss in Wisconsin will embolden the Koch Bros. and other billionaires to pour in more money, because they'll see that money still wins partisan contests. They don't like spending money in a losing cause; but they love having elected politicians in their pocket.

[KharmaTrain]

84. 40% Of Union Households Voted For Walker in 2010...

There is a BIG problem...far beyond what the DNC can do anything about. Unions are under attack here more than any other group and have their own survival on the line here. I was up north of the "chedar curtain" last year to help circulate petitions for the first round of State Senate recalls and have donated to several campaigns (personal difficulties keep me from going up and being on the ground). I saw a lot of very dedicated people who have been working endlessly to stop the damage but it hasn't been easy.

Again...this game is up to Wisconsin. There's a large ground game that's been in place for some time. The more I read here the more I'm seeing people looking for cover and scapegoats. We'll soon learn how unlimited spending affects elections and my hopes are people get so tired of being baraged that it will have a blowback on those who spend the most money...but to date that hasn't been the case. Maybe Wisconsin will surprise us all...

[calimary]

70. It's not even so much what we'd expect her to say. It's what we expected her to DO.

And she's been a TOTAL disappointment. Utterly useless. Can we throw her out, early, if Wisconsin goes down? Or are we stuck with her through the end of her DNC term?

[Hotler]

129. We will fight tooth and nail to bring this man down....

that's what I expect her to say, not roll over like Obama. Remember Wall ST. did nothing wrong.

[trumad]

3. Jesus Debbie...

Sometimes I think the moose in your hair sinks into your brain.

[goclark]

10. I always thought she was great

Now I am beginning to wonder.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

20. She's as great as Harold Ford, Jr, the last chairman of the now-defunct DLC

[lark]

34. Not so much

In a sane world, she'd be considered a moderate. Dems are such sheep, the party makes me sick - just not as sick as Repugs do. There are a few truly progressive people in congress, but they are few and far between. Most are bought and sold members of the 1% - including her. If Dems were real, they'd be pouring money into this fight for the working class, but again the majority are not much better than Repugs, just not nearly as batshit crazy.

[HangOnKids]

63. That is mousse not moose no foul though

Personally I think she has Bat Shit in her hair.

[Honeycombe8]

90. Two things: "Jesus"....really? You say that to a Jewish person? And "moose"? As in Bullwinkle? nt

[trumad]

95. LOL---sorry

[WillyT]

98. Jesus Honeycombe8... Really... REALLY ???

[dkf]

4. It's a Presidential year and Romney is raising more $ than expected.

So I understand why they aren't throwing too much at it.

I don't understand what happened to boost Walker. Why is he ahead? Is it just advertising?

[bbgrunt]

5. disgusting.

[Scuba]

6. I'm a little less impressed every time she speaks.

[lonestarnot]

7. Motherfucking A.

[DJ13]

8. The DNC will never beat the GOP as long as they cave in on local elections

You have to erect a firewall at the local and state level to prevent the GOP from controlling elections that have national importance.

The GOP's big advantage is they think long term, first seizing power in local areas, then moving on to state governments, and the only way to counter them is to act like you're facing the Borg from Star Trek.

Conceding "mere" state elections is the same failed strategy that allowed the GOP to succeed to national dominance after Reagan was elected.

The DNC might as well just roll over and let the GOP take what ever they want.

[WillyT]

9. + 1,000,000,000... What You Said !!!

Can we get Howard Dean back ??? Please ???

[muriel_volestrangler]

40. He gets it: "Howard Dean's PAC says it's 'all in' for recall, focusing on Dane County"

Progressive advocacy organization Democracy for America says it is all-in for Tom Barrett in the June 5 recall targeting Gov. Scott Walker.

The political action committee founded by former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean issued a statement Tuesday saying its members plan to knock on 80,000 doors and make 100,000 calls over the next two weeks.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/howard-dean-s-pac-says-it-s-all-in-for/article_63a0cf96-a41d-11e1-a659-001a4bcf887a.html

[WillyT]

61. Thank You For That !!!

[calimary]

71. AMEN!

You'd think they'd have observed closely what success looked like in 2006 and 2008 on Howard Dean's watch. We took back the House in 2006 and we took back the White House in 2008. On HIS watch. You'd think they'd see what the template for success was. And how you never concede anything, any city, any town, any state, even those that look red. You don't JUST focus on the so-called "battleground states." Screw that. You go EVERYWHERE you can! You don't "keep your powder dry" for some imaginary future date when you'll really need it - because DAMMIT, you need it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Just so frustrating and infuriating.

DAMMIT, debbie. Sorry - you just lost your capital letters in my book. I only capitalize proper names of people and organizations that are worthy of respect. Which is why romney, santorum, gingrich, reince priebus, scott walker, donald trump, sarah palin, dubya, cheney, the republi-CON party, and all the rest of 'em will always be spelled (by me anyway) with lower case letters.

[Tennessee Gal]

27. You are exactly right. The DNC has never learned this lesson.

I don't understand their logic or lack thereof.

[ladjf]

42. The DNC might not be on our side. nt

[AnotherMcIntosh]

52. Absolutely!

[SunsetDreams]

54. Oh BS!

To say that "the Democratic National Committee might not be on the Democratic Side" is BS!

Tell me if my translation of your statement is not correct in any way. Who's side would they be on? There are many races nationwide that the DNC gets involved in, and shell out money in order to do so. That money comes from donations, and statements like yours can hinder those donations.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

106. Whose side? It may be the side of the anti-union, wage lowering, "free-trade" agreements.

One is in the works.

Although the MSM is not giving a great deal of attention to it, the DNC is undoubtedly aware of it.

[woo me with science]

74. Follow the $$$$$$

This is a systemic problem. None of this will change until we get the corporate money out of both parties.

[lark]

38. Duh, that's a big part of the strategy

Try to appear different than Repugs, but let them have their way every time on bills that matter to working folks, because they don't care about us. While they are indifferent, the Repugs are totally committed to the failure and demise of the working class. Sickening.

[RBInMaine]

46. Nobody is caving, so can you just stop the nonsense.

[radhika]

57. If the Democratic Party can't be effective in Wisconsin, where can they succeed?

The highest profile protests in the nation, solid citizen efforts, the Green Bay Packers, a state legacy of unionism and grassroots discipline doing all the right steps over 12 months.

If the Democratic Party can't light a fire with all this fuel, it is grossly ineffective. Or worse. They just don't care. The big bucks donors are fine with unions going down. Obama clearly is not giving it much attention. And neither Obama nor the DNC wants to support a race that may lose.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

105. There is another "free-trade" (ie, lowest-wage) agreement in the works. Could it be that

those in the DNC do not believe that a Democratic victory in a state over a union issue would be in their best interests?

Is this the reason or one reason why the DNC has not made an effort to send the post-primary requested $500K?

If the union-supporting Democrats in Wisconsin win, this will be a factor when Senators in all 50 states decide whether to support the latest lowest-wage agreement.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

77. I am all for a Dean-esque 50-state strategy

but it's liable to help elect a few "Blue Dogs" and I thought that we don't like them here at DU, right? I mean, a whole lot of them got wiped out in 2010 and DU (mostly) bade them "good riddance" but look how great things are now in Congress now?

[ProfessionalLeftist]

12. Jesus Christmas

what a stupid, short-sighted, ignorant stance to take on this.

[99Forever]

13. Giving credence once again...

.. that on the national level, Democrats are indeed "surrender monkeys."



What does it take to get through to these tone deaf fools?

[AnotherMcIntosh]

21. Money

Unfortunately, no matter how much we collectively give them, the super-rich and their lobbyists can give them more.

[K8-EEE]

14. I don't think it's that bad. I hate to say it but there IS a chance he will win

She can't just say "If Walker wins the Dems are done!" I mean what is the correct answer?

[EFerrari]

26. The correct answer is "Go out and beat Walker". n/t

[ladym55]

15. Really??

That's why the Republicans are "all in." That's why Karl Rove is all over this. That's why Bobby Jindral and Nikki Haley are barnstorming Wisconsin with Scotty. That's why Scotty has had $25 million thrown his way.

The Dems dropped the ball between 2008 and 2010, leaving the door wide open for the Tea Party Rethuglicans to gain power in state houses all across the country. With them in power, it is harder to vote and harder for Obama to get the votes he needs for re-election. Rethugs have redistricted themselves safe house districts and filled the seats with right-wing morons. Women's health care and paychecks are under assault. Public education and public services are hurting. And all of this nightmare has just been since 2010.

We need to be all in for Wisconsin. Just this morning M$M talking heads were all about how Scotty would be a serious presidential contender in 2016 if he survives the recall.

Sure, Debbie, this is "just" a state matter.

[PufPuf23]

16. Ms. Wasserman Schultz is clueless if she does not think that the

WI recall is a bellweather for Fall 2012.

That attitude by the DNC is the primary reason for the Democratic Party fail in 2010 midterms.

[tcaudilllg]

24. Ever since Dean left, our fortunes have suffered.

We need someone of similar temperament to Dean.

[PufPuf23]

96. Agree - I don't get DNC stategy nt

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

17. I like her a lot but I think she's dead wrong here

In fact, her statement gives me a sick feeling inside.

[Lifelong Protester]

22. For whom??

[tcaudilllg]

23. What an idiot.

How the hell the hell did she become head of the DNC?

[AnotherMcIntosh]

25. Barrett requested a mere $500K after winning the primary, and now some are repeating

the false and misleading statement that the DNC has given $1.4 million to him.

Even after it has been repeatedly pointed out to them that the $1.4 million (if true) was apparently only given prior to the Democratic primary, and the DNC has used ambigous language that it "has given $1.4 million during the election cycle," there are those who insist upon repeating the falsehood.

[AtomicKitten]

36. The DNC DID give WI $1.4 million for the recall effort.

That's a fact. I have provided the link to WI State Sen Jon Erpenbach saying so here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view _post&forum=1251&pid=40512 so you are in essence accusing Jon Erpenbach of lying. Also the DNC is continuing to raise money and it's going directly to the campaign; that's also a fact: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/23/scott-walker-recall-dnc-tom-barrett_n_1541148.html In addition, Organizing for America has their 60 WI offices and personnel working hard on the GOTV effort.

Yet again an unnamed source whines and those inclined to believe what they want glom on to it as gospel truth. Some of those here seem intent on setting up a fall guy - Obama and/or the DNC- by stretching the truth to the point of making shit up and pining away for the former DNC chair. Well knock yourselves out. We expect nothing less (or else) from some here; it's rinse and repeat ad nauseam.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

51. You've provided a perfect example. Thank you.

The claim is that after Barrett won the Democratic primary, he needed and requested $500K from the DNC.

Apparently no one can establish that after Barrett won the Democratic primary and made that request, the DNC provided the requested $500K or any other amount.

Also apparently, no one can establish that Senator Erpenbach stated that after Barrett won the Democratic primary and made that request, the DNC provided the requested $500K or any other amount.

In addition, the fact that "Organizing for America has their 60 WI offices and personnel working hard on the GOTV effort" does not establish that after Barrett won the Democratic primary and made that request, the DNC provided the requested $500K or any other amount.

If the DNC had provided the requested $500K or any other amount after Barrett won the Democratic primary and made that request, it would be unnecessary for anyone to change the subject and claim that the DNC otherwise provided funds during the election cycle which obviously includes the time period before Barrett won the Democratic primary.

[AtomicKitten]

55. Barrett *IS* the Democratic campaign in Wisconsin.

The Democratic nominee was determined - now listen up here - AFTER the primary. My second link PROVES all money raised by the DNC is going directly to Barrett's campaign as the Democratic nominee.

You best get back to work.
Shit's not going to stir itself.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

68. No. Barrett is the Democratic candidate for the governorship. Barrett is not the Democratic campaign

The Democratic nominee was determined by the Democratic primary, not "AFTER the primary."

The text found with your second link speaks for itself and does not prove that "all money raised by the DNC is going directly to Barrett's campaign as the Democratic nominee."

The text found with your second link indicates that instead of sending the requested $500K to Barrett, the DNC (1) sent out emails and, on May 23rd, phoned Barrett and (2) pledged to host a fundraiser and provide grassroots support. That is obviously not a transmission of money to Barrett's campaign headquarters. Barrett's campagn staff cannot take such talk of emails and pledges to the bank to help finance air time and newspaper space in a timely manner. Without the requested funds in a timely manner, Barrett may not be able to sufficiently reach out to those who voted for his Democratic rivals as well as those who may believe that their vote is unnecessary.

Does the DNC not have $500K in their coffers? (That's a rhetorical question. No answer is requested.)

[AtomicKitten]

87. yet again you've misrepresented the facts --

From the link I provided:

- snip

The Democratic National Committee is fundraising directly for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin in an effort to aid Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D) in the upcoming gubernatorial election against Gov. Scott Walker (R).

"Choices don't get clearer than this," read the email sent Wednesday evening by the DNC chair, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.). "Winning in Wisconsin sends a powerful message to the far-right extremists, and it starts to roll back their worst offenses. To build our organization and make it happen, Democrats need to come together to turn out hundreds of thousands of voters -- and we all have a part to play."

What's notable about this fundraising appeal is that the money will go directly to Wisconsin Democrats, rather than to the DNC. Other national organizations -- including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee -- have sent out solicitations related to the recall, but the money has not directly gone to Wisconsin entities.

A Democratic party official told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Wednesday's fundraising email was being sent to "millions" of people.

- snip

nominee vs. candidate:

In the context of elections for public office in a representational partisan democracy, a candidate who has been selected by a political party is normally said to be the nominee of that party. The party's selection (that is, the nomination) is typically accomplished either based on one or more primary elections according to the rules of the party and any applicable election laws.

The fact is when the Democratic nominee was determined in this gubernatorial race primary, all money raised by the DNC went and is going directly to the Democratic nominee's campaign.

There it is: In your face facts, not unsourced gossip. Keep stirring ...

[AnotherMcIntosh]

101. When a house fire is underway in one community and the fire chief asks a nearby fire department to

please send one of their trucks that is parked in one of
their fire stations, it is not a sufficient answer to say:
"Why? We sent you one several months ago."

Or:
"We''ll help you fund raise to buy another truck."

[WillyT]

102. LOL !!!

[hay rick]

29. The DNC is sitting this one out.

The DNC is useless.

[tcaudilllg]

35. Don't rely on DNC to run state races.

Let the state parties handle them. Let DNC run the congressional circuit.

I was asked to donate for WI ad buys, and I live in VA. WTF?

If WI Dems don't win the center, then it's because they failed to communicate. They failed to support the development of their academic sector.

[hay rick]

76. Wisconsin is a referendum on a national issue- smelly working people.

Corporate money is from all over the country is pouring into Walker's coffers and the DNC is taking a pass.

I live in FL and I contributed to WI ad buys. My contribution came out of my DNC/Obama budget.

[IamK]

32. 30+ million union dollars spent in WI for recalls for nothing n/t

[Botany]

37. Talk about being tone deaf

The right answer would be that the people of Wisconsin will do the right thing
and recall Scott Walker and the DNC supports them in that effort.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

53. Or, "We're behind you." Far behind.

[proud2BlibKansan]

41. The DNC has been worthless since Howard Dean left

Debbie is not the least bit liberal or progressive. I don't know why anyone is surprised by her failure to help Wisconsin.

[SunsetDreams]

48. She didn't fail to help Wisconsin...See the video

http://www.c-span.org/Events/Newsmakers-with-Rep-Debbie-Wasserman-Schultz/10737430971/

The part relevant to this OP starts at 12:53

[RBInMaine]

44. For Christ sake, she is just saying Obama WILL STILL WIN the NATIONAL election. So just cut the

stupid shit.

[AverageJoe90]

89. I think so too, but.......

That doesn't mean it won't be a significant setback for Dems nationwide.

[RBInMaine]

49. They have put in $1.4 million in $ and organization, so enough of this LIE. Hyperbolic people here

are repeating this bullshit corporate media meme. It is FUCKING DISGUSTING. CUT THE SHIT ! Wasserman is EXACTLY RIGHT ! It is a STATE election with STATE dynamics at play. MANY of the NATIONAL groups ARE helping, including the DNC, the DGA, the DCCC, MoveOn, Bold Progressives, etc. But, in the end, as I and MANY have ALSO said, it is ultimately a STATE matter and will be up to the people of WISCONSIN AND NOWHERE ELSE to decide the recalls.

[sabrina 1]

92. This is a national matter. This is the first time that ANYONE stood up to the Koch Brothers

and their bought and paid for Tea Party Candidates, who are NOT just in Wisconsin. Wisconsin took the lead on how to defeat this Rightwing funded (25-1 in Wisconsin alone) 'movement' that intends to sweep the country. Funny how the Republicans don't think it's beneath them to get involved in State Elections, they recognize how important this race is. Wasserman needs to go, over and over again she has made bad decisions when it comes to supporting Democrats.

We need a FIGHTER! The battle against the Koch funded takeover of our government began in Wisc. Please stop trying to minimize the importance of this race. If she can't help in this battle, then she needs to get out of the way.

[WillyT]

97. + 1,000,000,000... What You Said !!!

[Mass]

56. What do you think she should have said: that a Walker's win means that Romney will win.

That would have been f*ing stupid to nationalize the election.

[WillyT]

58. You Must Have Missed THIS:

Link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002730794



And this...

Schaitberger credited Obama for being “fairly clear in his position on Wisconsin and the recall election,” but expressed frustration that there hadn’t been more focus on what he views as a crucial test heading into the fall elections. "I think this is a national campaign," Schaitberger said. "Wisconsin is another important test to establish the tone and mood of what is to come in November."

When asked about national Democrats' support in the recall election, another union official scoffed. "Labor has always been there for the national Democratic Party. The national Democratic Party should be there for labor in this instance. They're not," he said.

The official said that what happened in the recall election would likely bleed over into the presidential election. "I think they would want their voters energized and motivated for November. To me, it's just short-sighted," the official said.

A Democratic strategist working for anti-Walker forces warned that union members would be less enthusiastic about working for Obama if he doesn’t step up for them. "It won't go unnoticed by labor the extent to which the White House ultimately decides to fight or not fight for working people the final critical days in Wisconsin,” he said. "The White House needs to move beyond being afraid of its own shadow. The Romney campaign has already been foaming at the mouth to pounce if Walker survives. If that isn't motivation enough for the White House to start doing everything it can to help defeat Scott Walker, it's hard to know what is.”

Link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002730952

[SunsetDreams]

62. So you think that if Walker wins that Obama will lose?

[WillyT]

69. Not Necessarily...

In tennis, this sort of thing is called an "unforced error".

Cory Booker just did it just the other day.

There is NO NEED to open your mouth and say something so monumentally stupid. Something that encourages your enemies, and depresses your friends.

Unless... you are trying that tired old BS of (as I heard a pundit put it this morning) "softening the ground" for what they think is an upcoming loss.

Instead... you say, over and over, "We will be in Wisconsin next week, and we intend to win BOTH the June recall, and the November Presidential Election."

The fact that these people have been in politics as long as they have, and attained the positions they hold... leads me to wonder WTF is going on.



But to answer your question, LOL...

Is it possible that Walker could win Wisconsin in June AND Obama win Wisconsin in November...

sure it is.

But I have to wonder why ???

WHY would the state who voted for Scott Walker in June, vote for Obama in November?

And why be so casual about the various possibilities?

[SunsetDreams]

72. I really don't see that she said something so "monumentally stupid" when you look at context

The entire video of the interview here:

http://www.c-span.org/Events/Newsmakers-with-Rep-Debbie-Wasserman-Schultz/10737430971/

The relevant part starts at 12:53.

Whether Wisconsin voters choose to keep Walker or not is on them. The fact that there is a recall at all, signed by over a million voters says something.

"Why would the state who voted for Scott Walker in June, vote for President Obama in November?"

A simple answer is because President Obama is not Scott Walker (thankfully). President Obama won the state in 2008 by a healthy margin. The Presidential race doesn't depend on what party the Governors belong to in a State. California is an example of that, and in the reverse is Oklahoma who have traditionally voted Republican for President but have had a Democrat for Governor.

[WillyT]

80. Well SD... You Like To Think, As Do I, And I Applaud You For That... But...

Unfortunately... the majority of people paying whatever level of attention (minor or major) will not hear, nor look for, the context of Debbie's remarks.

They will just read and hear, ‘There Aren’t Going To Be Any Repercussions’ If Walker Wins In Wisconsin' and that will be that.

So while what she said may not be stupid, it was still a stupid thing to say.

And.. an unforced error.

Totally unnecessary, and pretty much unhelpful.

[SunsetDreams]

81. Maybe you should Edit your OP to reflect context because afterall

"Unfortunately... the majority of people paying whatever level of attention (minor or major) will not hear, nor look for, the context of Debbie's remarks.

They will just read and hear, ‘There Aren’t Going To Be Any Repercussions’ If Walker Wins In Wisconsin' and that will be that."

[Democat]

126. Aren't the Wisconsin Democrats running the guy who already lost to Walker?

What do they expect if they are running a candidate who already lost in the same contest once recently?

This seems a lot more like a state issue than national.

[Riley18]

65. Yeah just like thre were no "repercussions"

When the DNC allowed Rick Scott to take Florida.

[rucky]

66. Zero state strategy

alrighty then.

[woo me with science]

73. True to form. She is corporate-owned,

and reflective of the problems with the DNC.

Last time I wrote about her here, she was behind that Internet censorship and surveillance bill that was despicably misrepresented as an anti-child pornography measure.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002197126

Every damned day there is a new one, which is why it is so important for Democrats to Occupy. It is imperative that we get the corporate money out of our party and government so we can have real representation again.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

107. Those who are corporate-owned undoubtedly support the latest anti-union "free-trade" agreement

that is in the works.

A victory in a state in which a major issue is whether to replace an anti-union governor with a pro-union governor would undermine the anticipated Senate approval of the latest wage-lowering, anti-union, "free-trade" agreement.

[txoctodem]

114. I again live in a 'right to work' state--

Let me rephrase that: I now live in a right to starve state where even OSHA has no teeth and tells my daughter who was one day required to work in a service station booth with no lunch or bathroom break during her 8-hr shift and when she complained to OSHA was told "well, you could quit."

Further, my Dad died of a heart attack the day the union was voted into his company (he was a union supporter). A company official actually told my mother she wasn't eligible for his life insurance because he wasn't a 'loyal' employee...Luckily, a friend/lawyer stepped in and corrected that situation.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

120. "right to work" -- They do have a way with words.

[Alexander]

75. I never liked Wasserman Schultz, even before she was DNC chair.

I remember how she refused to endorse three of her fellow Democrats who were running against right-wing Florida Republicans - Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and the Diaz-Balart brothers - because she was good friends with the Republican incumbents and didn't want to rock the boat.

When called on this behavior, she blamed it on liberals and bloggers. Real classy, Debbie.

Can we have Howard Dean back, please?

[truebrit71]

131. Me either....i will never forgive her for that...

...and now she heads the DNC?....fucking perfect...

[Jake2413]

78. What!!!

Is this a Cory Booker moment??? What hell is going on, were is the fight are we rolling over now?

[kentuck]

82. What if ?

They put a ton of money into Wisconsin and still lose? How big of a loss would that be?

Would it be better to downplay the significance but still give as much support as possible without a lot of fanfare? That seems to be what the DNC has decided to do?

Rather than lose all credibility, they would prefer to be charged as not helping as much as they could have.

It appears to be a surrender to the Republican SuperPac money machine?

If Walker wins, their crusade against labor and unions and teachers and education will not end in Wisconsin. It will continue nationwide. I would not be surprised to see Scott Walker's name mentioned as a possible VP candidate? After all, his name and reputation is so tarnished in Wisconsin, why not just run for national office? Put all the cards on the table.

Democrats do not want to nationalize this election. They would prefer to keep it within the boundaries of the state of Wisconsin. However, I do not know if that is possible.

I think we will see a couple or three big name Democrats in Wisconsin sometime this week but not the President or the Vice President. They will attempt to inform and inspire the Democrats of the importance of this race and will encourage them to get to the polls early and to take someone with them.

[Skidmore]

83. Remove her.

[The empressof all]

85. The one thing Bill Clinton taught me...

Just because someone is a Democratic leader doesn't mean I have to like them or agree with them or even respect them. Debbie reminds me of that fact quite often. What a shame. We can do far better than this.

[Raine]

88. She's fucking delussional! nt

[kentuck]

91. Perhaps they are buying up all the commercial time...

and there is none left for anyone else to buy a commercial? The networks can only run so many ads per hour in prime time. With their train load of money, maybe they bought up all the open slots?

[Swede Atlanta]

93. Debbie honey..............

This contest will be seen as the first in the 2012 election cycle. If progressives lose this fight in a swing state it does not bode well for the general election in November.

I have seen mixed messages about the support from the national party for the Democratic candidate in the recall vote. Please be aware that loyal Democrats across this country want you and the DNC, regardless of what the party "bosses" want, to fight as if our lives depended on the outcome.

We may lose but we cannot give up the fight.

[kentuck]

94. Also, other states will be emboldened...

to try the same strategy and it will be an even tougher fight for the Democrats. Better to win this one and nip it in the bud.

[Drew Richards]

99. Y0ou know...this DWS Discussion is just like that climate debate graph

You can do nothing and pray, and the world implodes. See you were wrong and an asshole

You can do nothing and pray, and the world survives. See you were right but your still an asshole for gambling on life.

You can put money and time in, and it is wasted because there is no climatic change You tried and at least the future is guaranteed even if money is wasted at least life is preserved. You are not an asshole except to the whiners that pray to money as their God.

you can put money and time in, and it is beneficial because we slow or reverse climatic change. You have saved the world...you are not an asshole after all but the assholes that pray to money as their God will still call you an asshole while the world sings your praises.

Which would you do?

Well most of us agree we should address the problem AHEAD of time before it is too late...

The same applies to Governors and Senate races...

[julian09]

100. The people of Wisconsin know the facts

they should vote on that knownledge, get the vote out, Debbie can't vote for you, many here are with you but can't vote with you. We can contribute but the best we can do, is to convince you to vote and bring someone with you. All the money in the world, can't change Walkers record and his
dream of a right to work state, only state with negative job growth, denying women equal pay etc.
What more do you need, vote as though your future depends on it, and it does.

[txoctodem]

111. I hope she is right but

I'm skeptical. Remember: If we don't stand together - we'll fall alone. The message in Wisconsin to all working people is: Do workers rights matter and if Democrats abandon them what message does that send to the rest of the country?

[fascisthunter]

112. fuck her.... she's another phony democrat

...or maybe just another "New Dem", who like the DNC is starting to abandon Unions and our right to unionize more and more. I see a pattern.

[boxman15]

113. Your headline is a bit misleading.

She said there would be no national repercussions. Obviously it goes without saying the recall will have an enormous effect on Wisconsin, but she's saying there will be no national consequences.

I think that's an absolutely absurd statement, but let's be clear on what she actually said.

[WillyT]

115. Not My Headline... Talk To TPM...

[boxman15]

116. My mistake!

[WhoIsNumberNone]

117. What are you on, Debbie? And can I have some?

If Walker wins I'm going to want to spend the rest of my life sedated, because the precedent it sets will mean the ultimate death of representative government in America. I'd prefer if I were too zonked to care.

[FrodosPet]

124. Come to westside Detroit, make some friends

And look for Sour Diesel and White Widow. Trust - you'll be sedated. And hungry.

[Odin2005]

118. She's a DINO DLCer.

She's probably rooting for Walker in private.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

119. You may wonder, "What's her voting record?"

Here's some bills that she supported:
(1) Free Trade Agreement with Korea
(2) Free-trade or Trade Promotion Agreement with Panama
(3) Free-trade or Trade Promotion Agreement with Colombia, and
(4) Andean Trade Preference Act Extension
http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/24301/debbie-wasserman-schultz

The major issue in Wisconsin is whether the voter should support an anti-union candidate or a pro-union candidate.

So far, she has never seen a wage-lowering, anti-union, "free-trade" agreement that she didn't like.

[WillyT]

121. Instead Of Neo-Liberals... I Call Them Nero-Liberals...

they fiddle, while the place burns down.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

125. And stuff their pockets. Nobody leaves office and goes home like Harry Truman.

[AtomicKitten]

122. It's the 39% of union members in WI that plan to vote for Walker

that will be rightfully to blame if the recall fails. Now I understand how hard some people here have worked to set up a "fall guy" - blaming the DNC and Pres Obama himself in advance - for what appears to be an impending loss. However, if truth be told here (and not obscured with horseshit), it's the 39% of union members in Wisconsin that plan to vote for Walker that will be clearly and obviously to blame.

Organizing for America has ponied up some 60 offices in Wisconsin to GOTV and will deserve an attaboy (but will not receive it from those mentioned above) if successful. Like clockwork. Go figure.

[deaniac21]

128. Admirable

job of crawfishin'

[truebrit71]

130. She was a terrible choice to head the DNC..

...and a perfect example of what's wrong with the leaders of the Democratic party...She's about as useful as a kick stand on a jackass...and the exact opposite of Howard Dean....she, and those like her, are some of the reasons why this election is going to be as tight as it is....a total lack of understanding...