Reply #28: Here...

[VonDoomPhd]

I posted this in another thread but it has a place here as well:

Open primaries are essential in our political process. It is not enough that we give people the illusion of choice, they must be given in fact a REAL choice.
Behind-closed-doors machinations and maneuverings are always going to be with us. However, we can limit the extent to which these clandestine steps are implemented by making our voices heard and telling those behind the scenes that such behaviour is unacceptable and undemocratic.

I understand why some can appreciate these tactics from a political standpoint as a primary campaign (especially if it turns gnarly) can drain a candidate financially and emotionally. But while these tactics may have merit they have no moment in American democracy. So, boo-fucking-hoo if the annointed republican-lite saviour of the Democratic party in (insert state and district) is savaged by his challengers and considerably weakened come the general election. Politics isn't a pollyana at Grandma's house. You should EXPECT to get roughed up. True leaders can take the heat and still come out swinging against the oppposition come November.

The fact of the matter is that progressive candidates (and I am NOT using Hackett as an example or anyone else) are traditionally those that are approached to get the hell out of the primary, i.e., "clear the field."
Why?
Because traditionally progressive/grassrooots candidates don't have the money and/or exposure that the establishment has. So when they gear up for a primary they talk about issues, give scary straight answers to simple questions and point out how their challengers differ from them (this whole "pointing out how challengers differ" is sometimes called "attacking" and is indicative of running a dirty campaign. Again: boo-fucking-hoo.)
The progressive/grassroots candidate can say these things because he is like Marvel Comics' Daredevil: a man with nothing to lose is a Man Without Fear.

In regards to Chuch Pennachio, I like Chuck. He's friendly and doesn't give folks the brush-off. He is also a true-blue progressive Dem that gives answers to questions without a gratuitous helping of non-committals and qualifiers. But right now he is considered little more than an annoying gnat by PA's democratic leadership. However, should he take on a strong buzz in the coming months (and buzz is not money, money is money) then he will no doubt be approached and pressured by the leadership to "clear the field" so good-ole Bob (son of that Planned Parenthood Vs.) Casey Jr can keep his powder dry for Santorum and Santorum alone.
That's not even the illusion the choice.
But then again, "more than anything", we need to get rid of Santorum, so there's that little argument to make everyone feel better about shunting aside their beliefs...

I'm rambling.

In conclusion: Primaries = Good, Fire = Bad.