Rosenberg's elevation would be a vindication of Liebermanism - WSJ

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In Style with Joe

Monday, December 27, 2004 1:00 p.m. EST

..." Democratic eyes are falling increasingly on Simon Rosenberg as a potential new leader of the Democratic National Committee. He's currently head of the New Democrat Network, which Mr. Lieberman founded and co-chaired along with retiring Sen. John Breaux. Mr. Rosenberg's elevation would be a clear and welcome vindication of Liebermanism.

It doesn't hurt that his group was relatively low-profile in the recent Kerry loss. NDN had originally expected to play a bigger role thanks to the McCain-Feingold reform that shut off the Democrats' soft money spigot. But it was rapidly outshone by the sudden arrival of MoveOn.org and the Media Fund, which raised millions for "independent" advertising in support of the Kerry campaign. Those efforts (especially MoveOn.org's) are now being second-guessed by Democrats as having done more harm than good with their Bush-bashing and conspicuous overtone of Hollywood arrogance.

A campaign aide to Bill Clinton, Mr. Rosenberg created his PAC in 2000 to battle paleolibs in raising money for "New Democrats" who adhered to modern positions on economics and national security. He's increasingly seen as a palatable alternative to Howard Dean (too liberal because of his antiwar stance) and former Rep. Tim Roemer (too conservative because of his anti-abortion beliefs). Speaking at a cattle call in Orlando earlier this month, Mr. Rosenberg talked intelligently about the need to groom new Democratic candidates and operatives who are more in touch with mainstream America. "Republicans are winning with growing regions and groups," he pointed out. "They won in 97 of the fastest growing 100 counties; most of the so called red states are gaining population, the blues ones losing."

Unfortunately, Mr. Rosenberg's biggest obstacle may be memories of NDN's first big battle, in which the group raised millions in corporate dollars to support and defend Democrats who voted in favor of liberalized trade with China. That's exactly the kind of responsible position-taking the NDN was created to encourage and reward -- and which the party's protectionists and union bosses are not likely to forgive or forget. 

--Holman W. Jenkins Jr.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/?id=110006077


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I posted this as a response to info on Chris Heinz' thread - but thought it might get lost.

[rabid_nerd]

1. Lieberman registered a 2004 domain name before the 2000 elections

with a re-election for senate in 2006 and no need for a VP domain name, it was completely posturing when coupled with not giving up his seat to run with Gore.

[BurtWorm]

2. Let's take our cues from Lieberman and the WSJ.

They've got the Democrats' best interests at heart, I'm sure.

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3. I am far from supporting the WSJ's editorials...

If you thought I was - read what I had to say about it here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1485698&mesg_id=1487408&page=

[BurtWorm]

4. No, I didn't think you were.

My sarcasm was meant for anyone who thinks Rosenberg is a good idea, and it was clear from the fact that you posted it without comment that you understood what impact it would have on the average DUer. And you were right! ;)

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7. Ok

I just thought I better make it clear - you never know :)


The WSJ is really on my shit list since they printed "Too nice for our Own Good" - which I rail about at every opportunity.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110006134

[BurtWorm]

8. That was an evil piece of shit article.

That the author could make it with a smile on her face (on CSPAN) was a revolting insult to human rights.

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10. yeah - Cspan is where I heard about it, also

It was very disturbing to see and listen to her try to make torture sound so nice and justified.

[punpirate]

5. "Vindication' is an odd word...

... to describe the DLC's continuing muscling of the DNC to promote a business-friendly, base-alienating platform.... :shrug:

[Leilani]

6. Thanks for the repost

I think Mr.Rosenberg has Joementum.....not!

[TheDonkey]

9. I must add thought that the NDN commercials for the K/E campaign were

wonderful. There was a post about them some time ago and they were very powerful. The one I like the most highlighted a Latino grandmother showing her grandson why she is a Democrat. It was sweet and I believe could be effective.

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11. Good PR and media can go a long ways.

But I think it would great to have someone in charge of the party who is involved in the grassroots and who people recognize as being a Democratic leader. The DNC can always work with whoever needs working with to get the message across.

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12. ...

:kick:

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13. .

[WI_DEM]

14. Do we want a vindication of "Liebermanism"??????

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15. No

The point of posting this is for people to see that some people see Rosenberg that way.

Those of us who don't want Liebermanism (that is nearly all of us) might want to be aware of this.

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16. .