am I the only one rooting for Feingold?

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

i'm sorry but kerry had his chance, hillary's a rightwing opportunist, and edwards doesn't impress me.

i want someone in the wellstone/fdr mold for our nominee

[marbuc]

1. I'm rooting for the cheesehead. nt

[existentialist]

2. I might support Feingold

at the moment Clark also looks good to me, but it's way to early to make any firm statements of support for anyone for president for 2008.

Let's win 2006 first!

[snowbear]

3. Yep, you're the only one Adenoid!

.
.
.
.
.
.
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(( http://eliteleague.co.uk/forum/images/smilies/lol!.gif ))

Just kidding!

He has quite a few supporters here actually.

[calimary]

57. I'm one. Longtime Howard Dean fan.

But I like Howard working to heal the party, exactly where he is. I saw Feingold on one of the talk shows and was VERY impressed.

[punpirate]

4. Well, Feingold isn't in...

... the Wellstone/FDR mold, but he's got some potential. I thought, in 2002-3, that he would have made a reasonably good candidate, but the idea got no traction. Maybe it will this time around.

But, he, like any other potential candidate, is going to have to step far away from the recent tendency of most Democrats to seek "bipartisan" cooperation from Republicans, which is a trap set up by Republicans.

He's got to be very independent and concentrate on fixing problems in much more traditional fashion. If he doesn't, he's going to seem to the voters like all the rest of the Democrats in the recent past. The first Democrat to speak the obvious, to say that high defense spending and low taxes on the wealthy is a prescription for disaster is going to win votes among the middle class, if he or she can make that point succinctly.

Cheers.

[Hippo_Tron]

60. Feingold is about the closest to Wellstone that there is in the Senate

Boxer certainly gives him a run for his money, but Feingold is like Wellstone in that he is especially a champion of getting big money and power out of politics.

[incapsulated]

5. No, there are plenty who like Russ

I'm a Clark supporter but I think Feingold is a good man.

He will get more support as 2008 gets closer, no doubt.

[ClassWarrior]

6. Russ rocks.

Russ in 2008.

NGU.

[MADem]

7. I have nothing against the guy, but... (there is always a but!)

--I think it is too soon to pick finalists before the primaries have even started.

--He has to get a bit more name and face recognition on the national stage.

--Those two divorces are a killer in middle America. That will be VERY difficult, if not impossible, to overcome.

--I suspect the initial field will be far broader than Kerry, Clinton and Edwards. Biden is already exploring; Warner is tossing it around...and who knows, Gore may be the Nixon-without-the-evil of the Democratic Party!

I want a WINNER for our nominee. A kick ass, take names, decisive winner!

[billbuckhead]

9. Pretty much a nonstarter. He's brings absolutely nothing to the table

If we can't win Wisconsin with any candidate then we are in trouble. He's not a rich guy. He has 2 divorces. I'll fight very hard against him because he voted for "General" AssKKKrack and has appeased the NRA.

[shraby]

12. He voted against the war and was the

only Senator to vote against the infamous Patriot Act because he had read it, and he is still fighting it. Put in campaign reform, doesn't take his raises, plans more campaign reform, is advocating a timetable for a pull out from Iraq.

[Telly Savalas]

59. You're talking to a wall.

[snowbear]

10. Just curious.. Would his divorces really be a huge factor?

I mean.. were they ugly divorces, or something? :shrug:

It's not like middle America is divorce-free.. :crazy:

And besides.. at least he didn't kill a former lover like Laura Bush did! :o

[MADem]

11. No, they were, by all accounts, rather benign

Kind of like Governor McGreevey's friendly divorces. And you know the opposition will raise that flag--you can count on it. If you thought the McCain campaign in South Carolina was ugly, if this guy gets any traction, that will look like a stroll in the park.

[karynnj]

26. There are many people with benign divorce,

most without McGreevey's circumstances. I usually agree with and respect your posts, but do you really think the Republicans would make McGreevey insinuations because of the divorces?

I realize that Rove did start a whisper campaign against Ann Richards.

[MADem]

33. I am not saying it is RIGHT, I am just saying, yeah, I think they would

In fact, I'm CERTAIN they would. It's too rich a target for them to ignore, way too easy to toss that bomb, and they are historically committed to do ANYTHING to WIN.

Look at the hatchet job they did on McCain in SC. They took his special needs adopted Bangladeshi daughter and morphed her into a love child with a dusky prostitute! Of course, they never leave fingerprints--it's always some third party operator who does the dirty work--and the dirty work, in that case, was flyers all over fundie neighborhoods, on car windshields at fundie churches...they did it up royally.

But make no mistake--two divorces, a fastidious, stylish dresser with a good haircut...insinuations WILL be made. Especially since the wives have stayed friendly with him...!

Now, to make myself completely clear, insinuations of that sort wouldn't bother me in the least (I like the idea of Barney Frank as President--he is the smartest sonofabitch on the planet, IMO, though the nation is just not sufficiently sophisticated, I fear) but they will not play well with the fundie crowd--it would actually motivate that base, who are lagging of late in their enthusiasm.

And the truth of the allegation would be irrelevant--once they slap that GOP trashtalk paint all over a candidate, it is very tough to wash it off.

To go back to McCain, this link is instructive as to the GOP methodology to vanquish an enemy: http://bartcopnation.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=8&topic_id=522

Incredibly brutal!!

[incapsulated]

58. Yeah, but...

The thing is that they will do this to anyone we nominate. They really had to reach with McCain, going at his family, the whisper campaign suggesting he was some sort of Manchurian Candidate etc.

With Kerry they went with the swiftliars.

You never know what they will attempt to "smear" you with, so it's almost pointless to disqualify someone based on something obvious, like his divorces or his religion, when they will just invent shit even if we run a boy scout.

What matters is that the candidate, whoever he or she is, fights back and never lets them define the debate, period.

[MADem]

61. Point taken, but having a spouse is helpful in many ways

You can basically double your campaign appearances, double your press coverage, double your effect with the right spouse. And if he marries AGAIN, well, Vegas will probably start taking bets on how long it will last.

I still think it is a 'kiss of death' right now. Ten years from now, maybe not so much....

[bklyncowgirl]

21. Not If the Republicans run Guiliani

Rudy's also twice divorced and the last one--from Donna Hanover--was both nasty and public. If you thought the former Mrs. Corzine was bitter wait to you hear from Rudy's ex--who starred in "The Vagina Monologues" while the divorce was in court.

I don't know the circumstances of Feingold's divorces but you always wonder about a two time loser.

That could actually be a fun campeign. Dueling divorces, ex wives sliming their former spouses. Not much time for discussion of the issues but it would get American's attention.

I was impressed with Feingold yesterday but it's way too early to pick a candidate.

[karynnj]

25. After Corzine, I would imagine that a potential candidate

might even speak to an ex-wife to get assurances this wouldn't happen. Feingold was divorced years ago from his first wife and he has run several times since then. I would guess he would be the best person to know the circumstances of the situation and the personality of his ex-wife.

Michael Bloomfield's ex-wife supported him. Kerry's first wife supported him and one of his most trusted advisers was his first wife's twin brother.

Feingold might ask his ex-wife if she was comfortable following the path Kerry's ex-wife took. Before the primaries, Julia Kerry gave a statement to the Boston Globe that, as a statesman she was 100% behind him. Her comments about him in Tour of Duty were very positive and painted a picture of a very nice person.

Ultimately, Joanne Corzine's nasty comments backfired, but this is NJ. These types of things have nothing to do with governing but it's probably good to make sure they are avoided if possible.

As to the McGreevey comment up thread, that comparison is beyond the pale.

[MADem]

35. To say nothing of his first wife, also his cousin!!

That was annulled when she couldn't produce a pointy headed heir to the throne! Poor Donna, after she spit out two, she got shown the door--but she didn't go quietly, bless her heart!

I honestly think the GOP will throw stones in the path of Rudy, too--they like to USE him, but they do not want him to have any real clout. And also, since he has gotten away from having political power, he seems to really enjoy making money hand over fist--that Giuliani Group of his is EVERYWHERE, raking it in, and doing a shitty job, too (ask the Delta Airlines employees).

He would be rewarded, of course, if he played ball--a great ambassadorship (Italy--there's a jewel!) or a snazzy cabinet position with all the perks, all the opportunities to make business connections, and an easy workday.

Rudy is great to campaign FOR their choice, but I don't see him making it all the way. I think it will be a fundy cretin, an Allen, a Mitt the Shitt Romney...of course, if the party continues to split over the war and social issues, they could well end up eating their own, ending up with a total surprise candidate, and making us look like lockstep, unified DEMBOTS by comparison! That would actually be funny to see!!

[Czolgosz]

47. Giuliani would NEVER survive the GOP primary in a million years!

[sadiesworld]

8. I'd definitely vote for him.

And I can't say that about the others you've mentioned.

[Pithy Cherub]

13. Nope. Born in Wisconsin with a lot of family still there.

He commands great respect from my family and Wisconsin friends because of his straight forward approaches, principled stands and honorable campaign finance views. He is championed because of his NO vote on Iraq and we are a military family. Like Feingold plenty and wish him well. However;

we are happy Clarkies in California and Wisconsin. :)

[radio4progressives]

14. I like Feingold, his charachter, his principles & most of his positions

I really like how he speaks with clarity on difficult issues, and he doesn't shy away from being the "lone man" out on cirtical issues. I posted about this in another thread on Feingold.

[OneBlueSky]

15. Feingold has NO chance of winning . . .

unless we do away with e-voting . . . and neither do any other Democratic hopefuls . . .

[kster]

16. You are correct

we need a direct line to the people who control the vote counting machines so we can ask them who they are gonna make win. That way we would know and it would save us a lot of time on election day.

[Behind the Aegis]

17. Could be interesting...

However, his "name" would be the biggest problem, IMO. The far-right would never tolerate a Jew being president and the far-left...well, let's just say they will hate him too, when they find out the "awful" truth.

[Czolgosz]

54. Is there "awful" truth beyond his complicity in Bush's awful appointees?

I mean, should we know about any "awful" truth beyond his votes in favor of appointing creeps like Ashcroft, Roberts, etc. and the fact that he favors Medicare means-testing and he's anti-immigrant and he voted against improving fuel efficiency standards and he's got some weird and inconsistent votes to explain on the "star wars" missile defense nonsense.

Do you mean there's some "awful" truth beyond his somewhat flaky voting record?

I could explain away the other stuff, maybe, but his votes (and beyond mere voting, his creepy apologetics justifying his votes) on Bush's crappy nominees just makes me lose all confidence that he shares my values.

[Douglas Carpenter]

18. I think there is a genuine possibility that his campaign could take off

Whether or not he could win the nomination and the Presidency is hard to say. But, I could imagine a Feingold campaign having a real impact on the body politic. I would certainly be anxious to see what happens and could imagine myself supporting it.

[JNelson6563]

19. I could support him easily

There is never any question where he stands. I think he's great!

Julie

[tsuki]

20. I say look to 2006 first. Don't have time for 2008 now. eom

[IndianaGreen]

22. Have you been to the Russ Feingold forum?

I did a search on your screen name down there and I couldn't find you. Perhaps the search on "adenoid" should have been expanded, or perhaps you have never posted there before, either way I am wondering why would you ask such a question about being the only one rooting for Feingold and then turn around slamming Kerry and Edwards (Hillary deserves all the slamming she gets!).

Here is the URL for the Feingold Group:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=332

[LizW]

23. I like him.

I'm definitely paying attention to him and watching his progress. He has potential.

[mmonk]

24. I'm interested

To me though, '08 is still along way off. I don't know what kind of country we will have then as I didn't foresee the kind of country we have now in 1997.

[Catchawave]

27. He's on my very short list right now !

Edwards, Warner, Feingold :applause:

Don't rule out Edwards just yet, he's been a busy little bee lately:

http://www.oneamericacommittee.com/


Warner's my gov, and fabulous too, AND was blown away by Feingold's interview yesterday on This Week w/Stephanopolous.

I agree about Hillary and Kerry, just too polarizing right now, and we need to get our Dem butts united :grouphug:

[BuelahWitch]

28. I support him

I like many of the positions he takes and the fact he voted against Iraq and the bankruptcty bill.

[schmuls]

29. I will vote for him for president if he makes it that far. He is

my senator, and has voted my way in several areas, including environmental issues and the Patriot Act. He seems to have balls.

[NYCGirl]

30. I like him a lot! NT

[MoonRiver]

31. Right now, he's my second choice, after Clark.

But I want to hear a lot more from some I don't know much about, like Warner.

[mrgorth]

32. Nope.

I'm supporting Russ at the present time. That said, I don't think he has much of a chance.

[nickshepDEM]

34. Ive considered supporting Feingold, but I truely believe his

marital problems would cripple him in the general election.

If he and his wife get back together I would reconsider supporting him if my candidate dropped out.

[Daylin Byak]

36. Haven't we forgot something....

I don't mean to sound like a racist but I feel that Feingold's chances are slim to win the presidency because he's Jewish. Don't get me wromg I have no problem with having a Jew is our president but try telling that to the people in this country that don't like Jews that won't vote for Feingold because he killed Jesus.

[Tom Rinaldo]

37. This is such a third rail topic

Charged is putting it mildly. If we give in to prejudice then prejudice is victorious and that goes against everything that most of us believe in strongly. If we confront prejudice head on in a closely divided electoral environment, when the stakes for winning or losing could not possibly be higher, then we are taking the high ground, but the entire world could suffer if the cost for taking that high ground is losing a Presidential election that we otherwise might have won.

Kennedy won running as a Catholic in 1960 and Feingold can win running as a Jew in 2008, but that doesn't mean that religion didn't play a role in 1960, or that it won't play a role in 2008. Often the way entrenched prejudices are eroded on the National level is by running a "minority" for Vice President first, thereby breaking the ice. Lieberman ran, and that did move the ball forward, but Gore/Lieberman "lost" so the effect was somewhat muted as a result. Same with Mondale running with Geraldine Ferraro. The lines were bent but not shattered. I actually think that Feingold being a single man (no "First Family") might be as much a barrier as his religion, and more of a problem than his being divorced.

Having said that I still like Feingold a lot, and he probably is one of my two or three top backups to Wesley Clark for the top slot, should Clark for whatever reason not be in contention. A powerful message and a good man or woman delivering it can win more votes than prejudice will lose.

[Behind the Aegis]

40. I didn't forget...see above post.

The right-wingers wouldn't have it (a non-Christian) and the left-wingers wouldn't have it (a Jew, who of course, must be a dual citizen to Israel).

[thebigidea]

42. bullshit - find one post here saying he's a "dual citizen to Israel."

its complete nonsense, and you know it.

The only thing I've ever seen the left bitch about was his confirmation vote for Ashcroft.

[Behind the Aegis]

44. bullshit yourself...

if he were to become a nominee, you can bet there would be people screaming he is a possible dual citizen. The charge of dual citizenship has been thrown about with almost every Jewish senator and house representative. I didn't say it had already happened (although it wouldn't surprise me), I am saying the possibility it would happen is very great, even greater once people discover he has taken money from AIPAC.

[thebigidea]

45. yeah, but why haven't we seen it yet? He's a Senator.

Surely that's powerful enough for the phantom anti-semites of your mind to charge him with dual citizenship? Lesser politicans have been thus branded.

You should be ashamed of yourself - Feingold is a good, principled Democrat respected by the left... the only person I recall screeching about his principles was Hillary Clinton!

what are you trying to do? Stir up trouble for the hell of it? Get the thread degenerating into an I/P argument and locked?

absolutely repulsive...

[Behind the Aegis]

50. no shame what so ever.

I didn't say he wasn't a good senator. He is very principled and follow through on his words.

No, the real shame here is yours for not seeing a possible attack before it happens. As for getting this thrown in I/P, there is no reason for it as we are not discussing I/P at all.

This thread was about being supportive of Feingold as a possible running horse for president in '08. Just as others have said his divorces could be problematic, I and a few others are saying that his religion could also be problematic. No one here (that I have seen) has a problem with it, but to deny that is as stupid and foolish to say that Condasleezy's race wouldn't be an issue. It doesn't mean either shouldn't be allowed to run, because if we allow their religion or race, or even marital status hold back who we place on a ticket, then the bigots win.

So those that said the same thing about Condi, concerning her race as an issue, on the thread in GD were dealing with phantom racists? Perhaps you don't think anti-Semitism is a real issue?

[Chicago Democrat]

49. Politics are changing. first of all, real liberal credentials trump

Aipac money. Money is dirty, dirty and all politician take it wherever they can get it. Isnt the real thing the issues.


You really think a jew can't win? I'm suprised.

[Behind the Aegis]

51. Did I say a Jew couldn't win?

No, I didn't! I am saying it would be a real battle. It would be similar to what JFK went through because he was Catholic and people said he would take orders from the Vatican.

Are you seriously telling me you don't think the same thing would be said about Feingold if he ran for president?

No where have I said he shouldn't run. Personally, I like him. But, as with any candidate, he will face battles, real and imagined.

[Chicago Democrat]

53. Sure some would. Wisconsin is pretty much conservative German and

any Jewish person who could win there I =would think= it would be at least =a good sign= nationally . Aside from his name is he a very religious jewish person? Is he religious at all? So those would be the factors. I honestly have no idea about his personal life.

All that stuff just doesn't matter to most people. Its all about personality and stregnth of conviction and communication skills. Every time I hear him speak I just come out saying to myself "I like that guy!"

[Behind the Aegis]

56. You are right, in some respects.

"All that stuff just doesn't matter to most people." That should really read: "All that stuff just doesn't matter to most sane people." However, the political reality and the real threat of theft (and intimidation) at the polls is what has given us one of the most corrupt administrations in decades. I think many here would say we've even surpassed the level of corruption of the Nixon White House!

I wasn't here for the candidate debate (04), but I hear it was VERY ugly. Do you think that won't happen again? So, not only will there be fighting 'in-house,' there will be the attacks from the other side(s). I don't think we should NOT choose a candidate because of race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, etc. However, even in this day and age, you and I both know we live in a racist society and those attacks have to be taken seriously.

What if Barney Frank were going to run for president? Do you not think there would be a few democrats and liberals who would voice concern that he is "unelectable" because he is gay? (I think he is Jewish, as well.)

[Chicago Democrat]

48. I'd have it! I'm giving him money.. What's so 'jewish' about

him? I have never hear say anything about his religion. Lieberman was always talkign about it. To me its taboo that needs to END! Its time to end that stupid taboo. its so ridiculous.

[Hippo_Tron]

65. As a left wing Jew, I certainly do not condone the actions of Israel

And personally I think that Russ Feingold is one of the LEAST likely people in the US Senate to be influenced by AIPAC. Feingold has a mind of his own and anybody with half a brain will be able to see that.

[Behind the Aegis]

67. Interesting Jewish perspective.

He may not be easily influenced (I agree with that), but once some on the far left see that he has taken AIPAC money and votes "pro-Israel" much of the time, they will go bat-shit!

Not to sound paranoid, but as a fellow Jew, you might want to be aware that there are some who claim to be 'left' and 'liberals' and 'progressives' that see us all as part of the "Zionist Conspiracy."

[MADem]

62. I honestly think that part is EASILY overcome

It's the multiple divorces that is the tough nut to crack.

Remember Kennedy? First Catholic? Oooooh, he'll have a direct line to the VATICAN, he will take orders from ROME!!! Kennedy handled that with grace, flair, humor and fabulous wit.

Any Jewish candidate, not just Russ, who does the same would and could succeed. And ironically, the fundies may pull the lever for him, thinking it will accelerate the End Times...their brains don't work like average folk!!!

[Chicago Democrat]

52. OK, please give us the dirt about his marriage now...

so we don't have to read about it later. Thanks freind.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

38. I like him. He's the only one who's not an empty suit

and he wins in a swing state by being gutsy and populist.

[UrbScotty]

39. Here. Him or Clark (but any will do) (nt)

[mandyky]

41. I am really open to Feingold

I also am liking Edwards more. Like you, I think Kerry had his chance, and Hillary should remain the NY Senator for awhile longer.
Hillary should run for Gov. of NY before running for Prez.

That's my only reservation about Feingold - no executive experience.

[Chicago Democrat]

43. FEINGOLD FEINGOLD !!! Yay... he's my early favorite!

He's HANDSOME! He's TOUGH! He's schmat! He's Jewish (I say its a plus, it would be a negative if he was a Likudnik, but he's not, he's a great liberal and not overtly jewish like lieberman was, i think he must be reformed? anyone know)

I love the way he isn't too nice either. That's part of being TOUGH! Plus I think he's so handsome. My goddess. I am prayign for him!

PLEASE EVERYONE GIVE A HOLIDAY GIFT TO THE PROGRESSIVE PATRIOTS FUND:

http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/


Support Feingold! Way to go Russ Feingold! Go WISCONSIN ALL THE WAY!


CHICAGO DEMOCRAT IS OFFICIALLY FOR RUSS FEINGOLD! Hillary, Biden have NO CHANCE!

[Czolgosz]

46. Feingold is NO Wellstone and NO FDR (the comparison nauseates me)

[0007]

55. I like Feingold and see him a cut above most in the field.

God! I miss Paul Wellstone.

[hopein08]

63. Me!! The "This Week" interview may have sealed the deal...

I knew I agreed with almost everything he stood for (save for a few tiny nomination votes) and that was before I knew that he was against Kosovo, Bosnia, etc. And that is something that I thought I couldn't find anyone who agreed with me, but he did!

I still like Edwards best (for pure electablility), but Feingold is definitely moving up in terms of the dream candidate to root for.

[TheFarseer]

64. I love Feingold but

I don't think a Jewish person can win the presidency.

[Adelante]

66. I like Feingold a whole lot

I'm Clark for president, though.

[fujiyama]

68. He's a good guy overall

I completely disagree though on his vote for Roberts. That was a disappointment. But as for the senators possibly running, he's definetely the one I prefer.

But I have to say that I agree that Kerry has had his chance (but I'd take him over Hillary or Biden!), Hillary turns me off more almost every time she speaks...errr...panders...

Edwards seems OK (I'd put him a bit higher than Kerry in my potential candidates that I'd support).

Warner is a bit centrist but it seems like he's been an effective and good governor.

For now Clark is still me first preference...but I think I'd be able to support Warner...and if somehow Feingold got the nomination, I would proudly vote for him (I'll vote for any Dem, but I certainly wouldn't show any enthusiasm voting for *gag* Hillary).