AARGH! Hillary advisor waffles on the "liberal" question

[Armstead]

One of Hillary Clinton's advisors (sorry I missed the name) was just on Hardball. Tweety asked what Hillary considered herself. "Is she a liberal, progressive, moderate or what?"

The advsor gave an answer that IMO sums up what is wrong with the "centrist" Democratic strategy.

"I'm not really comfortable with such labels. I don't think voters care whether a politician is a liberal or a conservative. They want someone who is competant to run the country."

NO BONEHEAD! It does matter. Ronald Reagan was a pretty good president, but he successfully led us down the wrong path.

There is a fundamental difference between liberalism and conservatism. They are attempts to pull the country in different directions on many policies and values.

The GOP is conservative. Why the hell are Democrats so afraid to be liberal and progressive and offer the country a choice?

[ChiciB1]

1. Just ONE MORE Reason... It Can't Be Hillary!

They've just begun the onslaught!!

[leftchick]

2. She is Michelle Malkin!

:rofl:

I could not resist! I found this on Yahoo's most emailed photos. This is quite the resemblance to MM. Poor Hil caught in a bad moment.

[Armstead]

3. Sorta looks like she's choking on the word "liberal."

[jonnyblitz]

8. LMFAO! great pic!!

that's a keeper. thanks for posting.

[meganmonkey]

16. Hang on to that one

for the 2008 primary flamewars :P

[radio4progressives]

4. Actually ronald reagan was a horrible president, but i won't argue with

rest of your points.

[Armstead]

6. Based on setting goals, getting majority agreement and accomplishing them.

He would qualify as competent.

The results were horrible, but I was using it as an example of how meaningless "competance" is as a political position.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

5. That the Repubs PROUDLY wear the mantle of "conservative", while

a Dem would-be nominee frantically resists ANY label but God forbid that "liberal" one, pretty much captures the essence of Democrats' problems in electoral politics, much of it self made (by the nominees, and the party machinery).

BTW the Repubs as personified by shrubco are anything BUT conservative, but they like that name brand!

[Armstead]

7. Exactly. I wish they'd realize it's safe to be a liberal.

[oasis]

9. As soon as Hillary declares she's a liberal then she is guaranteed 20% of

the 2008 vote. The centrists, moderates and conservatives will get behind the GOP candidate.

Landslide anyone?

[Armstead]

10. Can you prove that assertion?

You're correct that there is a portion of the population that would vote for Satan before they'd vote for a liberal.

But screw 'em. If you take the diehard liberals and progressives, sell liberal and progressive principles to the moderates based on what it really stands for, there's a pretty good chance that they might well add up to a majority.

By the way -- How do you think the public (other than carping liberals like me) ALREADY perceives Hillary to be? They already see her as a liberal.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

11. Those are the same ones who'd vote for Satan before they'd vote Hilary.

[oasis]

14. Only the 2008 election can prove it. Hillary's not about to embrace the

"liberal" label. Why should she? Only dyed-in-the-wool liberals believe that she's not a liberal. Nearly everyone else thinks she's too liberal. Ask around.

Her strategy has her on top so far. Hill's going to go with what got her there.

[Armstead]

15. What's a dyed in the wool liberal?

Why are conservatives proud to be who they are, while Democrats believe that basic liberalism is something to hide and be ashamed of?

[oasis]

17. It's the perception. Weak on defense, family values, morality. Hillary

can't fight the perception of liberalism and the GOP too.

Once Hill begins to shape national policy from the Oval Office, we'll be able to judge her degree of liberalism.

[Armstead]

18. Liberals ARE weak on defense

We're weak on defending liberalism from the lies of the GOP and right wing.

There's only one way to change that...Stop running away from it.

[WI_DEM]

12. that is the reason why liberal has become a dirty word

becuz our "leaders" won't defend the word.

[Armstead]

13. I think all Democratic leaders should hold a giant presentation

Call it "We're liberals and here's why...."


Like a big pep rally