Just in case you all were wondering what that AMERICAblog editorial was
http://www.americablog.com/2010/10/ed-rendell-repeats-absurd-white-house.html">talking about when he wrote,
"Ed Rendell repeats absurd White House talking point that Democratic voters need to 'get over it'".
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3096434/vp/39511278#395112785:50
Lawrence O'donnell: What do you have to say to Obama critics? And look, you can be a supporter and a critic. I mean, the thing I hate in politics are robots you know who just - will go along with anything, or any kind of flip-flop or broken promise that a politician does. You can vote for a politician, criticize them when they break a promise and then vote for them again for reelection because that one is better than the alternative. But what do you have to say to the uninspired Democratic base right now that where in polls indicates they don't - they aren't showing the same enthusiasm about even showing up at the polls as they did in 2008.
Governor Rendell: Well point number one, this isn't about President Obama. I mean, he's out there campaigning and I think he's lately done a pretty good job of it. But this isn't about him, it's about whether the Democratic party - not perfect - but certainly bent on trying to preserve progressive theories in government and progressive practices - is going to be in charge of the Congress, or the Republican party. And it's not the Republican party of old, this is a scary Republican party. So we ought to get over it, and if we've got some issues with President Obama save them for another day. This is about the Congress of the United States turning control, as you said Lawrence, of that co-equal branch over to a bunch of people who are more and more increasingly influenced by what I call the wacko wing of the Republican party. And if that's not enough to motivate Democrats - if that's not enough to scare the be-jabbers out of them - it ought to be. Because this could be an enormously destructive election for the United States.
Without a doubt those who are on a mission to be offended will still pluck ONE line - (actually one-half of a sentence) - "Get over it" and interpret his entire reply to be a snub against Liberals. But after watching the entire exchange I doubt most reasonable people would be
offended by what he said. And for the life of me I can't understand why John Aravosis (the author of the AMERICAblog entry) in question didn't even provide a partial transcript, let alone the whole exchange.
I think Governor Rendell's greater point is a valid one. You can focus on singular, or even a couple of pet issues. Or alternatively you can look at the big picture and realize there IS a valid choice to make. With the Republicans in power we
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_10/025954.php">wouldn't have passed the Affordable Care Act, the Recovery Act, Wall Street reform, student loan reform, Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, new regulation of the credit card industry, new regulation of the tobacco industry, a national service bill, expanded stem-cell research, a nuclear arms deal with Russia, a new global nonproliferation initiative, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the most sweeping land-protection act in 15 years, etc. Alternatively there's a lovely new breed of Republicans that are flooding the ranks that have blatantly advocated for things like banishing the minimum wage, gutting Medicare and Social Security, forcing rape victims to birth their rapist's baby, and many other extremists ideals.
Point being guys - this election is about serious issues and has serious consequences. Let's break away from the high school bullshit about John being offended by whatever Joe said about Jane.