I dont care what anyone says, obstructionism will not help us win in '06.

[nickshepDEM]

We need a nationally unified, clear and concise message or we will not capitalize on what looks to be a potentially big year for Democrats across the nation.

I truely believe we have cleaned the Republicans clocks and won the public support on numerous issues like Social Security, the Iraq War, the reverse Robin Hood budget, etc. They're listening and they're on our side, but I think they're waiting for us to map out a plan. How are we going to help them... You know?

Where do we start?

[iconoclastNYC]

1. Start by defining "obstructionism"

Which, in case you didn't know, a word coined by Republicans bitching about the Democratic congress not rubberstamping Bush's radical agenda.

Not matter what anyone says repeating Republican talking poitns will not help us win in '06

[nickshepDEM]

2. I didnt intend to use obstuctionism in the same context as Republicans.

I truely believe we have won the public over on numerous issues like Social Security, the Iraq War, the reverse Robin Hood budget, etc. They're listening and they're on our side, but I think they're waiting for us to map out a plan. How are we going to help them... You know?

[TheFarseer]

11. I don't think we've sold anyone but ourselves on

Reverse Robin Hood budgets. I'm guessing most people still think they are getting helped by the tax cuts. They probably don't care about budget cuts that don't directly affect them (and probably just blame the politicians rather than the repukes) and the deficit is some fuzzy concept that has never done anything to them before.

[iconoclastNYC]

16. Thats why we do Budget Reform our way.

And when we balance the budget and still give the averag working family a bigger tax cut then Bush gave them, it will be clear. If we want we can do what Bush did and give them a special one-time check just to drive it home.

We have to be gimmicky and simplistic like the Republicans are. We need more PR type people guiding public policy and less wonks. Democrats can still do good for the country AND score PR victories.

[Demit]

3. Yeah, really. What do you mean by obstructionism?

[nickshepDEM]

6. See post #2.

I tried to clear it up a little.

[Demit]

21. There's no definition of (what you mean by) obstructionism in post #2.

[nickshepDEM]

23. Ok, obstructionism as in...

Knocking down Republican ideas without producing ideas of our own. I have no problem with fighting the Republican agenda to the very end. However, eventually there will come a time when the people say, we are listening... What do you have for us besides 'no'? IMO, people are tired of the status quo. They're ready for some positive change, and we're in a great position to give it to them.

We need a unified message on how we save social security. Whether it be roll back the bush tax cuts or increase the cap or whatever.

We need a unified message on ending the culture of curruption in DC.

We need a unified message on affordable health care for all Americans.

We need a unified message on how to make college affordable for every child in America.

We need a unified message on tax reform that benefits the vast majority of working Americans rather than the corporate elite.

We need a unified message on how we reach energy independence.

We need a UNIFIED message on Iraq. Do we stay and finish or do we go?

Ect.. Etc.. Etc...

Unified being the key word. In the Contract w/ America every Republican in the country ran on a similar if not identical platform. It was like a 'sea of change' rather than pockets of change here and there. We need that, but we need better ideas and a plan to implement those ideas.

If we get this right we could win 4-5 seats in the senate and 20+ seats in the house.

[bowens43]

4. If by 'obstructionism'

you mean defending our country against the bush agenda where ever and when ever possible, it certainly WILL help us to win.

[stray cat]

5. We need a real vision for America in addition to being tough

[iconoclastNYC]

17. We have a real vision.

Quit implying we don't. If we had the house and the senate our vision wo uld get more airplay. The minority party doesn't get to set the agenda.

[On the Road]

7. If "Obstructionism"Can be Defined Positively, It May Work

For example, Democrats are (hopefully) trying to block Bush's recent tax package which cuts taxes on investments and takes benefits away for everyone, especially the middle class. Democrats can frame the obstruction as supporting fair taxes for the middle class, maintaining social security, Medicare, and the home interest deduction.

When Clinton created the meme of saving social security first, it was largely in order to stave off a Republican call for tax cuts. And it worked as long as he was in office.

[iconoclastNYC]

18. Don't use that word at all.

When you do you are reinforcing a Republican frame.

READ READ READ "Don't think of an Elephant"

When you repeat a repeat a Repuke talking point even to try to turn it aroudn or negate it you just do the Republicans work.

We have to REPEAT our talking points that malign the Republicans.

[On the Road]

24. I Was Using Your Word, Actually

and making the point that you can obstruct Republican efforts as long as they're defined positively.

[BOSSHOG]

8. The republican agenda needs to be obstructed

The republican agenda needs to be clearly defined for the American People and the efforts of Democrats to obstruct should be applauded by right thinking constitution loving americans.

[Mountainman]

9. Two repub talking points are Dems are obstructionists and do not have a

plan.

Well repukes have a plan that most people don't want.

We on the other hand want to bring the troops home, provide health care for those who cannot afford it, improve education, balance the budget, improve the jobs picture and the economy. Most people want us to protect a woman's right to choose and want our rights protected against the Patriot act.

There see I know what our message is.

[Epiphany4z]

15. Because our plan

does not match theres they define it as obstructionism.

It is a nice little bumper sticker way to think of Dems. Obstructionist,traitors,loony left/lib...ect.

Don't let them define us.

They are so good at defining things....Someone who tries to see both sides of an issue is a flip flopper. Someone who wants accountability is a finger pointer. Someone who doesn't agree with them is traitor. Trying to move on a plan different from theres ...you an obstructionist.

[iconoclastNYC]

19. Thank you.

More people would know this if we have a Media that gave us any attention or if we had the Congress and could set the legislative agenda and control the debate.

It's troubling how many people in our party think that we don't have an agenda. They've been brainwashed by the RETHUGS.

[ret5hd]

10. well, since you don't care what i say... (nt)

[shance]

12. Defending and protecting our country is not obstructionism.

Just as Iraqis protecting and defending what is theirs is not obstructionism.

I think you need to more clearly observe and understand who are those obstructing.

"Creating a message" while Rome burns, in my opinion, is not the correct action to take when we are being attacked. And right now, although many of us are not feeling it directly we are being attacked. The obstructors would much rather have us fine tuning our "message" while they act and act against what is in this countrie's best interest.

We have a huge attack that has happened on our Gulf coast. Hurricanes have destroyed the coast and left millions homeless and totally beholden to a uncaring group in the White House. Perhaps there are some that care in the Executive Branch but the actions continue to show otherwise.

People in New Orleans and all across Texas have lost everything and it is seemingly non existent now on the cable news, at least in the capacity that could be most beneficial and proactive for all Americans in ways to help, other than giving money to organizations that we have no idea where that money is going.

We are in desperate need of community building now and relationship building now - not 'message building' in my opinion. That seems to me to be avoidance. I believe we need some leadership on all levels to provide some structure and instructions as to how to proceed in building our backbone and strength to better and more effectively fight those that are trying to take our property, our rights and our dignity.

We already have a message, and more importantly we have our instincts. Our instincts should tell us that we are being threatened and we need to respond and not avoid. Avoidance or incorrect action or outright denial only allows for more destruction and attacks from those who are obstructing, as you put it.

[Dr.Phool]

13. I don't call it obstructionism

I call it prevention.

[iconoclastNYC]

20. I call it Patriotism.

[LSK]

14. Bill Clinton had a nice plan going until Bush obstructed it n/t

[quisp]

22. It's not "obstructionism" dammit!

It's principled opposition.

We will NEVER win if we are simply responding to RNC talking points.

Beleive it or not there are TONS of Democrats who have loads of great ideas. Do some research at the DNC (http://www.democrats.org/) for example. Or google any of the Democratic Reps and Senators and you'll find there are lots of ideas. Educate yourself, then start talking to you neighbors, co-workers, classmates, people in line at the grocery store, whoever.

The grassroots are you!

ps - I'm curious who said "obstuctionism will help us win in '06"?


edit - added ps