No Surprise: Polls Show Feingold's Popularity Soaring (Huff Post)

[NYCGirl]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jane-hamsher/no-surprise-polls-show-_b_17477.html


The response of the Senate Democrats to the Feingold censure resolution aptly demonstrates how thoroughly disconnected they are from the strong feelings in the netroots community about the illegal NSA wireteps. They seem to have no concept of stepping into a leadership position and channeling that emotion into positive action. So let me speak in a language that even the dullest, the most remedial, most thick-witted Democratic consultant can understand.

According to a new Rassmussen poll:

"Initially, 22% of Democrats had a favorable opinion of him while 16% had an unfavorable opinion. However, knowing he advocates censure, Feingold's numbers within his own party jumped to 52% favorable and 14% unfavorable."

Every day that goes by and the party leaders do nothing but carp about an investigation that will never happen they are single-handedly delivering the loyalty, dollars and activism of the base over to Russ Feingold.

[rodeodance]

1. those Dem 'strategists' who said this is not a winning issue

best listen up.

[FogerRox]

7. yup listen there pal . . . . Russ is leading-- could you at least follow?

[Nightjock]

2. It doesn't surprise me

If there was a presidential primary tomorrow he would probably get my vote.
I barely knew him before he showed at least one Democrat has a spine to stand up to this corrupt, election stealing whitehouse.

[Mass]

3. Nothing very surprising - full polls though.among the general population

He won as much negatives as positives. This is not really surprising, either. He mainly increased his name recognition.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/March%20Dailies/Censure.htm

Censure President Bush
Yes 38%
No 45%

RasmussenReports.com

Russell Feingold
Favorable 15%
Unfavorable 23%

RasmussenReports.com

Russell Feingold

(knowing he advocates censure)
Favorable 32%
Unfavorable 41 %

[flpoljunkie]

15. However, Feingolds' favorables went up from 22 to 52% in the Dem party!

Advocating censure does offer a boost for Feingold within the Democratic Party. Initially, 22% of Democrats had a favorable opinion of him while 16% had an unfavorable opinion. However, knowing he advocates censure, Feingold's numbers within his own party jumped to 52% favorable and 14% unfavorable.

The flip side is that Republicans have an overwhelming negative opinion of the maverick Senator--9% favorable and 74% unfavorable.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/March%20Dailies/Censure.htm

Would love to know how independents feel about Russ. The Republicans numbers obviously brought his favorability down quite a bit.

[Mass]

16. Yes, he increased his name recognition

and it was a great move for him. This is not very surprising, though.

I agree that his numbers among independants would be more telling.

[flpoljunkie]

17. He also increased his favorable rating among Dems, not a small thing.

[Mass]

21. Actually, the fact that his negatives did not change with exposure

is what is impressive. It means that his move has been seen as positive by all the democrats.

[flpoljunkie]

22. Thanks for pointing this out, Mass.

[rodeodance]

18. first things first.

[Mass]

19. Yes, it is very good for him, no question.

You cant have the favorables if you are not known.

[Clark2008]

39. What is WRONG with people?

No one like Bush - he's got a 36 percent approval rating - so WHY are people so scared to hold this twit accountable? Why do they dislike those who do?

(I'm speaking of the general population as shown in these polls - and I realize Rasmussen is somewhat Republican, but these numbers are far to dismal to be that skewed).

[Wickerman]

4. Maybe just doing what is right is better strategy than devising strategy

:think:

I am pretty disgusted with the whole damn lot of them. Way to go, Russ!

[FogerRox]

11. DO the right thing-- Imagine that- maybe we could win in '06 w/that

WOOT WOOT WOOT for Russ

[indigo32]

5. Did anyone else see John Stewarts bit about this

the day it happened?
HE certainly noticed the lack of support Feingold received.

Pathetic.

[blm]

6. Except the censure resolution is IN committee where Feingold wants it

and it wouldn't be there if Dem senators were against it the way so many on the left are claiming.

Feingold WANTED the bill slowed down for debate - it's the REPUBLICANS who wanted to push for immediate action on it.

I can't believe so many left forums and columnists haven't figured this out yet.

[opihimoimoi]

8. Delusion is contagious...many Dinos caught it..the bug that is...

[Neil Lisst]

9. Feingold has masterfully played his hand.

He's carving out the issues that matter to the serious Democrat. He's letting the others run for the general election. He's running for the primary.

[Imagevision]

42. Viva Russ Feingold - Viva Russ Feingold...!

[EST]

10. Beautiful, effing beautiful!

[Minnesota Libra]

12. YUP, it's drip, drip, drip, drip - I love it!!!! nt

[lumpy]

47. Bringing the word 'censure' to the public

arena is important. People are asking "what is this censure thing all about?". Education is a wonderful thing.

[FogerRox]

13. Check in here to cheer Russ

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2519614&mesg_id=2519626

[EC]

14. Russ is nearly the only one that the Senators from the other side

even have good things to say, I've heard Republicans call him principled, honest and a straight-shooter....of course they don't agree with him, but who cares?

[FogerRox]

20. REC OMMEND this thread, Bump it to the TOP

[K8-EEE]

23. Jelly-Spined Dem Senators: PAY ATTENTION!

Jesus!! It's like they're zombies or something..

[byronius]

24. Wakin' up. Smellin' the coffee. Good Mornin'.

[demswin06]

25. but....

Correct about the feelings,but the "strong feelings in the netroots community",may not be all that its cracked up to be. Granted,we here in the liberal side of things are "madder than hell" but does that feeling extend up to the masses who think that the latest ranting of Simon Cowell or what the hell K-Fed is doing this week with Brit's money is more important than illegal spying,immoral wars or the WH resident who is moon bat crazy? :-(

[NYCGirl]

27. What makes you think the "masses" vote at all? NT

[DirtyDawg]

26. Weak, ineffectual, timid...

...Feingold understands that voters, regardless of party affiliation, won't support an individual or group of individuals that are constantly demonstrating these pathetic traits - weak, ineffectual and timid won't win shit...and doesn't deserve to. Russ Feingold is trying to break out of this straight-jacket that democrats keep putting themselves into thinking that it will, in the end, be good for them. Well what we need is some 'shock therapy' and Russ seems ready to deliver it.

Stay close to the people Russ, we're with you.

[Imagevision]

28. Fellow Dems just talk -- Feingold acts!!

I hope Russs wins the primary!

[Clarkie1]

29. There will be neither true investingation, nor censure or anything else

unless we regain majorities in November.

Feingold is against impeachment, and a censure cannot take place until we retake the Senate.

[Trevelyan]

30. Go Feingold!!! Spinegold. Fine Gold Ouster the DINO Reid and get

Feingold into the Democratic LEADERSHIP postition NOW!!!

Anyone want to start a write in campaign? Who other than Reid, which I have done asking him to stand down in favor of a real leader with courage to face these VDPs (Very dangerous people). When do the Dems vote on leaders? (kos said Pelosi is leading the charge to CENSOR the INTERNET - Reid and Pelosi are not OUR friends).

We need to start demanding our input on the vital Democratic Leadership.

[depakid]

31. .......asking him to stand down in favor of a real leader

:yourock:

Reid is an embarassment. I had hoped that his health problems last summer would have provided him with a graceful way out.

[auagroach]

33. Possible Campaign Slogan?

As Good As Fiengold!

[Minnesota Libra]

32. Hell yes!!!!!!! Finally some real leadership!!!!! nt

[Redneck Socialist]

34. The sad truth is...

that by and large the so called 'leadership' of the Democratic party doesn't give a rat's ass what the
"netroots community" feels about anything. They dismiss us as raving loonies and continue to pander to the legendary "swing voter." A beast whose numbers grow smaller with every passing year.

[usregimechange]

35. Hey, he is the leader of my Democratic party.

[Sugarcoated]

36. I just gave my first contribution to him

I am smitten.

[countmyvote4real]

37. I saw him speak tonight in Brooklyn. He’s the real deal.

I was a guest of my friend who was being honored as part of a fundraiser for her Jewish congregation: Kolot Chayneinu/Voices of Our Lives. It was a wonderful evening celebrating the 13th year of this amazing community of progressive and enlightened individuals and their families.

Senator Feingold was the final of the four individuals being honored for their social justice activism and of course for their Jewish heritage. Early on extending the invitation, my friend was not certain whether or not his schedule would allow him to appear in person or if he would send a personal representative. As it turned out tonight, he was there from the get-go and stayed around to greet and meet his admirers.

It was a nice touch that Liz Holtsman provided his introduction. (For those that don’t know, she helped make the case against Nixon that no man or President is above the law.) Anyway, I was aware of his record for election finance reform and the preservation of our civil rights. (Let’s not forget that he was the ONLY Senator to vote against the original Patriot Act.) I was not prepared for his loyalty, humility and good humor. He was there because a member of this community helped him in his very first State Senatorial election. (I really was impressed that he made the time to be there.) His remarks were not self centered, self-congratulatory, nor self-deprecating. As for his good humor, he referred to a quote from a memorable Rabbi that The Ten Commandments were not The Ten Suggestions and that also applied to our Bill of Rights. This was an easy segue to * broke the law when he initiated wiretaps on US citizens without FISA warrants. And it really is that plain and simple.

Finally, he is not charismatically challenged in any way. Even some lesbians were glibly admitting to sexual fantasies with the man. When I was asked how I would grade his remarks, I said, “Presidential.” And he is. Or at least he’s a leader that represents our Constitution and our humanity. Sure, he has political skills that he’s sharpened over time, but I believe in his vision of America. I wish that I was able to recant that JFK had the same obstacles to overcome because he was a Catholic, but it did not occur to me until now.

For the record, I don’t care what Faith a candidate brings or swears to the office of POTUS as long as they are truly sworn to uphold The Constitution. I’m also reminded of swearing on The Bible to uphold The Constitution vs. swearing on The Constitution to uphold The Bible. I put my trust on The Constitution and my Faith is personal. It’s between me and my God (if I choose to have one) and a democratically elected government that upholds that covenant.

Once again in my lifetime, I know what it is like to be governed by a POTUS that does not regard, respect or even know what our Bill of Rights mean. (To be fair, maybe they know the meaning, but they still trample on the execution and preservation of those rights.) Senator Feingold does know their meaning and respects the protections put in place to uphold our collective and individual liberty. He would be a great POTUS for ALL of US.

[flpoljunkie]

40. Thanks for sharing your informative and well written first hand report.

As to your comments about Feingold's charisma, I would suggest that sexuality is on a continuum, for all of us, something little understood. As for Feingold's charisma, it comes through on the television screen--he is articulate. speaks plainly and passionately.

[lumpy]

48. Kick

and agree

[Demeter]

38. That's AMAZING!!!

Just goes to show, the paths of communication aren't completely shut down. Bush may be in his bunker, and the GOP dissenters suppressed, but Democrats still have a voice, and they aren't afraid to use it. They have brains, too, and aren't afraid to use them, either. Now if there were just a few on the other end of the line, listening and reacting.....

[Jeffersons Ghost]

41. kick

:kick:

[radio4progressives]

43. "Total Information Awareness-like data-mining Operation"

This is why Feingold wants this president to made to Cease and Desist right now: (excerpt from article)

Here's an interesting -- but overlooked -- detail of the Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-CA) saga: one of the crooked contractors who bribed the Duke Stir was apparently involved in a Total Information Awareness-like data-mining operation that looked at U.S. citizens' data.

Mitchell Wade, former CEO of MZM Inc., pleaded guilty to several conspiracy and bribery charges a few weeks ago in connection with the Cunningham scandal. But a little-noticed piece of his history goes into one of the most sensitive domestic spying operations we have heard of to date: the Pentagon's Virginia-based Counterintelligence Field Activity office (CIFA).

Wade got over $16 million in contracts with CIFA by bribing Duke Cunningham, who forced earmarks in to Defense appropriations bills on his behalf. Furthermore, Wade's second-in-command was a consultant to the Pentagon on standing up the operation.

In its brief life -- it was created in 2002 -- CIFA has had trouble keeping its nose clean. Despite the ink that's been spilled on the center, little is actually known about what it does, and how MZM serviced it.

Feeling better yet? I know I am.

cont..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jane-hamsher/no-surprise-poll-shows-_b_17477.html

[radio4progressives]

44. "This is not partisan politics. This is not political chess"

It is an enormous mistake for anyone to stick their finger in the wind right now to see which way it's blowing before committing themselves on this issue. This is not partisan politics. This is not political chess. These are our core beliefs as Americans, our rights as citizens that are being messed with here, auctioned off to the crook with the fattest wallet -- just like the ports.

Do the wavering Democrats understand this? I do not believe that they do.

Russ Feingold looks pretty damn good for having been the only one to vote against the Patriot Act, and a year hence he (and co-sponsors Barbara Boxer and Tom Harkin) will look even better for having stepped out in the forefront of this because the corruption and mismanagement are only going to become more painfully obvious as the details are unearthed over time.

The question is -- who's going to look good for having stood with him?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jane-hamsher/no-surprise-poll-shows-_b_17477.html

[redqueen]

45. Your emphasis? Love it!

:kick:

[NicRic]

46. Always seen great potential in Mr. Feingold !

As a young up coming politician ,a progressive liberial ,who has a high I.Q. and needs to get the respect he deserves from not only his own party ,also from those on the fence and independants. He is the kind of person or persons we need in Washington ,making policy ,common sense on the economy ,and respect for the lives of others , American lives and those in other countries ! I do believe Russ to be a rising star in our party ,and we need to now have the media stop from type casting him as some extreme liberial ! He and his stand on the issuses are more inline with the American public then the current occupant of the White House ,in fact its not even close how much more his stand on issuses reflect the American publics stand ,when compred to the idiot in the White House ,that has taken our country back a decade from where it was when he took office !!!

[Javaman]

49. Spine + outrage = higher ratings.

A simple formular all our elected Democrats should follow. Like in that movie field of dreams where the "voices" told the main character to "build it and they will come".

Well, for the Dems, do your god damn jobs and your ratings will go up!