Have Democrats done enough for their base?
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/04/23/art.housedems.0423.gi.jpg caption=" Have Democrats done enough for their base?"]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Democrats are just not cutting it. One top Democratic official says the party is not giving its base enough of a reason to vote for them in the midterm elections.
Pennsylvania Governor and former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Ed Rendell says that everyone gives a little bit too much credit to the Independents.
Rendell insists Democrats do want to win the independent vote, but ultimately a lot also depends on turnout of the party's base.
Quote: "we have to give our base a reason to get out there, a reason to feel proud of who we are and what we stood for as a party. And I don't think up to now we've done a very effective job" unquote.
Rendell has a point. Polls show Republicans are much more fired up about voting in the midterms. One survey taken after health care reform passed showed 55% of Republicans are "extremely" or "very" enthusiastic about voting in November.... that's compared to only 36 percent of Democrats who feel that way.
In theory – health care, a major Obama campaign promise, should get the base going. But a lot of Liberals were disappointed it didn't go further and include a public option.
Also, the Democrats risk alienating more of their base with reports this week that they plan to undertake immigration legislation before climate change. Although immigration reform which is a long shot could help with the Hispanic vote lots of Liberals believe now is the best time in years to pass a bill on global warming.
Still Other democrats are waiting for the party to address other issues, like gays in the military.
Here’s my question to you: Have the Democrats done enough for their base to win in November?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Dee
We need jobs. When the Democrats get the economy up and running again, when everyone who (desperately) wants to work has a job, then I will say they have done enough. Their 'base' is largely working class America. And working class America wants to work!
Cheryl in South Carolina
I'm part of that base and I say yes. We may not have gotten enough change or the change we thought we were getting, but the country is recovering from the Bush years, the economy is improving, we are one giant step closer to universal health care, and it looks like Congress is going to pass financial reform. The question is: will enough Democrats go to the polls?
Donald in California
No, the Democrats act as though they are afraid of the Republicans. The Republicans bully them around and they cower in the corner. They have a history of not standing up for the folks who vote them into office. They act as though they are afraid to fight for the issues that Obama campaigned on.
Jim
No, they have almost done irreparable damage to this country. The result will be that the majority of Democrats supporting Obama's radical policies will be voted out of office.
Carl
Jack, The answer is a plain no. Having said that, the Republicans are just about as useless as the Democrats. Come November, it will be just another lose-lose situation for the U.S.
Pete
Probably not quite enough. Let's see, there are still a few out there who pay a few dollars in taxes, work a few hours a month, and pay a few pennies for their own daily survival. But not to worry, soon old Uncle Sam will have it all covered - cradle to grave.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Simnply put Jack, no. They didn't get the single healthcare payer act passed, didn't get us the jobs we need, have allowed Wall Street for over a year to continue screwing the consumer since Obama took office, passed a horrible credit crunch bill that is in the credit card companies' favor, and are not tough enough to make things right regardless of what the Republicans want. It's just a mess and I don't see the Dems holding on to the majority in November, and maybe they shouldn't.
Terrence Cain
Big Spring, TX.
The more they do for their socialist base, the less likely they will win in November
Yes–how can we expect more? The Republicans and some in the media claim that Obama has taken on too much, but there is much to do within a four year term; therefore, we can hope there will be four more years to accomplish it all..
Not even close. The healthcare reform bill is useless and was rammed through on the promise that it would be fixed later, never happened. Our borders are still wide open, our government is still spying on us, Wall Street has paid no penalties whatsoever for nearly destroying the country – indeed it has been rewarded, the middle and working classes are still getting a raw deal and are paying higher taxes in spite of campaign promises while the wealthy are still getting a free ride, no one is taking any action to reverse the exportation of our jobs, etc, etc, etc, ad nauseum, ad infinitum. And that’s just for openers. We NEED a real third party and we need it now, not some lunatic tea party.
No of course not and it does not matter because.Its all about a few people in power.
David
Health care was hugely important, but they could repeal DOMA, pass EDNA and the repeal "Don't ask, don't tell"
George
Evarts, Kentucky
We wanted the Public Option. Most of the people who said that they were not in favor of the health care reform bill, opposed it because there is no public option. However, I saw how difficult it was to finally pass the bill that is now law, & I'm not sure if God Himself could have managed to get the public option. I'm certainly not blaming Democrats. They might have fought the Republican propaganda sooner, & more vigorously, but they had no idea that the Republicans could stoop so low, & neither did I.
Hindsight is always 20/20, & we're confident that the public option will be added soon.
•
Yep... They've done about all for MY base that I care for... Got any more ideas??
enough ? what have they done at all ?
Oh, the putrid sanctification of politics!!! I am ashamed of those in the Democratic Party holding legislative seats that turned tail in the adversity of Republican and Tea Party booga-boos and ran. Such cowards and impotent individuals they are.
Sadly, no.
The Dems have not done nearly enough . However, just look at the alternative. Does anybody (with half a mind) really want a return to the good ole days of Bush?
Yes the Dems are working for the working people.
Yes, plenty, and much more than what Bush did for the Republican base during eight years. Those who would complain about what the Democrats (Obama) has or has not done in the first 15 months of office, should only survey what the last administration did or did not get done. Remember, this is a democracy and nobody gets everything they want!
Jack,
Well, they got Health Care Reform passed against all odds, something they've been trying to accomplish for decades. The economy is turning around, people are buying homes and American cars again, we're not torturing prisoners anymore, and we have a president who could just turn out to be among the greatest in our history. America and the American president are respected again overseas. and that's just the first 15 months. If that isn't enough to energize the democratic base then maybe they need to re-examine their expectations.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
Other than getting a watered-down heavily-Republican-influenced health care bill, one which didn't get any Republican votes despite incorporating most of their ideas, passed, what has he done so far?
Let's see if he gets a strong financial regulation bill through, one with real teeth, or if this one gets watered down to pander to Republicans and their corporate interests, too.
This will make the difference.
I really can't determine the answer to that question. The problem is in defining exactly who is in their base. The same goes for the Republicans. Anyone currently a member of Congress should be very concerned about keeping their seat because Americans are fed up with all of them.
Democrats have done Way more than enough for their base and for all of America in fact. President Obama has been 10x's more visible and responsive to world events than Bush and Democrats in congress has passed 10x's more policies than the "Do Nothing Congress" of the republicans.
Pulled the economy out of the Abyss, Passed sweeping Health Care, Allow Stem Cell Research, Saved Car companies who paid back the money, Regulations on wall street; so much more thats not named. Now this is Progress,,,,,America taking the Bull by the Horns!!
Yes they have Jack. That's because we Democrats have a very large and wide base. Us Democrats would never fit under the 'Big Tent' the Republicans keep reminding us they have. They can erect a tent bigger than Barnum and Bailey's. That won't matter when they have only a small slice of the American population under it!
I voted democrat, most of my life. I did not vote Obama, I was one of the smart ones. But now I'm never going to vote for a democrat again. The democrated party, has become the new Obama, socialist party. There is not a democrat that isn't guilty of pork barrel spending. All they know how to do is what the American people don't want. If Hilary Clinton, would run I would not even vote for her. She was my farorite at one time. She's the reason I voted for Bill, his second term. The democrated perty has done nothing but back room deals,
Keith
Coatesville, PA
For me they have. We have Health Care reform, soon to be Financial "health' reform, hopefully getting all of our jobs back from Communist China reform, and soon, removing all Republicans from office reform. Have a good weekend!
I don't think there is ever enough you can do for your base. They did pass health care as far as possible – although single payer would have been preferrable. They kept the auto unions alive when a straight up bankruptcy would have voided the contracts and benefits totally. The pro-choice base got thrown under the bus in order to please the Catholic Democrats (of which I was one) – can't please everyone. Latinos got thrown under the bus and are owed big time on the immigration reform front. I think electing Obama will have the African American base ecstatic for the next 7 years.
No. They need to put in single payor health care. Period. The US needs universal health care. That is the ONLY way to contain costs, from hospitals (who jack prices up the wazoo – $100 for a pacifier???) to doctors (you think $2000 an hour is valid?). Put them on a salary, pay reasonable charges, cut out rich CEOs who do nothing for care. France has GPs on salary at $100k, you think they have huge student loans??? NO. We subsidize the medical schools in NYC. Enough is enough.
We need to regulate Wall Street. The cowboys have trashed the place enough.
We need to fix trade and tax laws. No more tax cuts for firing workers.
I would say that they have done enough for their base. But will it be enough to get to second base in November we will all have to wait and see. To me the Tea Party Clowns will end up messing everything up resulting in no change for the better. More people being elected just to warm seats just may happen in November.
The democrats haven't done anything for their base except stick it to 'em. They will pay a heavy price in November.
Need single-payer medical insurance, like CIVILIZED countries have.
And big corporations need to start paying a fair share of the tax burden,and provide safer working conditions for their employees
The big guys care not about base, only what have you done for me lately, Republican or Democrat.
I would think the Democrat’s have done enough for the health insurance companies, the auto industry, Wall Street and the big banks who must be considered part of their base for now since they have done them more than enough favors.
Jack: Health care reform was huge for the Democratic base, but financial regulatory reform over Wall Street and Banks would even be better. To handle Iran with diplomacy that gets concrete results would be nice. A new energy policy that was not formed by the oil companies in secret would make all of us happy. To keep reducing the numbers of troops in Iraq, and bring the terrorist we have in custody to justice. These are some of the concerns for the Democratic base.
Absolutely not, Jack, and it's time to make up for it. It seems like they are busy accomodating the right wing, Fox talking points, coastal drillers (we're seeing how that's going) and the rest of the kooks, and ignoring the progressive base that elected them. Democrats have a true mandate, and it is about time they actually use it.
Jack,
The answer is a plain no. Having said that, the Rep. are just about as useless as the Dems. Come November, it will be just another lose, lose situation for the United States. These useless polticians only care about lining there pockets and there own needs.
Jack, I am thinking absolutely not. The only thing the Democrats seem to have done to their base and Independent supporters is slam them with disillusioned dreams of change from unfulfillied promises, too much deficit spending, a healthcare law that most of them didn't want, and the spectre of huge tax increases to pay for the out of control spending that Congress and the President cannot seem to stop. Even the Democratic base is beginning to realize that every time the President or Congress opens their mouths, the deficit leaps another half a trillion dollars or so. Even the liberal democrats are seeing the fallout of this in Greece, Portugal, Ireland, California and other places where default on debt is almost a reality. 2009 will be a walk in the park compared to what happens if California and the nation default.
No!. just today the whitehouse encouraged more offshore drilling while control of recent spill and fire got out of hand and many are dead.he said "we need independance from foreign control of oil..so, he issues leases to foreign companies that control more of our pristine resources ..all while we (once again) foot the bill for cleanup without the equipment oil and gas and flags of convenience still refuse to pay for....god help us survive the 2 party monopoly.
No, apparentlt they were out of power long enough to have to relearn the process of governing.
No. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am with the excuse of a law that health reform turned out to be. If I didn't know any better, I'd say the Dems and Reps in D.C. colluded behind closed doors to pull a fast one over us Americans. The law put a heavy burden on some folks who can't afford health care and gave the health insurance industry a BIG gift of 32,000,000 more customers. And you know that the bureaucracy in D.C. will go all out gang-busters to enforce the law and oversee insurers' abuse, not! What is wrong with the American people? Can't they see what a burden it puts on American business to provide insurance for their employees. No other industrialized nation requires that of their businesses. That's a BIG reason American jobs are being shipped overseas. We NEED a single payer system.
Jack, I believe they have focused solely on their base and that is precisely why they will not win this fall. We were all lulled into a diabetic coma by the icing they put on the liberal cake they served us two years ago. Strangely, it is as though they realize that their time is limited so they are going to ram through legislation that has been pending since the Reagn era before they lose thier opportunity. I only hope we all survive until January.
Absolutely. The economy is starting to turn around, and President Obama is taking all the right steps to repair 8 years of George Bush's disaster to this country.
The question should be "Have the Democrats done enough TO their base?" Win in November? You must be kidding Jack. Americans may be a lot of things but "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
The Democrats in Congress have effectively screwed up this country, and will pay dearly in November. All the attempts by the media to try to pull the wool over our eyes will not work. It's time for the media to stop using the "Blame George W. Bush card" whenever they are in trouble, and the "race card" when Americans criticize President Obama. It's time for real change in Washington and it will start in November. Then in 2012 American will put people in office who work for us, not the other way around.
Well Jack, as a moderate I think so. Enough in fact that I plan to vote against them. Not because I like the Republicans, but because I have been reminded that gridlock is better for the country than giving either of the parties total control. Also, unusual for Texas I live in Democratic congressional district and I can vote against my incumbent at the same time.
Have the Democrats done enough for their base? Jack, Jack, Jack, are you serious? If they did any more - the whole boat would sink under the weight of their generosity. The Democratic base is a rag-tag bunch of liberals and minority groups that are cobbled together to exist on the public dole. The only thing the base needs now are life preservers for the day when the boat goes down under a mountain of freebees.
Gary in Arizona
Probably not quite enough. Let's see, there's still a few out there that pay a few dollars taxes, work a few hours a month, and pay a few pennies for their own daily survival, but not to worry, soon old Uncle Sam will have it all covered...............cradle to grave.
I'm part of that base and I say yes. We may not have gotten enough change or the change we thought we were getting, but the country is recovering from the Bush years, the economy is improving, we are one giant step closer to universal healthcare, and it looks like Congress is going to pass financial reform. The question is, will enough Democrats go to the polls?
I'd say the democrats are looking to gain as much of a majority as they can with this upcoming mid-term election. They've been met with great opposition out of spite since the presidential election in November 2008, and they'll need as many votes in the senate as possible to assure the passing of progressive legislatures including: Socialized Healthcare, Troop Depletion in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Economic Development with a resurgence of occupational growth within the middle-class as there was during the Clinton Administration throughout the 1990's. – Metro East St. Louis, IL
Have the Democrats done enough for their base to win in November?
Even if they haven't done everything that I wanted you couldn't pay me to vote for any OBSTUCTIONIST Republican.
No one wants to vote for the party of NO.
No one wants to listen to HATE speech and FEAR mongering – that is why we voted for CHANGE and we all know that CHANGE doesn't happen over night!
Jenna
Roseville CA
Probably not, but it doesn't matter. The serious issues facing our great nation, and might just be the death of it, will never be addressed by the "Republicrats"
No, because they have to fight amongst themselves as well as the obstructionist Republicans. Things might go better now that they are pushing back immediately on conservative lies and distortions as seen in the pushback on the criticism of the finance reform bill.
Jack: I have constantly throughout my life heard of Democrats and Republicans--let's be honest----that concept is only an imaginary figment of the mind--–in Washington---there are only two classes---the winners and looser.
So far Obama has not yet really done that much so I can't see how his base would be thrilled...but ya never know?
Sure they have. A democrat will never vote for a republican, and figure idependents dont have a chance. So, democrats don't have to do anything for their base..they are like captured pawns, sit them on the side.
There is going to be a blood bath in November if they don't start looking out for this country and it's people, and the troops and stop putting them on trial for doing the job we sent them to do.
No, not nearly. But they're obviously learning and are finally taking the control they should have when they were first voted into office.
Democrats can never do enough for their base. That is what defines their base.
Of course Democrats have not done enough for their base. If they had, they would quickly run OUT of things to promise in exchange for votes. And what they are doing is alienating their base to the extent that they are considering not voting for Democrats. In the end, Democrats will likely end up losing BIG in November, setting themselves up for the "rebirth" of their party, or its funeral!
Jack–
As a Democrat, the answer to your question is No. The Democrats in Congress, and in the White House have wasted the last two years trying to placate and please Republicans who have no intention of working with anyone to get anything done. What's the point of being the majority party if you don't act like it, and vote on your own convictions? They're wasting everyone's time–and a good majority while it lasted.
L.B.J got us into Vietnam because he did not want the republican party to call him soft on communalism. don"t for get Goldwater want to drop the A bomb on Vietman. Now Obama will be called soft on terrorism if we don"t drop bombs on Iran. WE Democrats have a base screw FOX news
Yes, Jack, I think he has. My husband's business is thriving. We now do not have to fear losing healthcare. We will have regulations to reign in Wall Street and the Banks.
Jack,I don't know if democrats have done enough FOR it's base,but they have certainly done enough TO it!These clowns, Pelosi and Reid, have made me an independent!
they have done plenty for thier offshore industrialists runningour trade into the ground...
Who gives a flying...
The Democrats have controlled Congress since 2006 and look what has happened! It is clear that the American people are sick and tired of our elected officials. The Dems are going to have to accept the fact that the Republicans are going to win Congress back in November. This has been going on since our country was founded.
With a new fresh Congress, we can build America back to what it was, a free and prosperous nation! Lets do that by creating jobs, bring basic manufacturing back home, cut government spending, restructure our educational system and Social Security. In order to move us out of this recession we need to go back to basics!
Who says the Democrat's base consists of extreme left liberals? That is a myth that has been repeated so often now by the right wing neocon media that it seems to have stuck. The Democrat's base these days are those who want the Bush Cheney mess cleaned up.
Period.
Jack
The Healthcare plan is similar to giving all Americans a car and have your employer seize money from paychecks for obscene fuel, insurances and maintanence. You can never win if you don't make the rules.Then they insult our intellgence claiming free health care. It's health care larceny!! Not a plan for Americans this is a plan for bigger government ,big insurances and big pharma. Elections will be tough after healthcare tax, Bailout Validations and immigration laws pending.
A resounding NO!!!!!!! The Dems have caved into every single whim of the Party of NO and they ought to be ashamed, but they aren't. Obama needs to take a tougher stand for what the progressives elected him to do, or else he will be a one term president.
Since the Republicans have become the party of NO, the Democrats must be getting a lot of what they want.
Jim, Craig, CO
No. Democrats have not done enough to win in November but Republicans buying "OFFICE SUPPLIES" have provided the necessary back-up support for Democrats.
Jack,
I wonder if Poland was at our southern border instead of Mexico, if all the bleeding hearts would fight just as hard for the pollocks become legal citizens. I think I know the answer. I know that there wouldn't be that big concern tor the latino votes like there is now. I'm second generation Polish and my ancestors migrated to the United States the right way. Why can't they. By the way when does a illegal person have Constitutional Rights?
As someone who almost always agrees with left leaning issues, I am much more concerned about problems getting solved rather than keeping the Democratic base happy. It was moderate Independents that tipped the scales in the last election.
Hell no Jack they are living in a black hole if they think that they can continue hiding from the illegal immigration issue. Jan Brewer is my president she is the only one who has the guts to do the right thing criticize her if you will we will support her decision throughout the U.S. the President and all of Congress are fakes including the media there is no reason to support law breakers from any country. we the people will win using our strength of unity to overturn any proposed amnesty by this congress and president we are sick and tired of being sick of illegal aliens.
They most certainly have.
More has been accomplished for middle class America this last year than what was done the last eight years. We now have a leadership that puts us and our country first, and, considering all the obstruction, were able to get decent policies passed.There is either too much government or not enough, Jack. What will it take to give the ruling party at least a little credit??
Jack:
They most certainly have, they are base enough.
Lifelong Democrat, and I was an employee of the President's 2008 campaign. I'm somewhere around Lenin on the political scale – so I might be difficult to please.
Still, I'm rabidly partisan, I love my country, and my expectations are exceedingly low, so it doesn't take a lot to get me out to vote. There's NOTHING from this Congress I feel proud of bragging about. I'm kinda proud of Student Aid Reform, sorta – but having finished college, it's pretty low on my scale of importance.
Health care reform? This was Nixon's plan for universal care. I could vote Repug and get this! We're still killing Middle Easterners like its going out of style; now we're "surging" in the other country we've been occupying for a decade. And the President's put a hit out on an American citizen: Anwar al-Awlaki.
Right now, I care about jobs, good wages, and income inequality. Why precisely should I vote this fall?
Jack,
I'm not voting for any Democrats in November. Period.
Jack,
It's not whether Democrats have done enough, but that we've seen what Republicans have done.
The two parties philosophies differ by only 1 word: Republicans see government as an opportunity to enrich themselves, Democrats see government as an opportunity to enrich everybody.
I'll go with the latter.
I think they have. The passage of health care alone is enough to put smile on their face. This is what many Presidents tried but failed
Jack,
I would hope President Obama has learned the opposition party is solely about negating anything positive he hopes to implement. My point is, "we are tired of trying to compromise with the party of NO, so now it is time to take care of the majority who voted President Obama and many Democrats into office." Some things are more important than trying to please the other.
No, the democrats act as though they are afraid of the republicans. The republicans bully them around and they cower in the corner. They have a history of not standing up for the folks who vote them in office. They act as though they are afraid to fights for the issues that Obama campained on.
No. They still downplay the Tea Party people and feel they are not important. They still do not listen to their constituents and feel that they want to play the game their own way. This may ultimately have them lose a lot of seats come November. If you read the polls, a lot of Democrats are going to have a hard time. You only have to look at Reid and Boxer for example.
WE NEED JOBS.
When the Democrats get the economy up and running again, when everyone who (desperately) wants to work has a job, then I will say they have done enough.
Their 'base' is largely working class america. And working class America wants to WORK!
But i do think the Democrats could hardly have done any worse than the Republicans, if they had tried.
NO They have almost done irreparable damage to this country. The results will be that majority of Democrats supporting Obama's radical policies will be voted out of office. When they are voted out of office, I will say "couldn't have happened to a better person. Wish it woud have happened sooner.
You toss that word "liberal" around as though it covered everyone in the Democratic Party who isn't a closet republican. The Democrats under rahmobama stand for nothing that the party used to care about. I couldn't care less if any of the Blue Dogs and DINOS get reelected or not. They threw all of us progressives who worked hard to get them elected to the curb. Fine. We are going to be too "tired" to support them again.
No, they're creating a new base- the radical far left, race-based voters, unions, high school dropouts, professional welfare recipients, and folks who are enslaved by dependency on the solve-nothing federal government. And they're in the process of trying to add convicted felons and illegal aliens to their base.
The biggest responsibility for the Democrats is to remind us how we got in this downward spiral. Public option can still be had at a later date. Do you really believe all those that suffered under the banks,mortgages etc. Want to go back for a second round of Corporate America. If they do they deserve what they get.
Hi Jack,
The question should have been after the worst 8 years of Republican oppression, why haven't the Republicans allowed the Democrats to fix their blunders and failures.
In this case blunders and failures refer to 1) a war based on lies, 2) allowing Wall Street to almost cause a worldwide depression, 3) the patriot act 4) too many other things to mention.
Jesse J
Vancouver Canada
Not the portion of their base that want jobs and a future that doesn't include a third-world standard of living.
They have done a lot but I'm hopeful they will do so much more. The middle class and the poor need the Democrats so much. Everyone who wants a decent life and wants to be able to continue the freedoms our forefathers wanted for us have got to stand up and support the Democrats. They are the party of the "little guy/gal" who are the "working class".
Folks, just open your eyes and ears to all that is being said and done by the Far Right. If you watch and listen closely you will find all they are doing is spewing hatred and inciting violence. They are not saying or promoting anything to help you.
No. But they know their base has limited choices with the hard right turn Republicans have made to kiss up to the haters The Grifter of the North coaxed out of the woodwork. Rock meet hard place.
Jack, i listened to the comments at the end of your program this evening.Why do these idiots say things like getting rid of the OBAMA presidency in2012,when these porn star e-mails were on line in 2006,2007 and 2008.I think those were the years when the real idiots were in the white house.
No, I will be voting against them in the next election.
The Democrats have two bases lately: Financial and electoral. They've done more than enough for the former but forgotten about the latter. If they keep their seats it's only because enough voters know the only worse alternative is their competition.
No, they haven't, thank heavens.
Republicans will be more fired up in November, thanks heavens.
Obama's base is shrinking, thank heavens.
An immigration bill should jsut about finish him off, thank heavens.
As a gay man in the military, I think the democrats have made great progress for the party base. Passing repeal on the ban on gays would be nice, but I cannot make my judgements based on one issue. Kudos to Obama.
One thing is absolutely certain. If the Republicans regain control, the based can be sure NONE of their issues will be addressed in a positive way. So, while the Obama Administration continues to try to juggle priorities, we, the base need to make sure we do OUR part and make sure he maintains a level of support to get thing done.
Khem, Wichita, KS
Jack:
When was the last time that the Democratic leadership had ever energized the base? It is usually the reckless and irresponsible action of Republican leadership that brings the Democratic base and maybe even the undecided independents to the polling booth to vote the bums out.
Have the Democrates done enought for their base? Come on folks!! Please use your memory a little. For 8 miserable years, we put up with a president who damn near wrecked the country. Obama came into a disasterous situation and has been able to calm the economy, pass a health care bill, and, most importantly, give us a sense that a thinking and intelligent person is in charge. Thank you President Obama for making our lives better.
The President will have a Republican/Tea Party wackos in Congress after the elections in November. This President does not have the intestinal fortitude to do what is right and will be a one term candidate. Simply put he has not done the things to gain success for the Democratic Party.
Tucson, AZ – So far, no. However, this is April, and the election is in November, seven months away. Democrats are now busy trying to pass legislation. Republicans are trying to block it, a far easier, less time consuming task, so they can start campaigning now. There are only about 18% of actual liberals and 22% of actual conservatives in the electorate, so the election will not be won by making liberals or conservatives) happy at the expense of the center. If normal American trends continue, this election will be swung by the state of the economy in September. By June, the inevitable upward trend will be unmistakable. By July Democrats will be able to run on "we saved the country." Even the liberal base, unhappy that the Administration is not far enough to the left, will have to come on board then. I predict a counter-historical Democratic sweep this fall.
Really now, Really it seems like they already assume that their base is intact they need to put some fire under their seat and find a urgent need to rally together as one and become a force 2b reckoned with!
Please! Rendell is just espousing political rhetoric. I live in Pennsylvania and in our local paper this week it said that the Democrats are very worried because more people turned to the third party than any switching to the Democrats during the Obama campaign. I can't wait till Election Day. I'll be there with bells on!
Some may so No but the truth is they have. Democrats should be happy. This President Obama and Congress have passed the biggest domestic priority that Democrats have wanted for some 40 years, health care reform. This is the biggest thing the base wanted...period! So Dems should just shut up and say thank you Mr. President.
Our major disappointment with Obama is his apparent disinterest in changing trade laws.. Of course we'll rally behind Obama , 1 . He must stop compromising with the Gopers. Every time he does he sells out to special interests which makes legislation worse and of course panders to the GOP base. Interests such as Wall Street , which owns them..
. What will bring us out in November. The nuttiness of the GOP. Witness paying our medical bills with Chickens or Sarah Palin's IQ.
This Administration is doing an outstanding job of accomplishing for its base. Compromise is a necessity in a democracy. Intelligent people know this.
I'm getting so confused. I multi-task daily. Why can they only take up one thing?
Also everyone needs to understand that the Federal Government has refused Arizona's requests for assistance with out border problem. Arizona must take care of their state. Daily we see drop houses busted with 20-50 people inside and sometimes they are even tied up and/or held for ransom. If everyone had this issue in their neighborhood I don't think they would be so quick to judge. We even had a rancher killed while out on his land recently.
Climate change is also extremely important....but....we must need to send the feds through a training class on how to multi-task. Perhaps things may get done?? We can only hope.....it's a nice fantasy, anyway.
Dem's then the Republicans, Republicans then the Dem's if one party was truly successful this would not contantly be falling back and forth every four to eight years... Instead the party system fails the Constitution: thus the people will always change back and forth: because they do not live for two hundred years to observe the pattern of flop after flop after flop of a government: broken by its own dimensia in the belief that the party system is the correct one.
Sorry Jack, I don't believe in polls. They were designed for simpletons like you who do have a job and don't really do anything but get before a TV camera and quote what some college educated statistician that interviews 1200 people in a country of over 200 million and then says that this is the pulse of the country. I call bullsh*t on the whole process and request that you and the rest of the talking heads at CNN, CBS, NBC, FOX, etc., that get paid more than 80% of the rest of us, actually go out into the real world and see what people are thinking. Maybe the pulse of America would be better served. A fact that you may not realize is that there is still the "silent majority" out there that doesn't believe in the Tea Party movement or the evangelicals, don't Twitter or Facebook, that are in fact working, paying the bills of the country through the taxes that they begrudgingly pay that believe this country works for the betterment of its citizens. When was the last time a CNN reporter actually lived in third world conditions and reported the news.
I know what they could do for its base, which I am gullibly assuming to be the entire nation: give us access to vote directly via the WWW on the issues they can not seem to get right. Parties and other BS would be cut through immediately and the majority votes will reign supreme. Unfortunately even if they allowed to vote on specific issues, I still wouldn't believe that the results would actually represent our actual votes.
What do we think McCain would have done? CNN just documented how McCain continually changed his position on immigration depending on his personal political situation. His stance had nothing to do with the welfare of the country. What happened to that man. He use to have integrity. Obama has done a credible job. He's been in office a little over a year! What in the hell do we expect when the Republican agenda is to only vote party lines. Are they looking out for the country? I think not. Go ahead–try it again Republicans. After all, remember how successful you were with George W. Geeze!!!
After reading all these comments I know I made the right choice when I changed to an Independent.
The Democrats continue to ignore the key issue– i's the economy, stupid! Concetrating on far left issues instead of looking out for ordinary every day people is why Republicans and this former Democrat can't wait to vote these "limosine liberals" out of office.
They have most certainly done enough alright, but not for their base, or any other base for that matter. If they stop pushing legacy agendas such as healthcare and financial reform, and started properly tackling issues that touch most every day Americans (not just smaller entitlement or protected groups), such as job creation, a better mortgage/lending aid solutionsand , protecting our borders, they might have a shot. Right now they are just not getting it done for the average Joe and Jane.
The performance of the Dems up till now has been mediocre at best, however, the Republicans have done more than enough for me to get out and vote against them this November.
Is it funny that no one seems to remember that the republicans let our country down the tube and gave away $300 billion of taxpayers money as they left the door without accountability. The teapartiers have forgotten how and why we fought to get our economy back. Why we are now over a trillion in debt and the republicans idea of healthcare is what job they can take to make millions for themselves. Give us a break!
It doesn't matter, Jack. Both partys are in the minority. The plurality of voters are independents. And 40% of the Teaparty are Democrats. That's why they're trying to quickly buy a new base and enslave as many folks as possible to dependency on the federal government.
Yes they achieved more than could be expected considering the obstruction posed by the Republicans.
Jack, The pollster's aren't asking the right questions. Democrats aren't enthused, we are mad as hell. After almost a year and a half of watching Republicans obstruct, lie, and scream 'NO!' at the top of their lungs like two year olds, against all odds we still managed to pass health care and will soon pass financial reform.
If for no other reason, Democrats will come out to the polls in large numbers in November because we've seen what Republicans will stoop to to "Take their Country back!". November will be about the "Keep our Country away!" campaign....John Boehner has ensured us of that.
Fred, Atlanta Ga
Jack, absolutely no. Mrs. Sarah Palin is walking all over the Democrats.
I don't understand why this lady so popular. She quit her job, does not know answer to simple questions, and wants to take this county by in the 60s. The Democrats need to get their act together and debate
Mrs. Palin on some of her ridicule ideas.
I've talked to several thousand Democratic voters and donors as a campaigner and fundraiser the past few years, and I can tell you one thing that makes it tough for Democrats to fire up their base - the media.
It's hard for Democratic voters to escape the avalanche of anti-Democrat attacks that hits them every time they turn on their radio or TV, and it makes some of them depressed and/or confused.
I've had to console and cheer up a lot of Democrats. I just remind them that Wall Street always prefers Republicans to be in power – and you folks in the media want to stay on Wall St.'s good side because you need the advertising dollars all those big corporations give you. That's why we can always count on the media to glorify anyone who attacks us. We Democrats will always be the anti-establishment underdog fighting for the average American – even when we are technically in the majority.
Not if any of their base want jobs so they can be self-sufficient.
Not yet. Dems are taking for granted that all those new voters who voted for Obama in 2008 are going to come back to the polls in November. Not so, because they're not "the base." They were newcomers and many of them were voting for an individual, not the party and its ideals and ideology. Until the Democrat leaders get off their complacent behinds and start doing a better job of selling their message, the way Republicans do, come November they're going to need a lot of Charmin to clean up the mess.
Jack, absolutely no. Mrs. Sarah Palin is walking all over the Democrats.
I don't understand why this lady so popular. She quit her job, does not know answer to simple questions, and wants to take this county back in the 60s. The Democrats need to get their act together and debate
Mrs. Palin on some of her ridicule ideas.
Not yet but amnesty and citizenship for the cartels and other illegal aliens is next on Obama's agenda. And they're working on behalf of convicted felons.
reform fo wall st would be stop hedge funds from shorting stocks.are business should be buy or sell a stock not short the make vast amounts of money . thats were everyones savings went. that jack great job keep it up
Hello Jack,
I sincerely feel they have not as yet. While I give Obama high grades for his efforts on all the issues facing him and the nation, I believe he and Congress, on down to the state and local officials, have not focused the efforts on their "base" that I consider who the "base" is. That being the little people in America. All efforts have focused corporate and well-heeled America. Reagan, if he did nothing else, opened our eyes to the FACT that money does not trickle down. It, without question 'trickles up." Obama, et al. must wake up to this fact and act accordingly and quickly.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
Yes, the majority of their base will be there when they consider the alternative. Most people I encounter find the reporting on the cable news networks somewhat strange. How is it that not too long ago a majority of Americans were very unhappy with the practices of Insurance Companies,Banks, Credit Card Companies, Wall Street etc..Now we are told the majority of Americans love the Insurance Companies, Banks, Credit Card Companies & Wall Street to the point they do not wish to change anything.Obama's policies might not be perfect, but we do not want to go back. It is agreed there will be seats lost in both houses, but mostly due to the local issues.
I gonna tell you like latino voter Dem have not done enough to
vote for them in the mid term election .Just look wthat happed in Arizona . One reason Latino Vote for Obama was for Immigartion Reform ,but he had not push enough to get that bill on the floor.
Anyway latino Community is wacthing and we will take action in November and 2012