[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.