I'm not thrilled at the Fetterman campaign's current strategy

[brooklynite]

John Fetterman Enlists New Jersey Legend Steven Van Zandt To Troll Dr. Oz

Looks like Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nominee John Fetterman has taken another trip to New Jersey in his neverending effort to troll his Republican rival, former TV doctor Mehmet Oz.

Fetterman on Tuesday posted a video of the New Jersey legend, musician-actor Steven Van Zandt, telling Oz to ― and we’re paraphrasing here ― get back to where he belongs.

Van Zandt, of course, touches on a favorite Fetterman campaign theme alleging that Oz actually lives in New Jersey, not Pennsylvania.

https://news.yahoo.com/john-fetterman-enlists-jersey-legend-182736058.html

This Twitter sniping is fun for the base voters and probably raises some cash, but I'd like to see more focus on actual issues that PA voters are thinking about.

(nb: I sat in on a call with Fetterman this week, and the two issues's he talked about were marijuana legalization and student debt. Yes, those are issues young voters care about, but I'd like to think had already had those voters in the bank)

[SheilaAnn]

1. Starting to look and sound juvenile. Not impressed either.

[TheBlackAdder]

114. In banking, there is something called KYC (know your client). Fetterman is playing to his audience.

[Demsrule86]

115. Absolutely true.

[Scrivener7]

2. If we have learned nothing else, we should learn that there is a wide swath of voters

who do not care about issues. They want the candidate that can make them feel like a winner. PA has a lot of that type.

Fetterman's strategy is genius. And he may give us one of the Senate flip seats we so desperately need.

[Meadowoak]

3. +1

[brooklynite]

8. Know what makes people feel like a winner? Being with a winner.

All of the raters that I track have PA-SEN as LEAN R or at best a tossup. Fetterman does not, in my experience have that "winner" image yet, outside of the base voters, which won't be enough in November.

[Scrivener7]

16. How about Real Clear Politics? Fetterman is doing great.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2022/senate/pa/pennsylvania_senate_oz_vs_fetterman-7695.html

[Demsrule86]

29. How about some links because Fetterman is up.

[Cosmocat]

104. All due respect

But you really don't know what you are talking about w Fetterman.

[Demsrule86]

113. Fetterman is one of a kind for sure.

I love the guy.

[Cosmocat]

119. We need a LOT more Dems like him to run

nm

[Demsrule86]

137. We do need more candidates like this...a change is a coming...unions are up and new manufacturing

is coming...the pendulum is about to swing.

[muriel_volestrangler]

140. Mid June: Fetterman +9; Jul 21 +9; Jul 28 +11

https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/poll-fetterman-leads-oz-closer-race-between-shapiro-and-mastriano/
https://www.newsweek.com/dr-ozs-chances-beating-john-fetterman-pennsylvania-polls-1728563
https://www.foxnews.com/official-polls/fox-news-poll-oz-supporters-lack-enthusiasm-pennsylvania-senate-race

Fetterman has led in every single poll: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_United_States_Senate_election_in_Pennsylvania#Polling_3

Oz's support is dropping, too. What "raters"?

[Demsrule86]

146. Good news for Democrats...for sure. Thanks for the polls.

[JustAnotherGen]

14. +1

[LakeArenal]

28. Non-political wonks prefer this type of campaign.

If he wins, his strategy was brilliant. If he loses then…..?

[BeyondGeography]

4. Maybe it's working

Just a thought.

Link to tweet

[brooklynite]

12. I've never heard of "Blueprint Polling" and neither has 538.

[BeyondGeography]

17. Feel free to post an alternative poll/info

The Inquirer seems to think he’s in good shape.

Link to tweet

[brooklynite]

25. This is about campaign funding; I already know he's doing well there...

Micro-donations from the Democratic base (especially "those from outside Pennsylvania&quot does not always translate into votes, especially from suburban Republicans and Independents.

[Deminpenn]

78. Fetterman has far more campaign cash than Oz

in case you missed it.

[brooklynite]

80. Didn't I just say he was doing well funding-wise?

[BeyondGeography]

125. New Fox poll: Fetterman +11

Oz voters lack enthusiasm :

https://www.foxnews.com/official-polls/fox-news-poll-oz-supporters-lack-enthusiasm-pennsylvania-senate-race

[Scrivener7]

23. .

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2022/senate/pa/pennsylvania_senate_oz_vs_fetterman-7695.html

[LakeArenal]

45. Perfect

[Demsrule86]

31. I personally think 538 sucks these days. But I digress...kind of surprised by this post...I had

thought...well never mind.

[Deminpenn]

127. Keep in mind Nate Silver's forecasting methodology

is to run 1,000s of simulations and his background is in fantasy baseball. AFAIK, he doesn't really analyze the nuances of individual campaigns or assess the quality of polls except as they vary from actual results. To me, 538 is more GIGO than not.

[Demsrule86]

143. That is a good point. I had not considered this...

[muriel_volestrangler]

142. Better read fiverthirtyeight.com before assuming you know what it knows

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-election-forecast/senate/pennsylvania/

Uses Beacon/Shaw & Co, Blueprint, Cygnal, PEM, Suffolk U, and Fabrizio, Lee & Assoc./Impact.

[Demsrule86]

147. +1000

[Rebl2]

5. He won't

win if he doesn’t talk more about his policies/issues. You can put out a few of these funny clips, but that doesn’t win a race for senator.

[Scrivener7]

7. See post 4.

[Demsrule86]

19. He does talk policy and everyone knows what he supports...it is on his website too and he

has traveled everywhere in PA...so he will be fine. He has got this. Another great thing is Tim Ryan who is also running a factory town campaign is up five points. I heard the angels sing when I heard this.

[Scrivener7]

21. We really need this seat. I'm very happy he is doing so well.

[Demsrule86]

54. Me too...honestly, Fetterman doesn't look like what some think a Senator should look like and

they are put off by this. But indeed he is the real deal and in the end, will be a rockstar in our party...those who have doubts should research his time in the PA Senate and what he did... an amazing guy.

[Scrivener7]

57. I am watching from outside and my interest is because this is one of the seats we most need to

flip.

But it looks to me like Fetterman is running a campaign that is perfectly aimed at the psychology of the PA voter who is not entrenched as either D or R.

I wish we would have psy-ops people look at every state, figure out the different psychologies of the un-entrenched voters of those states, and we would gear every campaign to just those people. That psychology is different in PA than in WV than in WI.

This generic idea of "this is what a candidate should look like and this is what a candidate should do" is silly.

[Demsrule86]

84. That is exactly right and what Howard Dean did in 08..the most successfull year we had in

decades. Tim Ryan is up 5 points too. fingers crossed.

[Demsrule86]

51. That is not longer true...post your stuff on the website and single out a few points to run on...

policy laundry lists don't work now if they ever did.

[BannonsLiver]

103. This is America 2022

Our campaigns are more like pageants than issues related affairs. And more importantly, the media does not reward issues oriented campaigns. That is the old way, which the OP seems stuck in.

See: THE LAST 20 YEARS of American politics. If the masses gave a shit about policy Gore and Hillary would have won their races easily.

[TheBlackAdder]

116. I've seen DNC outsiders flush state campaigns because they didn't understand local mindsets.

.

They take over local congressional campaigns and run them as though they are in Washington DC.

Their hubris prevents them from listening to locals when they proper flawed or outmoded advice.

.

[yardwork]

152. THIS.

[Cosmocat]

105. He can walk and chew gum at the same time

He talks plenty about issues, and it right on them.

[PA Democrat]

107. He DOES talk about issues. I live in PA and see ads in which Fetterman addresses issues.

Last edited Thu Jul 28, 2022, 08:22 PM - Edit history (1)

And pointing out that Oz is a carpetbagger is a smart strategy. Former PA Senator Rick Santorum lost his 2006 reelection bid in part due to the fact that he and his family (wife and SIX kids) lived full time in Virginia and NEVER lived in the THREE bedroom house in Penn Hills PA they claimed as their Pennsylvania residence.

In fact when local reporters visited the home, it turned out that Santorum's nephew and his wife lived in the house and had registered to vote using that address. Interestingly, Rick Santorum and his wife had also registered to vote using the same address but had never lived there. They also had the Penn Hills School District pay for their children's cyber schooling expenses to the tune of about $100,000.

There was a legal battle over the cyber school fees which the Santorums eventually won, but it left a bad taste in the mouths of many in PA.

[blue neen]

110. That's a great ad, talking about what Fetterman is fighting for.

Apparently, the OP didn't see this ad. Maybe that's because he doesn't live in PA either, just like Dr. Oz.

[Deminpenn]

126. +1

Santorum also blew off jury duty which offended everyone. This all happened 15+ years ago and people here remember it like it was yesterday!

In SE Pa, trolling Oz for living in NJ might not have quite the same impact because there's lots of movement between PA/NJ and PA/DE. But in western PA, it really resonates because the people who live here are so parochial.

[lapucelle]

6. Trolling strategies are, at least to some extent, a hipster iteration of "preaching to the choir"

and might turn off some undecided voters`who are looking for substance rather than clever snark.

[Demsrule86]

15. That is not the case. I have never seen any election that is won with laundry lists

of policies...and Fetterman has detailed his policy. He is running a factory town campaign.

Link to tweet

[MerryBlooms]

40. 💯

[Demsrule86]

52. Thanks Merry...How are you? love your Avatar....

[MerryBlooms]

120. Hi, hon. I'm hanging in here. This colitis and antibiotics

Are tearing me up. I can't seem to keep what little food I eat, in me. I have been drinking Gatorade, but it's making the left side swell up because of the salt, but it makes me feel better otherwise. The left swelling is lymph damage from my accident in 2006. The worst is the left side of my face going numb, always checking to see if I'm drooling. 😂 That too is caused by lymph damage, bit plain water isn't helping. I feel better even with the weird issues the Gatorade is causing. The migraine and almost vertigo, is way worse.

Sorry, way TMI. But you asked! 🤣🤣🤣😘

[Demsrule86]

121. Merry I am sorry...I have been whining about my health challenges. Yours are worse. Can you

keep down ensure? You have to eat. Also, Colitis sucks my niece has it. Maybe a different anti-biotic that wouldn't destroy your stomach? Prayers, good wishes...and I will get my niece the Wiccan to do a healing ritual!

[MerryBlooms]

123. I'm on my third antibiotic.

The first rounds the ER doc had me on, I was so messed up, I couldn't even drive to work. But, there's still no one through the state registry to even fill in, my best friend drove me to work. I couldn't keep my eyes open, because the antibiotics made me so light sensitive. Never mind the vertigo. I was a mess. So, my friend drove me from one client to the next, for 3 days. I, cooked, cleaned, made beds, etc... Luckily, the afternoon client, always takes a nap after lunch. So I put my feet up when he slept. My ankle was so swollen and throbbing. Plus, almost uncontrollable diarrhea, and the only thing I was thinking, is you have 10 more minutes. 10 minutes to get yourself together. You got this!

I signed out on time, but was on 15 more because that's what you do. My friend had ice water soak for my feet and a glass of merlot waiting for me. That's love. I cried. I'm so tired, but there's no end in sight. The state just doesn't have any workers. I just have to keep doing the best I can.

I think back when I was in the hospital for so many months. I'm able to give back now. It's a blessing. No one even thought I would survive. I'm never going to turn my back on those who kept me alive. I remember the party the nurses in one unit gave me. I didn't understand. No on leaves their unit alive. I was their first. They tied balloons to me and played music as they transferred me upstairs.

I have been blessed and will continue to bless others as best I can. 🥰🥰🥰

[Demsrule86]

134. Oh Merry I had no idea. Have the cultured you? That is just awful...and you are amazing to be

able to do this at work and all...and yes you have a great friend.

[MerryBlooms]

124. In wallowing in my self pity, I forgot to tell you how

Awesome and welcome your neice prayers, healing, etc... I apologize. I am just so tired. I was once floral designer. One of my most favorite was a Wiccan ceremony. The flowers were deep jewel colors, but no yellow. It was the hottest day in Portland ever. So, I hired all the kids of relatives of the bride, to spray all the arrangements they could reach before and after the ceremony, for $10 each. I had already sealed the large scales. They thought they hit the jackpot! 🤣 I had put preservative in the bottles. The bride filled her home with those flowers that lasted 4 weeks. It was a lovely month long floral kiss, morning after morning. What better way to start your journey together.

[Demsrule86]

135. What a lovely wedding...I called her yesterday...better days ahead...you deserve it.

[Demsrule86]

136. Please keep me updated. You can PM me or just post whatever.

[Deminpenn]

128. Try Pedialyte for electrolytes

nt

[Demsrule86]

133. Good idea.

[lapucelle]

56. That's a great video. Has Fetterman been posting similar videos

or running similar ads?

I'm not from PA, so I don't see local coverage. Much of what I have seen on cable news outlets seems to focus on the trolling aspect.

[Demsrule86]

86. Yes, he has and he is PA through and through...unlike Oz who is a guy with dual citizenship who

voted in Turkey in 2020, lives in New Jersey, and is running for a PA senate seat. Trump could not have picked a worse candidate...and Oz is a Muslim which is fine for us but not for Republicans...Also, he just announced he will vote for Gay marriage which had Freepers foaming at the mouth...calling him a RINO...music to my ears.

[lapucelle]

91. From everything I've heard, we've got a great shot at picking up that Senate seat, so GOTV!

I traveled to swing state PA in 2016 to register voters and help people devise election day voting plans so they had transportation to the polls. (Hilary's NY Chair arranged those bus trips.)

I have wonderful memories of October Saturdays in your state.

[grantcart]

62. Lol tell that to all of the candidates whose campaign died by trolling by Johnny Carson no

Gerald Ford, Michael Dukakis, Jimmy Carter allhad campaigns mortally wounded by trolling.

[lapucelle]

66. Carson equally trolled Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. N/T

[grantcart]

69. Sorry but no comparison between the withering assault on Ford and Dukakis and the others

With Nixon and Reagan he made fun of a position or statement but with Ford and Dukakis Carson (and others) created a caricature that reduced them as buffoons who couldn't carry out normal daily tasks like a regular person.

[lapucelle]

75. OK, well if your point is that Johnny Carson's trolling was a key factor in the defeat

of two incumbent presidents running for reelection, you are certainly entitled to that point of view.

[Demsrule86]

138. I think it was...Dukakis lost because of the ridicule he endured with the helmet shit...and

Ford was the bumbling stumbling fool according to comediennes-Saturday Live in particular. Even when they made fun of Reagan they acted like he was some mastermind...I remember one skit where he is a bumbling guy but then he snaps back and it turns out he is faking and is clearly an expert at everything...it pissed me off so badly, I didn't watch Saturday Night Live for almost a year.

[Demsrule86]

87. That is true...I have seen replays of Ford falling just about everywhere...

[inthewind21]

79. So basically

Do what has always been done. How's that worked out?

[lapucelle]

81. Wait...what? What are you talking about?

I don't know what you think I said, but here's what I actually wrote.

Trolling strategies are, at least to some extent, a hipster iteration of "preaching to the choir"

and might turn off some undecided voters`who are looking for substance rather than clever snark.

[panader0]

9. His campaign has had it's humorous gotcha moments.

I'm sure that most of the voters in PA know that Oz is from NJ by now. It's time move on to substantive
issues. More than just legalization and student debt (not that those aren't legitimate issues) but also jobs,
manufacturing, infrastructure and abortion rights.
It's not enough to make fun of Oz, he needs to promote his own ideas.

[Demsrule86]

13. Fetterman visited evey county in PA during the primaries...even the reddist and he begins in

person campaigning now...so he is going to beat OZ...Fetterman is a unique candidate. I can't stress that enough.

[Hortensis]

10. I'm guessing this is not all he's doing and saying. The problem with

substantive messages is that nobody slows down on the freeway to stare at them. So to speak. Need to wave some attention grabbers.

[Demsrule86]

11. It is very effective...you have to understand PA...I know you lived there and all...and it is

only part of the strategy. There are many GOP types who will not vote for Oz as he is a carpetbagger and a fake. As one Freeper put it...(yes I lurk to see what they are up to)...I met Fetterman and he is the real deal, I don't agree with him but he is honest and will chew Oz up and then spit him out.

[TheFarseer]

18. I disagree that he doesn't talk about issues.

BUT A lot of political campaigns are vague on issues and simply cut down the opponent on silly issues. Why pick on Fetterman?

[Demsrule86]

20. Perhaps because he is not Connor Lamb or maybe we are just nervous in general...who knows

[BeyondGeography]

22. I'm going with Door Number One

[brooklynite]

30. Please elaborate.

[gab13by13]

68. I thought the same thing,

I am from Pa. and in my tri-county area I have seen 1 Dr. Oz sign but I have seen plenty of Doug Mastriano signs.

Shouldn't we be focused more on getting Shapiro elected seeing as he is only 4 points ahead?

It seems odd to me to ask Fetterman to change something that is working. The people of Pa. are not keen on carpetbaggers, it cost Santorum his Senate seat when he homeschooled his kids out of state.

[Demsrule86]

88. I think...there are not many polls out there yet and Mastriano is going to destroy himself with

this meme that Jews and non-Christians are not welcome in the Republican Party. I think we will win both the Senate and the governorship in PA...but you are on the ground so I cede any opinion to you. I am in nearby Ohio but lives in PA for many years.

[Demsrule86]

53. I know. I pick door number one too...how are you?

[BeyondGeography]

59. Cautiously optimistic

Fetterman threads have a salutary effect on me.

Keeping my fingers crossed for Ryan. I see some Ohio R’s are getting squirmy:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna40106

[Demsrule86]

63. The GOP here are worried...Vance is an idiot...Ryan is up by five!!!! Who knows how it turns

out but...we could win this BG...Vance is another carpet bagger type...and his statements about violent marriages being better for kids than divorce and the 10-year-old rape victim did not play well here. On another note, DeWine is at 45 % favorability...my dream is to win the Senate and the governorship...

[BeyondGeography]

67. Vance sounds borderline insane to me

Basically an unapologetic fascist with retrograde social views. I think we have the best opponent possible. And with Ryan I know we have the best candidate we could have hoped for. Victory wouldn’t only be sweet but a reprieve for anyone who cares about the future.

[Scrivener7]

70. Also, his book sucked.

[Demsrule86]

90. It did...and the series sucked too.

[Demsrule86]

82. That is very true...fingers crossed.

[Doc Sportello]

24. Translation: My guy lost in the primary so I'm taking shots at the Democrat who is running in the GE

And who won big over your guy, who I suppose followed acceptable election strategy. So your point is that candidates need to talk policy details for your consumption and ignore issues like legalization that are important to many (such as young voters who do in fact need to be motivated).

BTW, do you vote in PA and second, have you donated to Fetterman who has one of the Democrats' best chances at flipping a seat?

On the issues, I think I can help:

https://johnfetterman.com/issues/

[brooklynite]

27. You know, one thing I DON'T do here is assume motives of other DUers.

Fetterman is our candidate for Senator. I want him to win. I've contributed to his campaign (probably more than you have). That doesn't mean I don't critique the strategic and tactical choices the campaign makes.

[Doc Sportello]

35. Uh huh

Glad you have contributed. That doesn't mean your opinions can go unquestioned - just like you question his choices. I think your strategy of talking policy details is outdated because people are either too uneducated or lazy to care about details. That is unfortunate but true - we have the voters we have, not necessarily the ones we want.

The OZ baiting may have run its course but Fetterman has and does talk issues (obviously you didn't have time to watch the videos I linked to) and that he will in the future. A Democratic candidate with a nine point lead in the polls of a swing state tells me he is doing a lot right.

[brooklynite]

39. You're more than welcome to challenge my opinions...

...but you asserted that my opinions derived from the fact that my preferred candidate lost the Primary, as opposed to my analysis informed by 45 years of political activity (a chunk of it in Pennsylvania).

[Doc Sportello]

49. For obvious reasons

You have posted several negative threads about Fetterman. From this "policy" problem you had with him before, to his health. Any other primary candidates you have posted this many negative threads about? Again, if you are so interested in his take on the issues, I linked to a page that has discussions on a bunch of issues but you couldn't have looked at them in the short time you responded here. Why not check them out before implying that he doesn't talk issues.

45 years? Shit I'm at plus 50 years informing my political activity.

[brooklynite]

55. "Why not check them out before implying that he doesn't talk issues. "

I'm well aware of what's on his website. That's not the same as pushing out issue positions and challenging those of Oz's, as opposed to pushing out New Jersey jokes. As for why I've focused more attention on Fetterman than other Senate candidates? Probably because it's the largest potential pickup opportunity we have, and is thus more important than what Franken or Demmings or Beasley is doing. That and the fact that I've gotten a much clearer understanding of how other Senate candidates plan to campaign, which voters they plan to target, etc. in my meetings with them, as opposed to the meeting and the video conferences I've had with Fetterman.

An additional point. Since what I (and you) say here will have no influence whatsoever with what Fetterman chooses to do and what the outcome is, I'm at a loss to understand why you would be so offended by my different opinion.

[Demsrule86]

46. I mean no disrespect and I know you lived in PA some time ago. But you live in New York now

and when I lived in PA (fairly recently and still live close) ...there were many Connor Lamb types who waxed poetic on policy, and they all lost. Laundry list politics don't work. And making Oz ridiculous which Fetterman has done quite masterfully will help defeat him. We are as you noted all on the same side.

[Voltaire2]

109. Assume? Seriously?

You’ve made no secret of your opinion of Fetterman.

[Scrivener7]

32. I think it's smart to be talking about legalization. He seems to have done a mathematical

analysis of who he needs to appeal to.

He knows he has middle-aged and old Democrats.

He needs to peel off independents who want to feel like they are sticking it to the man and who need to be told that they are the salt of the earth and who don't pay much attention to issues. (Including a lot of tfg voters, God help us!). That makes his "Look at this guy with his mansion in NJ. He's not one of us" trolling very, very smart.

And he needs to light a fire under the young and get them to the polls. Hence the marijuana.

We can't demand candidates preach to us. That will make them lose!

[MerryBlooms]

44. r&k ❤

[Demsrule86]

34. This...since I no longer live in PA (boo) I can't vote but I am making calls and health permitting

may do some door-to-door GOTV...I live very close to PA in Ohio. Yeah, Lamb voters seem to still be a bit pissed. I don't know why, the primary is over...all hands on deck.

[bluesbassman]

26. You know what cracks me up? Pearl clutching.

We finally have a Dem with the street smarts to fight a knife fight with a knife, and people like you haz a sad because he’s not waxing poetic about policy. Who going to give a shit about his policy if he doesn’t get elected. Going after Oz’s soft spots is genius, but some people will still be whining about it after he wins, and THAT’S why we’re in the precarious position we are today.

[grantcart]

37. We are Dems, it's what we do.

[Cosmocat]

108. This ...

Nm

[grantcart]

33. Then you aren't going to be happy with the fact that he has just been nominated for NJ Hall of Fame

I disagree with your analysis however.

If you can get everyone laughing at a candidate then that campaign will not recover.

I call it the Johnny Carson effect. If Johnny Carson had a joke about you 5 nights in a row your campaign was dead, ala Gerald Ford.

Nothing is more fatal than a groundswell of ridicule that takes on an energy of its own, everyone wants to get in on the joke.

[Scrivener7]

42. I'm thinking Dukakis.

[Demsrule86]

47. I was too...the hat over the eyes...he never recovered.

[brooklynite]

43. "If you can get everyone laughing..."

I agree, but Tweets that are largely being read by existing supporters and politics junkies doesn't get you to "everybody".

[grantcart]

58. Your wrong about who is reading these tweets

I don't have either Twitter or Facebook and Never go to either but have had 3 trolling tweets about OZ on my general news/Google feed this morning, including Rep Perascale nominating OZ for NJ Hall of fame.

I was worried about this race and would have bet on Oz but they have found a soft spot and atr pounding away.

Best part of this is that it doesn't cost them a dime.

[peggysue2]

72. Think this has been a brilliant strategy by Fetterman and his team

He's been off the campaign trail bc of medical issues but remained in the mix, haunted Oz at every turn and continued to be vocal and relevant with Pennsylvania voters. As far as policy talk? We'll hear that during the debates and as the race really heats up after Labor Day.

But for right now during the dog days of summer? Fetterman's the man!

[Demsrule86]

93. Nah...that is not true. One of my friends in PA asks me what I thought...she is an independent

and has voted for both parties...She is not political and she had heard the Jersey stuff and she lives in a small city called Matamoras. Everyone has heard it. I told her I wouldn't send someone to the Senate who has dual citizenship. She is voting for Fetterman. Also, we discussed Mastriano. Now she was upset about the anti-Jewish remarks as Christ was a Jew...so the word is getting out. She said she would vote for all Democrats this election which made me very happy.

[yardwork]

154. Well said. The Democratic Party needs to change its messaging.

Fetterman's campaign is a good start.

[Lunabell]

36. I absolutely disagree.

There's definitely a war on and Fetterman is fighting on the terms they have put out there. We need to win at all costs and he's doing it!

[TheRealNorth]

41. I agree

I think there is a desire for more fighters, especially when the Rwpublicans have shown that they have no intention to sit down with negotiators or peacemakers.

[ZonkerHarris]

38. When battling a "celebrity" candidate you must fight them on a different level

[Baggies]

48. People aren't gonna vote for him because Snooki said to

That’s for sure

[Scrivener7]

60. People know OZ lives in NJ because Snooki told them, though. And they WILL vote for

Fetterman if they think OZ is a carpetbagger.

That's also for sure.

[gab13by13]

50. Not Late Breaking News, Conor Lamb lost

I have to laugh, I get spanked for questioning if it was wise for Democrats spending money getting Doug Mastriano the GQP nomination, but we can have a thread "not very complimentary" to a progressive Democrat.

Yeah, I get it, it's just constructive criticism. Fetterman needs to stop what is working.

History lesson; Rick Santorum sealed his fate when he used Pa. tax dollars to home school his kids in another state. The people of Pa. are not keen on carpetbaggers, Santorum got spanked by the voters.

[Demsrule86]

95. I forgot about that...yup he sure did get spanked...what a happy day.

[greenjar_01]

61. Bookmarking

LOL at this ratio.

[budkin]

64. Fetterman is kicking ass

The Democrats need more candidates like him.

[Sneederbunk]

65. This is batting practice. Game starts on Labor Day.

[pnwmom]

71. College debt isn't only an issue for young people. Many carry it for decades

despite whatever financial troubles they have along the way. It can't even be wiped out through bankruptcy.

[Rob H.]

92. Yep

I know a couple in their late fifties who've been paying back their student loans since the late 1980s. Not only have they paid back far more than they borrowed then, they still owe $150,000 each.

[pnwmom]

94. There are more people like that than most of us realize. n/t

[dpibel]

73. The Post-Gazette seems to have puzzled it out

Fetterman has been as frank about his political views as he was about his health. He’s a progressive. He’s for universal health care, Black Lives Matter, abortion rights, fossil fuel divestment, unions and a $15-minimum wage. Fetterman makes you think: Was that so hard? Democrats can appeal to working people by supporting labor and decarbonization, social justice and universal health care.

https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2022/07/26/john-fetterman-conor-lamb-dr-mehmet-oz-2022-senate-race/stories/202207260004

(From DU post https://www.democraticunderground.com/107416805)

Is it possible that he's been getting out the very message you're chiding him for ignoring but that you, somehow, have missed it?

Hard to believe, I know. But possible.

[Scrivener7]

74. Here's another thought about the campaign he's running: he's appealing to

the PA "I'm the salt of the earth and I love to stick it to the man and that guy in his NJ mansion is not one of us" voter. This is smart, because PA has a lot of them in the middle of the political spectrum.

But one of our complaints about running campaigns that appeal to the necessary mathematical middle is that we fear it makes us move right on policy. In the past, we have tried to appeal to that middle voter by tempering the liberalism of our policies.

THIS campaign is a guy with very progressive policies appealing to that mathematical middle precisely BECAUSE he isn't talking policy.

His platform is very liberal, but his trolling captures the purple PA voter who is interested in emotion rather than policy.

He gets the necessary middle votes while sacrificing nothing in terms of progressive policies.

[Demsrule86]

96. It is genius really.

[Voltaire2]

76. Yeah you don't like Fetterman.

You’ve made that abundantly clear.

He’s running his campaign the way he knows how to reach voters. It’s primarily a social media campaign.

Get used to it. Times have changed.

[Deminpenn]

77. No voters in Pennsylvania care what you think

We all know you're still annoyed your boy Conor Lamb got his butt kicked in all of our states 67 counties.

[BannonsLiver]

99. +1

This is about someone not getting the special treatment they were expecting therefore “everything is terrible.”

[Elessar Zappa]

83. Regarding the youth vote.

Yes, the ones that vote are primarily on our side but turnout is low. I would think marijuana legalization and debt reduction would increase turnout.

[Lordquinton]

100. Imagine that

The youth vote might increase if we actually appeal to them.

Not to mention that those two issues are actually very wide sweeping and are actually about things besides the youths, but that gets brutally ignored.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

85. Are you running for the office? If not, is the campaign working?

[Bettie]

89. We get it, you don't like him

and would prefer that he do 'traditional' campaigning and be less himself.

But, he is who he is and people seem to like that. Maybe he doesn't need to be fully scripted at all times and curated into being someone else to win.

[Demsrule86]

98. +1000

[jcgoldie]

97. young voters are not "in the bank"

They are perhaps the most important demographic that Democrats have to work to turn out especially in a midterm year.

[BannonsLiver]

101. I don't think he needs your money.

[Voltaire2]

102. I thought he said it was his spouse's money?

But yeah Fetterman doesn’t give a shit.

[Vinca]

106. I disagree. Fetterman is managing to turn his campaign into a celebrity-like affair and, sad

as it is, the mass of voters who only care about celebrity is what swings elections. Fetterman is out-Ozing Oz and out-Trumping Trump.

[W_HAMILTON]

111. You weren't thrilled with him as a potential candidate either.

He's one of those you apparently haven't taken a liking to (much like Beto). I wonder why that is?

You have said in the past that your cash follows who can win. In Beto's case, you claimed it was because he can't win; however, Fetterman is well ahead in the polls, even outpolling other statewide Democrats that will be on the ballot. So, care to explain?

[Sympthsical]

112. k

[Carlitos Brigante]

117. .

.

[IcyPeas]

118. Snooki and Little Stevie..... by the twitter numbers.

I think we should use every tool in the toolbox.

Snooki has 5.9 Million followers
Stevie Van Zant has 313,000 followers

the snooki tweet has been viewed 3.2 Million times
Stevies tweet has 2 Million views

each has been "retweeted", "liked", and "quoted" (see the stats under the pictures below)

the snooki ad has been shown on CNN, The View, MSNBC that I know of

and I cannot confirm this:

Link to tweet

[muriel_volestrangler]

141. Now up to 63 in 100 for a Fetterman win

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-election-forecast/senate/pennsylvania/

[Demsrule86]

145. YES!!!! Go Fetterman.

[JI7]

122. His opponent is Dr. Oz. If it was someone else then I might agree. But with Oz I think he can get

away with this strategy .

[Voltaire2]

129. 3/129. Oh the ratio. It burns.

[Autumn]

130. Well damn. Whatever shall we do now.

He's doing just fine. I wonder which issue is the most problematic for conservatives and older moderates, Marijuana legalization or student debt.

[Demsrule86]

132. He is up 11 points in one poll...Fetterman is the perfect candidate in PA...a dream come true.

A full-on progressive candidate is going to win PA and Shapiro is up 10 points over Nazi Mastrianio

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

131. Sour Grapes. nt

[Polybius]

139. Personally, I think the trolling was funny the first few times but it's got to stop

Be serious, talk about the issues, attack Oz without trying to be funny, and most importantly, get out and campaign.

[Demsrule86]

144. No...laundry lists of of policy will not get you elected...Fetterman is up 11 points according to

to polls and Mastrianio is up 10 points. I remind you that both Gore and Clinton lost the election...they were big on policy. Fetterman is doing just fine. Some just have a sad about Lamb. I have been surprised by this. I would have happily supported Lamb although I believe he would have lost the General...a Democrat candidate always gets my vote and my help.

[BannonsLiver]

150. Can someone name a recent issues oriented campaign that was successful?

I’d also like to see an example of where the media rewarded an issues oriented campaign.

[betsuni]

153. There are none besides Republican culture war issues. No policies.

[Autumn]

148. Sorry you aren't thrilled with his campaign's current strategy. It seems to be working well since

he is ahead of Oz. Twitter and other social seems to work real well for a lot of politicians . Those platforms are perfect fo getting out the issues that young voters and some older voter consider to be important issues.

[Demsrule86]

149. +1000 Auttumn!

[Autumn]

156. It looks like you and I are both thrilled with the Fetterman campaign's current strategy.

Along with a lot of other Dems

[yardwork]

151. I disagree with you - profoundly.

I think the Democratic Party is doing a terrible job of messaging. Fetterman's approach is a welcome exception, and I think he'll win because of it.

Student debt relief and cannabis legalization (please don't call it marijuana) are HUGE issues among rank and file Democrats. These are not solely "youth" issues. I know people in their 60s who are still laboring under crippling student loan debt. I know people in their 60s whose lives were ruined by the cruel stupid war on drugs.

[ZonkerHarris]

155. he's up by 11 points in new polling so maybe it's just you.

[malaise]

157. THIS