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when the DLC came up with their brilliant "New Democrat" scheme -- i.e., a shove to the right. The BASE of the Democratic party -- those who do the campaigning, put on the fundraisers, register people to vote, etc., were marginalized and it was full steam ahead. They pulled it off in 1992 and 1996 because of Clinton's charisma and skill as a born politician. By 2000 and without a charismatic leader, the "message" or what was left of it, was diluted and our candidate followed the DLC "wisdom." There are many factors that led to the Gore loss, not the least of which was Florida, but the fact remains that had the election not been so close, Florida wouldn't have been a factor.
So, it's 2002 and the DLC, once again, is paddling to the right. The Base, though STILL incredibly pissed off about 2000 went along because the DLC assured us they had a "plan." Most of us followed the "plan" and we lost the Senate and lost even more seats in the House.
The Base reached boiling point and we're pretty much in all-out revolt. The popularity of non-DLC candidates is a testament to that revolt.
I think the candidate bashing represents a couple of things: a) people's frustration at the DLC and their rightward policies and b) an inability of too many DUers to engage in intelligent, reasoned debate.
I have faith that, in the end, Democrats WILL rally 'round the nominee (unless it's Lieberman in which case, the Democrats will lose anyway so it won't much matter). But it's going to be MUCH harder to come together at the end if a few, very prolific and loud-mouthed indivuals make a virtual career out of bashing candidates.
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