Republicans/Religious Right is preparing to defeat Dean

[bobbieinok]

Why do you think the right-wing talk shows and the religious right churches, organizations, and radio stations are all emphasizing the 'Marriage Amendment' and the 'homosexual agenda'?

This seems to be the target now, NOT abortion.

Scare the base and get them to vote Republican to restore 'Christian America.'

[zeemike]

1. That is only for now

To keep him form being the nominee. Once Clark gets the nod you can bet it will shift to the attack position that portrays Clark as the anti-Christ.

[meegbear]

2. I'm sure it has absolutely nothing ....

about the Supremes voting down the sodomy law and Falwell and his ilk saying they would get a defense of marriage amendment passed immediately following the decision.

Yep, it's all about dean.

[bryant69]

3. I agree, but

Dean is a convienent target. No other candidate is as easy to paint with this issue; but of course Traditionalist Republicans are hoping that in painting Dean this way, they are also able to paint the democratic party as a whole.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[reachout]

5. Mobilizing their base

If you think people frothing at the mouth over gay civil unions are going to vote for a Democrat in any election, I'm afraid you're mistaken. They represent a fairly narrow strip of the populace and are already tightly aligned with the far right. These tactics are mainly to get them to send in money and get to the polls on election day. Repbulicans are very good at whipping up their religious-right base.

[Racenut20]

4. The Repubs plan (my opinion)

Get a New England Democratic candidate and make the election about gay rights.

[cyclezealot]

6. surfing tv yesterday.

Pat Robertson is always good for a laugh. Just channel surfing, went by the Repug's channel..
Overheard him say, Christains should not go to gyms.. The places are loaded with gays. Not healthy. Guess, they were not too keen on arni.
Suggested need of home gyms so as not to meet up with this bad element.

[clar]

7. That's not going to work

unless the economy picks up and Iraq miraculously turns into a model of peace and prosperity. In addition, Dean is going to be difficult to portray as a wan, bloodless liberal. Yes, he's vulnerable to GOP sliming, but so are the others.

[Gringo]

8. Preparing to TRY...

If they come off hateful and crazy enough, it will backfire. Keep it up! More homophobia from the GOP! Our ideas haven't been getting through to the people for years - the MAJORITY now believes that trickle-down works! Without Clinton's appeal, the insanity of the religio-nuts is all that keeps us in the game, IMO.

[cprise]

9. Meanwhile Dean will keep attacking Bush on economics

Let the Right throw a hysteria fit. I am gay and frankly I would prefer they go overboard this issue and draw attention to themselves. The last time they did this, Clinton won.

[elfwitch]

10. restore 'Christian America'

That is the one that always gets under my skin the most. The second thing is their tendency to get up in other people's business while never minding their own.

(Edit: typo)

[KaraokeKarlton]

11. Democrats should HOPE that the religious right does attack gay rights

I've seen this all play out before during the whole Civil Unions debate and law signing. See, the GOP and the religious right decided to try to tap into fear and fight Civil Unions with hatred of homosexuality. Keep in mind that the majority of Vermonters were very angry over Civil Unions. The Right wingers thought for sure that all they had to do was come in and fuel that anger and fire, stoke it up and their candidates would win by running against homosexuality. It got SO UGLY. Dean had to wear a bullet proof vest while campaigning, he got spat on, called disgusting names, his vehicle was vandalized, and he got obscene phone calls at home. He made his entire campaign about human dignity, tolerance and civil rights for ALL people. The plans by the right backfired. Although the state wasn't happy about Civil Unions, what was more offensive to the voters was the outright hatred and bigotry they were seeing from the other side. Dean won re-election and now the majority of Vermonters not only accept Civil Unions, but support them. To be perfectly honest with you, the ONLY way gay rights are going to be addressed on a large scale is if something like this happens. Most people honestly don't care what other people do in their bedroom. Sure, plenty of people aren't going to be real comfortable seeing public displays of affection between gay people, but the "being offended" stops there for most people. Howard Dean is the BEST person to take this fight on. He has already had to respond to every possible attack on gay rights and civil unions. He can't be beat in a debate on this issue. He's already won the battle before and he will do it again. This isn't nearly as big of a sore spot as people think. The only people who won't vote for someone over gay rights already will be voting against the Democrat over abortion anyhow. People should NOT fear a battle over gay rights. Welcome the opportunity to let America see just how hateful and bigoted the right is, and their votes will be against the hate. Have some faith in people and take advantage of this opportunity.

[pansypoo53219]

12. you lucky duck

but let's all hope we have the priviledge of having him as our leader.
GO DEAN!