Stop Terry: Virginia on Tuesday Is Ground Zero for the Democratic Party

[ClarkUSA]

The inimitable Al Giordano speaks out on the VA Senate race. Later, he references the NY Senate race, too. He rarely bothers to comment on state races, but in these cases, he's made an exception.

I’m not sure which of these two scenarios would be worse for the future of the Democrats: Terry McAuliffe wins Tuesday’s primary for governor, and Independent voters, horrified, begin an exodus from their fairly recent Democratic voting patterns to bring a resurgence of the GOP in the Old Dominion, or that McAuliffe could win on Tuesday and then somehow pull off a general election victory to become a daily embarrassment to the national Democratic Party from his mansion in McLean, just a golf ball’s shot from Washington, DC.

As http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/06/mcauliffe-virginia-dean-iowa.html">Nate Silver and Kos both note, Virginia voters may be solving this problem on their own. McAuliffe’s frontrunner status is crashing in the final stretch as one of his two primary rivals, Creigh Deeds, has overcome him in the aggregate of polls... McAuliffe, still, can't be counted out. He has buckets of cash (there are no effective limits on the amount of money the super-rich can donate to a Virginia gubernatorial candidate), the backing of former president Bill Clinton and the considerable detritus of the Clinton machine. But in recent years McAuliffe has been on the wrong end of the two big revolts that paved the way for the Democratic Party to finally win again. As chairman of the Democratic National Committee, McAuliffe was overthrown by the insurgent candidacy of Howard Dean (paving the way for the 50 state strategy and so many other reforms). As finance chairman, and frequent TV surrogate, for the Clinton 2008 presidential campaign, McAuliffe continued to embody that fast-and-loose money-obsessed yuppie old guard of the Democratic Party of the last century that Obama and his community organizer and small donor army toppled in historic battle.

A McAuliffe victory on Tuesday would thus have repercussions beyond Virginia. It would announce to the nation that the party hasn't really changed, that 2008 was a mere abberation. It would strongly suggest that, hard as so many in it try, that what Howard Dean called “the democratic wing of the Democratic Party” will never be able to complete the clean-up of its worst, most corporate, elements. It would reestablish that those who nearly destroyed the Democratic Party in the 1990s are an incurable affliction, like herpes; and they will keep coming back as a big oozing sore on the lips to frighten swing voters away...

Although it is my general sense that Moran is somewhat more liberal-progressive than Deeds, the overriding question here is which of them can best shovel the dirt onto McAuliffe’s political grave, saving the Commonwealth, the Republic and the Party from his disgraced and corrupted pay-to-play method of politics. The polling trends suggest Deeds is better positioned, and frankly, even if Moran were my bestest dearest lifetime friend, if I were a Virginia voter, I would right now be looking to Deeds as the emerging anti-Terry... On Tuesday, Virginia will be ground zero in the ongoing struggle to dump the dirty bath water from the Democratic Party tub. A defeat of McAuliffe in the primary would start the ball rolling for the 2010 midterm elections for the newly regenerated community organizer wing of the Democrats to continue advancing. It would encourage other candidates to step forward throughout the country to continue to challenge and defeat those that not too long ago crucified the party on a cross of special interests. Tuesday's lesson could be that one good Deeds deserves another…

Also, check out the comment section, which is a worthwhile read in and of itself.

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

1. Moran is my favorite, but Deeds probably gives the dems the best chance to win in Nov.

[ClarkUSA]

2. Giordano and VA grassroots organizers seem to agree with you.

A low turnout is expected, which will be a big factor.

[Arkana]

30. Mr. Deeds goes to Richmond?

[elleng]

3. Hadn't heard of Deeds

but for TV ads. Glad to see him. (I'm in MD near DC.) WaPo endorsed Deeds.

[ClarkUSA]

4. That endorsement helped Deeds' numbers. He's got momentum but low turnout is expected.

[ShortnFiery]

92. IMO, the fact that Deeds brags about the Whorsington Post endorsing him is a red flag.

He's not what we need her in Virginia.

Don't half step just because the WP say's that Deeds is "grand."

I'm sticking with my original choice and not second guessing the general election.

[elleng]

96. He prolly views the endorsement as a way to identify himself.

If he hadn't mentioned it (in his ad) I'd not have paid attention (not that it matters, as I live in MD.)

[ShortnFiery]

99. I subscribe to the WP. It's editorial section is Gawd Awful Right Leaning.

Ever since the Matriarch retired, their editorial section has, IMO, gone to hell, i.e., a mouthpiece for the corporate ruling elite. WP might as well mesh with the Wall Street Journal for editorials because they're all part of the same choir, i.e., $$$.

The way I view it, I'm voting for the candidate who best reflects my values. What has voting for right wing democrats (DLC, Blue Dogs, Third Way) done for us? Although they are in the minority, their opinions seemingly matter most and, once again, us liberals are told to "sit down and shut up." That's not democracy.

Nope, at some point you have to START voting your personal values and not go with "the safe bet."

[elleng]

100. I used to subscribe to WaPo,

but actually quite reading them (almost) during w's war. I don't care about their editorial policy, but their news coverage. (WSJ has had excellent news coverage; just don't go near their editorial pages!)

Never did vote for DLC/thirdway clintons, so never did vote for anyone who won.

[ShortnFiery]

101. WP non-editorial section is decent ...

and it's local, i.e., cheaper.

"Never did vote for DLC/thirdway clintons, so never did vote for anyone who won."Don't start now if you live in VA. WE HAVE THE NUMBERS. Deeds is not much less conservative than O'Donnell ... IMO, it doesn't mean much if you replace one conservative with another JUST so you can score a "D" behind their name.

[elleng]

102. Don't have to think about it!

Lived in DC for 25+ years, now in MD!

Only reason I registered D was so that I could vote in primaries in DC; have always actually been independent. I wonder how Deeds would be as chief executive of the state, compared with the others.

[ClarkUSA]

109. I disagree; WaPo also endorsed Barack Obama for president over McCain. That turned out well.

Like Giordano, I just hope enough Moran voters vote strategically for Deeds to checkmate McAwful and give Democrats their best chance against McConnell in the general election.

Of course, your vote is your own.

[invictus]

5. I hope Moran wins. If not Moran, then Deeds. To h*** with McAuliffe.

nt

[ClarkUSA]

6. Anyone but McAuliffe. I'm considering driving down to help out with GOTV.

[Phx_Dem]

7. Definitely rooting for Moran. n/t

[S_E_Fudd]

8. Moran is a jerk...

McAuliffe has run a nice campaign and could pull it out...wouldn't surprise me to see Deeds squeak through

I will be voting for McAuliffe however...

[vadawg]

9. if mcawful wins then on election day im fishing, no way am i voting for this dude

and according to unwritten state code no voting and fishing on the same day.

[S_E_Fudd]

11. As big an ass as Moran is...if he wins...

I will make sure to work hard to get him elected...

Guess I am the real Democrat between us eh?

[vadawg]

13. yeah i guess you are, party always comes first with you rather than your principles

good on you,

[S_E_Fudd]

21. Gosh, if your principles include a defacto vote for an anti-choice, anti-education Republican...

Maybe you are in the wrong place...

Perhaps you should look for IdontcareifafundierepublicanwinsaslongasIsticktomyprinciples.com

You might be more comfortable there!

[vadawg]

27. thanks ill look for that website whilst im fishing on election day if mcawful wins

[karynnj]

12. For those of us who are out of staters, why is Moran a jerk?

My only view was a quick trip to the Arlington area, where I saw Moran and McAuliffe signs - and read one WP article on Moran's background - which was appealing. I liked the Kennedy connection.

[AtomicKitten]

14. moved my comment below because I'm also an out-of-stater ;)

[S_E_Fudd]

22. Ironically, Moran is running the kind of campaign anti-McAuliffe people...

hate...

He went negative some time ago, going so far as to accuse McAuliffe of trying to keep Obama out of the white house...

He bases that on McAuliffe's support of Hillary in the primary campaign...neglects to mention McAuliffe enthusiastically got behind Obama afer the primaries were over raising alot of money for him...

Also neglected to mention Moran himself stayed out of it til he was sure Obama was going to win...

Just the tip of the iceberg...

He has run a pathetic campaign...

[karynnj]

24. That is pathetic

It is stupid to claim that everyone who supported someone other than the eventual nominee in the primaries, wanted that candidate to lose.

But, McAuliffe was beyond pathetic and awful for the entire period of May and June 2008. He raised a huge amount of money for Democrats, but his standards created problems in 1996 that unfortunately hurt Gore rather the Clintons.

[Jennicut]

10. Deeds is leading in a current poll

"Just a weekend away from the Gubernatorial primaries on June 9, the newest Suffolk University poll is showing Senator Creigh Deeds leading the pack.
Deeds tops the list with 29 percent, a slight margin over money powerhouse Terry McAuliffe, with 26 percent. Brian Moran trails with 23 percent. A good 22 percent of people polled remain undecided."http://www.c-ville.com/index.php?cat=1991704080566501&act=post&pid=12030506093089986

Hopefully he can pull it out.

[ClarkUSA]

15. I hope he can pull it out, too. Undecideds, when pressed, break for McAuliffe in bigger numbers.

However, expectations of a low turnout is not good for McAuliffe, because undecideds tend not to show up for primaries. So it's going to be all about who has the best GOTV operation or who can buy the best GOTV operation.

[Jennicut]

17. I saw a debate on Cspan a long time ago and liked Deeds the best.

I am from CT so I don't know much about anyone but McAuliffe. I have never been able to stand him.
Deeds or Moran would be so much better.

[ClarkUSA]

19. I saw his interview on Hardball. He seems to be humble, personable and down-to-earth.

Moran gave a good interview, too, although he seemed more edgy than Deeds, probably because of recent polling.

I, too, have no use for McAuliffe. :puke:

[AtomicKitten]

16. Chris Matthews interviewed Moran on Friday and he seemed

the most progressive of the bunch. It's unfortunate that the not-McAullife candidates split the not-McAullife vote, but it appears Deeds has a shot at the title. Unfortunately McAullife has a pile of cash and the Clinton Wrecking Machine working on his behalf.

[ClarkUSA]

23. You're right.

:hi:

Bubba hasn't campaigned so hard since last year's primary, it seems; I guess when your biggest campaign fundraiser and mega-wealthy best buddy is running for governor despite the fact he is an unalloyed political hack who has not one bit of legislative or governing experience, he needs to be propped up by as much campaign media PR as possible.

Money and endorsements can't buy gravitas, after all. I wonder if it can buy the VA Senate primary? I hope enough smart Moran voters vote for Deeds.

[AtomicKitten]

32. "I hope enough smart Moran voters vote for Deeds."

:toast:

[ClarkUSA]

45. Giordano's "Monday Morning Update" indicates they are while McAwful is losing AA voters.

The newest poll, from PPP, suggests that the scenario projected here on Friday is demonstrably happening: Deeds at 40 percent, McAuliffe 26 percent, Moran 24 percent.

McAuliffe's negatives are now as high as his favorables (40 percent in both categories) whereas Deeds enjoys a 57-14 percent fave-to-neg rating (Moran is doing well at 47-23, but his +24 is still overwhelmed by Deeds' +43). Also interesting: Where McAuliffe had, in previous polls, enjoyed a healthy lead among African-American voters, he's slipped significantly there and Deeds now virtually ties him among A-A voters. (That may be the downside of having Bill Clinton campaign for you so visibly in Virginia.)

Of course, in a low turnout election, field organization (that which determines who gets out to vote) will be more determinative than polls. Could still end up very very close.

Link: http://narcosphere.narconews.com/thefield/stop-terry-virginia-tuesday-ground-zero-democratic-party

[AtomicKitten]

59. I saw a crawler on CNN indicating McAullife needed the AA vote.

That's karma, baby. Right back upside the head!!!

:rofl:

[ClarkUSA]

74. !!!

:rofl:

[karynnj]

25. If your view that they are not-McAuliffe voters -

that poll may shift some of Moran's supporters over - just as the OP suggested. I have always found Al Giardano's insights to be very good.

Given McAuliffe's huge money advantage and celebrity, I think the fact that he is not currently far ahead is not that good for him. He does, of course, have the ability to bring Bill Clinton in - though HRC is not allowed to be involved in campaigns.

[AtomicKitten]

31. It's an interesting race.

Until the era of Obama, this would have been a cakewalk for McAullife.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8dz2rzx9zM

[MBS]

18. Once again, Al speaks for me n/t

[960]

20. What tripe. GO TERRY!

[wyldwolf]

33. Agreed. Ever notice how every state, district, and neighborhood is "ground zero" for...

... Democrats progressives? Honestly, I didn't really care which one wins next week until I started reading tripe like the OP. Now I hope Terry wins just for the head exploding effect.

[iamthebandfanman]

55. ack

why anybody would align themselves with that joke of a man is beyond me.



i mean, he did such a great job as our party leader and all...

[960]

60. he sure did. debt free, hi tech facility, huge donor/voter database

did all the hard groundwork that allowed Dean's 50 state strategy.

[blm]

77. Baloney - his DC centric stewardship of the DNC collapsed party infrastructures in TOO MANY states.

Terry was great at keeping all that money in DC. Ohio Dem party was collapsing before 2000 and Terry did NOTHING to help rebuild the infrastructure there or help secure the election process where he knew damn well that the votes were being manipulated and stolen at every level of the process where the votes are allowed, cast and counted. Collapsing state parties was McAuliffe's goal, imo.

McAuliffe had ZERO interest in 2002 and 2004 elections - the Dems running in those elections were pretty much on their own. Besides, he wanted 2008 open for Hillary.

[wyldwolf]

97. Baloney

his DC centric stewardship of the DNC collapsed party infrastructures in TOO MANY states... Ohio Dem party was collapsing before 2000 ...

Wait... first you said his stewardship collapsed the party infrastructures in too many states... and in the one example you gave you admit it was collapsing BEFORE 2000. :shrug:

Terry was great at keeping all that money in DC... McAuliffe had ZERO interest in 2002 and 2004 elections - the Dems running in those elections were pretty much on their own.

Which is why he sunk money into the Florida Governor's race and Missouri's senate race in 2002 and restructured the 2004 primary schedule, assisting John Kerry in raising $200 million, according to the Washington Post. Yeah, I know, go rant at the Washington Post. He also pledged $5 million to Tim Kaine's run for governor - the largest disbursement of funds in DNC history. Kaine won that race.

There is a contrast to be drawn with McAuliffe's successor, who had to be shamed into disbursing funds to close House races by Rahm Emanuel.

... Terry did NOTHING to help rebuild the infrastructure there...

That's not the DNC chair's job, it's the State party chair's.

Terry did NOTHING to... help secure the election process where he knew damn well that the votes were being manipulated and stolen at every level of the process where the votes are allowed, cast and counted.

Well, we're all pretty used to your unfounded charges, but that's a serious one. I suppose presenting evidence would be too much for you.

------

“I am a big fan of Terry McAuliffe. Everything we do today stands on the shoulders of his fundraising efforts.” Howard Dean

"Terry has put the party in a strong strategic position." Donna Brazile

[blm]

103. Ohio was collapsing BEFORE 2000, and McAuliffe LET IT COLLAPSE FURTHER knowing damn well it would

be crucial to have a strong infrastructure in place in that state especially after Florida proved what a weak Dem infrastructure could do to an election.

Howard Dean didn't stay McAuliffe's course, did he? No....he worked in Ohio and many other neglected states to rebuild Dem party muscles that had been atrophied.

[wyldwolf]

104. SO WHAT??? Bad for the the Ohio state party, not the DNC Chair's job to fix!

[blm]

107. Yes, it WAS McAuliffe's job to spend NATIONAL Dem $$$ and STRENGTHEN collapsed states - Dean did.

Howard Dean didn't spend his years lunching and schmoozing with lobbyists and big business in DC the way Terry did. All Terry's attention was on setting up the building he and the Clintonites would rule over the Dem party when she became the nominee.

[wyldwolf]

108. Just because Dean did it does not mean it was the traditional role of the DNC chair

because it wasn't.

There are long standing roles people play. BLM can't just change them because she doesn't like them.

[blm]

110. After 2000s theft it was Terry's JOB to secure election process at EVERY LEVEL

in every state, especially KEY states.

If Terry couldn't SEE that problem after the theft of 2000 and after 2002 when safe seats suddenly went to the Repubs, then he wasn't UP to the job, PERIOD!

But, try and stay real for a change - McAuliffe knew damn well and didn't care - he and his circle were working for ONE GOAL...to keep 2008 open for Hillary.

[wyldwolf]

111. says who?

I guess we can add Federal Law Enforcement to BLM's new list of DNC Chairman roles. :rofl:

If Terry couldn't SEE that problem after the theft of 2000 and after 2002 when safe seats suddenly went to the Repubs, then he wasn't UP to the job, PERIOD!

I guess you missed all the polls and research that showed 2002 was a banner GOP year because of 9/11 and terrorist fears. :eyes:

One thing I can always count on you for is jumping from one unsubstantiated charge to another. And the righteous anger is a hoot!

[blm]

116. Honest discourse is NOT your realm. So long, DLCer.

I'll keep working to SHRINK DLC numbers and power....just like we did in the primary.

[wyldwolf]

121. the person I'm discussing things with has to be honest.

You aren't.

[blm]

122. another DLC apologist who THINKS you NEED to defend every last Bushprotecting

one of them - including Mr. Global 'Poppy Bush deal' Crossing.

You. Just. Don't. Care.

I am glad the DLCers are FAILING little by little.

[wyldwolf]

123. Are you on high blood pressure medicine? Sounds as if you need it.

[blm]

124. High blood pressure medicine is for the duplicitous class nervous about the DLC's waning power.

So long Terry McAuliffe. The Clinton-Lieberman wing of the party IS shrinking.

[wyldwolf]

126. it's funny because twice you've threatened to duck out of this thread...

..and twice you've come roaring back with nonsensical replies full of righteous anger. The veins must be popping up in your head! :rofl:

[ClarkUSA]

127. Speaking of the DLC's waning power, get this 'bout-face from Gov. Schweitzer, who endorsed McAwful.

Schweitzer endorsed McAwful even though he's head of the Democratic Governors Association which is supposed to be neutral. What a bullshit artist he is:

"This election is a clear choice between a leader who will stand up and fight for all Virginians and a lifelong partisan who sides with special interests over real people," Schweitzer continued. "Creigh is the natural choice to continue the legacy of Governors Warner and Kaine."

So long Terry McAuliffe. The Clinton-Lieberman wing of the party IS shrinking.

You're right. I'm surprised McAwful didn't do better. After all, he had Bubba campaigning for him and more money than both his opponents combined. I'm looking forward to seeing President Obama campaign for Deeds. McDonnell doesn't stand a chance against the Obama grassroots machine, which McAwful tried to mimic/buy but failed miserably to do so because it was as phony as he is.

[blm]

128. Mr. Global Crossings will go the way of dinosaur...

.

[ClarkUSA]

129. He's not the only one; it's everything he represents that's so-o-o yesterday.

[wyldwolf]

93. exactly

He got the DNC out of debt for the first time in it's history.

He created a computer database of more than 170 million potential voters known as "Demzilla."

The sharing of Demzilla could mark the beginning of a new regime of information-sharing among Democratic political committees that have long competed with each other to reach a limited donor universe... The new DNC chairman, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, said last week that he was aware, and fully supportive, of giving the committees access to Demzilla. "I have been told about Demzilla,” Dean said, adding, “I am a big fan of Terry McAuliffe. Everything we do today stands on the shoulders of his fundraising efforts.”

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/hill-dems-get-into-demzilla-2005-02-17.html

[Sebastian Doyle]

26. I don't live in VA, and don't know a damn thing about the other guys

But I know Terrence McAulliffe is part of the piece of shit crowd that has damaged the Democratic Party more than any admitted Repukes ever could. And that's reason enough to keep him out of elected office.

[wyldwolf]

36. oh, good

I've been looking for someone who could lay out a case like that. So what are the facts?

[iamthebandfanman]

56. how many seats did we pick up under terry ?

yeah, thats right.

[wyldwolf]

91. irrelevant

the DNC is not the lead for congressional races or gubernatorial races, and is not viewed as responsible for their outcomes (well, not in the real world, anyway.)

yeah, thats right.

[blm]

125. HAHAH...what a load of BS you need to peddle. If Terry's job was to ONLY work for 4yrs to build a

national party infrastructure that would be powerful in the national election for president, then he failed miserably at that....because too many Dem votes were blocked and stolen by the superior GOP infrastructure in states that Terry and every Dem leader KNEW would be needed to win in 2004.

In YOUR world Terry McAuliffe was NOT responsible for party infrastructure on the state level OR national level. Of course any thinking person would know that a strong national infrastructure depends ENTIRELY on the strength of the MAJORITY of states, especially those of electoral significance....like Ohio and Florida.

[AzDar]

28. NO McAuliffe.

:puke:

[NikolaC]

29. I'm Pulling For Moran

There is no way that I am voting for McAuliffe. If Deeds wins then he has my support in the general, but I will not support McAuliffe. To me he is too corporate and there is just too much of that going on in the Democratic party today.

[Wednesdays]

34. K&R

:kick:

[Jack Rabbit]

35. I certainly hope McAuliffe gets beat

McAuliffe could lose anything. He must have been managing the hare in his race with the tortoise.

[polmaven]

106. Sure, that's right!

That must be why Bill Clinton did so badly in the 2 Presidential elections HE lost!....

Oh, wait....Back up....I mean....ummmmm!

[spooky3]

37. I am SICK TO DEATH of robo calls and other phone solicitations

it almost makes me want to not vote in this primary, but I will.

[ClarkUSA]

41. I can imagine. Who's been doing the heaviest advertising lately?

[spooky3]

42. Terry McAuliffe and Brian Moran campaigns, plus some lieutenant governor

Also a "polling organization" in North Carolina. Multiple calls per day from all of these parties. Mailings too, but these aren't as annoying, since you don't have to run to the phone to answer or check caller ID to see if it is a call you want to take.

If you're asking about TV ads, I don't see many of them on the shows I watch, so I can't give you a good answer. I see yard signs for both these candidates and the third, Creigh Deeds.

[ClarkUSA]

46. Hmmm... yet Deeds is surging in the polls.

Who do you think will win? I won't hold you to it. ;)

[ShortnFiery]

94. That's a snapshot who knows the validity - sample size? Moran is well within striking distance. NT

[camera obscura]

38. I think Deeds will win

enough Moran voters abandoning ship, and McAuliffe is just too polarizing. The fact that VA wasn't his first pick for a Gov run should do him in. He's the epitome of the carpetbagger.

[ClarkUSA]

79. I hope you're right. He needs all the GOTV volunteers he can get.

He's the epitome of the carpetbagger.

MSNBC Hardball analysts just discussed this aspect of McAwful's candidacy in the last ten minutes of the show. They said he felt entitled to win because he's a bigwig despite the fact he has zero ties to VA politics. They said voters in VA don't like that kind of celebrity.

[DemsUnited]

39. The Republican candidate, Bob McDonnell, is right wing wolf trying to

wrap himself up in moderate sheep clothing. It would disastrous if he won.

Plus, redistricting is coming up 2010 so having a Democratic Governor is crucial.

All three candidates are good men and strong Democrats; each has strengths & weaknesses. But the important question is, who has the best chance of winning a statewide election in a new and fragile purple Virginia?

My personal opinion is Creigh Deeds and for that reason, he will have my vote on Tuesday.

[stillrockin]

40. I'm voting for Moran.

[emsimon33]

43. It's the governor's race, not the senate!

[ClarkUSA]

44. Yeah, I know. I was typing too fast again. It was too late to change the typo.

[LaydeeBug]

47. What's so wrong with Terry McAuliffe?

why is he treated like such a pariah? :shrug:

[wyldwolf]

50. the answer to that is never a clear one

During McAuliff's era (and before) the DNC chair's job was mainly Fundraiser and Chief. And he raised lots of cash and left the DNC debt free for the first time in it's history. He also built a stat-of-the-art wired for the internet DNC facility with a monstrous database of volunteers and donors which made Howard Dean's 50 state strategy possible.

He also raised lots of money for Clinton/Gore in ways some believe was unethical but not unlike most in Washington do.

So in reality people have the same beef with McAuliff they have with Clinton - he was successful. And don't mistake folks on the internet as representative of the party as a whole. To many in the netroots, anything and anyone before Howard Dean is a failure,

[skipos]

54. How many seats did Dems pick up in the house and senate while he was chairman?

And how did the 04 presidential election turn out for us? Answer that, and you have answered at least part of your question.

[iamthebandfanman]

57. how dare you point out what a massive failure he was

at being our party leader!

how dare you indeed!

[wyldwolf]

58. as has been repeatedly stated

the DNC is not the lead for congressional races or gubernatorial races, and is not viewed as responsible for their outcomes (well, not in the real world, anyway.)

[iamthebandfanman]

61. well, if HE says so

it must be true.

i mean, someone who was a massive failure at the job he was given surely wouldnt admit it... would they?

Shrubby thinks he did a hellava job too.

[wyldwolf]

62. perhaps you can go back to a time before 2001 and show DNC chairmen...

who were heralded for wins and condemned for losses?

[blm]

113. Baloney - the DNC chair sets the strategy and tone for the party, especially when GOP is in WH

The Dem nominee has to tap INTO the national party infrastructure AS IT EXISTS once they become the nominee - it is CRUCIAL that the party be strong state by state and especially in key states like Ohio and Florida.

The NATIONAL party is made up of 50 STATE PARTIES, and you wishing differently to make your case ain't gonna change that fact. Surely you must have played at least one game of Red Rover when you were in a kid.

[wyldwolf]

114. the DNC is not the lead for congressional races or gubernatorial race

But of course, you probably really actually know that.

[Zynx]

63. He was Chairman of the DNC from 2001 to 2005. 'Nuff said.

[karynnj]

68. Many reasons

As DNC head from 1996 - 2004, he raised a lot of money - but his ethics were pretty questionable in 1996 - and that ended up hurting Al Gore. He also did little with that money to build up the party - in stead spending a fortune on ads and a fancy DC building.

In his personal life, he was involved with Global Crossing - which was an ENRON lite story.

In 2008, in late May and June, he was a complete lunatic - insisting even after all the primaries were over that HRC could win. He - more than anyone - spread the nonsensical idea of "popular vote" in the primaries. He was divisive and nasty - and not an asset to HRC.

[wyldwolf]

75. unfounded

but his ethics were pretty questionable in 1996 - and that ended up hurting Al Gore

Really? I don't recall that. Was Al Gore MIA during this?

He also did little with that money to build up the party - in stead spending a fortune on ads and a fancy DC building.

He got the DNC out of debt for the first time in it's history.

He created a computer database of more than 170 million potential voters known as "Demzilla."

The sharing of Demzilla could mark the beginning of a new regime of information-sharing among Democratic political committees that have long competed with each other to reach a limited donor universe... The new DNC chairman, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, said last week that he was aware, and fully supportive, of giving the committees access to Demzilla. "I have been told about Demzilla,” Dean said, adding, “I am a big fan of Terry McAuliffe. Everything we do today stands on the shoulders of his fundraising efforts.”

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/hill-dems-get-into-demzilla-2005-02-17.html

Founded a Women’s Vote Center to educate and mobilize women voters, founded the Voting Rights Institute to protect voting rights, and founded “Something New,” an initiative to mobilize younger voters.

In his personal life, he was involved with Global Crossing - which was an ENRON lite story.

There has never been anything unethical, immmoral, illegal ever alleged about his investment in Global Crossing. It's merely an issue that detractors, usually Republicans, want to create when they have run out of talking about substantive political issues. Where is the evidence of wrongdoing?

In 2008, in late May and June, he was a complete lunatic - insisting even after all the primaries were over that HRC could win

Obama clinched the nom in June. Imagine the horror of someone supporting someone else until then. :eyes:

[WI_DEM]

48. I agree as I don't see how McAuliffe is a strong general election candidate

Does he really have strong ties to Virginia? To me he comes across as a slimy political insider and nothing more.

[beac]

52. "slimy political insider and nothing more" is exactly right. AND he's guaranteed to get CREAMED in

the general. The VA-G-NO-P is foaming at the mouth to run against the Clintons, one of their last-remaining surefire base exciters.

McAuliffe needs to go back to drinking 100-proof rum with Mika Mouse on Morning Joe (while acting like he's jacked out of his mind on coke)-- and get the fark out of my state politics!

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

49. I am sitting here right now pondering whose political future I can derail with my vote FOR them

My track record is impeccable!

[ClarkUSA]

51. Hmm... does your "track record" apply to state races or national ones?

If it applies to state races, then I think McAwful is worth your "vote". ;)

[skipos]

53. Deeds strikes me as the strongest general election candidate, McAuliffe the weakest

And from what I have seen, the polls seems to back that up.
I don't mind some conservative-ish Dems if they make sense for their state or district, but McAuliffe is general election poison.

[ClarkUSA]

66. "... McAuliffe is general election poison." You're right.

McAwful's disapproval ratings are sky-high while Deeds' net approval ratings are the best of the three by far. Independents detest him. He'd lose bigtime to the wingnut, whereas Deeds does the best, being in the Warner-Kaine mold. He also has 20 years of experience in the state legislature, which means he knows how to get bills passed and knows who the players are (more importantly, they know who he is; by all accounts, he is well-liked).

[karynnj]

70. You aren't kidding - Here is a Daily Kos diary that has the polling details

Here's a link to the Independent (and Republican) voters - favorable/unfavorable for the two. Deeds is very well liked by the Independents and McAuliffe is pretty disliked.

"McAuliffe (R's) 30/56, (I) 32/53

Deeds (R's) 49/21, (I) 60/11"



http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2009/6/7/22445/35388/47#c47

Here is the url for the thread itself:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/6/7/739931/-Blup,-Blup,-BlupMcAuliffe-is-Finished-

[DCBob]

64. The trends are ominous for McCauliffe. Looks like a big win for Deeds.

"24 hours until votes are counted in the Democratic Primary for Governor of Virginia, momentum shifts to Creigh Deeds, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted for WJLA-TV Washington DC and WDBJ-TV Roanoke. In 4 identical SurveyUSA tracking polls, Deeds' support has gone from 22% to 26% to 29% to today 42%."

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=ed18269c-1bcf-4742-80c7-be56a1edd29d

[Egnever]

67. Please let it play out that way

So we can rid ourselves of the snak oil salesman once and for all.

[DCBob]

69. The GOPers fear Deeds the most. They know he can attract independents and some conservatives.

I suspect Deeds (if he wins tomorrow) will win in the general with a little help from the "Obama machine".

[karynnj]

71. WOW!!!

Yesterday, a Daily Kos diary had the PPP poll showed Deeds 14 points ahead - and they mentioned this poll was coming out today - and it has him even higher! http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/6/7/739931/-Blup,-Blup,-BlupMcAuliffe-is-Finished-

The combination of the two is very positive news. Let's hope he has a competitive get out the vote.

From the plot it looks like McAuliffe was slowly trending done since April and now it has accelerated. It is interesting that till this poll, both Moran and Deeds were moving up - and now Deeds appears to have picked up some people who were for Moran. This should give him team the enthusiasm that comes from surging past the candidate with the MONEY, name recognition and Bill Clinton. That enthusiasm itself should help motivate them in this final stretch.

[DCBob]

72. I kind of like Terry. He is the eternal die-hard optimist, but as a politician he stinks.

Thank goodness he is not going to win tomorrow.

[karynnj]

73. He became a caricature when he seemed to lost complete touch with reality

I would have thought that touching, if there was no nasty attacks on the man who already had won the nomination. He really did HRC no favors.

[w4rma]

65. I'm voting for Deeds, tomorrow. (nt)

[ShortnFiery]

95. I hope this isn't artificially pushing up Deeds numbers so McAulffie can slip by with the win. NT

*on edit: This was meant as a reply to post # 76.

[Thrill]

76. There is a poll on Deeds website that has him up by 14 points

Is there even a race?

[ClarkUSA]

78. McAwful has the best GOTV machine money can buy. Low turnout makes it a toss-up.

Deeds raised only $2.5M compared to McAwful's $7M. He's done the least advertising and has the fewest offices. So, yeah, it's still a race, mainly because no one knows who's going to show up.

[DCBob]

80. Can GOTV make up 15 points?

I don't think so. I predict a double digit win for Deeds tomorrow.

[ClarkUSA]

81. I like your optimism.

I predict a double digit win for Deeds tomorrow.

I'll buy you a beer if you're right. :toast:

[DCBob]

82. Buy you two if I'm wrong!

:toast:

[ClarkUSA]

87. That's a deal. But I hope you won't have to.

:toast:

[Drunken Irishman]

85. I agree. The last poll indicated a close race, which still favored McAuliffe.

Even though he was trailing. Now that two polls show him down big, I don't see how GOTV will erase that huge of a margin.

Deeds should win.

Not only does he have a sizable lead, he has a huge shift of momentum, which generally helps in getting late deciders.

[DCBob]

86. Yep, Big Mo is with Deeds...

Kinda fun to get back into election stuff again! :)

[ClarkUSA]

118. Big Mo may be with Deeds but Big Money is buying McAuliffe an unrivalled GOTV machine

"A savvy, veteran fundraiser, he's raked in $6.9 million, nearly as much as his two opponents combined: Moran has raised $4.8 million and Deeds $3.8 million. McAuliffe, who has made a fortune in real estate and Internet investments mostly with Democratic donors, bills himself as the candidate best qualified to bring jobs to Virginia. He is so intent on following Obama's successful playbook that he is in essence trying to replicate the former senator's grass-roots campaign. In the final 72-hour sprint to the finish line, the McAuliffe campaign has been working to make more than 1 million calls and knock on more than 85,000 doors. At the same time, in just six months McAuliffe has built the closest thing to a Democratic machine that Virginia has ever seen, benefiting from union endorsements and the help of President Bill Clinton, who has made several swings through Virginia on McAuliffe's behalf... when victory could mean an extra 20,000 votes, McAuliffe's and Moran's much larger GOTV machines could prove decisive — especially if they can turn out black voters who accounted for more than 30% of the vote in the 2008 presidential primary. McAuliffe in particular has made a push for black voters, focusing on issues like cracking down on predatory payday lending and aggressively pursuing endorsements from the state's civil rights leaders. While Deeds appears to have the momentum, Sabato says, the race is far too close to call. "

More here.

[countingbluecars]

83. I will be voting for Deeds tomorrow. n/t

[DCBob]

84. Does it bother you Deeds is more conservative than the other candidates?

I am not that familiar with his specific positions but I have heard he leans a bit right.

[countingbluecars]

88. No, I really don't see too big of a difference

between Deeds and Moran. To be honest, I am voting for Deeds because it sounds like he has the best chance of beating McAullife (who doesn't stand a chance in the general election).

[fedupinBushcountry]

89. Will be voting for Deeds tomorrow

and so will everyone I know, it's no to McAwful in Hampton Roads.

[ShortnFiery]

90. My family's voting for Brian MORAN. :-) NT

[ohheckyeah]

98. I can't believe

anybody would vote for a Republican for Virginia governor - have the forgotten the fiasco of Gilmore already? Have they forgotten what a great job Warner did?

I'll vote for Deeds tomorrow as I think he has the best chance of beating the republican in the general election.

[DCBob]

105. Heavy t-storms in the area could affect turnout. Also, it's an open primary..

and it seems there is some sort of loosely organized effort by the wacko right-wingers to help McAuliffe win since they think the is the most beatable candidate. Sick bastards.

[ClarkUSA]

112. Operation Chaos again? I am not surprised. Wingnuts love to vote for the worst Dem GE candidate.

I hope Deeds has a good GOTV operation. It's too early for returns but I've heard turnout is very light. Yikes.

[DCBob]

115. Yep, these losers know to get back in power they will likely have to cheat. Any returns yet?

Weather has cleared but looks like more rain on the way later this afternoon/evening.

[ClarkUSA]

117. Not yet. They'll probably wait to post results until polls close at 7 p.m.

Here's something to chew on while we wait (from the website run by the best unbiased statistical analyst in the nation, Nate Silver): http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/06/primary-eve-in-va-anticipating-analysis.html

It's a crap shoot. Deeds has the poorest GOTV machine while McAuliffe has the best money and Clintonian patronage can buy.

[DCBob]

119. Nate is great. Clearly TMac has the ground game but I just don't see it happening.

Take a look at this:

http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2009/06/election-day-nuggets-in-virginia.html

I still think it's Deeds by double digits. We will know soon.

BTW, major bad weather here in DC area now.

[DCBob]

120. I heard there is surge at some polling stations in NoVa since the T-storms has moved through.

Not sure who that benefits but its a good sign for democracy in VA.