We are watching a sure-win slip through our fingers

[Horse with no Name]

Our candidates were handpicked for us. AA man vs. woman. All we lack is a coliseum.
The MSM has carried this throughout the entire cycle...while all of the viable candidates dropped along the way leaving the two most divisive candidates for a "historic" election.
Even to the point of making up their own news and conflicts as they have gone along...they have showed their hand.
They will do what it takes to eliminate Hillary from the race.
Obama WILL be our candidate.
Make no mistake...they CANNOT wait to tear him to shreds.
One thing for certain. It's going to get ugly and I pretty much feel like most of us that aren't swooning over Obama know how this will end.

[MissDeeds]

1. They are indeed divisive

All one has to do to see that is check GD-P. The party is fractured, and I have serious doubts that either of the two remaining candidates can be elected. Even our own party is taking sides. The one candidate who could have united the party and won the election - who actually showed winning numbers against the Repub front-runners - was JE, and look what happened to him.

HRC is having an uphill battle (okay, that was not a pun) and every time she gets some traction, Bill shoots off his mouth, and steals the headlines.

BO is increasingly grating and I feel it is just a matter of time before it all blows up in his face. We have heard rumors about a yet-to-be-disclosed bombshell that is going to sink him. Crimony. Can we ever just choose the best, most electable candidate?

[balantz]

2. IF the empty circle (the "O") gets elected, or is allowed to get elected,

then we will have a whole different show. We will watch a puppet dictator with a Democratic sheen, just enough to appease the masses a little bit longer. Just think what fun the fascists could have operating completely behind the scenes and continuing to accomplish their deeds.

A similar story should H.C. get the job.

Wee-Hee!!! we're in for a ride! And most of our fellow citizens think we've got it made!

[SammyWinstonJack]

30. ...

:applause:

[bpeale]

6. maybe if Hillary withdraws & throws her support to John Edwards

that would work for me! hey! this is my fantasy so i can have it any way i want!

[Two Americas]

3. same mistake again and again

Obama will be successfully painted as a lightweight. He will be discredited in people's minds before they even consider him. He will be vulnerable to that because he isn't saying anything, isn't standing for anything. "Hope" will be a national punchline by the end of September. What gets the party primary voters and activists all a-quiver looks adolescent and ridiculous to the general public. "Believe, people! Think positive! Hope!" Same thing happened with Kerry and with Gore.

But it is a closed loop, and no dissent is tolerated within the tightly closed ranks of those who control the party and their sycophants. No one on the outside will be heard.

What I find really sad is the number of former Edwards voters retreating to the comfort zone of the inner circle of liberal fantasy land.

And the "not the Republicans, and we can document that" party lurches into another ambush. The sad thing is that the candidates and their highly paid consultants don't have much to lose, and will go back to their happy successful lives of wealth and privilege. All of the rest of us get screwed.

We have been betrayed 3 times now, by cowards and quitters who would not fight for us when the chips were down: Gore, Kerry, and Edwards. Yet we admire these characters, and then wonder why we can't convert more people to liberalism.

Now Rocky might say we shouldn't give up. But there is a difference between giving up, and moving on; between abandoning failed methods and abandoning the cause; between losing confidence in the leaders, and losing confidence in yourself.

[balantz]

4. That's pretty balsy.

I don't think a lot of John's supporters here would like to think of him as a coward and a quitter.

But you konw, it is true that we have been dumped three times now.

It may be different circumstances for each one, so lumping them together like that may not be completely accurate.

Unfortunately we may never know.

It is time for us to not allow the splintering that is going on amongst us.

It is up to us to carry on the struggle and grow as a cohesive unit, from the grassroots up.

[MissDeeds]

5. I agree

"Coward" is about the last thing that one could call John Edwards. Everything about the man - from his battles with Kerry about conceding the election before all the votes were counted, to championing the cause of the poor and disenfranchised as an integral part of his platform, to going forth with the campaign while Elizabeth, who he calls "the love of my life" is battling incurable cancer - all says "courageous" to me.

We don't know why he dropped out of the race, and all the analyzing, speculating, and hypothesizing that we've engaged in over the past few weeks won't answer the questions we have. Perhaps we'll know after the convention or the election. Or not. But I still believe he is a man of honor and integrity and the "decision" to suspend his campaign was not made lightly. Whatever the reason, he saw no other option.

[Two Americas]

11. all of us

We are all cowards to some extent. I don't mean to single Edwards out as any worse than the rest. Perhaps I should re-phrase that - "because of the extreme and intense pressure caused by the growing emergency, which is beyond the capability of we humans to withstand or resist, all of us are tempted to confuse prudence with cowardice, and are liable to choose seemingly safe courses of action, compromising and accomodating, that future historians will look back on and may well characterize as cowardice."

[balantz]

8. Hi Two Americas

:hi:

I hope you didn't take offense with the "balsy" statement. I meant none to you personally.

[Two Americas]

12. not offended

I am not offended at all. No worries, balantz. (insert huggy, kissy, heart smilies here lol)

I think we should stop worrying about offending people. It is being used as a mechanism for suppressing free speech and to enforce rigid adherence to doctrine. This is making it almost impossible to communicate, and is creating a continuous uproar of miscommunication and confusion.

"I am offended" is often a clever and deceptive way to say "shut up" and to silence or dismiss opinions that make people feel uncomfortable. It is becoming an epidemic.

All a person needs to do is to claim to be offended by an opinion, and then the person expressing the unwanted opinion can be characterized as "offensive" and be attacked on that basis, and any and all sorts of character assassination can be justifiably leveled against them. The suppressiveness, and the hypocrisy and divisiveness of this should be readily apparent, I would hope. It flies in the face of every principle of liberalism - under the guise of promoting tolerance it is highly intolerant; under the guise of promoting inclusiveness, it is highly exclusionary; under the guise of promoting freedom, it is highly restrictive and suppressive; under the guise objecting to being offended, the alleged offender can be insulted at will and smashed all to pieces.

There is now a very, very limited range of opinions that can be expressed with impunity, or that many people are willing to hear. Should someone even inadvertently hint, for example, at some criticism of Edwards - or something that some hyper-sensitive person could construe as possible criticism - others are ready to blow up the entire conversation or break up the group over that. I have seen that happen a couple of times over the last few days.

[balantz]

13. What a great post.

Excellent points. Thank you.

We should take the time to use some of those points when we confront the stance. Unfortunately these days there is such rigidity, and offenses abound. People can't see well when their heads are shoved up their asses.

[AndyA]

7. Barack is getting built up by the media.

His supporters are so excited about the possibility of being a part of history - electing the first AA President - that they aren't looking down the road. They don't see the big picture at all, they accept what they are told, and they do not question anything.

The fact that down the road a bit is a ROAD CLOSED - DETOUR AHEAD sign means nothing to them. They just step on the gas, turn up the radio, and forge swiftly forward in reckless abandon.

Only when they finally notice the sign - when they've missed all the exits along the way - and it has now become too late to stop the out of control speeding car...will they realize what they've done.

[vireo]

9. LOL!

You should photoshop the Obama logo on the car!

[balantz]

10. I agree!

Great photo. Put the logo on and post it in GDP! with "The Obama ride of Hope", or something :P

[bpeale]

14. that's a good one & gave me my first laugh of the day. thanks!

[ChiciB1]

15. I've Been In Bed Today... Flu Maybe?? Depression Still?? I Do Know

I haven't been feeling well. Don't really think it's politically connected, but at the same time I MUST say that ANY enthusiasm I HAD for this election is pretty much GONE! I don't watch any primary results, don't watch MSM and just can't get my motor running for this stuff anymore.

Maybe feeling crappy due to the flu or something has something to do with it, but still... I don't have much "wind beneath my sails" anymore! Which then turns into DEPRESSION! I keep hearing people this is THE MOST EXCITING election they can remember in many many years, and I wonder what I'm missing??

I KNOW I'm missing it, because I DON'T FEEL any excitement!!

I still plan to stick with Edwards, but as one who supports neither Democrat running, IT IS a strange feeling. I know this is what I chose, but looking at the "game" being played without a player on the field feels a bit "odd!" Time will heal some of it, but I won't forget!

[pamela]

16. Flu, depression, February.

I hate February. Every bad thing that has ever happened to me has happened in February. I always feel crappy in Feb and this year has been a doozy. I plan to come back as a bear in my next life so I can just sleep through it.

I hope you feel better soon. Hell, I hope we ALL feel better soon.

[catchnrelease]

17. I had a frightening conversation

with a co-worker today. She is an intelligent woman with loads of common sense. Yet she tells me that, after looking at the policy statements, voting records, background etc of Clinton, Obama and McCain, she and her husband are going to vote for McCain. She can't stand either of the Democratic candidates and feels (wrongly IMO) that McCain is moderate enough to be an ok president. I tried to convince her that he's way too much of a war monger among other things, but she wasn't buying it. Then she tells me that another co-worker and her husband, are also going to vote McCain. I had just heard this other person hoping that Obama had won the last primary, so assumed she was a big supporter of his. No, turns out she just wanted him to win because she thinks he will be easier to beat than Hillary! And all of these people are Dems! I just didn't know what to say at that point, but I truly felt sick to my stomach. :cry:

[saracat]

18. You know what? I just don't care anymore. It doesn't make a difference to me.

Both Mccain and Obama are disasters. I will probaly be tossed for saying that as i did in a GDP thread but I do not like either one. And as I said , it is MY vote and neither represents ME.I hope to god Obama is not the nominee.

[catchnrelease]

19. I totally agree

actually I think all three are disasters. I really don't know what I'm going to do in the GE.

[Creideiki]

20. Unless there's massive dialog and appeal

I've got my plan. I've got a great progressive running for Senator. I've got a solid progressive as my House Rep. I'll be working for them. I'll also concentrate on my state representative and senator and making sure they'll represent everyone in their district.

Without a massive dialog and appeal, I'm not voting either the center-right or the lunatic right--just can't do it any more. But maybe with enough good progressive voices in Congress, some of these things can get taken care of. It's just--the Presidency allows for coherence that Congress seems to have difficulties with. It would have been nice.

[ChiciB1]

22. As I've Said Many Times Before AMERICA Lost It's Chance When

the CURRENT "DEMS" made a DEAL WITH THE DEVIL, or something! John Edwards (white male or not) WAS the VERY best, and just LOOK at what we will have to deal with. I hear more and more Repukes saying THEY voted for him! Wonder WHY??

Sorry, for the later reply.... went back to bed yesterday! I did want to keep "some" activism" going, but am having second thoughts right now! Maybe in a couple of months... don't know for sure, but now, I'M BUMMED!!

[Two Americas]

32. power

Party leadership is more interested in their own power than they are in their constituents.

[Ninga]

21. Two America's is absolutely correct, the good people of this country have been

let down by 3 who couldn't figure out what it takes to be the standard bearer.

Wonderful and passionate John Edwards got snookered by the party big dogs who nipped at his ankles snarling and biting.

I thought he had the chops to out smart the lousy party power brokers.....but no, he fell for their line and now he is has been reduced to a foot note......while the huddled homeless masses fight for a dry spot under the bridge.

I don't have a clue on what to do next. I have figured out that my type of activisim is cyclical. I start out young, work hard for the ideal, get disalousioned, drop out for a while, come back and get involved or get elected on the local level, move into city, county, state and national politics, be able to give money, work for a higher purpose, and then die. I will be in the process of being replaced by a very enthusitac young 50 something, who is following close in my foot steps.

We never grow our numbers, we are considered fringe, and the rut is getting deeper and deeper from spinning our wheels.


For every 10 steps this country takes forward, we take 7 back.

[ChiciB1]

23. I'm NOT Going To Blame Edwards... Call It Snookered, BUT The Machine

would never have "let" him go on! Just look at what is going on with OBAMA! I sometimes wonder if this isn't high school all over!! Are we electing a POTUS or the King of the Prom??

It's disgusting! If Hillary can't fight it, and is losing ground all the time, what WERE the chances of Edwards ever getting close?? They "dissed" him from the get go and I won't put him down for not have "the chops" to continue! He GOT CHOPPED! We'll just have to live through this crap for at least 4 more years!

I NEVER thought I would say this, but late last night I was channel surfing and thought I would "peek" and see who won what, and Obama was talking and I changed the channel right away. Then a little while later, I checked back and again and he was STILL talking! I can't take it! He seems SO FULL OF HIMSELF!

And I'm NO HILLARY supporter either! Our Congress doesn't work for "we the people" THEY work for THEMSELVES! I rarely use the word "hate" I don't like being so denigrating... but I HATE what has happened and I'm feeling a certain amount of "angst" and "disgust" with what has transpired!

I DON'T WANT to be part of this anymore, I don't feel like I count!!!

[balantz]

24. If the wonder "O" is crowned POTUS

He will STILL be talking while the demons go in and out the back door!

The robbery will continue on and the golden "O" boy will STILL be talking!

They will reach across that table and SLAP his silly face and he will STILL be talking!

The neocon agenda will continue to ROLL through town and he will STILL be talking!

That's exactly what he is being hired for.

We've seen this since his fucking debut at that convention four years ago.

Than you very much John Kerry for not fighting the election fraud,

and thank you very much for introducing the neocons shiniest tool, BARACK TALKING OBAMA!

[ChiciB1]

25. You Hit the Nail On The Head!! On The Scene Came An AA Who Could

capture the american soul, not like Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton, but this bright new penny... and he got polished up, puffed and the PRESENTED to an unsuspecting America as CHANGE!!

As Bill Maher said... Senator Change is HERE!! I have lost so much respect for so many in Congress. Senators like Kennedy & Kerry have really driven a stake in my heart! As a Boomer who waited years for Kerry to run, I'm ashamed to say I was so STUPID!! I no longer TRUST this Government and my EYES will never shut or glaze over because I've been had "one too many times!"

[balantz]

26. Many of our fearless Democratic leaders have given in to the coup

they were either duped into, or willingly support. The ones who need to justify their participation in the coup think they can work within that system and still "take care of the country's needs". They have become the good Germans.

[ChiciB1]

27. Duped?? Perhaps Some Where, But I Don't Know. I Would Like To

give them the benefit of the doubt, but it's very difficult. I can understand how many of "us".... "WE THE PEOPLE" got duped, but then I suppose since many of the "newbies" who may want to fit in might just go along with the "head rush" of power!

But the entrenched long timers are the ones who have sold us out! Most of us have realized what is going on by now, and you are correct.... GERMANS! To say more than that would have "storm troopers" at my door. And I think I'm already on a couple of lists!

This is the "WHY" of my support for John Edwards, I can't sell out, I won't sell out... and many of us may "pay" because we won't! I don't know how many here have seen what I've written about a slogan I use, but here it is again!

If You Don't Stand For SOMETHING, You'll Fall for ANYTHING! I taught my kids this a long time ago, not so much regarding politics, but just as a general statement. IF YOU BELIEVE, you must stand tall and BELIEVE! Come and get me if you will, but I go only by kicking and screaming!!

We are on the same page here, and it sounds so... well you know!!!

[Ninga]

28. I love all of you, with all of my heart. But all of you must understand that the number

of registered voters who FOLLOW ISSUES, WHO READ, WHO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING POLITICALLY....

amount only

to

3 to 5 percent of all registered voters.


You are giving way too much credit to the average voter by thinking they think. They don't. They watch TV and talk to friends. That is the extent of their interest. The average person knows more about American Idol than the American President. They repeat what the anchor on TV says, and what People magazine says and gossip sites on the internet. Period.



We have been sold out by those in power, those at the top, those who are able to smile with one hand and stab in the back with the other.


I love John Edwards, but he has no power, no say, no vote, no ability to make an impact on the majority of this country.

John gave up the fight, and unless he had a gun to his head, he did so willingly.


If John ever wants to run for another public office, i will be at his side. But if and until that happens, he is just another citizen with no public forum.


And we are another sector of the population with no candidate.

[Two Americas]

34. that is always true

It is always true that a small number of people are fully aware of the political situation. It need not discourage us or be seen as a barrier. If nobody knows what is going on - good! We have a blank slate on which to write.

"A true patriot would keep the attention of his fellow citizens awake to their grievances, and not allow them to rest ’til the causes of their just complaints are removed."

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds."

- Sam Adams

[Two Americas]

29. it's all about to change

There is a silver lining in this dark cloud, Ninga.

As disappointing as the failure of the Edwards candidacy was, something much more powerful and valuabkle is happening. The failure of the campaign is finally causing people to look deeper.

Once you have tried all of the things that don't work, and once and for all finally realized that nothing you have been doing is going to work, you start looking elsewhere and that opens up a floodgate of new energy, power, creativity and productivity. Watch it happen. This year is all changes.

Honesty is the first step. Tell the truth, not the thing we are supposed to say and accept as the nearest thing to truth we are allowed to have. From that, we will find common cause on a deep level that didn't seem possible a few months ago. People are emerging from the trauma transformed everywhere you look.

There is no way we ever would have been ready to do what needs to be done until we had been brought to utter desperation. Now we can let go and move forward together.

[ChiciB1]

31. I Said A Couple Of Times Before... Tongue In Cheek "maybe/maybe not" That It

might be better to let one of the other two get the nomination. My reasoning is this. Whoever becomes POTUS is going to have one HELL OF A MESS to clean up and will be the focus of some MAJOR "blow-back" and be blamed for almost EVERYTHING that happens.

Not that it's the BEST for America, but we're already in bad shape and sliding further and further downward. John Edwards and his message, ideas and intellect would have been BEST, but now that we are where we are, it may be a foregone conclusion that Clinton or Obama will find themselves up against more than they wanted.

Obama, as a "rock-star movement" candidate seems destined to become overwhelmed (IMHO) and Clinton has high negatives and many would not be inclined to follow.

Just some thoughts that I've had for some time, since I saw the handwriting on the wall! It's just A GAME and unfortunately too many people aren't taking the GAME of running a country very seriously!

Yeah, my bitterness and cynical nature is showing, but hey, getting SCREWED like this tends to make one feel this way!

[Two Americas]

33. the hope

The hope was that by electing some candidates, we could turn things around. The false assumption is that electing candidates is how social reform is accomplished. So, our hopes were misplaced. But now we know that! That is a good thing, not a bad thing.

"If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do, and how to do it."

It is going to take a mass movement from outside of the political and electoral paradigm. It always does. The only thing stopping us from doing that was that we were clinging to the hope that pulling a lever would do the trick. Disabused of that illusion, we are much more powerful and are now free to move forward unfettered and more determined than ever.

"Our cause, then, must be intrusted to, and conducted by, its own undoubted friends -- those whose hands are free, whose hearts are in the work -- who do care for the result."



(excerpts from Lincoln's "House Divided" speech)