Lamont Wins - Tell the Real Story / Triumph Of The New Moral Center (CAF)

[Sapphire Blue]

From the Campaign for America's Future (http://home.ourfuture.org)...

Lamont Wins - Tell the Real Story

Reactions to Ned Lamont's remarkable victory in Connecticut's Senate primary are rippling through the news. The right wing has launched into its typical spin-fest and character assassination. And Senator Joe Lieberman has also started to attack Lamont, to try to smear him before voters in Connecticut have a chance to hear him.

For a progressive contrast, take a listen to CAF Co-Director Robert Borosage share thoughts on the Lamont victory and its impact on American politics. Then, write to local news editors to ensure they keep their coverage of Lamont's win fair and balanced.

Pundits and political news reporters will fill their columns over the next few days with reactions to Lamont's victory. By sharing your thoughts on the meaning of this election with news editors, you can help to set the tone of the coverage.

"Letters to the Editor" sections are some of the most widely read in newspapers, so getting one good letter placed can reach tens of thousands -- if not more.

So, please take a listen to some straight talk from Robert Borosage, and then share some thoughts of your own with your local news media.

Sincerely,

Ian Mishalove, Director Online Communications
Campaign for America's Future

Triumph Of The New Moral Center
Robert L. Borosage | August 9, 2006

Ned Lamont's stunning upset of incumbent Sen. Joe Lieberman in the Connecticut Democratic primary race on Tuesday sends shock waves through the dead sea of American politics.

Lamont did the impossible—this virtual unknown beat in his own party's primary an 18-year incumbent with universal name recognition, a $12 million campaign war chest and the support of Washington insiders, the punditry and the corporate lobbies.

His victory represents a growing voter revolt against the failed policies and politics of the Bush administration and its congressional enablers, particularly the debacle in Iraq. Until a few weeks ago, Lieberman prided himself on being the president's leading Democratic ally in touting the war. After his defeat, Democrats will show more backbone in challenging the current disastrous course and more Republicans will look for ways to distance themselves from the president.

Lamont's victory was propelled by a rising tide of progressive energy—activists who are tired of losing elections to the right and disgusted with cautious politicians who duck and cover rather than stand and fight. Until a few weeks ago, Lieberman exemplified those Democrats who establish their "independence" by pushing off the causes of their own party and embracing the right's agenda. His voters didn't abandon him; he abandoned them long ago. After his defeat, incumbents in both parties may begin to listen more closely to their voters and less avidly to their donors.

Continued @ http://home.ourfuture.org/opinion/triumph-of-the-new-moral.html

TALKING POINTS

Lamont's upset victory sends a clear message.

Voters are turning against the failed policies of the Bush administration, and the Congress that has rubber stamped them.

There is a new rising tide of progressive energy that is demanding leaders who will stand and fight, not duck and cover.

Lamont represents a new moral center in US politics. People are looking for a bold new direction.

In refusing to heed the verdict of the voters, Joe Lieberman just doesn't get it.

He says he wants to go to Washington to "get things done."

The problem isn't getting things done. The problem is that the things that have gotten done are weakening this country.

The new race will be a test of the leaders of the Democratic Party. Who is willing to fight for a new direction and who is not?

See more talking points

http://home.ourfuture.org/straighttalklive/20060809.html

[katty]

1. Like the phrase: New Moral Center

[Sapphire Blue]

3. It IS good, isn't it?

[Fridays Child]

6. It's a freakin' awesome meme...

...a masterpiece of framing. Let's advance it at every opportunity. :thumbsup:

[Sapphire Blue]

9. Advancing the 'New Moral Center' w/a kick!

:kick:

[Sapphire Blue]

10. Another kick for 'New Moral Center'

:kick:

[Tin Man]

18. Sounds great to me too. K&R

[Sapphire Blue]

19. Thanks, Tin Man!

:hi:

[Cha]

2. Finally, someone is writing about

how great this victory of Ned Lamont's is and not about stupid lieberman.

Great "talking points~!" :)Thanks!

[Sapphire Blue]

5. I hope you had a chance to listen to Borosage!

[Cha]

8. Not yet, but I

bookmarked this and will later, thanks again!

[jonnyblitz]

4. that was good!

:thumbsup:

[tech3149]

7. Bookmarked for later

There aren't enough hours in the day to deal with th BS that's put out there. The price of freedom is truly eternal vigilance.

[PA Democrat]

11. Thanks Sapphire Blue

I am bookmarking those talking points. Looking at Joe's recent track record, it's pretty obvious he does not represent the "moral center".

[Sapphire Blue]

15. You're welcome

We should all bookmark those talking points!

[MissWaverly]

12. K & R

:-)

[Sapphire Blue]

13. Thank you, MissWaverly!

:hi:

[MissWaverly]

14. You are welcome

and the talking points are essential, we are in for some heavy weather.

[Iowa]

16. K&R. Excellent. Well worth a listen. It's a short piece, and he nails it.

[Sapphire Blue]

17. Thanks, Iowa!

[Sapphire Blue]

22. Kick back to the top, for Borosage's nailing it so good.

:kick:

[theHandpuppet]

20. Honored to give this a K & R!

:thumbsup:

[Sapphire Blue]

21. Thank you, theHandpuppet!

:hi: Good to see you again!

[Hamlette]

23. I'm loving the New Moral Center

it puts the GOP on the defensive immediately. Love it, k&r

[Sapphire Blue]

25. It's so perfect, isn't it?

Thanks, for the k&r. :hi:

[LSK]

24. K & R

[Sapphire Blue]

26. Thanks, LSK !

:hi:

[Sapphire Blue]

27. *** Write a letter to the editor to your local news outlets *** LINK ***

http://capwiz.com/ourfuture/issues/alert/?alertid=8963971

[Sapphire Blue]

28. kick... for Lamont & the New Moral Center

:kick:

[Sapphire Blue]

29. .

:kick:

[Armstead]

30. Kick

[Raydawg1234]

31. My LTE is getting published tommorow

Just got confirmation that my letter will run in the New London Day, In New London CT:

Lieberman is Addicted to Power

On Tuesday, the people of Connecticut spoke. We chose Ned Lamont because we need a Senator who will stand up to the Bush adminstration, not one who acts as an apologist for Bush's failed policies. But instead of graciously bowing out, Lieberman has chosen to run as an Independent. This does nothing but divide Democrats and help Republican congressional candidates. It is obvious that Lieberman does not care about his party, or the people of Connecticut. All he cares about is remaining a Senator. Lieberman is part of the Washington political elite, and he will do anything to retain the status quo. Why does Joe believe that he is the only person who can represent Connecticut? It is vanity pure and simple, for that what Joe's new campaign is rooted in: Vanity, ego, and a power trip that has lasted 18 years too long.