A Gap In Their Armor - The Democratic Party Self-Image Problem

[im10ashus]

The Democratic Party has a self-image problem.

Talk to Democrats at every level about the strong position the party is in for this fall's elections and the conversation inevitably ends with a variation of: "Yeah, if we don't blow it." Karl Rove's greatest victory is how much he has spooked Democrats about themselves.

This, in turn, leads to a problem among political elites and, especially, fundraisers: While Republicans believe in their party and in the cause of building its organization from bottom to top, Democratic sympathizers tend to focus on favorite causes and favorite candidates, notably in presidential years.

If you understand this, you can understand the polemics over the past few months between Howard Dean, the Democratic National Committee chairman, and Rep. Rahm Emanuel, the leader of the party's campaign committee for this fall's House elections.

Emanuel has expressed frustration over how much DNC money Dean has spent in his effort to create strong party organizations in all 50 states -- money that congressional Democrats believe should be saved for this fall's key contests.

cont'd...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/14/AR2006081401162.html

[bryant69]

1. I think politics is personality driven

And when we have a personality we can largely get behind, like Clinton, we do well. When we have one we are less enthused about, we don' do as well. Same for the Republicanoids.

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

[im10ashus]

2. True. But I see the repugs getting behind "fear" as their candidate.

And so far it has worked.

[rock]

3. I see it more a problem of the MSM

in pretending that the Dems have an image problem.