Folks, we did it. When the punditocracy told us they would do the thinking for us, we said: no. When party elders tried to push us aside, we had other ideas. And when our opponent spent millions of dollars on baseless, ad hominem attacks, we stayed focused on a positive agenda for change.
I'm sure many of you have noticed the surge in disgruntled supporters from our opponent's flock. Taking a cue from their candidate, with egos still bruised from a stinging defeat, they are on a mission. These few, shrill voices are here to have a shouting match, to bring you down in the mud, and ultimately suffocate your hope and aspirations with their own brand of narcissism and anger.
As we did before, so now must we remain focused. We cannot afford to be distracted by petty bickering.
(A) There is little to be gained by arguing with these few angry people. They are not here to learn from you, they are here to upset and distract you. Don't let them. (They will swarm this diary because seeing people come together, work hard and succeed apparently infuriates them. When they do, just smile and remind them that Winner's Don't Yap. You don't have time for small-minded people like that.)
(B) Remember that they represent a tiny minority and do not speak for the vast majority of Obama supporters, who are fellow Democrats that support their candidate for fundamentally good and admirable reasons. Some of those mature, well-reasoned folks can be found here, although the internet does give a jaded perspective on it. Try not to conflate one with the other.
(C) Likewise, hold one another accountable to this same standard. I will say this now: the Obama campaign, surrogates and some supporters are going to get into the dirty business of racial politicking once again. North Carolina is coming up, and we've figured out the game now. It helps no one and you should not take the bait. Try to stay focused on our objectives.
Well, what are our objectives?
(1) Solutions to MI and FL. In a contest this close, it is paramount that all voices are heard. This is not only a core tenant of any free society, but it is simply pragmatic. We're going to hear all kinds of spin from both campaigns about who got "the most votes" and why. But the one thing we know is this - in a contest this divided, it is imperitive that both sides feel there is a fair process in place. That is the only way that both parties will be able to accept and support the outcome. It is in the best interest of both candidates in this primary, as well as either candidate in the general election, that this issue is resolved in a way that is fair to all parties. By fair I do not mean "lets us win"; I mean fair - Golden Rule folks. This is issue number one.
(2) Victory in Indiana. We must build upon the coalition that delivered victories in OH and PA, and win in Indiana. This is important for several reasons - to build our popular vote, to reinforce our argument that Hillary will bring blue collar workers and Reagan Democrats home, and to meet reasonable expectations that have been set for us. Make no mistake - Barack Obama enters the contest with considerable advantages and is a strong competitor - we will have to work hard to make this happen. But let us follow the example set by our candidate, and rise to the challenge before us.
(3) Competitive in North Carolina. This is even more daunting. In addition to his financial edge, our opponent is strongly favored by the state's demographics. Again, I urge you: do not take the race bait that will be laid down before you. We cannot begrudge fellow Democrats of color who see a historic opportunity before them. But we can reach out and remind them of the long and honorable track record that both Bill and Hillary have on their behalf. Ultimately, we must be respectful of each person's choice, but we cannot afford to dismiss this state or our popular vote margin will erode.
(4) Edwards endorsement. You know you've all been thinking about this. By being the first candidate to announce a cabinet-level position devoted to transforming "the war on poverty" from a catch-phrase into real action, Hillary has embraced the cause of John Edwards' life. She has assembled a coalition of blue-collar, working class voters that are so close to Edwards' heart. And Elizabeth Edwards has expressed disappointment in Obama's healthcare plan, which is designed to leave 15 million Americans out. I think something remarkable has happened during the past two months of this campaign - as they became the backbone of Hillary's campaign, and as she spent countless hours listening to them, one-on-one, at town hall meetings, I genuinely believe these good people have moved Hillary, touched her heart, and taught her something, not only about them, but about herself. Think of respectful and constructive ways to get this message out, or even reach out to the Edwards' family, if you can. This endorsement could be pivotal.
(5) No more free rides. It is time to call out deceptive practice when you see it. In particular, focus on the following false claims: that he does not support negative campaigning, that he does not take special interest money, that he has consistently opposed the Iraq War. These are all readily disproved and you should arm yourself with proper citation to do it. Write letters to editors, blog, and help to set the record straight. If the media is reluctant or unable to do its job, then step up and fill that gap. Note: arguing with any inflamed supporter on MyDD is not a productive use of your time. Arguing with an editor is. Pick your battles and invest your energy wisely.
(6) No more campaign about campaigning. Remember Seinfeld, a "show about nothing"? Folks are starting to get that sense about our opponent's campaign. Watch a stump speech, and count the number of minutes spent talking about the following non-issues: what the American people want to hear, what the American people don't want to hear, what kind of campaign he's run, what kind of campaign his opponent has run, a promise to tell people what they need to hear, etc. Next, count the minutes spent on simple annunciation of issues: healthcare, jobs, wars, change, movements and fixing of broken souls. Finally, count the minutes spent actually discussing any one of these issues, and outlining a detailed, substantive plan of action. Add up the minutes and share your results! For kicks, see if he explains how he will pay for it on his website.
(7) Insist on better from our own campaign. Remember, one of the core values of Hillary's campaign is shared responsibility. That means we are all accountable for how our campaign is run. Write a diary about an issue, describe Hillary's position, and contrast it with our opponent's. The punditocracy has told us there aren't many differences, but read the fine print, listen to the interviews and stump speeches, and you'll find this isn't quite true. Great places to start include: healthcare, education, tax policy, foreign policy, energy policy and economic policy.
(8) Donate, if you can. We are this campaign.
(9) Recommend this diary. Shameless plug. :D
(10) Start now. The fight to take back our country won't be easy. This is how it begins.
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