Agreed. Democrats in Iowa have the same “astroturf” roots problems that the Republicans used to have. Rather than trying to win everywhere, work to develop a bench and then fan out. To win in our district, perhaps look for candidates in the rural counties who are serving on soil conservation boards, are legit farmers, or county supervisors might be a better strategy than what had failed us more recently.
I agree with that. I am paying attention to Nate Sage's senatorial campaign. I see him making the rounds of national media like MSNBC and he seems to be striking a chord.
As I read this, I was reminded of one Congressman here in Texas who represents a district that's something like 90% Roman Catholic. The DNC and its well-paid consultants decided the best advertising they could run on his behalf was to tout the party's support of abortion rights.🙄
Oh no! Right - that's exactly the kind of local knowledge they're missing out on with these consultants of theirs. My god, they have so many advocates IN the community who could inform their campaign. What the heck are they thinking?
After 56 years as a registered Democrat, I have concluded they aren’t thinking. They’re obediently following the orders of the same plutocrats running the Republibertarian Party. Have you read Nancy MacLean’s Democracy in Chains: https://bookshop.org/a/97093/9781101980972 ? I recommend it.
YES! I've gotten through most of it and it's so distressing to know how long the long game really was with these right wing nuts. I always thought it started in the 70's but no...and it's terrifying. And daunting. To think we have so far to go to fight back and a party that isn't interested in doing so.
The employment of evangelical Christianity as a political tool goes back to the 1950s, and the fact is the elite have hated the Constitution since it was written. Most of the compromises people these days who don't know the history complain about had to be included just to get them to sign on.
Excellent and should be read by everyone, not just those in rural places in Iowa, even though you make a great point for your neck of the woods. This applies to the big cities and the suburbs as well - candidates need to have the humility to know their constituents, or would-be constituents, instead of arrogantly talking about themselves and then asking for money before they fly out the door. I have gotten very good with the Delete button.
Yep. That's Oregon District 2. Rural, ranching-oriented. It *was* Democratic...once. But the Oregon Democratic party either doesn't support candidates or else it recruits...you got it. Retired college professors from the southwestern part of the district. Or lawyers from Bend. I keep saying that they need to recruit a moderate rancher...especially since a lesbian rancher from the Bend area pulled down the best numbers in years against Greg Walden--enough that he didn't run the next time.
Current Congressman is Cliffie Bentz, who hasn't heard of a Trump program he doesn't love, doesn't respond to district concerns, and...well...
But the ODP hasn't bothered to organize in eastern Oregon for years.
Oh.my.god. Joyce, thank you for writing. With the number of unsubscribes I suffered today, I was beginning to think I was nuts! It's so disheartening speaking truth to power when the power is supposed to be on your side and listening to you. Please share my post widely. It would make my day (OK, you already made my day but as you can tell, it was a low bar!) Thanks again. I'm going to check out your Substack.
Agreed. Democrats in Iowa have the same “astroturf” roots problems that the Republicans used to have. Rather than trying to win everywhere, work to develop a bench and then fan out. To win in our district, perhaps look for candidates in the rural counties who are serving on soil conservation boards, are legit farmers, or county supervisors might be a better strategy than what had failed us more recently.
First they have to shed themselves of the arrogance that the best Democrats are to be found in the metro areas!
I agree with that. I am paying attention to Nate Sage's senatorial campaign. I see him making the rounds of national media like MSNBC and he seems to be striking a chord.
As I read this, I was reminded of one Congressman here in Texas who represents a district that's something like 90% Roman Catholic. The DNC and its well-paid consultants decided the best advertising they could run on his behalf was to tout the party's support of abortion rights.🙄
Oh no! Right - that's exactly the kind of local knowledge they're missing out on with these consultants of theirs. My god, they have so many advocates IN the community who could inform their campaign. What the heck are they thinking?
After 56 years as a registered Democrat, I have concluded they aren’t thinking. They’re obediently following the orders of the same plutocrats running the Republibertarian Party. Have you read Nancy MacLean’s Democracy in Chains: https://bookshop.org/a/97093/9781101980972 ? I recommend it.
YES! I've gotten through most of it and it's so distressing to know how long the long game really was with these right wing nuts. I always thought it started in the 70's but no...and it's terrifying. And daunting. To think we have so far to go to fight back and a party that isn't interested in doing so.
The employment of evangelical Christianity as a political tool goes back to the 1950s, and the fact is the elite have hated the Constitution since it was written. Most of the compromises people these days who don't know the history complain about had to be included just to get them to sign on.
Excellent and should be read by everyone, not just those in rural places in Iowa, even though you make a great point for your neck of the woods. This applies to the big cities and the suburbs as well - candidates need to have the humility to know their constituents, or would-be constituents, instead of arrogantly talking about themselves and then asking for money before they fly out the door. I have gotten very good with the Delete button.
You are not alone! Dems wonder why their grassroots fundraising suffers but never ask real people
Yep. That's Oregon District 2. Rural, ranching-oriented. It *was* Democratic...once. But the Oregon Democratic party either doesn't support candidates or else it recruits...you got it. Retired college professors from the southwestern part of the district. Or lawyers from Bend. I keep saying that they need to recruit a moderate rancher...especially since a lesbian rancher from the Bend area pulled down the best numbers in years against Greg Walden--enough that he didn't run the next time.
Current Congressman is Cliffie Bentz, who hasn't heard of a Trump program he doesn't love, doesn't respond to district concerns, and...well...
But the ODP hasn't bothered to organize in eastern Oregon for years.
Oh.my.god. Joyce, thank you for writing. With the number of unsubscribes I suffered today, I was beginning to think I was nuts! It's so disheartening speaking truth to power when the power is supposed to be on your side and listening to you. Please share my post widely. It would make my day (OK, you already made my day but as you can tell, it was a low bar!) Thanks again. I'm going to check out your Substack.
Thanks! Alas, mine's not political, more about my writing.
Well, everything seems to be political these days, but thanks for your comment in any case. Be well.