Reply #17: I think the key is for these challengers to emphasize the important and big issues...

[cascadiance]

... like the Iraq war, the corporatization of so much that affects the average person in many ways whether they are conservative or liberal, etc.

In short, focus on getting rid of these "blue dog" Democrats by attacking the nerve center of their connections to the corruption campaign money, not focus so much on divisive social issues, etc. Put forth intelligent and populist views on the war to fight war profiteering, on immigration to fight the corporate influence on that issue and less on xenophobic stances, public campaign financing, etc.

Some of us progressives might have very strong feelings on issues such as abortion, gay marriage, etc., but perhaps take care not to emphasize those so much that we lose those on the other side that might otherwise join us in getting rid of these "Corporate Democrats". I think we need to get rid of the corporate influence, and not get too distracted by other issues. I think this will help us get back a TRUE majority that will work together as a block to restore the will of the people in our government. EMPHASIZE rule of the people.

And find ways to reach people that bypass the mainstream media, since they will be NO help in helping us stay focused on these issues, as doing so will hit the heart of what THEY want to control in government too.

But I think it is a potential unifying theme that can get really thinking moderates together with us in throwing out these "blue dogs". Expose how these folks aren't really MODERATE, but corporate serving and are trying to hijack the "moderate" label falsely to divide us.

On the other "non-corporate" issues, when pressed on stances on them, I'd say that we have our own personal feelings, but that we want to listen to the feelings and opinions of all of the constituents in a given area, and weigh them when trying to put forth stances on relevant legislation in congress in real grass roots "democratic style" where we hear the voices of everyone to help us in our decision process.