With dems like Daschle, who needs Republicans!

[UdoKier]

In case there is ANYONE left who's not thoroughly sick of MINORITY leader Daschle's BS- now he's using BUSH in his campaign ads.



XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX MON AUG 30, 2004 12:05:08 ET XXXXX

DEM DASCHLE SEEKS BUSH BOOST; AD FEATURES 'HUG'

**Exclusive**

How bad has it gotten for Democrats at summer's end: A paid TV advertisement from Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, President Bush's top congressional foe, features the South Dakotan hugging and embracing President Bush!

While Democrat party officials of all stripes decend on New York City to blast the president, Daschle has quietly purchased air time in his home state for the minute-long campaign commerical -- a commerical insiders have dubbed: "Bush Hug."
...snip...
"This is delightful!" laughed one republican official in New York on Monday morning. "Senator Daschle now concedes supporting the president can score him votes in the fall!"

DRUDGE presents a transcript of the controverisal ad:

Announcer:

Sen. Tom Daschle: Tonight, the President has called us again to greatness, and tonight we answer that call.
...snip...
Sen. Richard Durbin: Tom Daschle called us together and said, 'we have to keep this nation safe and secure.'  I thought that was one of his finest moments.  He really said in those moments what all of us felt, that before we are Democrats, before we are Republicans, we're Americans.
...snip...
            Headline: Daschle: Time to Unite Behind Troops, Bush

            On Screen: Daschle and President Bush hug on House floor.

...snip...
Daschle:  I'm Tom Daschle and I approve this ad, because a strong military and a strong America is the best way to fight terrorism.
END


I didn't include a link to SLUDGE's site. I don't want to get him any more hits.

[revree]

1. If this is real, then I say we give him and Zell back to the Repugs.

We want Chaffee and Snow, though.

[Joylaughter]

2. Dash hole

Dash hole.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

10. Self delete

Replied to wrong post.

[K-W]

3. How dare he run on bipartisanship and willingness to compromise!!!!

You get the rope, I'll call a mob together.

Not everyone wants a second civil war UdoKier, some people still think compromise and bipartisanship are important parts of a good functioning government.

[Carson]

7. Lol, K-W, I like your style!

[buycitgo]

29. don't you mean K-Y?

as in, bend over, this bipartisanship won't hurt a bit!

mmmmfffffffffpppffffffffOOOOOFFFFF

[K-W]

30. Yah, we should definately fight a civil war over every bill in congress.

The lack of historical perspective on this forum astounds me.

You want an ideological pure liberal country, buy a gun and start a revolution. Until then grow up and realize that this is how our system works. Compromise is not a bad word, and this macho crap has no place in intelligence discussions.

[buycitgo]

35. I see your point. on occasion, this works.....in a world sans fascist

lunatics

those who have BEEN there for years all agree that things have changed, and there IS no compromise anymore

they laugh when any dems play the compromise game

WE compromise with them, then they stick it up the dems' ass

it's like Lucy with the football, except they're playing with democracy

who made YOU the expert, anyway?

you a congressman, or something?

know anybody on the hill?

I do......somebody who's been there long enough to know #41 when he was a congressman, and who worked in the same office with a woman he had an affair with back then.....not Jennifer Fitzgerald, either

I'm PLENTY grown up

why don't you WISE up?

huh?

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

11. Hum...

[UdoKier]

12. Daschle's hallmark has been 'compromise' - on EVERYTHING, ALWAYS.

He NEVER misses an opportunity to praise the "president" even when he is giving some mealy-mouthed, wishy-washy "criticism of whatever policy (which he eventually caves in on anyway)

Tip O'Neill used to have a friendly relationship with Reagan, but he NEVER rolled over like this as Speaker.

Also, we are in a presidential campaign AGAINST that freak this year. How is validating his wholly corrupt and false non-response to 9-11 a good thing? Not to mention reminding people of how cowardly the democrats acted in 2002?

He should have resigned after his failure in election 2002.

[sangh0]

13. Is that why Daschle led filibusters against Bush* rightwing judges?

I guess the filibusters were Daschle's way of agreeing with Bush*

Who knew?

:shrug:

[UdoKier]

18. "Compromise" and "Daschle"

Daschle 'Accepts Compromise' on Stimulus Package -- 12/11/2001

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200112\POL20011211f.html


Daschle calls for 'Spirited Compromise'

http://www.fff.org/freedom/0901d.asp

The guy displays weakness so often it's really sad. By the way, I believe the senate has confirmed all but 4 of Bush's nominees without any hubbub.

They have to be total LUNATICS for Daschle to make a fuss...

[K-W]

21. I dont think you understand our congressional system.

Compromise is the name of the game, it is how congress works. If you want to eliminate compromise you need a one party system. Good luck with that.

[TankLV]

52. Just like the repukes NOT EVEN HAVING HEARINGS so any dem can voice their

opinion because they have all the votes, so why bother even LISTENING to what the other side has to say? That kind of bipartisanship?

Or simply locking the doors so ONLY REPUKES CAN BE IN THE GODDAMN ROOM when important legislation is being formulated? That kind of bipartisanship?

Or having secret plans - complete with mock drills - without ANY democrats - on a so-called contingency government - whose members consist of ONLY repukes? That kind of bipartisanship?

Or secretly changing the line of succession in the event of a catastrophy where the President and Vice President are not able to continue? That kind of bipartisanship?

Calling ANY & EVERY MILD CRITICISM of ANY repuke or pResident policy EQUAL TO TERRORISM? That kind of bipartisanship?

Redistricting for the FIRST TIME EVER after doing it just the year before, as legally permitted, just because they have the votes and can get away with it? That kind of bipartisanship?

Whining about Kerry using your recorded words and Kerry agreeing to take them off the air, and to then turn around and impune his character and record with lies? That kind of bipartisahahip?

I'm afraid US DEMOCRATS can't affford any more "bipartisanship"!

Just what planet are you living on?

[Julien Sorel]

25. Unless you are frothing at the mouth,

you can't really oppose Bush. Daschle needs to run commercials where he sticks pins in a Bush voodoo doll, then he'll be a tough guy Bush opponent. Or maybe he needs to howl.

[K-W]

17. But you should stick to valid criticisms.

Thats fair, you want a leader who is a little less compromise happy. Fine, thats perfectly reasonable stance.

Daschle is doing what he believes is the best way to get his job done. You may disagree, which is fine. The point is he is a democrat, he is working hard and doing what he sees as his job. YOu have no right to critisize him for that. He thinks he is still the best person for the job. Can you really blame him? Now go ahead, work in the party to get more liberal candidates elected, work to change the face of the party, work to get the party to pick a stronger leader for the senate.

That is all fine, but to critisize him for a perfectly reasonable advertising campaign is unfair. And to accuse him of being a republican just because he is more fond of comromise than you are is silly. One could argue that with a minority you have to always compromise, but its a valid point that it might hurt the dems in elections. I dont know that that is his problem. I think his job is to lead the dems in legislative issues, in which case he certainly should be compromising at every shot. Is he head of the DNC? Is he head of the group that coordinates democratic congressional campaigns?

Perhaps you should be blaming the DNC strategists and the democrats who ran bad elections around the country. Not a democrat who has done a good job of getting elected and has worked hard for the party getting compromises from a party that controls both houses of congress and the white house.

We need to stop this kind of attitude, it is the kind of attitude that is damaging our country. Find a point, exagerate it, oversimplify it and then use illogical arguments to support it.

You start with Daschle compromises too much, he should fight more. From there you go to Daschle, by always compromising ends up putting his support behind alot of pretty conservative stuff. From there you go to, 'he might as well be a republican' and once you say that you can take a campaign commercial that does nothing wrong and use it to cast him as a conservative, which is not what the commercial says at all. We need to stick to the facts.

[UdoKier]

22. Calling him "weak" is NOT same as calling him a repuke.

I don't doubt his sincerity as a democrat. I doubt his fitness for the job of Senate Minority Leader.

Where is Frist's "spirit of comprimise and bipartisanship"?

I think we have given up WAY too mucch ground to a president with no moral credibility and no political mandate.

We need leaders who will stand up for the people that voted for them.

I'm SICK of Daschle's sycophancy to Bush.

Why didn't he step down as leader after his failure in 2002?

Gephardt had the decency to do so...

[K-W]

26. Oh for goodness sake.

Bill Frist has a MAJORITY. His party has both houses of congress and the presidency. He doesnt have to appear willing to compromise. But the fact of the matter is that he does compromise. Or did you think Daschle was just compromising with nobody.

Daschle does stand up for the people who voted for him. He works day in and day out for you and for this party. He could very easily become a dem who is outspoken and loved by the left wing, but then he wouldnt be able to get anything done on the legislative level.

This kind of attitude makes me absolutely sick. If we want to have power in this country we need people like Tom Daschle who are willing to get thier hands dirty to fight battles that dont make it onto the news.

Its a good thing most people in this party have more sense than you or we wouldnt have a party.

[Julien Sorel]

32. Some Bill Frist and Tom Daschle factoids.

Bill Frist was re-elected in 2000 with the biggest margin of victory in the history of Tennessee politics.

Tom Daschle is running against a guy, John Thune, who lost against South Dakota's other senator by exactly 500 votes in 2002.
It's expected to be a tough fight. The Republicans have targeted Daschle. Let Daschle do what he needs to do to win his seat back.

[KharmaTrain]

65. KW & Billy...Right On

I understand the anger. I share it myself. I wonder how a Repugnican can ever gain my trust ever again after all the shit I've seen in the last 20 years.

But running a government is different than running FOR it. A leader's job is to make this system work and Daschele has had to do so all these years with either a minority or a razor thin majority. He's had zero breathing room to be Wellstonian. Bottom line is when the important votes are taken, Daschele is with us almost every time.

How soon many forget of the days of a Democratic majority and some of the ham-handed games that were used against the Repugnicans. Sam Rayburn was as ruthless as DeLay and Tip O'Neill would play all sorts of parlimentary games to create headaches for Raygun.

When the GOOP took control in '94 there was a lot of payback in them and it hasn't ceased. Remember, we're the minority in all branches now...we have to get at least two back this election to halt the downsliding...I'm not worried about moving forward for several years. And taking the Congress is key as that's where the biggest of our problems have been for the last decade...and that's why I've worked more for the local congressional races than I do for anything else. Even, perish the thought, this regime is re-selected, a Democratic house would be a tremendous qualizer...but alas to dream...

[Nordic]

4. Daschle makes Alam Colmes look like Howard Dean

I've hated that wimpy pussy-assed dipshit for quite some time.

Tom "fuck me up the ass one more time PLEASE" Daschle.

[Cat Atomic]

14. Daschle makes Alam Colmes look like Che Guevarra.

:D

[Nordic]

27. there ya go!

I knew there was a better analogy

[CityDem]

37. Too funny

Great analogy - best line of the day.

[IndianaGreen]

58. Excellent analogy, cat atomic!

Why have the phony deal when we can have the real deal!

[pmbryant]

5. Unfortunately, Daschle is in a tough re-election fight in South Dakota

It is more important right now for him to win re-election and help ensure a Democratic Senate.

Kerry is not going to win South Dakota.

--Peter

[K-W]

8. And in moderate states, they dont want militant dems.

They want a dem who they feel will do whatever it takes to represent them, even if it means working with republicans.

This is such a non-issue from a progressive standpoint.

[flaminbats]

15. they want militant neocons...

real mainstreamers like Trent Lott, Saxby Chambliss, and Chuck Hagel. They want war, not life. They want caskets, not a strong military. They want rape in prisons, not morality. They want terrorism, not homeland security. They want one militant party, not democracy.

Sounds logical to me...strange that Conrad and Dorgan don't stoop to this low, but I guess N.D. is like a hole different country! :eyes:

[UdoKier]

16. West Virginia is a "conservative" state, but Byrd has led effectively...

...and won without being a suckup.

Nobody respects a lack of spine.

[K-W]

19. Please dont use meaningless macho words.

Trying to boil down the complex interactions of politics into 'suckup', 'lack of spine', etc is the kind of thinking that makes Bush into a good leader because he doesnt waiver in his idiocy.

And Byrd didnt win by being a strong liberal. Heh. He won by being a southern democrat, moderate, able to get his constituancy some pork, and able to run good campaigns.

[pmbryant]

20. WV is not SD

And when has Byrd faced a tough re-election battle? Probably not for a very long time.

--Peter

[UdoKier]

23. The point is that populist leftism sells.

We lost a TON of seats in 2002 that were held by wishy-washy moderate dems.

How quickly we forget...

[K-W]

28. What country do you live in.

Being on the left has been political suicide since the Reagan revolution. Dems didnt move right for fun, they moved right because liberalism was stigmatized and lost elections while DLC democrats won elections.

[UdoKier]

40. That's absolute nonsense.

Almost every seat we lost in 2002 belonged to a congressperson who ran to the right and embraced Bush. Max Cleland ring a bell?

People want politicians who stand up for clearly defined principles, not a washed-out imitation of the other party. Being a liberal has been stigmatized ever since liberals started to use THIER rhetoric and became afraid to BE liberals. The timidity we as a party is what's killing us, NOT ideology.

And I would also posit that it was NOT Bill Clinton's right-wing policies that enabled him to win, it was his overwhelming charisma and self-confidence.

[Julien Sorel]

43. Max Cleland lost because

he was too liberal for his constituency, which made him vulnerable to smears. It's really amazing to see someone use Max Cleland as an example of someone who "ran to the right and embraced Bush," since it was his failure to toe the Bush line that got him hung with the unpatriotic, won't stand up to terrorists tag.

[UdoKier]

44. Actually Cleland ran ads where he embraced Bush too.

Daschle probably won't get reelected this time around. Kissing up to the opposition doesn't work.

This goes way beyond bipartisanship.

[Julien Sorel]

47. And his opponent ran ads attacking him

for his failure to embrace Bush. Maybe the two men actually involved in the fucking election had some kind of clue what the people of Georgia wanted? Naaaaaaaaaaaaw. The good people at DU know much better.

[UdoKier]

50. Yeah, it was a totally dishonest smear ad morphing him into Bin Laden..

...and like McCain, Cleland refused to fight back and lost.

Caving in to fascist psychos time after time has not worked.


The definition of insanity is trying something over and over again and getting the same result, then still trying AGAIN expecting a different one.

[Julien Sorel]

51. You are either ignorant or dishonest.

The ad did not morph Cleland into Osama. And Cleland fought back afterwards, using his status as a veteran, and cleverly trying to turn the whole thing into a referendum on his patriotism -- but he still lost against an ad campaign that was based almost entirely around the concept he was insufficiently supportive of Bush. Specifically, the ads attacked him for refusing to support a homeland security bill unless it included provisions to protect organized labor -- in other words, he was fighting for the base and got thumped for it.

The definition of insanity that would seem to fit this situation, by the way, is the one for schizophrenia: "a retreat from reality."

[UdoKier]

55. That's essentially what they did. They implied he was soft on Bin Laden.

The repug ad distorted the reason Cleland voted against the bill (which Bush had also been opposed to only months before).

It simply said that he had voted against homeland security 11 times, implying that Cleland was soft on terror.

If Cleland had had any sense he would have stood up for himself and said that we need our homeland security workers to be well-trained and well-paid, and that the first lines of defense for our country shouldn't be getting Wal-Mart wage/benefits packages (which is the reason for exempting them from civil service protections in the first place - Bush & co would like to see civil service protections for the ENTIRE governement eliminated).

He was not fighting for the base, he was fighting for the best homeland security bill, and he didn't stand up for his decision, just as Kerry has failed to stand up for his vote against paying for the $87 bil on BORROWED money that should've been paid for by repealing those tax cuts.

If you want to defend Daschle, fine. I'd defend him too, if this were a smear - but that's not what it is, it's an attack on his poor leadership. I'm not asking that we make Russ Feingold the minority leader - hell, even Joe Biden would do. Daschle's congeniality is NOT suited to leadership in these times.

And if you want to carry Saxby Chambliss's water, well, whatever. Most people I know thought that a completely sleazy and dishonest campaign. Cleland was one of the Senate's most conservative Democrats. In 2001 he supported the huge Bush tax cut. He even ran ads with letters from Bush bragging about the vote. He supported the Senate's Iraq resolution in October of 2002. He was endorsed by repuglicrat Zell Miller. Cleland, by the way was ahead in polls by 47 to 41 only days before the election, and the specter of "black box voting" has not been exorcised...

I've said it before and I'll say it again. POPULIST LIBERALISM can sell in "conservative" areas if it's packaged the right way. Merely mimicking the republicans can work on occasion, but more often than not, it dooms candidates to losing their seat.

If Deaschle is fortunate enough to keep his seat, I sincerely hope he hands over the reisn of the senate to somebody who's ready to lead.

[K-W]

24. Daschle is always at the top of the repubs hit list too.

Which is funny, if he was so conservative and weak youd think they would like him.

It turns out that in reality he is probably very effective through using compromise and politics at being a constant thorn in the side of those trying to push through a radical right agenda.

But that wont stop some DU'rs from attacking him because he hasnt chosen to give up his power in exchange for the ability to sit around whining about Bush all day.

[Democat]

48. It would be a non-issue if he was just a Senator, not our leader!

He is supposed to be a national Democratic leader and he cannot do the effectively while kissing Bush's ass and living in fear of every right wing asshole in Washington.

Daschle has proved that he is not a good Senate leader - it's time for someone else to have a chance at it.

[Southern Patriot]

59. He's deadwood. Clear him out.

That's what Gingrich & Co. did to the old Pub leadership. They were too comfortable being lapdogs for Dems.

Daschle is temperamentally unfit for the new atmosphere.

It's tough medicine to lose a Dem Senator but we'll be better in the long run with leadership who knows how to brawl.

[The Hair in my Nose]

31. But he shouldn't hump Bush's leg

to get elected.

[flaminbats]

6. time for a Democratic leader...

Daschle thinks he was elected Minority Follower...

[Malva Zebrina]

9. this is sad

I don't have the stomach for this kind of politics. And it is ammunition for Bush . Really sad--Tom, I never knew ya.

[RichardRay]

33. Sorry folks, you're wrong

I know Daschle somewhat and I know his AA better. I am also acquainted with several of his senior staff. I've done work for his office. My brother is long time close friends with his AA and has worked closely with Daschle in the past.

Tom Daschle is a good man, an effective politician and does NOT deserve the BS that gets piled on him here in DU. I admit it's not always easy to see that and I wish there were some way to make it more obvious.

Whether or not any of you choose to believe me, you've got him figured wrong.

Richard Ray - Jackson Hole, WY

[Malva Zebrina]

36. I think anyone who uses an ad where he is embracing and hugging Bush

deserves to lose. Surely there are other methods. Sorry, it is a slap in the face to all of us who are working hard to defeat Bush. It seems we are forced to support people who are kissing Bush's ass,in order to get Bush out. It gets worse and worse. Do we have a party or not?

Enough. It is out of control. Sure he is a nice guy-he seems to be so very nice but-this goes over the top. It is, as a matter of fact, disgusting. I would not like to be voter having to ignore this connection, to vote for Daschle. I would stay away from the polls. Imagine what those voters must be struggling with?

[RichardRay]

38. Except that folks he's trying to get to vote for him

won't find this a problem. Do you live in South Dakota? Do you have any experience in getting elected from South Dakota? If not, you can try to get him beaten, but I can guaradamntee you that the person you'll get in his place will be a person of less value and effectiveness.

Richard Ray - Jackson Hole, WY

[Malva Zebrina]

39. and so he gets their votes--then what--screw them?

His credibility is destroyed if he does follow a different line--he has no choice than to follow that line throughout his
senate career if he gets elected. He will be constantly reminded to tow the Bush line. He has tied himself to this scam in order to get votes of those who expect him to continue.

Uh uh--these types of politics make me ill.

[UdoKier]

41. I DO NOT think he's bad OR repub lite.

I think he's a piss-poor leader, better suited to some committee chairmanship.

Hell, if Kerry wasn't running for prez, I'd rather HE be minority leader.

[TankLV]

53. Who ya gonna believe, your lying eyes and ears or what we tell you!

Thanks for the laugh.

We have long memories.

You can say all the fairytales you want, but his record and words are there for all to see.

I can't stand this wimpy "democrat".

Maybe he was fine in another time - before raygun got elected - but he just doesn't know how to play the game anumore.

Sure stood up to all those bush appointments like the repukes did to Clinton! (sarcasm off) He approved - what - everyone but 4 appointments?!

What a fighter!

[UdoKier]

57. According to the right, Daschle and Clinton represent the "far left"

That's where all this compromise has gotten us - a USA where center-right-wing milquetoasts are vilified as "leftists".

And of course, real democrats a la Wellstone or Feingold are now "communists"

Why do we keep letting THEM redraw the playing field?

[TankLV]

60. Not to mention the "bipartisanship" of the "Purple Heart Bandaids".

Yeah, such an "honerable" party.

And yet some posters continue to support these ASSHOLE SCUMBAG LYING DIRTBAGS!

[fujiyama]

34. He's a wuss

No doubt about it, but we need him in the senate -- but definetely NOT in any leadership position.

This is the problem having your party leader come from a dark red state. He's goinna have to moderate his views to appeal to the electorate.

[David Zephyr]

42. Daschle's Afraid His Wife Will Lose Her Job Lobbying for Amer. Airlines

Daschle sunk the Democrats from 2000 to 2004. I've railed against this sack of shit for three and a half years here.

More rightwing legislation passed under his "stewardship" of the Senate between 2001 and 2003 than has under Republican Bill Frist. That's quite an achievement.

Daschle disgusts me.

[Julien Sorel]

45. Gee.

And who led the fight against Frist? Oh, it was Daschle. Imagine that. The Democrats need a real, two-fisted fighting liberal to be minority leader in the senate. Like, like, like, well, like someone other than Daschle!

[Democat]

54. What about Harkin for Daschle's job?

Do you think it's a good or bad idea?

[UdoKier]

56. Harkin's awesome and a populist. Great choice!

nt.

[Democat]

46. Daschle sucks as a Democratic leader

He might be a great man and a great Senator for the people he represents, but he sucks as Democratic leader of the Senate!

[DaveSZ]

49. He's one of the reasons why I'm (mostly) liberal but not a Democrat

[UdoKier]

61. Just to clarify, I DO NOT dislike Daschle at all.

A few are throwing around words like "DINO" or "asshole".

Daschle seems like a very nice man to me, and he's certainly no Zell Miller sellout. He may be doing a fine job in the senate for S. Dakota, but I simply believe he is completely unsuited to the job of minority leader.

Just so nobody thinks it's personal about Daschle.

Besides, maybe he was so terrified when the republicans sent him that anthrax, he's just too scared to ever fight back...

[rullery]

62. Daschle is a fine senator

Some of the posters here should be ashamed of themselves, for the viscious smears against such a good man. Daschle is in a very tight race, in a conservative state. I trust that he knows best how to run an effective campaign in his home state. I wonder how many of you critics have ever been to South Dakota? Very few, I would guess; and then only to visit Mt. Rushmore.

I used to post over at AlterNet, but gave up there because so many posters there are so damn "pure" that they would rather go with candidates who have no chance of winning, like Nader and Kucinich. They don't care if their candidate wins, they only want to spout off about how "right" they are, and how the majority of people are wrong. Politics is the "art of the possible", and Daschle knows it.

[sandnsea]

63. This is awful

He has to be able to win some other way than with a Bush hugging ad. I'd have a hell of a time voting for any Dem who ran their campaign based on Bush hugging. I don't know what the hell Daschle was thinking and this could end up hurting Kerry as well. Worse than repugnant, it was just plain stupid.

[DaveSZ]

64. Oh I agree

He seems like a nice enough man, and his voting record is more liberal than McGovern's, but there is no way he should be majority/minority leader.

Someone from a safe state should be.

That's all I meant.

:O

[tritsofme]

66. Our leader should be from a safe state

Somewhere like Illinois....someone like Dick Durbin...

He shouldn't be from somewhere where he has to kiss Bush's ring to get reelected.

[DaveSZ]

67. Yeah Dick Durbin is good

Russ Feingold imo is the best US Senator.

[tritsofme]

68. Russ Feingold would be fine...

but he's probably a Packers fan.

So we're going to have to stick with Dick Durbin I'm afraid...