Democrats fear Russia probe blowback

[riversedge]

I hope those out there talking are talking Russia--as one of many topics.

Link to tweet

Democrats fear Russia probe blowback

'We need to talk about what people think about when they wake up in the morning, and it’s not Russia,' said one strategist.

By DAVID SIDERS

08/05/2017 07:34 AM EDT
Gavin Newsom is pictured. | Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP


ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Democrats are increasingly conflicted about how forcefully to press the issue of possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Fearful of alienating voters who appear more concerned about the economy and health care, Democrats campaigning in districts across the country are de-emphasizing Russia in their rhetoric — and some are warning that a persistent focus on the Russia investigation could backfire.

“In the races where I’m working, I think voters think that Russia is important and that the questions need to get answered,” Bill Burton, a veteran Democratic consultant, said at a political convention this past weekend. “But they’re mostly sick of hearing about it, and they want to hear politicians talk about things that are more directly important in their lives.”

In a state that is critical to the party’s efforts to retake the House, Darry Sragow, a Democratic strategist whose California Target Book handicaps races in California, called Russia a “distraction” and said Democrats “are going to be in deep, deep trouble if they don’t start talking about what voters care about.”

“We need to talk about what people think about when they wake up in the morning, and it’s not Russia,” Sragow said. “The more we talk about stuff that voters don’t truly care about in their daily lives … it confirms that the Democratic Party’s brain has been eaten by the elites in Washington who have been sitting fat and happy for a lot of years while working Americans have lost their jobs and lost confidence in the future.”

Public polling suggests the electorate is deeply suspicious of President Donald Trump’s ties to Russia — but also tired of the months-long inquiry into possible collusion between his campaign and Russia. According to a Quinnipiac University Poll released this week, 63 percent of American voters believe Moscow interfered in the 2016 election, and in a POLITICO/Morning Consult poll last month, more than half of voters said it was inappropriate for Donald Trump Jr. to meet with an attorney linked to the Russian government................................

[Quanta]

1. We can do both.

If only the media would cover it, that would be awesome. They only want headlines, clicks, and ad revenue. Soap Operas sell, and a lot of Americans don't have the time, inclination, or patience to read in depth or do independent research, which is a shame.

[JI7]

2. They ARE doing both

[Quanta]

4. Where?

I would have said "We" are, but...Where is that happening? I know our D's are working their asses, off, but if it's not being broadcast, it doesn't matter.

[Quanta]

18. Not effectively.

And try to actually contribute to the conversation instead of trying to shut down conversation. Thanks.

[SharonClark]

19. They certainly are where I live.

Candidates are talking jobs, clean air & water, and voter registration.

[lunasun]

3. So collusion is a distraction ?

[Blaukraut]

5. Sometimes you have to do what is right, and not what is expedient

If people can't be bothered to understand just how significant and far reaching russian hacking and influencing not just our, but other countries' elections is, then so be it. Just because a lot of Americans can't see past the tip of their own nose, doesn't mean there's nothing there. I'm sick of so many people in this country having the attention spans of gnats, and the inability of broader thinking.

[no_hypocrisy]

6. And we're screwed if we don't.

So as this could be a classic dilemma, let's keep the heat up. This is a fight for American democracy, not political supremacy.

[Chasstev365]

7. OMFG It's was treason and our democracy is hang by a thread as it is!

We can not allow Republicans to get away with it!

Stop listening to Skippy the pollster and fight for the rule of law!!

[FreepFryer]

8. Walk. Chew gum. You can do it! (n/t)

[Quanta]

17. Exactly!

[Igel]

21. Yeah, but then you either stop breathing.

Or forget to avoid incontinence.

[Kaleva]

9. But it is Russia that is tying Trump up.

He continues to decline in the polls and can't get anything major through Congress.

[kimbutgar]

10. Don't forget politico was right wing even during the bush years

This is a make "Democrats look divided" in the bs story.

[old guy]

12. Agree.

I have never taken them as a completely trustworthy source.

[greeny2323]

15. Exactly

That's exactly right. The article is nonsense. This isn't Starr finding a blue dress. This is Watergate.

[billh58]

11. Actually, Mueller is doing it

all for us. From where I'm standing we have absolutely nothing to fear.

[ProudLib72]

13. That's the dumbest thing I've read (aside from tRump tweets) today

People don't want to hear about how we are at war with Russia? They don't want to hear about how they manipulated our election? Darry Sragow, do you think the voters care that their votes are totally meaningless when the tabulation machines are rigged? Complete bullshit. If there is any problem, it is with the MSM not playing up the significance of Russian meddling.

[Greybnk48]

14. W.T.F! I have now heard everything!

Such bullshit.

[NRaleighLiberal]

16. We are in such FUBAR territory. We are living Orwell 1984.

[spanone]

20. funny, i never heard this concern about benghzi and republicans

[Gabi Hayes]

22. Cause it worked! And the liberal media 8 it up

Yuuuge reason the low/zero info voter thought she was so corrupt