Wisconsin shadow hangs over Netroots

[ellisonz]

Posted: Sun, Jun. 10, 2012, 7:08 AM

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Last year, the liberal Netroots unleashed their ire on President Barack Obama for short-shrifting the progressive causes they thought he’d champion in the White House. This year, they had a more pressing matter on their minds: a fear that Republicans, backed by the boatloads of cash that helped Scott Walker win in Wisconsin, could make even more gains up and down the ticket — and perhaps even beat Obama in November.

There wasn’t any time or appetite for airing the left’s frustrations with the president. Instead, the conversation at the three-day conference centered around the recent Wisconsin recall election — and what it means for November.

Both in panel discussions and in conversations in the halls of the Rhode Island Convention Center, GOP Gov. Walker’s victory provided the backdrop for a gathering of progressives shocked into attention, not just by the outcome of the nationally watched Wisconsin race but also by the role that outside money played in it.

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Unlike the 2011 Netroots Nation event, which was marked by instances of progressive activists pushing back hard against the White House – one panel was even titled, “What to Do When the President is Just Not that into You” – this year’s convention showcased a progressive movement that has for the most part made its peace with the president.

“Obama should have gone to Wisconsin even if they knew they were going to lose. How can he expect us to fight hard for him when he won’t fight for us?” said Moulitsas. “But that’s not hostility.”

“There isn’t the same level of frustration and disappointment as last year. There’s been some progress,” said Arshad Hasan, executive director for Democracy for America, the progressive group founded by Howard Dean. “I don’t think there’s anyone here that doesn’t want to see Barack Obama re-elected.”

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/politico/RSS_POLITICO20120610_Wisconsin_shadow_hangs_over_Netroots.html

You know what I like about DFA more than any other progressive organization, it's not about complaining, it's about getting shit done. Markos Moulitsas can't make a point without meandering into contradictory toading, but Arshad goes straight for the jugular, the left will get it's shit together and will help get the win for Obama, because he's the last best hope we've got before the Tea Party onslaught.

Anyone attend Netroots?

[ellisonz]

1. Also: Howard Dean: ‘We look at Wisconsin as a win’ (VIDEO)

[freshwest]

2. Ah, ha, you beat me to it. I'd just gone to get it. Yes, DFA gets the work done.

Instead of the fine art of lament.

Whatever it takes.

Bookmarking for tomorrow. Thanks.

[ellisonz]

6. "Fine art of lament"

Good description.

[freshwest]

7. All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.


From my favorite play. So we had best be at the roles we choose, as time is slipping away from us every day.

[RBInMaine]

3. Dean is RIGHT. WI = THEY DIDN'T WANT TO RECALL A SITTING GOVERNOR. NUFF SAID !

Quit the bullshit handwringing and whining about Wisconsin. Yes, the money was a factor, but Walker would have still won with even money. The people there were tired of the recalls and they didn't want to recall a sitting governor. And yes, they should have focused on November. Dean has essentially said exactly what I have said on this board time and again.


Dr. Dean is also right that Netroots needs to focus on beating Republicans and getting a strong progressive turnout to do just that, and enough of this total crap about being "disappointed with Obama." Just ENOUGH. Ya, look what happened in 2010. You have THE MOST PROGRESSIVE BODY OF LEGISLATION ENACTED SINCE THE GREAT SOCIETY and yet way too many progressives whined and bitched because it wasn't purity, stayed home, let TeaScum get elected, and now they are REALLY bitching about that. Ah well. Elections have consequences. The "occupiers" need to get out of camping in parks and start working on progressive Democratic campaigns and focus on beating the right wing.

Finally, no Daily Kos guy, Obama should NEVER have gone to WI to campaign for that recall there. So enough of THAT insanity too.

[catbyte]

4. OT: Is Howard Dean OK?

He doesn't look healthy.

Diane
Anishinaabe in MI & mom to Leo, Taz & Nigel, members of Dogs Against Romney, Cat Division
"Dogs Aren’t Luggage--HISS!”

[ellisonz]

5. As far as I know, yes...

...it looks to me like he dyed his hair and it doesn't match his paleness.