General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Ok... I'm Gonna Get Shit For This... But The Hand-Wringing Is Gonna Be Here A While... Months Maybe [View all]calimary
(80,693 posts)EVEN SO: we can't afford too much of that - because the PERCEPTION of what is - is what's critical here. It doesn't matter in the least - what you are. It's what people THINK you are. And we just can't afford too much of that. We can't afford for that kind of wording to sink in ANYWHERE - especially within our own ranks. Hell, after Wisconsin, many of us are already dispirited enough.
You CAN'T be seen or perceived as being on defense.
You CAN'T be seen or perceived as negotiating from a position of weakness. DEAR GOD NO!!!!
You CAN'T be seen or perceived in that a-little-too-uncomfortably-familiar "Democrats in disarray" cliche.
It's the OTHER side you want to have - looking like Alfred E. Newman and the Keystone Kops. You do NOT want that image sticking to your side.