My Southern Strategy.

[white_wolf]

Let's face facts, right now the far radical right has a stranglehold on the South, whether it be from Republicans or DINOs. However, I honestly think that with the current economic environment, if real leftists run and hammer in the follies of trickle down and conservative economic polices, then the South can be taken back. As it, is most (though not all, Steve Cohen comes to mind) of the Democrats from the south are Blue Dogs, who try to out republican the republicans. That is not a winning strategy at all. As Truman said: ""Given the choice between a real Republican and a fake Republican the people will choose the real thing every time" Kennedy said:“If the Democrats run for cover, if we become pale carbon copies of the opposition, we will lose — and deserve to lose. The last thing this country needs is two Republican parties.” So, maybe we should try running real leftist Democrats for office, I'm starting in Knoxville by supporting Madeline Rogero for Mayor of Knoxville and am going to try and find real leftists to run in 2012 for Duncan's seat. Hell, if we need to cater to the religious than we can throw in some Liberation Theology and remind them that Supply-Side Jesus wasn't the Jesus who died for their sins.

[Richardo]

1. "Real leftists" MIGHT win on economics ....

... but only if they do not identify as leftist. That brand is probably irrevocably poisoned in the south.

But I am pretty confident that 'real leftists' will lose on social issues, particularly since 'morality' (used ironically) trumps economics for a lot of people.

Good luck to you. :patriot:

[white_wolf]

2. I love the dog picture. As to your points

Sure, social issues and the religious right are a big problem, that is mainly why I suggested Liberation Theology, as a means to cater to the religious. Remind them that Jesus preached concern for the poor and helping others far more than he mentioned gay people, in face he never mentions them. His was a honestly a Gospel of socialism.

[MedleyMisty]

10. That's what I'm going for

Reclaiming Christianity. Tying the bull market to the golden calf. Reminding them that Jesus was a revolutionary socialist who cared about the old and the sick and the poor, and that it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter into heaven.

[white_wolf]

11. I think Liberation Theology or at least the premise

if not the name is the key to gaining the religious to our side.

[me b zola]

3. I agree. Stand up and make your case to the people

This is what Schweitzer did in Montana. To presume that Southern/rural people are too stupid to understand facts, or to presume that they are inherently racist & evil is not only wrong, but it concedes reality to republicans. Stand up. Explain why progressive policies work, why they are in all of our interests.

:thumbsup:

[white_wolf]

4. Granted, there are few here who are stupid and racist, but

they are just the loud minority. We can take back the South, hell Louisiana, one of the original states to secede from the Union, gave us Huey Long.

[RebelOne]

5. I challenge you to find some real leftists here in North Georgia.

The county where I live is totally red. That's why I do not even bother to vote in local elections. No Democrats running.

[white_wolf]

6. There must be some.

My advice is to get active in your local democratic party, if it is small than it just means you have the opportunity to gain a foothold. I'm not saying it will be easy, but I'm sick of these nutjobs representing us.

[Keith Bee]

7. North Georgia? Sheeee-it!

I have a hard enough time finding real leftists here, close to DC!

[white_wolf]

8. If I can't find a real democrat to run in 2012

than I may run in 2016. I don't have any experience in politics, but something has to be done about this.

[socialist_n_TN]

9. Well that's the way to go about it IMO..........

If we can't get real socialists elected, then let's try to get socialist LEANING Dems elected. And the left populist economic issues are the way to go. Just ignore the divisive social issues and then hit them with the Jesus was a socialist theme. Go for it wolf! I'm trying to do the same thing here in Tennessee.

[white_wolf]

12. The question is what do we do when social issues are brought up

in debates and such? We can't ignore them and it would be wrong to compromise on those issues? What do you think?