That was 2 years ago, and the public mood has changed — toward Bush, toward the Republican Party, toward national elected officials in general, toward what this country needs. Had you not noticed?

But if you think “we” (those of us who will not decide how to vote until about October) are ready for more of the same name calling and backward-looking crappola, then you are part of the festering infected organ that is American politics.

Two years ago, I wanted Kerry to give me some reason to vote FOR him (as opposed to AGAINST you know who). He did not. I can sit out another election, if it comes to that. But I’d rather not. I’d like someone to act “Presidential” and positive, and an entire party to be on that same page.

I doubt it will happen.

If it makes lots of party loyalists feel better to anticipate a couple of years of dragging out dirty laundry while paying less than enough attention to the important business of the country, if that’s how you feel better (versus actually being in charge and looking like you deserve to be there) then it’s far from a sure thing that the country is going to put you in the driver’s seat.

Leadership requires knowing when to shut up and do the job you have to do, and put the past behind you.

Yes, Mr. Kerry, don’t respond to those Swift Boat people. The only way to win is to trust the media not to get obsessed with right-wing smear jobs. Which frankly there is no evidence of ever happening.

Yeah, I hate that merciless anti-war stuff. I much prefer merciful war.

ooops. fish beat me to it.

I thought it was the Republicans with their merciless anti-Iraq, war stance.

1. I think those who are even half paying attention basically know the sins and omissions of BushCo. Those who don’t won’t be hanging out listening to or reading about hearings and investigations (unless sex/drugs/homocide is featured).

2. The press and authors should be the ones on point to probe and put things out with an historical perspective. There are liberal journalist types who will have a field day doing so, and as the Bush years come to a close, plenty of “get along, go along” types will start to chirp. And, quiet frankly, I don’t think the Democrats are very good at it anyway.

3. Solving the problems we face: terrorism, energy, education, retirement/financial security, infrastructure, health care, deficit, trade policy, and so on — those are daunting things. They will require discipline, focus, guts, imagination from our leaders. Every day we spend dredging up accusations and constructing blame is going to detract from doing forward thinking and “selling the solutions” to the public.

4. Finger pointing gets my attention for just long enough to conclude, “they are all pretty much the same; more interested in intensifying competition between the parties than they are in serving the public interest.”

5. When it gets “ugly” in the investigations, it is going to get ugly
in more than one direction. Or are we discounting the right’s ability to slam and slime just because they no longer have all the power?

My suggestion: run as statesmen, be above the fray, and let that play out elsewhere (which it will). PUBLISH the governing principles the party is running on and stands for, and then go to work consistent with those principles.

If we witness ongoing “political warmongering” where enlightened governance is called for, Americans will throw the Democrats out in a term or two, concluding they are just as worthless (in terms of problem solving) as the GOP. Is that what we want?

I’m out. Thanks for listening.

The way to get MY support/vote is to say, essentially, “When in control we will demonstrate how a responsible and ‘positive’ party conducts the business of the country. After a decade or more of antagonism and angst, it’s time to rise above — to face the future with resolve, enthusiasm, and a constructive spirit.”

Neither party seems to be led by people “big enough” (except for egos) to govern in a mature way, and break out of the current mindset. Which is both a shame and an opportunity lost.

Do Pelosi, et.al., misread how strongly “we” just want to break away from the crap that passes for political discourse? Or is it that “they” are so shallow (and invested in the status quo) they don’t know/trust any other kind of ‘leadership’ behavior?

I’m just sayin’.

More appropriate, don’t you think?

Brad never insults his posters, only his commentors….

How’s your fundraising for that wall coming?

You know, the fact that it is entirely possible for the Democrats to go down in flames, again, is so disturbing, that if the Democrats fail to gain a majority in the House or the Senate I have to conclude everyone, everywhere, is downing multiple doses of acid and I should grab my family and hide.