Democrats have won Independents

by Chris Bowers, Wed Mar 29, 2006 at 05:04:58 AM EST

Here is yet more evidence that the narrative about Democrats needing a better message or some such thing in order to better appeal to swing voters is horribly out of date. This time, it comes from a Republican pollster apparently contracted by the RNC (emphasis mine):President Bush continues to have the strong loyal support of Republican voters. Despite slippage in approval ratings among all voters, the President's job approval among Republicans continues to be very high. Most members will be elected with between 80% and 100% of their support coming from Republicans. I don't see that Republicans driving a wedge between themselves and the President is a good election strategy. Even Republican pollsters are warning the Republican leadership that they have already completely lost Independents. In this environment, Democrats do not need a better message to appeal to Independents--they have already won Independents. What Democrats need now are the electoral resources to bring this new majority to the polls, and the political machine to solidify these gains over the long-term. As I argued yesterday, in large part this is going to mean maintaining a high level of enthusiasm among the progressive activist base that provides election resources and supports progressive infrastructure. That is the new key to the 2006 elections.

Tags: 2006, Activism, Indycrats (all tags)

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6 Comments

Shadow_head_small
October surprise

yeah, yeah - dema are way ahead, so why do any work coming up with a plan?

what happens when a dirty bomb goes off in a small city somewhere, and it's blamed on the Iranians, and we're off to war again?

I still don't buy the argument that dems don't need a better message.  The immigration bill, and perhaps the Real Security plan may be a good start, but yhou still don't have my vote yet....

by brooklyngreenie 2006-03-29 05:40AM | 0 recs
Shadow_head_small
Dem Narrative

If the dedicated part of the Dem coalition consists of Liberals, Economically Disadvantaged and Independents disenchanted with GBW, then the Democrat narrative is simple to craft. It needs to address strongly the values and issues of interest to those groups. Throw out some security reassurances to let people know we are able to protect them

Looks to me like:
 - Social Safety Net (SS, Health Care, Education)
 - Populism (Minimum Wage, Progressive Taxes, Health Care, Education)
 - Good government, ant-corruption
 - Multi-lateralism, not go-it-alone.

I don't think you get people excited by politicians spouting platitudes. The primary problem is trying to sound too moderate, i.e. wishy-washy is viewed as insincerity. People want clarity, passion and determination in their leaders.

by MetaData 2006-03-29 05:55AM | 0 recs
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Re: Democrats have won Independents

Not for long.  Keep this stupidity up with illegals, and everyone will be gone.  Times Poll - 62% of Americans are opposed.  Do you know what illegals cost this country???  Its the economy, stupid.  If they aren't outsourcing the jobs, they are insourcing to keep wages down on the jobs that can't be moved.  For 5 years, Dems had no opinion.  Now they have to support the President on corporate welfare.  This independent says they can all drop dead.

by oakland 2006-03-29 06:12AM | 0 recs
Shadow_head_small
Counting chickens...

The front-pagers here seem to oscillate between elation and desperation, both almost in all cases completely unjustified.

The Dems have won nothing yet. Or lost. It's utterly the wrong way of thinking six months out from the general, seems to me.

If some of the pros here could give us some assurance that the county and precinct level organization was being assessed and plans for renewal being actioned where needed, I'd feel a whole lot more positive about victory in November than reading an over-interpretation of polling data!

by skeptic06 2006-03-29 06:38AM | 0 recs
Shadow_head_small
Mission Accomplished.. ?

Hey Chris, maybe you can make up a great big sign, that says "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" and then stand out in front, and have your picture taken..

by turnerbroadcasting 2006-03-29 07:30AM | 0 recs
Shadow_head_small
Re: Democrats have won Independents

Whatchoo talkin' bout, Willis?
:-)
by turnerbroadcasting 2006-03-29 10:30AM | 0 recs

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