It's the War, Stupid [The NYT's Frank Rich blasts Dem Party "leadership"]

The NYT ^ | Oct. 12, 2002 | Frank Rich

[summer]

I don't usually enjoy reading Frank Rich, but in this editorial, I think he is accurately expressing what I have been reading from many Dem posters on Dem web sites -- they are totally fed up and disgusted with Dem "leadership."

Consequently, I sense that history will in fact be changed this November -- and the GOP will pick up more seats than predicted.

I also believe many Dems will come out and vote 3rd party and independent candidates wherever they can, to voice their protest with their party's "leadership."

As Frank Rich asks here:

Do the Democrats stand for anything other than the next election?

BTW, I had been reading Dem web sites to see if any had something to offer in the way of a comprehensive platform on Bill McMumble, the Dem candidate for FL gov, but, there was nothing. In my view, Rich is on target in summing up the FL gov race in this quote, though he did not intend to connect it to the FL gov race:

"Our problem is the Democrats whine and whine. Everybody knows what the trouble is. The question is, `What's the solution?' "

Perhaps after Dems lose a surprising number of seats this November -- and lose the FL gov race -- Dem "leadership" may finally consider the above questions.

[summer]

I just heard three commentators on TV discussing this editorial. I think Frank Rich is right on target here -- and though he did not intend to do so, is accurately explains why McMumble will lose the FL gov race to JEB!

[summer]

I meant to type: is accurately explaining

[summer]

I also think Gov Bush is absolutely right to pound McMumble for being silent on one of the top issues in every FL election - the FL environment. Here's the latest press release from JEB, hammering McMumble on the environment.

[summer]

I think the GOP will do better than expected this November.

[OldFriend]

He just had to throw in a dig against the President and Harken but I was amazed that he would slam McAuliff!!!

Guess the Slimes figured it's safe to print Rich, it's Saturday, the day no one reads the Slimes.........lol

[Paul Atreides]

I think it's funny how people can forget about Al Whore for long, long stretches of time, until some columnist mentions his name, and then we remember that he actually still exists.

That reminds me, whatever became of Ol' Sasquatch, down in Florida?

[summer]

LOL....yes, I too noticed that slam against McAuliffe! I thought I was reading a FR comment when I read that from Rich!

[paul in cape]

I too dislike Frank (pompous) Rich, but he highlights the Rats' dilema here. Rush also made the point that the Rats have to bend to the wishes of the Holltwood elites for money, which, in turn, alienates whatever blue-collar base they have left.

May I make a bold prediction no one mentioned yet?

If we (pubbies) increase our hold in the House and regain the Senate, the Rats are going to "retire" en masse for 2004. President Bush's coattails floods the House and Senate with fresh blood, and a near insurmountable margin in Congress

Bush has won over the Independants and will appoint conservative judges, keeping his base happy.

IMHO

[mombonn]

I hope you're right. In the meantime, may I offer Mr. Rich a little cheese with his whine?

[summer]

I think Janet Reno is busy kayacking. I don't know; I never see or hear about here anymore.

I also think McMumbe is heading for the same route. His non-platform candidacy here in FL seems to me to be part of a larger problem within the Dem Party -- as if no platform, no position, is now the "official" position of the party. The most ardent Dem activists are not even buying this cr*p.

People can disagree with Gov Bush, but if you vote for him, you know he has a plan as to where he wants to go with the state, and like it or not, rocky waves and all, he is going to get there.

But McMumble, through his silence, basically wants voters to join him on a cruise to nowhere, and spend all their time and money gambling away FL's future. I don't like that. That attitude he has really does not appeal to me as an independent FL voter.

[summer]

I agree with you.

[paul in cape]

may I offer Mr. Rich a little cheese with his whine?

May I suggest the House Special?

[summer]

about here = about her

[summer]

LOL...

[Clara Lou]

Poor Frank Rich has been driven to it himself-- speaking the truth. He must be very frustrated. It is rewarding to see him forced to criticize his own-- particularly that little ball of slime, McAuliffe.

[summer]

Yeah, I would think someone, somewhere, is shoving this editorial in McAuliffe's face, and if he cared one bit for the voters in his own party, he would make a move - and step aside.

[DeFault User]

The dirty secret of the Democrats is that they have no more of an economic plan than they had an Iraq plan.

An honest analysis by a liberal!! Will wonders never cease?

I wonder if this will be his first step on the way to mental health or a total nervous breakdown.

[Servant of the Nine]

Damn, ol Frank done thrown a hissey fit.
Somebody get him a Midol and a cold compress and call Al Gore to talk him through this crisis of faith.

So9

[sinclair]

So why don't you run for president Mr. FRANK RICH? That way we can reject your ssocialist policies too.