OPINION
Label is ready to make a comeback
Salon Nov 24, 08 1:50 AM CST
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Now that Democrats have started winning again, Michael Lind wants to go back to using the word “liberal” instead of “progressive.” Writing in Salon, he explains why: A name change isn’t going to protect anyone from criticism in any case, so be brave. “Your enemies will caricature you, no matter what you call yourself.” “Progressive” used to be a euphemism for sympathizers of the Soviet Union and Ho Chi Minh. Time for the left to move on.
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Broad movement may dissipate if asked to work toward merely party-oriented goals
Los Angeles Times Nov 14, 08 1:48 PM CST
(Newser)
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Barack Obama’s campaign bred a network of grassroots activists who subscribed to the “Obama brand,” not necessarily the Democratic party. As Obama prepares for office, his advisers are split, the Los Angeles Times reports: Should the powerful grassroots operation remain separate from the party’s, mobilized to create consensus and push through reforms—or should the two be merged?
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OPINION
It's the agenda, stupid: Goodman
Boston Globe Nov 14, 08 1:34 PM CST
(Newser)
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This election showed a female candidate won’t automatically draw women’s votes if most women disagree with her on the issues, Ellen Goodman writes in the Boston Globe : “It’s not the gender … but the agenda.” With women traditionally putting economic issues—and more governmental control—atop their list, the female vote has long been Democratic. Sarah Palin really didn't have a chance of upending that trend.
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High premium on connection to the party in power
Washington Post Nov 14, 08 1:15 PM CST
(Newser)
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As Democrats adjust to controlling all three branches of government, Democratic lobbyists are flying high, reports the Washington Post . Barack Obama's stated resistance to influence-peddling notwithstanding, the trend that took off after control of Congress flipped 2 years ago is gaining speed. “In this climate, Democratic backgrounds are attractive to people,” says an energy-industry lobbyist. “This town, that's what it runs on.”
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OPINION
President-elect needs to use Democrats' big mandate to bring in a 'new New Deal'
New York Times Nov 7, 08 1:50 AM CST
(Newser)
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Barack Obama needs to ignore those who are urging him to start small for either political or practical reasons and seize this chance to bring about the real social reforms voters have mandated, Paul Krugman writes in the New York Times . "This year’s presidential election was a clear referendum on political philosophies—and the progressive philosophy won," Krugman writes.
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Connecticut Democrats submit censure resolution to state committee
The Hill Nov 6, 08 2:59 PM CST
(Newser)
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Joe Lieberman will hold onto his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security committee for now, but his future is still unclear following a meeting with Majority Leader Harry Reid, the Hill reports. “While I understand that Senator Lieberman has voted with Democrats a majority of the time, his comments and actions have raised serious concerns among many in our caucus,” Reid said.
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OPINION
Obama will be one of the most powerful presidents of the modern era, says Politico
Politico Nov 5, 08 11:41 AM CST
(Newser)
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The election of a relatively young black man to the presidency carries obvious historical significance—but beyond the symbolism, John F. Harris and Jim VandeHei write for Politico, last night marked one of the most momentous political transformations in modern American history. The rout of the Republican party means that Barack Obama will be the most powerful Democratic president since LBJ ushered in the Great Society.
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BLUE STATE TALLY
CNN Nov 4, 08 10:02 PM CST
(Newser)
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Barack Obama started his push to 270 with few surprises, taking Vermont—and then most of New England, including major wins in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida. Here's a rundown on the state the Obama/Biden ticket clinched on its road to victory: Vermont (3) Massachusetts (12) Delaware (3) DC (3) Maine (4) Maryland (10)
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Republicans in final scramble to save embattled incumbents in key races
New York Times Nov 3, 08 4:50 AM CST
(Newser)
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The embattled GOP is preparing for heavy losses in both houses of Congress even as it wages last-minute battles for key seats across the nation, reports the New York Times . The Democrats, meanwhile, are making significant inroads into the traditionally Republican territory of suburban America, using their extra cash to run ads that emphasize Republican culpability in the financial crisis.
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Opinion
AlterNet Oct 29, 08 6:49 PM CDT
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Barack Obama and Democrats in general are "pretty squishy" on the issue of gay marriage, and that's a disgrace, writes Joshua Holland at AlterNet.org. The reticence to embrace full marriage rights for all is a betrayal of the "very important progressive ideal that the law should apply to all people equally," argues Holland.
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OPINION
We still don't know how the candidates think: Noonan
Wall Street Journal Sep 26, 08 11:42 AM CDT
(Newser)
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Barack Obama is rising in the polls, but he still seems “exotic”; John McCain is playing the maverick but his maneuvering on the bailout may have been “too cute.” In a week with “all categories upside-down and out the window,” it’s time for both candidates to explain how they think, and why they believe in their respective parties, Peggy Noonan writes in the Wall Street Journal .
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State demographics shifting blue, but Dems haven't won since '64
New York Times Sep 18, 08 9:07 AM CDT
(Newser)
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Barack Obama is seeking to become the first Democrat to win Virginia since LBJ in 1964. He's got a good shot, writes the New York Times : demographic changes favor his party, and Virginia has now elected two Democratic governors and a senator. But John McCain has the support of several key constituencies, and the critical race is neck-and-neck.
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OPINION
With 2 months to go, Dems are going nuts, writes Collins
New York Times Sep 11, 08 9:38 AM CDT
(Newser)
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In the space of just 10 days, many Democrats have decided that Barack Obama's once sure-fire candidacy is now doomed. Gail Collins has some advice for them: stop hyperventilating. If Team Obama seems as cool as always, says the New York Times columnist, it's because "they don’t care about national polls—a concept as quaint as measuring one’s wealth by caribou pelts."