Why Congressional Democrats Cave

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Fundamentally, they believe in a Constitutional showdown with Bush, they’d lose.

Bush would rather have leave American soldiers without battle armor or food than bring them home. And Democrats know that Bush would be willing to allow large numbers of Americans to suffer rather than lose a political battle, just so he could get his way and blame the Democrats for the suffering. This is why, in the political game of chicken, Democrats roll over time and time again. They’re just not callous enough to allow innocent Americans to be harmed. And our political system, that allows nothing to be accomplished unless Congress and the President agree, unfortunately rewards whomever cares less about Americans……

Politics in the Red Zone: What Democrats Can Learn From Football

Video / Audio

Guest Author A.F. Cook argues that Democrats don’t have to change their views but need the perception of being “regular guys” in order to win elections. Democrats, unlike Republicans, do support the underdog. But like Bush, who bought his Crawford Ranch in 2000 to play “ranchhand,” learning how to fake blue-collar values is 90% of the perception battle.

The Rise of Obama and Huckabee

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UPDATE: Although I intended to talk about Obama and Huckabee and do in the last quarter of the hour, most of this show is properly labeled, “Do Nothing, Congress! Part 2”

Today is the last Presidential debate of 2007. And there has been a steady rise in Democratic support for Barack Obama and Republican support for Mike Huckabee. Both men have an uphill battle for the White House. But what does this excitement and support for each of them say about their respective parties?

It says that the Democratic Party is full of young, idealistic voters who want to be inspired again by their Government and the Promise of America as a place for Peace, Prosperity, Celebration of Diversity, Prudent Fiscal Management, and Equal Opportunity for All. They are excited by the fresh face of a new generation and believe Obama breaks free from Government as Usual.

And that the Republican Party is full of Fundamentalist Christians who want a more “Christian”, theocratic Government inspired by the Promise of their peculiar (and historically inaccurate) version of Jesus Christ, a place where Women and Gay People are Punished for Having Sex, where Neighbors Mistrust and Spy on Each Other, where the Rich Become Richer and the Poor Become Poorer, and Where Everlasting War and Massive Debt eventually lead to the Rapture.

There are plenty of more mainstream Democrats and Republicans who don’t necessarily share these ideas, but it is telling just where the excitement and inspiration in each Party lies.

More Mass Shootings, Another Debate on Guns

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This time it’s Omaha, Colorado Springs, and Denver. Last time it was Virginia Tech. Before that was Columbine.

Guests Larry Pratt, Executive Director of the Gun Owners of America and Brian Siebel Senior Attorney, Legal Action Project for the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence debate whether easier access of Americans to deadly weapons — or more limited access — makes America safer.

Please Do Nothing, Congress!

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In their zeal to “get something done,” this Democratic Congress is bowing way too much to satisfy Bush’s every whim. Bush says he will not sign a single spending bill (i.e., shut down the Government) unless the useless War in Iraq is funded without preconditions and, incredibly, the Democrats are giving in.

Please, Democrats, do nothing! Nothing is highly preferable to another year of satisfying Bush and the Republicans. Do nothing and your opinion ratings will go up. Do nothing and people will understand who the real obstructionists to progress are.

Since Georgie and the Republicans won’t play ball with you, TAKE YOUR BALL AND GO HOME! Nancy and Harry, are you listening?