Bill Clinton Coming to New Hampshire to Campaign for Hodes?!!

Great news!! (4.00 / 3)

The Big Dog comes back to where it started for him!

"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  

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by: Paul Twomey @ Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 17:26:57 PM CDT

Almost preternaturally gifted in communication. (4.00 / 3)

I remember when I was young and apolitical amd I only paid attention to vote in presidential cycles.

Back in those days I had a TeeVee. And every now and then while flipping through stations I would come across President Clinton giving a speech or presser or something.

And despite my either ignorance or indifference to the topic, he could keep me hanging off of his every word for as long as his (often long) speeches could go.

More to the point: this is actually very good news, for all the reasons you say, Kathy.

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 17:47:15 PM CDT

Always Good To See The Clintons In NH... (0.00 / 0)

...and Paul Hodes needs help.  Hopefully they'll also be here for Carol Shea-Porter!  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 18:24:00 PM CDT

you need help :) n/t (4.00 / 3)

Annie 2012!

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by: JonnyBBad @ Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 20:17:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Paul Hodes Needs The Help (4.00 / 1)

I don't quite know the inference here of Jonny, or Jack in the "excellent" rating. but I really don't mind either way.  Depends on interpretation of my comment I guess.  I said it's always good to see the Clintons in NH.  They're my heroes.  I said Paul Hodes needs help -- we all should know, he does.  His campaign is having problems, and he's up against a tough November situation.  It's great to see the Clintons helping him.  I'm helping him -- I spoke on his behalf last week at a group of 50.  We need to have a second Democratic Senator from New Hampshire -- Jeanne Shaheen has shown us the difference even one Democratic Senator makes.  Also, I said I hope the Clintons will also be here for Carol Shea-Porter, who is my #1 national political favorite.  She needs help too.  We desperately need Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter, and whomever will be our Democratic nominee in CD 2.  Is that clarified?  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 06:40:51 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The waters are rough (4.00 / 2)

If we all row together, not only can we move upstream, we could actually reverse the current.

Whack-a-mole, anyone?

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 06:56:18 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

There are those who row... (4.00 / 2)

And there are those who carp.



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 09:29:51 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

..that you are not rowing fast enough... (4.00 / 2)

or in the right direction.

Thankfully NH Democrats have a great team of folks willing to row their hearts out this year for a terrific ticket. There are always those who prefer to carp, but their carping exposes them for all to see.

2012 starts today.

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 13:32:12 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Carpe diem! n/t (4.00 / 1)

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 13:54:49 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oh, I Forgot (0.00 / 0)

Oh, I forgot -- challenge the powers-who-be and you're their target.  If you'd spend a bit more time remembering and including the lessons of the past, and some of those who helped you get where you are today, you might do better.  How quickly they forget their friends.    

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 17:32:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

the help he needs is from your folks (4.00 / 2)

Get your moveon.org buddies to help Jim...where the heck are they? No endorsement, no money, no feet on the street? You should be the leader of the left for Paul, now that you hyave free time. He is a co-sponsor of the Constitutional Amendment to reverse Citizen's United, the most anti-grassroots ruling, perhaps in our lifetime, yet the Ms Lauras and KOS are on his ass daily...he needs support from the left, not criticism...imagine the alternative...

Annie 2012!

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 07:10:20 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm Not A Leader Of The Left.. (0.00 / 0)

...or anything else or anyone for that matter.  My "free time" will be filled by something very interesting in an effort to reform government, and it will make some of the regular political establishment rather uncomfortable.  Democracy stands for more than what we've seen in recent years.

And I might try to return to the Legislature in 2012 to make even more of the state's political elite uncomfortable.  After last month's attack on free speech and an attempt by a political party to use the law to keep itself in power, I'm more determined than ever to see changes. Democracy deserve

It's not my moveon.org buddies that have to get going -- it's Paul's campaign, which apparently doesn't have the brightest lights on the planet -- that's the kind of "criticism" that he needs at this point since there's still time to turn it around.  We need a second U.S. Senator from New Hampshire, and so far it doesn't look good.  He's not being well-served.

As I said in my biweekly column in The Portsmouth Herald this past Sunday, his introductory ad should have been about him, defining him, telling us why HE would be a great Senator, not why someone else who he might not even face in November would not be.  Weird stuff.

So Mr. Jonny, you can spend your time attacking me, or getting Paul Hodes' campaign on track.  I suggest the latter would be better use of your time, because the former doesn't bother me a bit and won't help the cause in the long run.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 07:29:01 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Politics First? n/t (0.00 / 0)

Whack-a-mole, anyone?

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 08:32:31 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

It Would Be Good... (0.00 / 0)

...if we could put politics secondary behind our obligations to have ethics, honesty, and idealism in government.  We can still have the politics -- that's part of democracy -- but the "me-first," "all-for-my-party," "win-at-any-cost" attitude of too many Republicans, and some Democrats, can eventually destroy that which we love about New Hampshire and America.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 08:54:11 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

since when (0.00 / 0)

is Jim Splaine a lefty, never mind LEADER OF THE LEFT?

NH lefties do plenty to make sure Democrats get elected in NH. They give money, support, and volunteer time to NH candidates, and all they ever get in return is a kick in the ass from the "my party right or wrong" crowd.

The locksteppers will leap to defend Demfauxcrats like Bart Stupak and Ben Nelson, but have nothing but contempt for the left - who comprise a vital part of the Democratic Party's base.  

Feel free to vent your spleen on Splaine regarding the Hodes campaign - but stop trying to blame everything that is wrong with Democratic candidates or the Democratic Party on the left.

Better yet - try to win elections without us.  

member of the professional left  

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by: susanthe @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 14:21:47 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

not what I am saying at all (4.00 / 1)

I am saying Paul has been progressive and out front on a number of issues, but is not feeling progressive love.
Maybe people like Jim are in a funk, like KR said, and want to take a pass on a difficult cycle, then come back in 2012 to get back in with Obama? hmmm....

Perhaps because he's taken a Trumanish buckstop position since the Bailout TARP was thrown over the carcass of the Bush economy...taken the lead in opposing earmarks, opposing the Citizen's United decision...he should have Jim working on the campaign not criticizing over tactics in the media.You want input, go down to HQ and help. Knocking our candidate for months in a public forum, and encouraging an alternative at the last minute, is not the way to do it. Your criticisms are unconstructive, but hey since you served two term in Congress you must know better. I can't wait to be improved.

Annie 2012!

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 15:28:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

except (0.00 / 0)

that you said LEADER OF THE LEFT. So now, what you said isn't at all what you're saying?  

member of the professional left  

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by: susanthe @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 16:05:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

figure of speech (4.00 / 1)

the 'Paul Hodes is in trouble' or running a bad campaign meme, please I am so sick of that bullcrap.Heard for years as we were working to elect him. The first Democrat in the seat since Dick Swett won it last in 1992. Leader of the left was a callout in response to Jim's own characterization of what he plans to do to upset the party structure in his spare time.

Blech. Either do something to help elect your candidates, or don't. But don't tell me how great you are going to clean up Dodge. Put up or shut up, as my mama said..

Frankly Paul is raising more money in a tougher climate than Jeannie did in '08 Someone gets the message. Isn't that amazing...he will be prepared for the air war with great ads.

Yet at the very same time he realizes the dangers in the Citizen's United case, and has committed to appearing at our summer barbeque in MM County, on Aug.14th, with campaign and lobbying reformer Lawrence Leesig.

Here and now I am inviting you Jim, officially on behalf of the Merrimack County Democfrats, along with the other roughly 42 House Reps who voted against disclosure. It will be a low dollar grassroots fundy, including vegan dishes and a pig roast,(yes its a Democratic Pig) and its going to be $15, or $10 with a dish to share.

Please send all the addresses to me. Our County Committee has agreed to this, and we have volunteers who will address and pay for the mailing.

In the words of Alan Ginsberg we've got to put our sic shoulder to the wheel...its so easy to criticize...harder to subsume personal ego for the greater good.

This election will be a great yardstick for who your party really is...those who work even harder in the face of the pendulum swing, so the results are less bad than they could be...and those who take a pass. Paul is standing up for us every day. The least you could do is respect the odds, what's at stake, the climate, etc. and get with the program.

Annie 2012!

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 19:13:42 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The "Disclosure Bill" In New Hampshire... (4.00 / 1)

...wasn't a proper response to Citizen United.  It was counterproductive, put Democrats in bad light, opposed by many non-profit organizations favorable to New Hamsphire Democrats because of the way it would discourage speech, and was likely unconstitutional anyway -- and the challenges to it which would have been ongoing right this moment would have made Democrats look foolish and hurt us more.  

Further, the way it was written wouldn't have done one thing to help us.  It provided no actual disclosure, just form-filling, and thus a discouragement for the smaller organizations to participate in the democratic process that we hold so dear in this country.

You're welcome for my efforts to stop an issue that would have made it even more difficult for Democrats to win this November.  It was a poor thing for Democratic leadership to do.  I think The Concord Monitor editorial was right on -- Google it and learn.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 05:40:21 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ohhhh Sorry, Jonny (0.00 / 1)

Paul Hodes is absolutely wonderful, the best candidate we've ever had, he's doing everything right in his campaign, he will win because we all wish him well, he's The Man.  Feel better?  I don't think just cheerleading will help him either.  So stop dumping on me, Jonny, although if you must, just like some others have tried it just doesn't bother me one bit.  

I'm not the problem.  If he wants to win, I'm assuming that there are a number of people who can give him better advice than he's been receiving.  And no, I don't want a job on his campaign -- I'm helping on the campaign trail on his behalf -- but I've given some advice that could help, take it or leave it.

We have to win in November, but just wishing it or applauding bad techniques ain't gonna make it happen.  I've been a loyal Democrat for a very long time, and I'm saddened by what's happening today, and the opportunities of the past several years we've squandered up and down the ticket in Concord and elsewhere.  I think through the years I've done enough grunt work to allow me to say that, and if not -- I'll say it anyway.  Hit away, Jonny, but your punches are misaimed.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 17:20:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wanna Help? (4.00 / 2)

Get folks to go to this:
Save the Date ! Larry Lessig: Aug. 14 - Canterbury, NH

posted by: JonnyBBad  
Summary:
The Merrimack County Democrats invite you to our Summer Barbeque and Picnic. Join Cong.Paul Hodes, Ann Mclane Kuster, Katrina Swett, and other great candidates at the home of Steve Gorin and Cyndy Moniz...datails to follow

Description:
Lawrence Lessig  is the Director of the Edmond J. Safra Foundation Center for Ethics at Harvard University, and a Professor of Law at Harvard Law School.

His current academic work addresses the question of "institutional corruption" - roughly, influences within an economy of influence that weaken the effectiveness of an institution, or weaken public trust. His current work at the EJ Safra Lab oversees a 5 year research project addressing institutional corruption in a number of institutional contexts.

He will talk about the relationship between change- every new administrations' mantra, lobbying in Washington, and Campaign Finance effects of the "Citizen's United" Case.

Where:
  4 Abbey Rd.
  Canterbury, NH
  03224  
When: 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM  

I hear there are some Reps that follow your lead on this issue.  

Whack-a-mole, anyone?

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 19:00:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm Absolutely Supportive Of... (0.00 / 0)

...changing Citizen United in that I don't think "corporations" are "people."  We can do that without also attacking free speech and creating havoc for groups of people who want to address their government.  If we had such laws in the 1960s and 1970s, those of us challenging Vietnam could have been hauled into court.

Free speech should always be part of our democracy, without any need to "register" with the government or fill out forms.    

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 19:19:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Talking out of both sides of your mouth (4.00 / 2)

Jim. you remind me of a politician who says one thing in one place and something else in another. Why is it you thoroughly trash Democrats in your column in the Portsmouth Herald and then sing their praises in Blue Hampshire? Different messages for different political audiences, perhaps?

Gary Patton

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by: Lenore Patton @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 15:51:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Didn't Trash Democrats In My Column... (0.00 / 0)

...but I won't lie about my observations about our chances either and say everything-Democrat is wonderful.  There is too much of that in politics.  Cheerleading has its limits, and isn't always the best way to give a compliment.  If it's just glowing words about all Democrats you're looking for, I'm not your man -- and never have been.  Sorry.  

Saying that things might not be going well for us in November doesn't mean I don't support Democrats.  I can't think of one who will be on our ballot who I won't vote for.  But I won't lie about the way I view our chances in today's climate, or with the way we're campaigning.

We need to win in November, but we won't with the attitude that we should only cheerlead.  That won't get us elected.  By the way, I certainly hit the Republicans in both of my recent columns in The Portsmouth Herald.  They've deserved it.  Maybe you didn't notice that.  And I'll be doing more of that, but I won't lie.  I can be wrong, but I won't lie about my viewpoints.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 17:29:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

bingo n/t (0.00 / 0)

Annie 2012!

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 19:16:27 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Don't Play Bingo Much... (0.00 / 0)

...but I sure do support Democrats a lot, and take on the Republicans at most every turn.  

But I also won't say Democrats are always right, and I will speak up when I see that IMHO they can do better.  If that bothers fellow Democrats, you'll never have to vote for me.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 19:23:08 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Welcome home. (0.00 / 0)

--
America has overdosed on Tea. Coffee 2012.

@DougLindner

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 18:35:38 PM CDT

lily-livered activists (4.00 / 7)

Why are our activists so lily-livered about an ad which responds to an attack ad?  She ran an ad attacking him and he answered it strongly. That is what I want from my candidate.  I have worked as a volunteer for the Hodes campaign and I am genuinely and sincerely impressed with their knowledge, their background and the work that they are doing. Paul Hodes is a master of assembling a group of people who compliment each other. He has a terrific steering commitee and a publicly proud list of more than 1000 women supporters.  
I ask you one important question: How many times have you been in the Hodes campaign office on Elm St. in Manchester?  

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by: Caroline French @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 08:17:48 AM CDT

Exactly (4.00 / 4)

Thank you, Caroline, for providing the proper persepctive.  



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 09:31:07 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you for speaking up Caroline. (4.00 / 1)

2012 starts today.

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 13:28:27 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

thank you Caroline (4.00 / 1)

If my sources are even half right, the theme that Kelly Ayotte was an incompetent AG will be an ongoing discussion as more bubbles up through the ranks at the AG's office. For her to say 'that it never reached my desk' is so mendacious and down putting to her former colleagues who's job it was apparently, she thought, to inoculate her from any potential mess, and help further her political ambitions. When they were trying to get her to investigate,she was having none of it and creating plausible deniability -- those people have reputations to think about. Hard.

Annie 2012!

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 19:26:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

And I'M the one who gets accused of hijacking diaries. . . . (4.00 / 1)

I love both Bill Clinton and Paul Hodes.  They are both outstanding leaders, and I'm glad that the Comeback Kid is comin' home.

Also. . . .For what it's worth, this is the most petty and unnecessary discussion that I have seen in three years on Blue Hampshire.  Haven't we had enough stupid arguments about who's a real progressive, etc.?  Hasn't it gotten old yet?

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by: Dartmouth Dem @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 17:46:56 PM CDT

my God, I agree with DD on something n/t (0.00 / 0)

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by: measurestaken @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 20:00:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Emperor's Clothes? (4.00 / 1)

Of course we all want Hodes to win, no question.

Is his campaign going well? It serves no one to pretend that it is and that he's catching fire.

He's doing many things well, and yet to win it's got to get a lot better.

Some may prefer to deny this reality. But something's got to change for us to pick up that seat.  

No'm Sayn?

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by: BurtCohen @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 21:57:36 PM CDT

Saying The Truth, Burt... (0.00 / 0)

...can get you in trouble.  Be careful!  Oh, you already know that.  Let's hope that enough of us are raising enough questions so that changes can be made, campaign approaches improved, in time for Hodes and other Democrats to win.  

Jeanne Shaheen has shown us the absolute need for a Democratic U.S. Senator from NH -- having two again, as we did in the 1970s, would be wonderful and can happen.  

Sometimes the best way to be a friend and supporter is to try to yell "fire" loudly when there's smoke.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 05:34:48 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Walt Kelly via his cartoon POGO (4.00 / 3)

"We have met the enemy and he is us."

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by: Caroline French @ Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 22:07:16 PM CDT

You Talking To Me? (4.00 / 1)

I didn't even mention most recent polls: negatives now higher than positives. All four Republicans now win.

Is it better to sweep these bits of info under the rug? Does that serve Democratic interests?

No'm Sayn?

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by: BurtCohen @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 07:38:52 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Paul's History (4.00 / 1)

As we all know, Paul Hodes has a history of abiding by polls with sheepish pessimism.  That's why he quit after he lost to Charlie by a 59-38 margin in a Democratic year.  It's also why Hodes threw in the towel when he was down by double digits to a "popular" Bass a month before the 2006 campaign.  No doubt he'll do the same this time around.

I gave up on Paul once before.  In 2004, I did volunteer campaign research for Hodes after Dick Swett put us together.  And he was destroyed in that race.  After the election was over, Bret Clemons (Nick's brother) began putting together a campaign for 2006, and I had no doubt that he would be a stronger candidate than the recently routed Hodes.  I gave Bret money and research.  (Even Paul doesn't know this.)

Fortunately, though, Brother Hodes is made of stronger stuff than I was back then.  He never stopped fighting, and never ceased to hold Charlie accountable for his record.  Paul made himself a winner through sheer force of will.

That's one of many reasons why I am proud of Paul Hodes.  And I will NEVER give up on him again.

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by: Dartmouth Dem @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 08:00:03 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

A small quibble: (4.00 / 2)

regardless of your stance on the merits of the Hodes campaign, please do not repeat Rasmussen polls as a means of persuasion.

When you do that, you advance Rasmussen's pro-GOP 2010 cycle agenda, which is well-documented.

That is not a reflection of whatever the accurate poll numbers are (we do not know them right now).  Simply an acknowledgment that Ras polls are conducted for the sake of increasing the right-wing echo chamber.  Rasmussen is no fool; he knows that polls often help to craft future realities rather than accurately describe current ones.

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 08:02:48 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Whole Point: Boost Hodes (0.00 / 0)

He does have the stuff.
As we know, a little stimulus often helps!

No'm Sayn?

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by: BurtCohen @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 08:13:19 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Don't See An Argument Here... (0.00 / 0)

...Burt is pointing out, as I am, that Paul Hodes should be our United States Senator.  He's our ONLY change of adding a good teammate for Senator Shaheen.  We NEED him.  He's done well in Congress.  

BUT, Burt is suggesting a little reinvention of his campaign at this stage.  I am too.  Something's not clicking.  Forget the polls.  Forget Rasmussen.  Forget Smith.  The point is -- let's get Hodes elected.

I've been involved in this stuff since the 1960s.  Burt since the 1970s.  We've all seen great candidates come, go, come back, win, lose, it happens.  And it's often because of the campaign techniques...and those are too often decided by paid campaign staff and Washington consultants than the candidate him/herself.

I know there are some in Hodes' campaign who aren't pleased within the direction of certain decision-makers in the campaign.  Same with the State Party.  Not all is well within the machine.  From the "outside," perhaps Burt Cohen and I and some others can encourage that the "insiders" listen to more of those who they've ignored at this point.  Change direction.  Emphasize different issues.  Make this election more local than Washington.  Change the advertising from flashy to classy.  

Right now, Burt Cohen might be one of Paul Hodes' best friends -- because there still is time to win.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 08:23:29 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

How Cicero of you! (4.00 / 2)

"I could have mentioned that Gaius was seen staggering out of a club, but didn't."

Burt, I think that everyone here, as friends of you and Jim Splaine, just don't think we should sweep our opinions regarding the wisdom - or lack thereof - of you and Jim engaging in such dreary negativity under the rug. As your friends, I think it is incumbent upon us to let you know what we think, here, in the open, at Blue Hampshire, for the world to see! We could cheerlead everything you and Jim say, but that would be just wrong, because it would not serve Democratic interests!

There is too much of that in politics.  Cheerleading has its limits, and isn't always the best way to give a compliment.  If it's just glowing words about all Democrats you're looking for, I'm not your woman -- and never have been.  Sorry.  

:)




"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 08:32:25 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

One thousands 4s for recognizing (0.00 / 0)

one of my favorite rhetorical devices, often employed, as you say, by Cicero: praeteritio.

"I will at this debate not sink to the gutter level of my opponent, and, for example, discuss his criminal past.  I'm here to talk about the issues!"

Here's one from Tully himself. Here he chastises himself for not taking extra-legal action against the traitor Catiline (in order to be given legal sanction to do just that), by "passing over" historical precedent:

Nam illa nimis antiqua praetereo, quod C. Servilius Ahala Sp. Maelium novis rebus studentem manu sua occidit.  Fuit, fuit ista quondam in hac re publica virtus ut fortes acrioribus suppliciis civem perniciosem quam acerbissimum hostem coercerent.  - Cat. I.3

More or less:

For I pass over those too ancient matters, the fact that Gaius Servilius Ahala killed, with his own hand Spurius Maelius, who was (only) enthusiastic for revolution. [as opposed to Catiline, who actively conspired to revolt].  There was, there was, once upon a time in this Republic, that well known  courage that restrained a dangerous citizen with harsher punishments than it did the bitterest enemy.

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 08:47:05 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hang In There Burt... (0.00 / 0)

...because it's clear we're having some impact on helping the Democratic Party.  I guess someone has to make it clear to "leadership" that this is a party of people, whether leadership wants to be inclusive or not.  

You were a leader in the 1980s and 1990s when others were sitting on the sidelines.  We need you now as much as ever.  Sometimes, change even within a party comes only from those willing to speak up and not be told to get in line.

Right now, I have a feeling that the best way to help New Hampshire Democrats win is to encourage them to be daring enough to say what they really believe, and to ignore the polls and their Washington consultants.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 09:06:04 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

To be clear: (4.00 / 5)

My interests in this thread were a) Bill Clinton coming to town, b) praeteritio, and c) urging that we not use bogus Rasmussen polls for any purpose, up, down, right, left, center, criticism of our own, others, etc...  

None of those three comments, or this fourth one, should be construed as either approval or disapproval of open discussion of the merits of Hodes campaign.

My own interest right now in NH-Sen is making sure we on the left are prepared for a Binnie nomination.  Because I increasingly feel that it is moving in that direction.  

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 09:25:40 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Binnie's Ads (4.00 / 2)

are good on so many levels.

While Hodes and Ayotte are crapping on each other, Mr. Clean Jeans, over here, is wearing a grin.  

Whack-a-mole, anyone?

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 09:34:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Who watches TeeVee ads, but maybe doesn't tune in so much (4.00 / 1)

to politics in general?

Potential voters.

What affiliation are a lot of them?

Undeclared.

Who can put out as many ads as he wants?

A self-funder.

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 10:19:13 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ad Placement (0.00 / 0)

These type of ads fit snugly in the WMUR Sunday morning lineup. Back in my "Dem leaning, unenrolled days" I felt my due diligence was satisfied by watching the Sunday morning shows.

Anyone know what kind of ratings CloseUp gets?

PS. I have high hopes for Christiane Amanpour.

Whack-a-mole, anyone?

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 10:42:35 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Big Picture Goal: Democrats Winning (4.00 / 1)

I understand Dean, and agree -- we need to be prepared for whomever will run against Paul Hodes, or Carol Shea-Porter or Kuster/Swett.  Your interest is mine too, and Burt's.  That some of us take a few punches is worth it when considering the big picture of Democrats winning in November.

I'm pleased to know that this morning there is serious internal dialogue going on, in part generated by discussion in BlueHamnpshire.com, within at least two campaigns about the need to reinvent their approaches.  Some of the people involved in those campaigns who I've talked with these past several weeks appear to be listened to more closely.  

There's still time to shore up our efforts.  It's going to be a tough time.  But www.BlueHampshire.com has again shown itself to be an important vehicle for dialogue -- just as it was during the gay marriage discussion, free speech controversy, and so many other issues about which there is sometimes disagreement even among Democrats.  That the Republicans or others are looking on from time to time doesn't bother me so long as we have the chance to have the dialogue to make Democrats stronger.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 09:45:23 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

"Don't worry, just work" (4.00 / 2)

"It's time to give 'em hell!"

Whack-a-mole, anyone?

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 09:17:54 AM CDT

Summer of Love (0.00 / 0)

I don't have cable, etc, so I don't know about these ads.

I do know a couple things.

One is I've been called quite a few times already by the Hodes campaign when there are relevant events.

Two is the early media game is overrated here. New Hampshire has a month of New England summer, really. A New England summer is one of the most beautiful things on the planet. People like me try to enjoy it, and tune back in sometime around second week of August. YMMV. But I always seem to hear this misgivings in July -- Where are they, they aren't out, they aren't controlling the message. I think July matters for primary candidates and wonks.

Three is we heard all the same stuff in the 2006 campaign about all the horrible people Hodes had working for him who were going to lose him the campaign. I remember the Bass Fish Mailer controversy -- he lost the election by cracking jokes! I remember the whole "He's got too many DC experts, not enough NH insiders" controversy. Good times.

I know it's different people now, to some extent at least, and a different ad campaign. But it sounds like the same critique, so label me suspicious. True, he got elected in a wave year in 2006 -- but when other people, Democrats, were saying he'd lost it, or it was going to be a squeaker, he actually pummeled Bass, in one of those all too familiar UNH polling upsets.

I might yet criticize the campaign, but I do think it's a bit early to talk in any earnest way about whether it is working or not. We don't know yet, and Hodes has earned the right at this point for a bit of trust with his methods.

Let's enjoy a Summer of Love here, and rest up so we all have enough energy to poke each other's eyes out in September. Sound good?

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by: Mike Caulfield @ Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 21:12:54 PM CDT