11-20-2018, 04:52 PM
(11-20-2018, 03:07 PM)Dill Wrote: The right wing media has been very successful at branding Dem politicians--especially women--in the image the right wants. By the time the election comes around, the terrain of the debate is already a long uphill slog for the Dems. Fox and company did it to Hillary. It was the Benghazi scam, more than anything, that cost her the election, along with the years of unprovable accusations turned into "proof" there is a double standard for the Clintons since they are never indicted for murder or real estate fraud or stand down orders. Clintons="the swamp," which was so bad before Trump and cronies took office.
In doing it to Pelosi, they create a division with Democrats because she is now radioactive to some audiences--Republican voters. As Benton pointed out, local elections could be won in Kentucky, apparently, by tying Republican opponents to Pelosi. Was Pelosi really the difference though, or just part of the noise? Perhaps it helped suppress Democratic votes by encouraging them to stay home?
I don't think this branding is a good reason for seeking "new blood." Pelosi has been effective. And she has a great deal of experience in an arena where experience is the difference maker. No Dem currently has her "inside game." I see far more advantage to the Republicans if this branding tactic once again limits who can lead the Democrats and they turn to "fresh blood"--meaning less experienced blood.
If this works it will be very disappointing that Democrats allow the opposition to shape their choices this way. It means many do not grasp the larger picture.
There is perhaps an opportunity to break the rage machine, or at least reduce its effectiveness, in part because Pelosi has been so strongly for the ACA (as opposed to tax cuts for the 1%) while so many of her opponents were against it, and because Trump himself is overtaxing the machine now, reducing its effectiveness. Branding Professor Ford as a confused ninny worked for the base, of course, but animated many women voters who saw a man accused of abuse protected by another man accused of abuse, occupying the highest office in the land. And Trump has dissed military sacrifice again, and chosen to believe MSB over his own CIA. He will provide so many more challenges for RWM spinners in the coming months it will reduce their effectiveness against Nancy.
As much as you say some Dems are buying into right wing talking points, I’d caution you to not buy into the neo-lliberal establishment talking points about Pelosi’s experience or her record as a progressive. Most of us to the left of Pelosi are supporting Barbra Lee as Speaker. She has plenty of experience and better progressive credentials.
Personally, I can’t get behind somebody who’s victory speech is “let’s cave to the other party”. When Republicans won the House under Obama, did they come out and say they want to work with Dems or did they say the voters gave them a mandate to oppose anything Obama wanted done?
