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Here's the bottom line: an enormous amount is at stake in Tuesday's election in Massachusetts to fill Senator Ted Kennedy's seat. So much is at stake that every Democrat -- and every independent who wants fundamental change in Washington -- has to vote, no matter how hard it is to get to the polls, no matter how inconvenient, no matter how disappointed you are with the pace of change in Washington.
Not only that. If you don't live in Massachusetts, get on the phone, call every friend you have in Massachusetts and tell them to stop what they're doing and go vote. Tell them that what they do will have a dramatic impact on you and your life no matter where you live in America -- that if they care about you at all, they have to go vote to defeat Republican Scott Brown and elect Democrat Martha Coakley.
Just think how outrageous it would be if an election to replace the nation's most ardent champion of health care for all, stopped health care reform. That's exactly what Republican Scott Brown has said he will do -- be the 41st vote to stop health insurance reform dead in its tracks.
But it's not just that. Brown postures like an advocate for ordinary people. But in fact he is a staunch advocate of the failed economic policies of George Bush that resulted in:
Remember that George Bush inherited a huge budget surplus from Bill Clinton and ran up more debt than all of the previous Presidents in American history.
And now, Brown says he would oppose President Obama's proposed tax on Wall Street profits that would allow us to recover all the money from the massive taxpayers' bailout that was necessary to prevent the worldwide financial system from complete disintegration.
Brown is apparently perfectly happy to let the Wall Street gang wallow in the obscene profits they made this year -- as a direct result of taxpayer assistance -- taking billions of dollars in bonuses while many Americans who actually produce things for a living still can't find work.
By voting for Brown -- or staying home from the polls -- voters would be choosing to take the country back to the bad old days when Bush's pro-Wall-Street-Banker-economic policy created the massive mess that we have been slowly trying to clean up for the last 12 months.
Surely one of the reasons why that clean-up has taken longer than hoped is that some conservative Democrats have erected hurdles that block change. But it is nothing compared to what we would see if the Republicans once again have enough votes to stall every Democratic initiative in the Senate. If you're a progressive Democrat and are unhappy with how change initiatives are watered down by the conservative Democrats, wait until we have to negotiate everything with the Bush-economic-policy-Republicans.
That is exactly what the Republicans hope to pull off Tuesday -- and that's why it is so important for every Democrat, every Progressive, every change-oriented Independent call their friends in Massachusetts and insist they go to the polls and vote for Coakley.
I know there has been a lot of talk about the early complacency of the Coakley campaign -- or whether she knows the roster of the Red Sox. But this is not a game. And this election isn't just about Martha Coakley. It's about the direction of America. It's about continuing the momentum for fundamental change that has begun this year and has so, so much further to go.
The outcome of this race is entirely a function of turnout. The latest poll has Brown up by 3 points. Other polls have had Coakley slightly ahead. These poll results reflect different assumptions the pollsters make about who turns out.
There is also no question that early in this race, hardcore Republicans and Brown supporters were more motivated to turn out. Now the percentage of our supporters who say they are likely to vote is shooting up.
One thing is clear: if there is a low overall turnout, the more-motivated Brown supporters will carry the day. If turnout surges -- especially among Democrats, Progressives, women, African Americans, Latinos, and union voters -- Coakley will win.
There are substantially more Democrats registered in Massachusetts than Republicans, but don't let that fool you. There are loads of "un-enrolled" or independent voters in the state. And even though the state is thought to be a Democratic stronghold, remember that until 2008 it had consistently elected Republicans Governors- including former Republican Presidential aspirant Mitt Romney.
Luckily there is something each and every one of us can do about this race. If you live in Massachusetts, go sign up to walk precincts -- join the phone banks being run by the Coakley Campaign or Organize for America (OFA) -- call all of your neighbors and friends - and make sure you vote early.
For many years Massachusetts has exported volunteers to surrounding states in big national elections. Now it's time for activists in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, upstate New York and Connecticut to return the favor. Go to Massachusetts and help turn out the vote. No one will have more impact on the outcome of this election than motivated, reliable volunteers who pull out voters.
If you live outside of Massachusetts you can also go the OFA's website and sign up to be part of a virtual phone bank .
Many people will be off work Monday to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Take the day and go do what Dr. King would want you to do. I'm sure he would have agreed that there is nothing more important you can do to fight for social and economic justice, over the next two days, than beat back this attempt by the Republicans and Scott Brown to return us to the failed policies of the Bush years.
Don't be one of those people who regrets months from now that they didn't do something at a critical point to help change history. Don't allow us all to regret that America didn't pass health insurance reform, or re-regulate the Wall Street Banks, or pass clean energy legislation, or comprehensive immigration reform, or a serious jobs bill because we had to make a deal with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and his friends in the Chamber of Commerce, the big insurance companies, and Wall Street in order to get anything done. That may happen if Scott Brown wins Tuesday in Massachusetts.
Real democracy -- and the fight for social and economic justice -- are not spectator sports. If you're unhappy with the pace of change, use this occasion to get out of the stands. Go onto the playing field and do something about it. The Republicans and Scott Brown want to erect a huge new barrier to change in the Senate on Tuesday. It is up to each and every one of us to go out in the streets and make sure that they fail.
Friends don't let friends not vote in the Massachusetts Senate race.
Robert Creamer is a long-time political organizer and strategist, and author of the recent book: "Stand Up Straight: How Progressives Can Win," available on Amazon.com.
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National columnists, pundits and politicians are making a fatal error by focusing on health care reform in the MA election. We (MA residents) already have health care reform and we don't like it. Only 32% of MA residents are satisfied with the health care reforms instituted by Gov. Romney. However, our system is more progressive and protective of patients and consumers then either the House or Senate bill.
Why would I vote against my own self-interest? Why would I vote for Coakley when I have better health care at the state level already?
The mandates without competition or consumer protection is what kills the senate bill nationally. That so many Massachusetts voters are dissatisfied should be a warning about the course the bill has taken. Sadly Gruber is so tied to declaring his own success in Mass that the model he used to sell the Excise tax and Mandates couldn't possibly recommend any other choice.
Yeah, there's just one problem with your argument. Even if Coakley wins and a compromise bill passes, WE STILL WON'T HAVE HEALTH CARE REFORM.
At least the GOP guy is being honest about their love with corporate interests.
The ultimate irony is that Teddy was the political force behind changing the Massachusetts law from a governor's selection to a special election. Of course, this seemed to be the "right" thing to do at the time when Mitt Romney was the governor and John Kerry was running for president. If that cynical political maneuver hadn't happened, Deval Patrick would have simply appointed a Democrat to replace Kennedy, no special election required. What a delicious irony it will be if the "Kennedy seat" is lost to the Republicans as a result. Mmmmm, karma.
A lot of irony in the news. The polls indicate it's possible a Republican will take the seat of the late Senator Kennedy in Massachusetts. The Democratic candidate is perceived as being too smug and distant from the voters. Depending on how the rules are interpreted, if elected, the GOP guy may be seated in time to vote against the health care bill. As it is the process, doing this could very well kill the bill.
I hope those who are pro universal or reforming health care will immediately start efforts to get it on a state by state basis. That's the most reasonable Plan B I can think of. I doubt there's enough mojo to gain success with another nationwide battle right now.
...if you get my drift .... (Thank you Mr. Fonzarelli)
~JBK
States doing their own plans would beat the mandates without competition or consumer protection offered by the federal government.
Has anyone remember a little incident involving the Cambridge cop? Do you think that incident is not the Elephant (pun intended) in this election?
If you think not then look again...
Obviously, when the Democrats wanted this "special election", they expected a Democrat to replace Kennedy. Wouldn't an empty seat have been preferable to having someone like Brown in it?
I don't remember why/how/who decided Coakley should be the Dem. candidate.
Maybe I missed a step or two in this situation; so many other events always going on at the same time...
If anyone needs to know how to vote tomorrow in Massachusetts, ask two simple questions:
#1. Would you as a Senator support term limits for all elected officials, including yourself?
#2 Would you as a Senator support the bill that forces you into the same healthcare reform rules that you will impose on the American public?
You want to change Washington, you have to do it one Senator at a time. And since this is the first of One-Third of all Senators up for election - kick them out of office if they won't represent you.
Bye Martha! You were the Attorney General for your state! If they can't trust you at the state level, you are not welcome at the Federal Level.
Yeah, just like we all said goodbye to that Democratic candidate here in UpState NY's 23rd. Congressional District last fall. Tears were streaming down our faces as we watched Owens leave on that plane, to take a seat that was held by the GOP for 150 years.
It was peoples pure determination to not let the GOP (and a phony tea bagger candidate) screw us again which drove the base to get out the vote.
Gotta give those Republicans credit, they'll read the HP and place their comments to keep Democrats off balance; and the weak will be overcome and do nothing. This is what Republicans count on. Hope Democrats can be strong and not be easily influenced. I doubt every Republican likes Palin or McClain or Newt, but they'll vote their party beacuse they are loyal. I heard a Boston business owner say he doesn't like Coakley so he won't vote for her even though he knows the impact it will have on Democrats and he doesn't think that is good? Misinformation and confusion at its best here......
Corporate Democrats love to believe that no matter how much they disappoint progressives, the progressives will still support them. Then when the support dries up, the corporate Dems call them lazy or disloyal.
Loyalty goes both ways. A majority of Americans voted for President Obama. Far fewer support this health care reform bill. Support has dropped as health insurer stocks have gone up. So the math tells us that there are millions of supporters of the President who don't like the big corporate giveaway of the bill.
Let's hope the corporate Democrats can understand that if they want to lead a coalition, everyone has to benefit. They have to pass some progressive legislation, or the progressives aren't really hurting themselves by walking away. They have to show some support for gay rights, otherwise there is no reason for gays to contribute. They have to show some respect for a woman's right to choose, or that source of funds will go soft too.
They don't stand for anyone anymore, except their biggest donors. That's what's hurting them.
Accurate as usual Meko. The DLC Dems (and others) had better get the message that the Progressive (and others) base does not support their collusion with corporate greed and further empowerment of the super-rich or AIG/Fed/banker theft and fraud. Get back to your base or they will abandon the big-money business as usual Dems. Both parties are the problem and campaign contributions are at the core of both repeatedly screwing just folks in favor of the rich and powerful.
Another Corporate paid Dem in the Senate. I'm ready to vote Republican and let them burn this country to the ground.
If that's the way you feel, maybe it would be best just to abstain, sit back and watch.
I'm not in Mass, but think that the whole system has failed.
Okay, that's just funny. I mean, at this point, after the last year, saying that independents and Democrats should vote for a Democrat BECAUSE THEY WANT CHANGE IN WASHINGTON!!!
Obama and the DLC just spent a year proving they would change nothing from what Clinton and Bush put into motion. It's business as usual just a change in brand name for the next 3 years.
Does no one care about actual facts on the ground anymore?
http://www
Brookings institute actually says that Obama has kept about 1/5th of his campaign promises--not bad for his first year with absolutely ZERO cooperation from the Republicans, and a lot of opposition from so called moderate blue dog democrats.
But by all means, obstruct him, and then blame him when "nothing gets done" as usual. Voters vote for obstructionists when they vote for Republican
Voters don't look for facts anymore though. Only media filtered perceptions.
The #1 issue of the campaign was health care reform, and that's been "negotiated" into little more than mandates to purchase insurance from politically connected monopolies that will only be regulated by state boards that don't enforce the consumer protections we have now.
That was a betrayal. But it's Democratic Party strategy. As Rahm said to the WSJ, "Don't worry about the left. Where else are they gonna go?"
People will not vote because it really doesn't matter who's elected anymore. Corporate interests control both parties and the people know it. Progressives had hoped for a president and congress willing to fix this, but it's quite clear that's not going to happen. Without real change in the way we finance election campaigns, there is no hope of legislators doing what's right by the people.
Again, people speaking without knowledge.
http://www
There's a difference between the parties. But voters who Elected Bush instead of Gore thought that there would be ZERO difference.
Feel free to make the same mistake, though.
First the Democrat "negotiate" among themselves until healthcare reform is turned into little more than an insurance and pharma giveaway.
Then Christopher Dodd and the finance committee work to gut the Consumer Protection Agency.
What corporate interest WON'T Democrats sell out to?
Well, I do declare...
A DLC moment of zen in progress..
"you broke it, you own it"
sadly, the rest of US will suffer the consequences of probably the worse run campaign in senatorial history by a party in the majority and under the thumb of oligarchy-huggers like Rahm Emanuel
I'd sit back & groove on the rubble it this wasn't so pathetically sad.
You got that right Momma! If the Obama/Emanuel corporate shill admn had at least a modicum of integrity or had delivered actual "change we could believe in" and stood up for something, instead of just more business as usual and more profits at the expense of people, we would not be in this no-win infuriating position today. If he had not thrown Progressive causes and our leaders, like Howard Dean, Dennis Kucinich and others under the bus repeatedly we might work for him again instead of feeling betrayed. That Obama and his handlers/bosses can misread the popular frustration and enormous anger at the charade of HCR and give-aways and capitulation to big insurance/pharma is astonishing. Single-Payer or Medicare for all, real banker reform and no anti-trust exemption for big-insurance!
So basically, Brown equals Bush, Brown equals Bush, Brown equals Bush, and Brown equals Bush. That's the defense?
How is he different?
Corporate Democrats are going to have to come up with something better than "We're not Bush," "Look out! Sarah Palin," and that favorite from Rahm's interview with the WSJ, "Don't worry about the left. Where else are they gonna go?"
They have delivered to their insurance and pharma donors at the expense of taxpayers and consumers. They get that money, but we don't owe them our votes.
Apparently Massachusetts isn't big on early or easy absentee voting which can make a difference in some states, particularly when the enthusiasm is one sided. I don't see any discussions of ti by anyone so I assume it doesn't happen there.
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