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Big review set by Democrats after election losses

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Big review set by Democrats after election losses


WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are planning an extensive review of what went wrong in the 2014 and 2010 elections, hoping to find ways to translate success in presidential campaigns into future midterm contests.

A party committee will conduct a "top-to-bottom assessment" of the Democrats' performance in recent midterm elections and try to determine why they have struggled to turn out its core voters in nonpresidential elections.

"It's apparent that there are increasingly two separate electorates: a midterm electorate and a presidential electorate. We win one and we don't seem to be able to win the other," said Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who leads the Democratic National Committee, in an interview Saturday. "That is a fundamental dynamic that we have to change."

"Our party has a problem," Wasserman Schultz said in a video announcing the project. "We know we're right on the issues. The American people believe in the causes we're fighting for. But the electoral success we have when our presidential nominee is able to make a case to the country as a whole, doesn't translate in other elections.

"We need to understand everything that went wrong so that we can address all the potential problems and prepare for future elections," she said.




The Democrats were handed such big losses, because they've pushed the liberal agenda too hard. There weren't enough voters to counter the older and middle aged conservatives, who are afraid of the immigration issue, acceptance of LGBT community, social programs, legalization of marijuana, taxes and poor economic performance. Too much change, too soon got a lot of the older vote out, meaning the Dems need to slow their roll and find some middle ground. Obama's unpopularity and lack of response, especially on the recent News coverage of ISIS and Ebola hasn't helped. The Dems risk having no majorities or Presidency in 2016, if they don't learn to compromise on how hard they go left.. looking to pick up the swing vote from the middle.

Both parties don't seem to realize that a majority of people are split or in the middle of many political issues, not to the extremes.
 
The Democrats were handed such big losses, because they've pushed the liberal agenda too hard.

I wouldn't say that necessarily,

1) It's that they implemented many policies people believe haven't worked. can't blame them for that.

2) Their base generally doesn't vote during mid terms

3) thats just how the American Political Pendulum swings.

I wouldn't say with the gridlock in congress that the Liberal Agenda has been pushed very hard, America is still the same old Fast Food consuming, gas guzzling, corporate oligarchy it's always been.

There's alot of self congratulatory triumphalism among conservatives at the moment but I would remind them this now means they actually have to... you know... govern and it wasn't too long ago they were the ones being kicked out of congress on their ass. It will one day go the other way again.

My advice is stop congratulating yourselves and start getting down to work, if you've got the chops to run this country better than the democrats, you better start quick.
 
Big review set by Democrats after election losses
The Democrats were handed such big losses, because they've pushed the liberal agenda too hard. There weren't enough voters to counter the older and middle aged conservatives, who are afraid of the immigration issue, acceptance of LGBT community, social programs, legalization of marijuana, taxes and poor economic performance. Too much change, too soon got a lot of the older vote out, meaning the Dems need to slow their roll and find some middle ground. Obama's unpopularity and lack of response, especially on the recent News coverage of ISIS and Ebola hasn't helped. The Dems risk having no majorities or Presidency in 2016, if they don't learn to compromise on how hard they go left.. looking to pick up the swing vote from the middle. Both parties don't seem to realize that a majority of people are split or in the middle of many political issues, not to the extremes.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz would never recognize that she is part of the problem.
 
I wouldn't say that necessarily,

1) It's that they implemented many policies people believe haven't worked. can't blame them for that.

2) Their base generally doesn't vote during mid terms

3) thats just how the American Political Pendulum swings.

I wouldn't say with the gridlock in congress that the Liberal Agenda has been pushed very hard, America is still the same old Fast Food consuming, gas guzzling, corporate oligarchy it's always been.

There's alot of self congratulatory triumphalism among conservatives at the moment but I would remind them this now means they actually have to... you know... govern and it wasn't too long ago they were the ones being kicked out of congress on their ass. It will one day go the other way again.

My advice is stop congratulating yourselves and start getting down to work, if you've got the chops to run this country better than the democrats, you better start quick.

Those (1,2,3) are valid responses just not as relevant to what went wrong this go round. I live around a bunch of older people- who're both liberal and conservative, and I know what they've been talking about.

Agreed, we're still a plutocracy IMO, with most political issues still not addressing the growing class inequality.

Congratulating ourselves? You're lumping me in with conservatives because of an opinion? Wrong.

I believe the conservatives risk the same problem of over pushing their extreme views on a public that is overall leaning towards the liberal agenda. In time, the older conservative vote will diminish, leaving a lot of party shifting tactics. I also believe that Republicans are bigger obstructionists than Reid and Pelosi ever dreamed of being. Though, I see Obama becoming more flexible in order not to risk the next election cycle, by passing some bipartisan legislation.
 
Big review set by Democrats after election losses







The Democrats were handed such big losses, because they've pushed the liberal agenda too hard. There weren't enough voters to counter the older and middle aged conservatives, who are afraid of the immigration issue, acceptance of LGBT community, social programs, legalization of marijuana, taxes and poor economic performance. Too much change, too soon got a lot of the older vote out, meaning the Dems need to slow their roll and find some middle ground. Obama's unpopularity and lack of response, especially on the recent News coverage of ISIS and Ebola hasn't helped. The Dems risk having no majorities or Presidency in 2016, if they don't learn to compromise on how hard they go left.. looking to pick up the swing vote from the middle.

Both parties don't seem to realize that a majority of people are split or in the middle of many political issues, not to the extremes.

Very true, most of America is in the middle and not far right or left. I think 2010 results was because of the ACA, Americans like and will accept little steps, not one big belly splash. Then all the time the Democrats spent on healthcare, it was viewed by those in the middle as not spending that time on the economy and jobs. The American people elected Obama and the Democrats to fix the economy, dot dilly dally around with health care.

2014 is still being mulled around. But as much as 2012 are an anti Romney referendum helped by foot in mouth disease by Aiken and Mourdock, 2014 was a show of dissatisfaction with Obama. All one has to do is look at the president's approval numbers both nationally and in the states that went Republican.

My take on all of this. If you want a mandate and to remain in office do what the majority of people want you to do and do not do what the majority of the people don't want you to do. Govern center right or center left, not on the extreme edges. The number issue of most Americans is the economy, not immigration.

Here: MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE? THE ECONOMY

• 45 percent say the economy is the most important issue in their vote (out of four choices). That’s down from 2012 when 59 percent chose it and 2010, and 2008, when 63 percent said it was their top issue – but still a big number.

• Half of voters expect life for the next generation of Americans to be worse, by far the most to say so in exit polls asking the question back to 1996.

• Seven in 10 voters say the nation’s economy is in bad shape, fewer than in 2012, 2010 and 2008 -– but still seven in 10.

• Voters by 78-21 percent are worried about the economy’s direction in the year ahead.

For more:

National Exit Poll Reveals Major Voter Discontent in Midterm Elections - ABC News

If the Republicans want to be competitive for 2016 they will concentrate on fixing the economy, not immigration, ACA, or any other issue. Trying to push an Republican only agenda will lead to another voter revolt back to full Democratic control in 2016. So far neither party has learned its lesson.
 
Wasserman needs to accept that they are not right on the issues. Only then can the donkeys rebiild.

When Cali tells boxer and feinstein not to run again its time to rethink everything. Not just lipservice.
 
Debbie Wasserman Schultz would never recognize that she is part of the problem.

No, she's went a little bananas lately for some reason. I actually like her and think she's, usually, pretty smart and reasonable, except around election time.
 
The dems fail to understand local and state issues, they're federally centered. They fail to recognize that the rural population still exists in number and have no desire for the urban values the dems champion.
 
Congratulating ourselves? You're lumping me in with conservatives because of an opinion? Wrong.

Wasn't talking about you specfically sorry, was speaking more broadly at that point.

I believe the conservatives risk the same problem of over pushing their extreme views on a public that is overall leaning towards the liberal agenda. In time, the older conservative vote will diminish, leaving a lot of party shifting tactics. I also believe that Republicans are bigger obstructionists than Reid and Pelosi ever dreamed of being. Though, I see Obama becoming more flexible in order not to risk the next election cycle, by passing some bipartisan legislation.

I think we'll see some bi-partisan legislation as well.

Republicans will be looking forward to 2016 and aiming their guns at whatever democratic candidate looks good, Obama isn't on the ballot, tossing him a bone here and there won't matter much.
 
I wouldn't say that necessarily,

1) It's that they implemented many policies people believe haven't worked. can't blame them for that.

2) Their base generally doesn't vote during mid terms

3) thats just how the American Political Pendulum swings.

I wouldn't say with the gridlock in congress that the Liberal Agenda has been pushed very hard, America is still the same old Fast Food consuming, gas guzzling, corporate oligarchy it's always been.

There's alot of self congratulatory triumphalism among conservatives at the moment but I would remind them this now means they actually have to... you know... govern and it wasn't too long ago they were the ones being kicked out of congress on their ass. It will one day go the other way again.

My advice is stop congratulating yourselves and start getting down to work, if you've got the chops to run this country better than the democrats, you better start quick.
I think you touched on every major talking point put out by the left wing media. Congratulations.
 
I think you touched on every major talking point put out by the left wing media. Congratulations.

Is any of what I said untrue?

I have bashed the democrats who have failed to lead effectively and basically said to the Republicans, ok, show us what you can do.

But no, I suppose I didn't scream about freedom, god, and how the democrats are evil, therefore I'm using "Left wing talking points".
 
Wasserman Schultz said in a video announcing the project. "We know we're right on the issues. The American people believe in the causes we're fighting for.

That assumption right there may be the problem.
 
Very true, most of America is in the middle and not far right or left. I think 2010 results was because of the ACA, Americans like and will accept little steps, not one big belly splash. Then all the time the Democrats spent on healthcare, it was viewed by those in the middle as not spending that time on the economy and jobs. The American people elected Obama and the Democrats to fix the economy, dot dilly dally around with health care.

2014 is still being mulled around. But as much as 2012 are an anti Romney referendum helped by foot in mouth disease by Aiken and Mourdock, 2014 was a show of dissatisfaction with Obama. All one has to do is look at the president's approval numbers both nationally and in the states that went Republican.

My take on all of this. If you want a mandate and to remain in office do what the majority of people want you to do and do not do what the majority of the people don't want you to do. Govern center right or center left, not on the extreme edges. The number issue of most Americans is the economy, not immigration.

Here: MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE? THE ECONOMY

• 45 percent say the economy is the most important issue in their vote (out of four choices). That’s down from 2012 when 59 percent chose it and 2010, and 2008, when 63 percent said it was their top issue – but still a big number.

• Half of voters expect life for the next generation of Americans to be worse, by far the most to say so in exit polls asking the question back to 1996.

• Seven in 10 voters say the nation’s economy is in bad shape, fewer than in 2012, 2010 and 2008 -– but still seven in 10.

• Voters by 78-21 percent are worried about the economy’s direction in the year ahead.

For more:

National Exit Poll Reveals Major Voter Discontent in Midterm Elections - ABC News

If the Republicans want to be competitive for 2016 they will concentrate on fixing the economy, not immigration, ACA, or any other issue. Trying to push an Republican only agenda will lead to another voter revolt back to full Democratic control in 2016. So far neither party has learned its lesson.



The ACA has actually worked better than all the nightmare scenarios the Republican agenda was forecasting. That kind of nay saying that turns out wrong doesn't help their overall cause. It makes them look like big business lovers at working peoples expense.

Completely agree though that the extremists are starting to look crazy. They're emotional knee jerk reactions on important problems are sickeningly stupid and obstinate.

It is still "The economy, stupid". No matter where you stand, it's not going to be well with empty pockets. The sudden drop in gas is being offset by rising food prices, so we never gain any financial traction.
 
No, she's went a little bananas lately for some reason. I actually like her and think she's, usually, pretty smart and reasonable, except around election time.
You may be right because people have obviously voted for her, but perhaps I've only seen her at election time. It is her coarseness and hyperbole that seems, to me, unworthy of high level politicians.
 
Wasserman Schultz said in a video announcing the project. "We know we're right on the issues. The American people believe in the causes we're fighting for.

That assumption right there may be the problem.

It's not that the assumption is far off, it's the forcing it down peoples throats they don't like. I quit smoking but believe it should either be a choice, or phased out slowly over time. Sudden big pushes for change, even when they're right, are off putting.
 
The ACA has actually worked better than all the nightmare scenarios the Republican agenda was forecasting. That kind of nay saying that turns out wrong doesn't help their overall cause. It makes them look like big business lovers at working peoples expense.

Completely agree though that the extremists are starting to look crazy. They're emotional knee jerk reactions on important problems are sickeningly stupid and obstinate.

It is still "The economy, stupid". No matter where you stand, it's not going to be well with empty pockets. The sudden drop in gas is being offset by rising food prices, so we never gain any financial traction.

Honestly speak with some folks who didn't have insurance before Obamacare. It hasn't "worked" other than to increase premiums and decrease service for those who were already covered..
 
You may be right because people have obviously voted for her, but perhaps I've only seen her at election time. It is her coarseness and hyperbole that seems, to me, unworthy of high level politicians.


Yeah, she's much more tuned down in between cycles. And she had a serious health scare recently, which might have turned up her desire to enact change before something happens?
 
It's not that the assumption is far off, it's the forcing it down peoples throats they don't like. I quit smoking but believe it should either be a choice, or phased out slowly over time. Sudden big pushes for change, even when they're right, are off putting.

"We know we're right" and "the American people believe in the causes we're fighting for" are both assumptions that can't be quantified. On most major issues (the ACA, taxes, etc.) the American people are divided. Even on things that shouldn't be political issues such as SSM and abortion, the American people are divided. You could probably only get the American people to overwhelmingly support certain things like "let's not have a repeat of 9/11" and "child molesters are bad people". Other than that you're looking at slightly over half approval and agreement with her statement on any given day.

The Dems think government should be bigger and more powerful. Until that changes, I can't support them, generally speaking.
 
The ACA has actually worked better than all the nightmare scenarios the Republican agenda was forecasting. That kind of nay saying that turns out wrong doesn't help their overall cause. It makes them look like big business lovers at working peoples expense.

Completely agree though that the extremists are starting to look crazy. They're emotional knee jerk reactions on important problems are sickeningly stupid and obstinate.

It is still "The economy, stupid". No matter where you stand, it's not going to be well with empty pockets. The sudden drop in gas is being offset by rising food prices, so we never gain any financial traction.

Very true. I suppose the only question right now is will the Republican congress concentrate on what the voters deem important or will they ignore them and try to push their agenda. I am betting on the latter.
 
Honestly speak with some folks who didn't have insurance before Obamacare. It hasn't "worked" other than to increase premiums and decrease service for those who were already covered..

It's caused some increases and coverage cuts for people who had good insurance. But not to the degree that was being predicted, and some of that can still be ironed out. Healthcare cannot be something that is only provided and works for the people who can afford it.
 
Honestly speak with some folks who didn't have insurance before Obamacare. It hasn't "worked" other than to increase premiums and decrease service for those who were already covered..

The ACA has turned out to be a nice entitlement program. A means of making healthcare more affordable for those of us who didn't need the subsidies/handouts/insurance didn't happen.
 
I'm not sure Obama knows how to compromise, even with his own party.
The writing on the wall is with his pen and phone regarding immigration, a sure giveaway.
 
The OP isn't complete.

Do not discount the IRS calamity, as well as the actions of Holder and the DoJ. Add the federal actions and Obama comments on Trayvon Martin, the Benghazi debacle, the recent events in Ferguson and the administrations reaction, etc........

Then you have a sea of lighter fluid surrounding the immigration issue, and BOOM, you have last Tuesday.
 
"We know we're right" and "the American people believe in the causes we're fighting for" are both assumptions that can't be quantified. On most major issues (the ACA, taxes, etc.) the American people are divided. Even on things that shouldn't be political issues such as SSM and abortion, the American people are divided. You could probably only get the American people to overwhelmingly support certain things like "let's not have a repeat of 9/11" and "child molesters are bad people". Other than that you're looking at slightly over half approval and agreement with her statement on any given day.

The Dems think government should be bigger and more powerful. Until that changes, I can't support them, generally speaking.

Yes, I don't agree 100% with most of their positions, and probably almost half of the country is on the fence. Looking for fairness or a middle ground is where politicians succeed the best. The extremism responses are one upmanship in nature and emotionally based, not being reasonable. Neither side needs a large percentage of agreement to win seats, majorities or legislative votes.

Don't fool yourself Republicans want power and control, they'll just accept it under the guise of giving their corporate supporters more leverage.




Very true. I suppose the only question right now is will the Republican congress concentrate on what the voters deem important or will they ignore them and try to push their agenda. I am betting on the latter.


I don't know what they'll do, but they better try and look less like Dems or suffer a similar fate at the polls next time.
 
It's caused some increases and coverage cuts for people who had good insurance. But not to the degree that was being predicted, and some of that can still be ironed out. Healthcare cannot be something that is only provided and works for the people who can afford it.

And yet only 10-15% were previously uninsured. We could have easily choked up on that by just passing the no pre-existing conditions ban and kids being able to be covered under their parents' policies. All without the hubbub and in a bill anyone could read before voting on it.
 
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