The daunting task of getting enough workers to get petitions signed discourages most everyone. If petitioning were done online, it might be different. As for shifting contributions around, it’s like fiddling with interest rates to adjust the economy. It’s not what makes things happen.

So what to do? An interesting attempt took place right here on FDL with Facebook. The idea was to create an interactive online community. As far as I can tell (I registered for Facebook but couldn’t find FDL)it didn’t do more than the comments section of any post.

As for a third political party..that won’t work yet. The ground has not been prepared. The first thing we need is a way for lots of people, say several thousand, to discuss issues and reach conclusions online. I have no idea how to create a computer moderated discussion. Comments sections are fine but you see how unwieldy they are. Finally we need a network of localities. I suggested putting public checkbooks online and linking towns. That got no response. Think of our need as a community Myspace or Facebook, something that deals in group rather than individual reality. From there we might move further.

Marion in Savannah

kirk murphy, if you’re really looking I hope you find a happy roost.

Thank you, Marion. I really am – I hope I do too.

Eli @ 123

Oops, forgot to say: Iraq could be the key to the Democratic nomination. None of the top three would commit to getting troops out by 2013(!). …

On Meet the Press Edwards said he planned to get all the combat troops out a quick as he could safely do so, except for those needed to defend them embassy.

Why do you say NONE of the “top 3″ committed to getting them out?

Hillary and Barack haven’t commited to getting all the troops out, all but those needed to defend the embassy or any other huge number. In fact they seem serious about staying, defending the embassy and permanent bases and executing combat missions AND preparing for “the next war” with Iran.

Clinton & Obama want to stay in.

Edwards will withdraw them!

John Edwards for president — (if you listen carefully) Leadership OUT of Iraq.

Admittedly from Dodd’s site, but…

“Will you pledge that by January 2013, the end of your first term, more than five years from now, there will be no U.S. troops in Iraq?” — Tim Russert

Barack Obama: “I don’t want to make promises not knowing what the situation is gonna be three or four years out.”

Hillary Clinton: “I agree with Barack.”

John Edwards: “I cannot make that commitment.”

Eli @ 109

…
I also like Edwards the best out of the top three, …

Oops, forgot to say: Iraq could be the key to the Democratic nomination. None of the top three would commit to getting troops out by 2013(!). …

On Meet the Press Edwards said he planned to get all the combat troops out a quick as he could safely do so, except for those needed to defend them embassy.

Why do you say NONE of the “top 3″ committed to getting them out?

Hillary and Barack haven’t commited to getting all the troops out, all but those needed to defend the embassy or any other huge number. In fact they seem serious about staying, defending the embassy and permanent bases and executing combat missions AND preparing for “the next war” with Iran.

Clinton & Obama want to stay in.

Edwards will withdraw them!

John Edwards for president — (if you listen carefully) Leadership OUT of Iraq.

I can’t do this work because I am crippled. But Sacramento is full of enthusiastic, hard-working REAL Democrats, who would be glad to do the heavy work.

I know Lungren has an opponent — and he has to be better than Lungren and the BushDogs.

But this has happened the past few elections. Lungren is off the radar screen — and he mustn’t be. Democrats can walk and chew gum at the same time.

Well. That was fun. Now it’s time for me to totter off to bed. Have a grand evening, and I’ll catch y’all at about 6:30 or so in the morning, with coffee and breakfast.

Marion, I don’t get to see you too often. We are on totally different schedules. Thank you so much for all you contribute to our community.

So the question is, how do we fix this? Obviously we can’t just make primary opponents appear. Stoller recommends that the netroots support progressive primary challengers wherever they appear, to encourage any potential candidates who might otherwise be scared off by the fundraising and resource challenges.

I agree with MattS. There’s no way to quantify some potential pool of contribution money. When people get excited and some campaigns have a rousing effect, even those who have only $5 to give will contribute. I think being from CT, what I saw was people getting excited in a state that is usually politically comotose, and the Lamont effect prevailed with two other seats (& will hopefully richochet on Shays next time around.). When dead beats are on the ticket it just sucks. It’s a downer. its the HoJoe effect.

allan_in_upstate @ 341

The high tech lynching of the Frost family by Right Blogistan hits the front page of the NYT.

Excellent.

no doubt they read Christy this morning.