It doesn't matter if it's Ted Kennedy's Senate seat.
It doesn't matter if it's solidly blue Massachusetts.
It doesn't matter if it's a state that Obama won handily.
It doesn't matter if Democrats have a 60-seat Senate majority.
It doesn't matter if you have a candidate who's been a long-time Democrat with statewide recognition.
It doesn't matter if you win bi-partisan support for important legislation if you feel it's legislation worth passing the right way.
It doesn't matter what the industry lobbyists promise you if you know they are disingenuous in their promises.
So what matters?
- Nothing is given. You have to earn it. There is no room for complacency in politics.
- Meaningful reform has to be meaningful. Real reformers can see through the patina of "reform lite." It's disingenuous, and we don't care for it. We won't support it.
- Candidates matter. Remember this site is focused on one major rallying issue: getting the right kind of candidate elected to help push for the causes we support.
- Focus on the work. Don't be distracted by the easily manipulated news cycle. Organize. Fundraise. Get to know your electoral landscape for your particular local/statewide/national race. Get to know the constituency. Glenn Beck is a clown. O'Reilly is a clown. You know the other stars of the right-wing circus. Focus on the work.
- Quit worrying about coming off as too liberal. Who gives a flying fuck? Worry about getting the job done right. Believe in what you believe in and fight for your beliefs.
- Reconciliation means never having to negotiate with Joe. Or Ben. Or Olympia. Or Blanche. Or lobbyists. Or yourself.
- The electorate respects strength. So act strongly and swiftly where the path is true.
- Define yourself. Don't let the opposition define you.
- Money matters too much. Ideas matter too little. We need to tip that balance.
- When you think about politics look at your kids. Look at your folks. your friends. Your family. Think of how you want government to work for them. Think of how it isn't working for them. Change government for the better - for the people you love.
That's all I got tonight. We have lots of tomorrows to fight the good fight Kossacks. But the first tomorrow starts NOW.