We think we already know how to contest the political high ground with the radicals in the GOP. But many of our candidates face opponents who can be expected to veer toward the middle for the general election, and almost all will face GOP opponents who will do so on at least one issue. In standing up to both the extreme and moderate faces of the GOP, Liz Warren tonight conducted a Senior Seminar in her debate against Scott Brown demonstrating how to stand up against all stripes of GOP bullying, hypocrisy, lying and word-salad blathering.
The best illustration of what I say can be found by watching the actual debate, semi=conveniently provided by WBZ, the Boston CBS affiliate that broadcast the event.
Part I
http://boston.cbslocal.com/...
Part II
http://boston.cbslocal.com/...
Whether or not you do that, you need to check out the fabulous live blog on the rec list that details the individual exchanges of the debate. Equally worthy of attention is the front page piece by Joan McCarter.
Follow along into the tall grass to reflect a little more on the importance of the first debate of the Senate race in Massachusetts.
Joan McCarter nailed it, of course, in her title. Every one of our races needs to become focused on the only important question about any of the candidates in this election: Whose side is he or she on?
Time after time in tonight's debate, Liz Warren was able to refocus the subject on drawing that distinction with Brown. 1% messaging has become a dominant meme of the election this cycle thanks to the occupy movement. The American electorate has never been more in tune with the message that the super rich are out to exploit them and are getting away with bloody murder under the GOP. Women get it. Hispanics get it. African-Americans get it. Almost everybody but the grumpy, old, rich white guys get it, and a few others they can bribe to go along.
Anyway, Liz Warren kicked ass during her debate tonight, and along the way, showed every blue candidate in the country how to stand up for our side and push back against the idiotic rage of the GOP.