Who are the groups to contribute to so we can keep going with the momentum that the left had during the election? We need to raise funds for and promote candidates for primary challenges who come from the "Democratic wing" of the Democratic Party. So, who to give to / work with?

This is why Act Blue and Accountability Now are still so vitally important.

We have to show that change is needed, and that there is punishment for those that want to persist in the old, failed ways.

Cheers,

Do I hear Entry of the Gladiators? It sounds like the band is tuned up, I hope they brought the dogs and ponies.

Out with the old, in with the old!

If they allow Lieberman to keep his post; if they block attempts to withdraw from Iraq; if they push to keep Gitmo open and the torturers in place; if they persist with their warrantless surveillance ... then they're virtually assured of praises heaped upon their reasonableness by the right wing, who will no longer use that "L"-word and portray them as weak and out of touch. The Kumbaya Moment!

Glenn, you wrote: "He has spouted the most defamatory attacks, not only against Barack Obama, but against war opponents generally."

To date, I have not observed Barack Obama exhibiting any sort of actual "war opponent" behavior. While he did at one time criticize the Iraq war, it seems it was more about style than substance. His statements, actions, and choice of advisors and associates since that time indicate he is anything but a "war opponent." Just to clarify your indirect association there.

...to quit sniffing glue.

Democrats HAVE learned something from 2002 and 2007: They've learned to get off their asses and get involved enough in the election of 2008 to elect a president and enough Rep's and Senators to tilt the balance of power in Washington back to the Democrats. Now let's see what they do with it; either sidestep the sinkholes that inevitably buried the Republicans (hubris and myopia) or re-read their own platform and stick to it.

Sometimes I wish the Democrats were as cantankarous and evil as the Republicans. Do you think if a sitting Republican Senator (now Independent) came out and ACTIVELY tried to get a Democrat elected president he wouldn't find, after the election ended and the Republicans were victorious, that his office had been moved to the basement, an Amish-like shunning from both his staff and his fellow congressman, and as soon as the Republicans took power, a lengthy investigation into every pecadillo, possible pecadillo, and outright fabricated pecadillo on the desk of Special Counsel.

Not to mention most people in this country are NOT interested in fighting another war in the Middle East (Iran) since, I don't know, we're pretty close to economic meltdown, and that's all Lieberman and his neo-con friends are interested in discussing.

ARGH. Damn the democrats. If they do this, I swear...

It would not be a Kumbaya singalong.

Of course, the Republicans leverage their power to maximize their influence, reward their friends, and punish their enemies -- you know, like an actual political party.

But that doesn't mean we should remain passive and quiet on issues that we know are going to be vehemently contested (and I don't think John suggested that). It isn't as though we don't know what these Democrats are and what they are inclined to do. We've seen them in action when in the minority and when in the majority, and nobody needs to sit around waiting as though we can't anticipate what's going to happen.

Bush the younger stated that an election was an "accountability moment" and that after that everyone just needed to shut up and let him decide things. (paraphrased, obviously)

Now, the Democratic Party seems to be saying to me that they appreciate all the support but it is time to shut up and let them do what is best. I sure hope that it is only appearance and that a President Obama will work to restore a lawful, measured, responsible government to the people.

I am not holding my breath over here, however.

I do hope you are wrong Glenn. I read your lead and skimmed the rest and will go back and read more carefully.

That Lieberman would serve as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is utterly chilling. I feel appropriately infuriated.

Now I will go back and read the rest more carefully.

Thank you so much for staying on top of things.

Regarding Lieberman, nearly half the country voted for the belligerent he was stumping for. Congressional democrats attempting to co-opt that flaccid mandate for themselves is hardly a surprise.

Democrats HAVE learned something from 2002 and 2007: They've learned to get off their asses and get involved enough in the election of 2008 to elect a president and enough Rep's and Senators to tilt the balance of power in Washington back to the Democrats.

The Democrats won in 2006 and took control of both the House and Senate. What did they do with it?

I can't though, because that would make me an anti-Semite. And I can't criticize Democrats either, because then I'd be pro-spine.

They're not listening. Remind them whose votes put them in Washington.

You can sign a petition to boot Lieberman, here, among other places:

http://action.firedoglake.com/page/petition/nomorejoe

Make calls with information here:

http://tools.advomatic.com/7/kickjoe

Reading your stuff sometimes induces an instantaneous, massive headache.

Today's one of those days.

OS hasn't even been coronated, and the Dems still suck. At least, it appears they do, until confirmed by the results of (Tuesday's?) secret ballot.

Thanks for the reminder...

Congressional Democrats certainly are intent on proving the right's favorite talking point in post-election analyses - that we are a "center right" country. Too bad we have to be reminded so soon...

For what it's worth I called Senator Dodd's office today here in CT to express my extreme disappointment with his apparent role in saving Lieberman's ass, and when I asked the staff person what kind of calls she'd been getting, she said "just like yours." So call em up, and if we make enough calls, maybe our elected officials will consider acting on the wishes of "the American people" they claim to be serving.