Tag Archives: political strategy

Will outside groups crush Dems?

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Gloria Feldt

Do you think it’s too late for Obama to redeem himself, as this question seems to imply? If you were advising him, what would you say? And do you think insurgent movements like Occupy Wall Street can help re-inspire the progressive base?

Arena Asks: Democrats across the country are preparing for an onslaught of attacks from American Crossroads, an independent fundraising group that bombed the 2010 elections with negative ads.

Even President Obama seems to acknowledge the shift in power. Will these outside groups give Republicans a big advantage in 2012? And is Obama right to consider himself an “underdog?”

My Answer:Unfortunately for Democrats, the only antidote to democracy is more and better participation in democracy…

Posted in Activism, Election Watch, Media, No Excuses, Political Strategy, Politico Arena, Politics, Power | Tagged 2012 Elections, American Crossroads, Citizens United, fiscal and social policy, get mad and get even, Gloria Feldt, Obama, Occupy Wall Street, political strategy, Politico Arena, right-wing religious fundamentalist, Tea Party, underdog | 2 Comments

Should voters consider candidates’ religious beliefs?

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Gloria Feldt

Don’t get me wrong: I think religious literacy, as in knowing the history and beliefs of various religions including one’s own, is important for every citizen. And in answer to the question of whether voters should consider candidates’ religious beliefs, I should have added that people need to understand what each of the candidates’ religious beliefs are so as to understand better how that individual might govern. Beyond that…well, read on and let me know what you think.

Arena Asks: Bill Keller, executive editor of The New York Times, writes that the religious beliefs of Republican presidential candidates should be a factor in voters’ decisions. Does Keller have a point? Or does this view, as conservative radiotalk show host Hugh Hewitt suggests, “stoke the fires of religious intolerance by turning this presidential campaign into the occasion for an inquisition into all of the Republicans’ religious beliefs?”

My Answer: I do not care what people believe. I care what they do…

Posted in Activism, Election Watch, Leadership, Media, No Excuses, Political Strategy, Politico Arena, Politics | Tagged American values, Bill Keller, conservative radiotalk, Gloria Feldt, Hugh Hewitt, Michelle Bachmann, political strategy, Politico Arena, presidential campaign, religious literacy, Republican presidential candidates, Rick Perry, Tea Party, The New York Times | 3 Comments

Is Rick Perry dumb?

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Gloria Feldt

When you have Kinky Friedman, shame on him, lauding Rick Perry’s charms, you must believe with perfect faith that the Politico Arena question of the day can only be answered one way. Read on please and tell me what your answer would have been.

Arena Asks: Doubts about Gov. Rick Perry’s intellect have hounded him since he was first elected as a Texas state legislator nearly three decades ago.While Texas loyalist reject the suggestion, Perry seems to almost welcome the low bar, even cracking on the campaign trail that there were few differences between he and former President George Bush. Does Perry’s attitude threaten to derail his presidential race if he continues to compare himself to Bush?

My Answer: Dumb like a fox…

Posted in Election Watch, No Excuses, Political Strategy, Politico Arena, Politics, Power | Tagged Al Gore, George W. Bush, Gloria Feldt, good 'ol boys, Kinky Friedman, political strategy, Politico Arena, presidential race, Rick Perry | 4 Comments

Will Bachmann Fizzle Like Dean?

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Gloria Feldt

Politico’s Arena asked a really interesting question today. I’d love to know what you think and whether you agree with my assessment. Am I too optimistic? OMG I hope not!

Arena Asked: Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.) is drawing comparisons in her Republican presidential bid with another longshot candidate – Howard Dean, for a few months in 2003-04 the leading Democratic contender to challenge President George W. Bush. Both have drawn big summer crowds by pledging to confront