Democratic Blogs

Fight the Fear

News from the DNC blog - Tue, 03/09/2010 - 16:37

Last week we learned that the express strategy of the Republican party is to use “fear” to stoke opposition to President Obama’s agenda for change. And as we approach the finish line on health insurance reform, we are seeing Republicans try to implement that strategy now more than ever.

Sensing change on the horizon, the insurance industry and their allies in the Republican party will say and do anything to protect their profits and political contributions. This shouldn’t be a surprise from the party that, instead of bringing you news ideas meant to help, brought you refrains of “death panels” and “government takeover” meant to scare.

On the campaign we fought smears by exposing misleading attacks quickly and forcefully and making sure people got the truth from their friends. We can use the same approach to defeat Republican “fear” tactics now. So, today we launched our “Fight the Fear” effort, and we need your help in aiding us to keep track of Republican “fear tactics.

As DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon wrote in an email to supporters:

We'll count on volunteers like you all around the country to let us know at FightFear@DNC.org when Republican candidates or groups:

-- Air misleading ads or offer false claims intended to poison the political debate,

-- Incite fear of President Obama and Democratic leaders in an attempt to stir up their base, or

-- Align themselves with the most extreme fringes of the Republican Party.

We'll read the responses and call out the most egregious examples to continually expose the GOP's fear tactics. And we'll hit back hard with the truth in ads and by organizing against the Republican candidates involved.

Together, we'll fight back and prove that Republican scare tactics are no match for our collective grassroots strength.

We’ve already heard from folks about a new Republican fear tactic hitting the airwaves in many communities across the country this week. The national Republican Party launched a new television ad this week featuring embattled RNC Chairman Michael Steele. The ad attempts to stoke fear that health insurance reform is a ‘massive government expansion’ that ‘threatens our freedom.’

There’s nothing in ensuring that every American has access to affordable, stable health insurance that represents a government takeover or that threatens anyone’s freedom. It’s a lie being perpetrated by Michael Steele and the national Republican Party meant to scare people and protect insurance companies, plain and simple. And we’re not going to let them get away with it. Here are the facts, and they’re not scary at all.

Health Insurance Reform Will Not Create a Government Takeover of Health Care

Politifact: “Obama Health Plan Does Not Call For Government-Run Health Care.” “Obama health plan does not call for government-run health care.” [Politifact, 3/5/09]

Factcheck.org: "President Obama Hasn’t Proposed A Government-Run [Health Care] Plan And, In Fact, Has Rejected The Idea." FactCheck.org: "President Obama hasn’t proposed a government-run [health care] plan and, in fact, has rejected the idea." [FactCheck.org, 5/6/09]

Factcheck.org: President Obama Hasn’t Proposed Government-Run Health Care. FactCheck.org: "We’ve written before about conservatives claiming that Congress, or Obama, or Washington, or Democrats in general want the U.S. to have a Canadian-style, government-run health care system. The truth of the matter is that the president has repeatedly said he doesn’t." [FactCheck.org, 8/10/09]

AMA President-Elect Reassured: Physicians And Patients Don’t Need To Fear The Rise Of A Monolithic Health System With No Choice From President Obama. The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported that “American Medical Association president-elect Dr. James Rohack told Mississippi doctors Friday…Physicians and patients don't need to fear the rise of a monolithic health system with no choice, because it's not something the American people would accept, Rohack said. The president didn't advocate a single-payer system for the United States at the meeting, Rohack said. Obama said he believes in access to health care for all with a system that is a mix of public and private sources with patients still able to see the physicians of their choice.” [Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 5/30/09]

Categories: Democratic Blogs

New campaign: "Fight the Fear"

News from the DNC blog - Tue, 03/09/2010 - 14:21

Last week, DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon sent an email asking supporters to help fight the RNC's scare tactics -- including Republicans' plan to run a campaign capitalizing on 'fear' of President Obama.

Today, the DNC is launching a new campaign to fight the GOP's fear-mongering, which will only intensify as the November election approaches. The new campaign asks volunteers around the country to speak up when they see misleading information or tactics that use fear to try and stir up their base.

Read today's email from Jen O'Malley Dillon thanking those who chipped in last week and announcing "Fight the Fear:"

I'm writing to thank you again for chipping in last week. With your help, we're going on offense against Republican fear-mongering and their outrageous depictions of President Obama and Democratic leaders.

It's working: The Washington Post, Associated Press, New York Times, and media outlets around the country have all run stories on the GOP's despicable fundraising strategy.

Republicans are back-peddling, scrambling to disassociate themselves from the presentation, even while following its prescriptions. And a conservative donor even called the plan "indefensible and destructive" and publicly announced that he'll no longer give to the RNC.

But as the November election approaches, we know that their scare tactics will intensify. So today, we're launching a new campaign, powered by your donation, called "Fight the Fear" -- and I wanted you to be the first to know.

We'll count on volunteers like you all around the country to let us know at FightFear@DNC.org when Republican candidates or groups:

-- Air misleading ads or offer false claims intended to poison the political debate,

-- Incite fear of President Obama and Democratic leaders in an attempt to stir up their base, or

-- Align themselves with the most extreme fringes of the Republican Party.

We'll read the responses and call out the most egregious examples to continually expose the GOP's fear tactics. And we'll hit back hard with the truth in ads and by organizing against the Republican candidates involved.

Together, we'll fight back and prove that Republican scare tactics are no match for our collective grassroots strength.

Thanks for being a part of it,

Jen

Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Recognizing Women's History Month

News from the DNC blog - Tue, 03/09/2010 - 14:02

This March, we recognize Women’s History Month.

From DNC Chairman Tim Kaine:

“Women’s History Month is an opportunity for our nation to reflect on and recognize the important role of women in our society. From the Seneca Falls Convention, to the 19th Amendment guaranteeing equal suffrage, to inspiring the Montgomery Bus Boycott, to Title IX, American women have a rich history of breaking down barriers.

“Democrats are proud that in the last year President Obama and the Democratic Congress have taken important steps on behalf of American women. Last summer President Obama nominated, and the Senate confirmed, Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, making her the third woman and the first Latina to serve in the nation’s highest court. Seven women (Hillary Rodham Clinton, Lisa Jackson, Janet Napolitano, Susan Rice, Christina Romer, Kathleen Sebelius, and Hilda Solis) currently serve in President Obama’s cabinet. President Obama pledged during the Presidential campaign that he would ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work, and he kept that promise. The first major piece of legislation President Obama signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which legally entitles women to equal pay for equal work.

“But we have much more work to do. Women have a great deal at stake with the President’s health insurance reform bill – women are often charged higher premiums than men and are denied coverage because of so-called pre-existing conditions like c-sections or domestic violence. Democrats are committed to passing comprehensive health reform legislation that will once and for all end gender discrimination in our health insurance system.”

DNC Women’s Caucus Chairwoman Mame Reiley:

“During March we reflect on the great strides women have made in our march towards equality, and we recommit ourselves to the work we have left ahead of us. Trail blazers like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, Rosa Parks and Shirley Chisholm laid the groundwork that has allowed today’s women to work in the professions of our choosing, pursue economic security, and seek elective office at all levels.

We have made great progress since we gained the right to vote in 1920 – women currently hold 76 seats in the House and 17 U.S. Senators are female. However, even though 53 percent of the electorate in 2008 was female, our elected bodies still do not reflect the composition of America. During Women’s History Month, let us remind ourselves of the progress we have made as we pledge to continue the work that our sisters began over 150 years ago."

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Morning Open Thread

News from the DNC blog - Tue, 03/09/2010 - 09:00

Good morning.

President Barack Obama reads a letter he received from Natoma Canfield of Medina, Ohio, during a meeting with insurance company executives hosted by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, March 4, 2010. Photo by Pete Souza.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

DCCC Chair Van Hollen Statement on Pennsylvania Democratic Party Announcing Support for Mark Critz

DCCC Blog - Mon, 03/08/2010 - 21:01

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement after the Pennsylvania Democratic Party announced they were supporting Mark Critz's candidacy in the upcoming 12th Congressional district special election:

"For years Mark Critz has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional district to help bring jobs and economic development to Western Pennsylvania.  His pledge to continue that work in Congress and his commitment to honoring our servicemen, women, and their families is unparalleled.

"Between his record as a public servant and his deep roots in the community there is no doubt that Mark is exactly the kind of leader the 12th district needs in Congress right now.  Just like he has done over the course of his career, Mark will serve Western Pennsylvanians well in Washington and we are proud to support his candidacy."

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Donna Brazile: “Protect voter gains of 'Bloody Sunday'”

News from the DNC blog - Mon, 03/08/2010 - 15:29

To commemorate yesterday's 45th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” DNC vice chair for voter registration and participation Donna Brazile published an op-ed on CNN on the progress made on voting rights as well as the struggles that continue up to today:

On Sunday we commemorate the courage and sacrifice of 600 men and women who dared 45 years ago to take the first steps in a 54-mile march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital, Montgomery, for the right to vote. That day, Sunday, March 7, 1965, would come to be known as "Bloody Sunday."

As these unarmed civil rights patriots attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, where fewer than one percent of eligible black voters were allowed to register, they were gassed and beaten with billy clubs by state and local police, some on horseback, ordered to break up the demonstration.

Captured by television cameras and broadcast nationwide, the suffering of these nonviolent activists, 50 of whom required hospitalization, awoke the nation's consciousness to the importance of voting rights and the entire civil rights movement.

Within 10 days, President Johnson would send a bill to Congress, the National Voting Rights Act of 1965, that would outlaw the discriminatory Jim Crow-era practices that had long worked to disenfranchise African-Americans and other minorities across the United States.

Brazile then goes on to detail some of the current fights in states across the country:

Last month, voting rights advocates filed suit against Virginia state election officials, following the advocates' investigation of rejected voter registration applications in 2008 from students at historically African-American Norfolk State University and the state officials' subsequent refusal to make certain voter registration records publicly available.

While Virginia was rejecting minority voter registrations in 2008, Colorado was purging voters from its registration rolls. Earlier this year, Colorado settled a lawsuit brought by Mi Familia Vota and other voting rights advocates. As a result of the Colorado suit, usage of lists of purged voters was stayed and the approximately 31,000 voters illegally removed from the registration lists were permitted to cast provisional ballots in the 2008 presidential election.

Forty-five years after Bloody Sunday, another march is under way, but it aims to turn back the clock on voting rights. Last month, the South Carolina state Senate passed legislation to require voters to show a photo ID before casting a ballot -- a measure that disproportionately excludes low-income, minority, elderly, and student voters, all of whom are less likely than majority voters to have ready access to a government-issued photo ID.

Brazile closes by highlighting several ways to improve our voting system, making sure every eligible voter has the right to have their vote counted:

We should start by modernizing the voter registration system by making it more automated and keeping eligible voters on the rolls permanently. We should take voting out of the artificial confines created by a limited and literal "Election Day" by providing for universal early voting.

To live up to our constitutional mandate to continue to form a more perfect union -- and to truly honor the brave men and women who marched and were beaten and bloodied, and especially those who were murdered defending their right to vote -- we have the duty to ensure that every eligible voter has an equal and meaningful opportunity to cast a ballot and have it counted.

Read the full op-ed on CNN.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Chair Van Hollen Announces Leadership of Key DCCC Committee Efforts

DCCC Blog - Mon, 03/08/2010 - 12:29

DCCC Press:

Braley, Schwartz, P. Murphy, D. Edwards to lead Red to Blue and Open Seat effort
Wasserman Schultz, Israel to have enhanced Incumbent responsibility

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Chris Van Hollen today announced the leadership for the Red to Blue program and additional assistance with incumbent protection.

DCCC Vice Chair Bruce Braley (IA) will join Representatives Allyson Schwartz (PA), Patrick Murphy (PA), and Donna Edwards (MD) as chairs of the Red to Blue Program for the 2010 cycle. The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support.  The very successful fundraising effort helped raise more than $26 million for Red to Blue candidates last cycle.   

DCCC Chair Chris Van Hollen said, “The DCCC is focused on not only protecting our threatened incumbents, but also staying aggressively on offense. The talented leadership of our battle-tested Red to Blue chairs Bruce Braley, Allyson Schwartz, Patrick Murphy, and Donna Edwards will ensure Democratic candidates have the infrastructure and support they need to be successful.”

Representative Bruce Braley, Vice Chair for candidate services, brings his experience from co-chairing last cycle’s successful and effective Red to Blue Program, and as a former beneficiary of the program. Representative Allyson Schwartz brings her experience as the chair of the DCCC Women LEAD program.  As a former member of Red to Blue, Representative Patrick Murphy brings firsthand knowledge that will serve Democratic candidates well this cycle.  Representative Donna Edwards knows what it takes to win tough races and will bring that experience and determination to the Red to Blue program.  All the Red to Blue chairs are members of the DCCC recruiting committee.

The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support.

In addition, Chair Van Hollen announced Vice Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Representative Steve Israel, chair of the DCCC Recruiting Committee, will take on additional responsibility this cycle with Democratic incumbents who are not on the DCCC’s Frontline Program.

“This is a tough cycle for Democrats and the DCCC is focused on preserving our gains.  Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Steve Israel’s savvy, battle tested leadership will be a real asset to our Members facing tough reelections,” said Van Hollen.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Monday Open Thread

News from the DNC blog - Mon, 03/08/2010 - 10:51

Good morning.

President Barack Obama signs the Travel Promotion Act in the Oval Office, March 4, 2010. Photo by Lawrence Jackson.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

On the Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Continuing the Fight for Voting Rights

News from the DNC blog - Sun, 03/07/2010 - 15:44

Forty five years ago today, 600 peaceful civil rights marchers attempted to walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. They didn't get far before they were beaten, gassed, and whipped. Their courage changed the perception of the civil rights movement permanently, and lead to passage of the Voting Rights Act to put a stop to efforts to keep minorities from voting.

The Democratic Party continues the fight for voting rights year-round. As we know too well, these struggles are not a thing of the past: Minority voters in particular still encounter obstacles at every step of the voting process, from registration to casting a ballot. Practices such as photo identification laws that respond to the made-up problem of voter fraud disproportionately exclude low-income and minority voters.

We are making definite progress -- but we won't stop working to promote a system of elections that is accessible, open, and fair in upcoming elections and beyond -- and ensure that every vote lawfully cast is counted.

You can read the statement from DNC Chairman Tim Kaine commemorating today's anniversary of Bloody Sunday below:

“This weekend marks the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, where some 600 civil rights marchers attempted to walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. They had only made it about six blocks, to the Edmund Pettus Bridge, when the marchers were met with tear gas and beaten by state and local officers with clubs. Horrific images from that day broadcast on television left an indelible mark on the American people. Later that year, President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, putting an end to poll taxes, literacy tests, and other efforts to keep minorities from voting.

“We have certainly come a long way since Selma. Last year, more than four decades after Bloody Sunday, our first African American President, Barack Obama, was sworn into office. For many, his Presidency represents the achievement of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream. But as we acknowledge how far we have come, we cannot allow ourselves to think our work is over to breaking down barriers for all Americans.

“Even today, decades after Jim Crow laws were struck down and four years after the Voting Rights Act was renewed, too many Americans still face discrimination at the polls and people are treated unfairly because of who they are or what they believe. That is why the President and the Democrats at all levels of government are committed to ensuring that every eligible American is able to cast a vote and have their vote counted. And it’s why the President and the Justice Department are making fighting discrimination a priority. President Obama’s signing of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which is named in part for James Byrd, who was dragged to his death behind a pickup truck in Texas because of the color of his skin, was just one step in the right direction.

“But there is more work to do. As we remember the brave men and women who marched 45 years ago, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that all Americans – regardless of race, color and creed – are able to live free from fear or discrimination and able to achieve the American Dream.”

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Weekend Open Thread

News from the DNC blog - Sat, 03/06/2010 - 09:02

Hello Weekend.

President Barack Obama goes over papers while on the phone in the Oval Office, Feb. 12, 2010. Photo by Pete Souza.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

"Stand with the President"

News from the DNC blog - Fri, 03/05/2010 - 17:36

From DNC Chairman Tim Kaine:

On Wednesday, President Obama clearly laid out his final proposal for health reform and insisted that the American people deserve an up-or-down vote on these critical measures.

He reiterated what Americans know all too well: We cannot delay any longer. The final march for reform begins now.

Democratic supporters like you are committing to work with President Obama in the crucial weeks ahead to finally get reform passed. Can you add your name?

The President has sought to incorporate the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans into his proposal and made a sincere effort at bipartisanship.

But he's also 100% correct to challenge the Republican plan to leave life-and-death decisions to insurance companies -- not patients and doctors -- making consumers vulnerable to discrimination and arbitrary denial of coverage.

Top Republicans from Michael Steele to Mitch McConnell have said that they will hold Democrats responsible for these reforms come November. I hope they do. If Republican leaders want to campaign on the belief that there is nothing wrong with the way insurance companies currently do business, then that's a fight Democrats are ready to have.

I'm proud that Democrats are the party that will put Americans in charge of their own health care by giving those with insurance greater protection against insurance-company abuse, covering millions of uninsured Americans, and bringing sky-rocketing costs under control.

But we need your help in the final march for reform to make this possible. Please sign up below to join in the campaign:

http://my.democrats.org/FinalMarch1

Thanks,

Governor Tim Kaine

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Up or Down Vote

DCCC Blog - Fri, 03/05/2010 - 15:51

Speaker Pelosi sent the following message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

I have some exciting news to share with you.

This week, President Obama issued a call to action to pass health insurance reform this month.

We will now move forward to push for an up-or-down vote on the final improvements on legislation to lower costs, improve quality, rein in the insurance industry, and expand access to quality health care for all Americans.

Even as we move forward to make history for the American people, the protectors of the status quo are not giving up. They have launched despicable attacks against President Obama, our Democratic Members of Congress, and me.

We cannot let them slow us down. Making quality health care affordable for every American is just too important for too many families to be sidelined by these political smear tactics. We are just $17,109 away from meeting our Emergency Rapid Response Fund goal before Monday's midnight deadline.

Please show your grassroots support for health insurance reform and help our Democrats who vote yes respond to the misleading attacks that Republicans have already begun.

Since the American people have waited long enough, we cannot and will not wait any longer. We must act now. We will act now.

Thank you,

Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Up or Down Vote

DCCC Blog - Fri, 03/05/2010 - 15:51

Speaker Pelosi sent the following message to DCCC supporters:                                                                                                        

Friend --

I have some exciting news to share with you.

This week, President Obama issued a call to action to pass health insurance reform this month.

We will now move forward to push for an up-or-down vote on the final improvements on legislation to lower costs, improve quality, rein in the insurance industry, and expand access to quality health care for all Americans.

Even as we move forward to make history for the American people, the protectors of the status quo are not giving up. They have launched despicable attacks against President Obama, our Democratic Members of Congress, and me.

We cannot let them slow us down. Making quality health care affordable for every American is just too important for too many families to be sidelined by these political smear tactics. We are just $17,109 away from meeting our Emergency Rapid Response Fund goal before Monday's midnight deadline.

Please show your grassroots support for health insurance reform and help our Democrats who vote yes respond to the misleading attacks that Republicans have already begun.

Since the American people have waited long enough, we cannot and will not wait any longer. We must act now. We will act now.

Thank you,

Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Fear, socialism, and Blackwater

News from the DNC blog - Fri, 03/05/2010 - 11:55

From DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon:

Yesterday, reporters exposed a confidential Republican National Committee fundraising proposal, uncovering their plan to run "an aggressive campaign capitalizing on 'fear' of President Barack Obama and a promise to 'save the country from trending toward socialism.'"

The memo even included grotesque caricatures of Democratic leaders -- including Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Cruella De Vil and President Obama as the Joker from Batman.

This is the GOP we're now up against: Desperate, shameless, and willing to deceptively play on the worst emotions of people to tear down the President.

We're ready to go toe-to-toe with the GOP. We'll prove that this kind of politics is no match for real grassroots strength and a commitment to making America better -- but we need your help. Please donate $5 or more today to help us fight back.

This past week has brought a barrage of outrageous news about Republican tactics.

Politico is reporting that the same memo outlining their "fear" strategy indicated that the RNC is cynically seeking to further weaken campaign finance reform to up their cash intake.

And National Journal, a Capitol Hill newspaper, found that Republicans are launching robocalls around the country calling health reform "dangerous." These calls are designed to poison the debate around health care at a critical moment -- and are happening right as they hit up insurance company executives for huge contributions.

And to top it off, they're holding an upcoming fundraiser at a compound run by the controversial military contractor formerly known as Blackwater.

Enough is enough. We are ready to fight back with rapid-response teams, truth-telling ads, and the best grassroots organizing anywhere. But we need your help to make it happen. Can you donate $5 or more to help out?

https://my.democrats.org/HelpFightBack3

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

Please donate

Categories: Democratic Blogs

New Republican Front Group Has History of Hateful Rhetoric

DCCC Blog - Fri, 03/05/2010 - 11:49

DCCC Press:

The leadership of the League of American Voters, a new Republican front group fighting against health insurance reform, has a long history of hateful rhetoric including claiming that President Obama, "will help create a danger as great as that posed by the Nazis to the Jewish people." The leadership of the organization, which has already been forced to modify its false advertizing, has compared President Obama to Hitler on numerous occasions including the outrageous claim that Obama poses the same threat to Jews that Hitler did.

"Over the past year, Republicans have employed a lot of extreme language but the hateful rhetoric of the leadership of the League of American Voters is unacceptable," said Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "Claiming that President Obama’s policies are equivalent to the mass murder of Jews is despicable and it is time for Republicans in Congress to disavow this hate group that is working on their behalf."

Background

• The League of American Voters, a new Republican front group fighting against health insurance reform, has been forced to modify its false advertizing. [Media Matters for America, 3/3/10; Syracuse Post-Standard, 3/3/10]

• Morton Pomerantz, one of the four staff members of the League of American Voters, wrote a Newsmax column arguing that Obama posed as great a threat to the Jewish people as Hitler did. He wrote, “It is no coincidence that we are witnessing this level of hatred toward Jews as President Barack Obama positions America against the Jewish state… And if his views are not vigorously opposed they will help create a danger as great as that posed by the Nazis to the Jewish people.” [Newsmax, 6/10/09; League of American Voters Staff]

• Phil Brennan, one of the four staff members for the League of American Voters, wrote a Newsmax column arguing that the election of then-Senator Barack Obama would be a repetition of the German people backing Hitler in the 1930s. Brennan wrote, “Like the German people of 1932, many Americans seem to be willing to put our future in the hands of a messianic leader with abundant oratorical gifts, a questionable and largely unknown past and a unshakable conviction born of a socialistic background that America can spend its way out of a debacle initially caused by trying to spend our way into prosperity.” [Newsmax, 10/10/08; League of American Voters Staff]

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Friday Open Thread

News from the DNC blog - Fri, 03/05/2010 - 09:00

Happy Friday.

President Barack Obama holds conference call from the Situation Room of the White House concerning the earthquake in Chile, Feb. 27, 2010. Pictured are, left to right, Tom Donilon, deputy national security advisor, Rajiv Shah, administrator of USAID, and Rahm Emanuel, White House chief of staff. Other Cabinet officials joined the meeting by phone. Photo by Pete Souza.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

The President's Message to Supporters: We need you in this final march for reform

News from the DNC blog - Thu, 03/04/2010 - 20:10

Following yesterday's announcement on moving forward with health reform, President Obama recorded a special video message for supporters:

After calling on Congress to move ahead with a vote, the President laid out the forces opposing reform and asked supporters for their help in this final push:

"The special interests are marshaling their forces for one last fight to save the status quo. We cannot let that happen. That’s why I’m asking you to summon the energy, the commitment, and the drive that has fueled this movement since day one. I need you to work the phones, walk the streets, talk to your neighbors, and debunk the myths about our plans in this final march for reform. And I need your help in urging all Americans who want this reform to make their voices heard too: every parent, every business owner, every patient, every doctor, every nurse."

You can sign up here to stand with the President and fight for reform in these final weeks -- and stay tuned for national actions and local events in your community.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

In the News: "An impassioned demand for swift action on health care"

News from the DNC blog - Thu, 03/04/2010 - 16:15

Here is some of the news following President Obama's speech calling for swift action on passing health reform legislation:

Boston Globe – “Obama steps up health care pressure: Tells Democrats it’s time to bypass GOP objections”

President Obama increased the pressure on Congress yesterday to take an up-or-down vote on his health care package, calling on Senate Democrats to bypass a Senate filibuster and revive the stalled legislation over the objections of Republicans. Obama’s comments, the strongest public tactical direction he has offered in the 15-month battle over health care overhaul, were welcomed by Democrats...

San Francisco Chronicle – “President Obama pushes for vote on health care”

Making an impassioned demand for swift action on health care, President Obama on Wednesday called on Congress to vote on sweeping legislation "in the next few weeks," even if that requires Democrats to move forward without Republican support. It was the strongest, most specific language the president has used to drive his health care plans forward. And he set a clear timeline for wrapping up the drama that has now run for more than a year.

PA – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – “Seniors can’t afford to wait for health care reform”

President Barack Obama yesterday renewed his call for Congress to enact real health reform this year. I hope the members of Congress heed his challenge. America's seniors should hope so, too. The health care proposal under consideration would increase funding for the Medicare drug benefit, create more options for seniors who rely on home and community-based care and strengthen the safety net for those who require long-term services and supports. These initiatives would benefit seniors enormously. Consider the Medicare drug benefit's notorious "doughnut hole." Today, once seniors have spent $2,830 on drugs, they're forced to cover the full cost of their medicines until their out-of-pocket expenses have reached $4,550. This coverage gap can make prescription drugs prohibitively expensive for many seniors. For many, it means the choice between food and medicine. The health care proposal would shrink the doughnut hole.

New York Times – “The Democrats’ Choice”

Republicans’ lock-step opposition to comprehensive health care reform seems to be as much a matter of politics as principle. The multiple sniping has forced the Democrats to consider amending the Senate bill by “reconciliation,” a procedure that can sidestep a Republican filibuster. Don’t be misled by Republican charges that the president is planning to “ram through” reform with a rarely used maneuver. The Senate already has approved its bill with a 60-vote majority. Both parties have used reconciliation in the past. The Republicans happily used it to approve the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and 2003.

Washington Post – “Members of Congress get the same choices as the rest of us”

"My proposal," Obama said today, "would give uninsured individuals and small-business owners the same kind of choice of private health insurance that members of Congress get for themselves." It's worth noting that this is more than a rhetorical flourish. It's Section 1312 of the bill…”

Categories: Democratic Blogs

GOP's 2+2=4

News from the DNC blog - Thu, 03/04/2010 - 15:09

Republican major donor target: THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY:   Photographic evidence of closed door strategy sessions reveal Republicans targeting “Insurance Industry” for “major” contributions.  “Amid a flap over an embarrassing fundraising presentation, another presentation appears to show at least one state GOP is ready to reap rewards from the insurance industry, which could open the party up to charges that it is in the pocket of an industry that would be hurt by health care reform.  A photo posted to a Facebook profile of the ND GOP appears to show a recent RNC campaign school presentation Part of that presentation included laying out the state party's fundraising goals, one of which is to hit up the insurance industry for $50K.  Under the "Major Donors" category, "Insurance Industry" is listed next to a figure of $50K.” [Hotline OnCall, 3/4/10]

+ 

Republican strategy is to play to “FEAR”:  Secret document reveals Republican strategy is to play to "fear." “The Republican National Committee plans to raise money this election cycle through an aggressive campaign capitalizing on ‘fear’ of President Barack Obama and a promise to ‘save the country from trending toward socialism.’ The strategy was detailed in a confidential party fundraising presentation...” [Politico, 3/3/10]

=

Republicans launch misleading attacks against Health Insurance Reform:  Republicans launch robocalls calling health reform "dangerous."  “National Repubicans are planning to unleash a huge wave of robocalls tomorrow targeting dozens of House Dems and warning their constituents that Obama and Nancy Pelosi are plotting to “ram” their “dangerous” health reform plans through Congress.” [WaPo, 3/3/10]

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Code Red

DCCC Blog - Thu, 03/04/2010 - 12:42

Executive Director Jon Vogel just sent this message to DCCC supporters:                                                                                                      

Friend --

See full size below*

Republicans know that this is their last chance to stop health insurance reform and they are moving in for the kill.

They just launched a major attack called "Code Red" aimed squarely at Democrats who support health insurance reform. The Republicans have even set up a war room, and launched attack ads and robocalls in pro health insurance reform Democrats' districts.

This is our last chance to show House Democrats that grassroots supporters have their backs as Congress prepares for the final votes to bring this across the finish line.

Help us raise $100,000 in the next 48 hours for our Emergency Rapid Response Fund so we can fight back against the Republicans' massive new attack and finally bring health insurance reform across the finish line.

This fight will be won by whichever side fights harder in this last critical phase.

Victory is within our grasp.

Thank you,


Jon Vogel
DCCC Executive Director

P.S. With Republicans pushing hard to stop health insurance reform and even setting up a war room, we need a massive response. Help us meet our 48-hour goal of $100,000 so we can fight this latest wave of Republican attacks and show House Democrats that grassroots supporters like you have their backs in the final phase of this fight.

*Full size RNC fundraising document:

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