Creating a Trigger for Campaign Contributions in 2010 and 2012

by: tremayne

Fri Oct 23, 2009 at 20:00


Various outlets (see Quick Hits on the right) are reporting that the White House and/or Nancy Pelosi are moving away from a robust triggerless public option and toward accomodating Olympia Snowe. Others say these stories are a fiction.

Instead of adding to the he said/she said on that I'd like to propose a new kind of trigger and here it is:

If a trigger-based public option passes Congress and is signed into law the entire netroots, or as much as we can corral, withholds all campaign contributions to the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Organizing for America for the 2010 and 2012 campaign cycles.

No money to these groups. None for the next 3 years. Instead, we only give money to those leaders or groups we know fought to do the right thing. Open Left does a great job highlighting these Better Democrats and other groups advancing progressive causes.

So this shouldn't be too hard a sell on this site. But should we work to spread this idea throughout the netroots?

Are you in?

tremayne :: Creating a Trigger for Campaign Contributions in 2010 and 2012

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Creating a Trigger for Campaign Contributions in 2010 and 2012 | 52 comments
And how! (4.00 / 2)
Though I don't give to those groups now so I won't help you that much.  
of course I'm in (4.00 / 2)

I am SO there (4.00 / 8)
that I've already jumped the gun. I don't torture the poor phonebankers, but I do ask them to convey the message that the DNC won't get another dime from me until someone in the leadership of that organization starts acting like a Democrat again. They know I mean it, too, 'cause I was reasonably generous when Howard Dean was running the place  I'd never, ever give a nickel to the DCCC or the DSCC. They have their own patrons, and it's not as though I don't know who they work for. Besides, if I'm gonna play the idiot, I'd rather someone deserving be the beneficiary of my moments of weakness.
I'm IN! (4.00 / 4)
I'm not a big giver as I always felt giving money for political purposes was an absolute waste of my hard earned dollars.  However, we did give multiple $25. donations in support of Obama on this last 2008 campaign cycle.

While I'm unemployed right now, I can already assure you the donations will never pick up again if a reasonable PO does not end up in this bill!

I'm so pissed at Dems acting like Reps that I can hardly stand it.  Bill Nelson is going to have a hard time getting my vote the next time he is up for re-election, just for one example, and he would never get a dime of my money.

I don't mean to laugh...but you gave $$ to Obama.... (0.00 / 0)
and now you're in a position not to have anymore to give.

Ummmmmm.  See any connection there?  A lot of his "friends" are making money hand over fist while the rest of us are in the crapper.

Who'd a thunk it?  (Me!!)

[ Parent ]
Don't be cruel (4.00 / 2)
to a heart that's true.
[ Parent ]
Rub it in (0.00 / 0)
Not necessary. As a fellow stuck without a chair when the music stopped (let's see, that would be within weeks after Obama, finally, negligently, idiotically won the nomination) I've learned my lesson. No need to rub it in.
[ Parent ]
I can't blame Obama yet... (4.00 / 2)
The seeds for this downturn were sown long before Obama took over so I don't blame them for that.  I have survived an average of one layoff a year for nearly 30 years so my time in the barrel just came up.  

Actually, I'm really thankful to have subsidized COBRA for nine months, plus unemployment, and I got some stimulus (ARRA) training funds which were also highly appreciated.

But, I am really disappointed in the lack of leadership on the PO from Obama.  This "I support it" the PO, but I won't work for it really bothers the heck out of me.  Show some spine for gosh sakes!   This is hard, but shouldn't be near as hard as they are making it.

[ Parent ]
I love the idea...BUT.... (4.00 / 2)
why were so many so blind in 2008 to put us in this position in the first place?

Obama was never a "Democrat" (with a capital D) and you should not be surprised at the baloney that he supports now.  

A lot of people are a day late....and many dollars short.

You can't change the past (4.00 / 9)
but you can change the future. This is a good place to start.

Montani semper liberi
[ Parent ]
Still sipping that Kool-Aid? (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
so what (4.00 / 1)
you work with what you have and start from there!
[ Parent ]
And yet, he ran the most liberal campaign in a generation.... (4.00 / 2)
What were our other realistic choices?  Hillary "reduce the gas tax like a republican" Clinton? John "I DID have sex with that woman" Fraud Edwards?

And don't mention Kucinich... he's barely a viable candidate in his district, much less the state or the country as a whole.


REID: Voting against us was never part of our arrangement!
SPECTER: I am altering the deal! Pray I don't alter it any further!
REID: This deal keeps getting worse all the time!

[ Parent ]
Please don't disparage Bill Bradley like that (0.00 / 0)
I know that he got no media traction, and that the internet excitement wasn't there then, but that was a hell of a progressive challenge.
[ Parent ]
He simply lied. (0.00 / 0)
There's no other answer - unless he was such an empty suit he never understood his puppet masters.

He pulled the wool over a lot of hopey-dopey eyes.

[ Parent ]
respectfully (4.00 / 4)
consider taking your hopey dopey dance back to NoQuarter.
[ Parent ]
I don't go to NoQuarter (0.00 / 0)
I'm more into Chris Floyd and Ian Welsh and Lambert/Corrente.  No hopey dopey there, either!  Just open eyed truth seekers.

Sadly, the truth often hurts - America, this time.

[ Parent ]
Obama is only a moderate, but... (4.00 / 1)
   But he is still the most Progressive guy to reach the White House in many, many years.
  Bill Clinton was not perfect. I am glad that he balanced the budget and paid down the debt. But I have second thoughts about his support for NAFTA.
  But Clinton failed on universal health care, and Obama is nearing the finish line. Really, we should appreciate the fact that our current White House is more Progressive than it has been since Reagan's first year in 1980.
  Obama seems to be a compulsive moderate, rather than a true Progressive. So, we have to "make him do it".
  I WILL sign on this "donor strike" campaign. It would be nice to not have to coerce "our" party into doing the right thing, but you have to "fight with the army you have, not the army you wish you had".

Luke 12:48 "to whom much is given, of him shall much be required". Would Jesus want progressive taxation, or regressive taxation?
[ Parent ]
Never A Democrat? (4.00 / 2)
Clearly, Random Internet Commenter is right up there with Some Guy With A Sign in bestowing the title of True Democrat.

Do you also help to determine True Scotsmen?

[ Parent ]
We weren't blind at all (4.00 / 4)
We were fending off naked fascism in 2008. Now we are fending off covert fascism.  
[ Parent ]
I agree with the planned trigger for donations, and support (4.00 / 2)
organizing it.

However, it must be done in a manner that improves the ability to govern. Not decreases it. Lengthens and deepens the chance of people to govern themselves. Protect the democracy.


--

The government has a defect: it's potentially democratic. Corporations have no defect: they're pure tyrannies. -Chomsky

[ Parent ]
And that's better how? (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Already there (4.00 / 6)
I have for the last few months ben taking every opportunity to decline to contribute to any - ANY - organized Democratic group. When I get those calls I give them an earful instead. But, I am respectful of the volunteers who make the calls since they are not the problem and we need to show them respect for their effort.

Not one more dime to backward Democrats! I will give as much as I can to true Progressives.

same here (4.00 / 6)
I did give to the DLCC once this year, because the state legislative races are especially important right before reapportionment, but the DNC, DSCC, and DCCC are getting nothing from me. Neither are "21st Century Democrats" and various other groups that have been calling.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.
[ Parent ]
I was there two months ago (4.00 / 4)
I gave during last cycle and 2006. And I gave to Obama. Not anymore. I did give to Grayson last week, and Take Action Minnesota (our local progressive canvassing/lobbying/direct action group).
I've been in on this since 2004 (4.00 / 2)
Fvck the DNC, DSCC, DCC, and OFA. They don't care about our concerns, they shouldn't get a dime from us. There are local races, local ballot issues, and individual candidates nationwide that won't get the time of day from Democratic institutional funds like the DNC, DSCC, DCCC, and OFA. They need our support, they deserve it. Let the DNC, DSCC, DCCC and OFA rot.
Yes indeed (4.00 / 2)
I rarely contributed to those groups before, but never now that the netroots have taught me how campaigns are financed.  I once thought candidates raised all their own money and I didn't appreciate the role of DCCC and DSCC.  Your campaign will teach more people how it really works and how they can have some impact.
we shouldn't give to them anyway (4.00 / 4)
By now everyone reading Open Left, should donate to individual candidates.  

New Jersey politics at Blue Jersey.
A "small donors general strike" (4.00 / 5)
I like it.

Montani semper liberi
Makes sense (4.00 / 5)
I mean, really, we don't "know" that a public option is necessary, so a trigger makes sense. We also don't know if Democratic candidates need campaign cash. Let's wait and see if they get defeated, then we'll know for sure if they need it or not.

Conduct your own interview of Sarah Palin!
I have what I think is a better idea (4.00 / 4)
Why not have a money bomb for the public option?  If the public option passes without an opt in / out, the money gets evenly split between the DSCC and DCCC.  If it doesn't pass, the money returns to those who donated it.

I think this kind of campaign could be very effective in the future.

Not sure if that's legal... (0.00 / 0)
...may violate some arcane campaign finance law, but, I think it's a great idea!

REID: Voting against us was never part of our arrangement!
SPECTER: I am altering the deal! Pray I don't alter it any further!
REID: This deal keeps getting worse all the time!
[ Parent ]
Think you're right. (0.00 / 0)
But it could have two donations, and choose.

--

The government has a defect: it's potentially democratic. Corporations have no defect: they're pure tyrannies. -Chomsky
[ Parent ]
I like it too. (0.00 / 0)
How could you get it going?  
[ Parent ]
I'm in (4.00 / 1)
Sounds like a good idea to me.  If Obama doesn't fight for a strong public option, I can't WAIT for his campaign to call for a donation in 2012.
Forget the national party (4.00 / 1)
The netroots should focus almost entirely on electing state reps this cycle in an attempt to control as many legislatures in advance of the 2010 census.
i've been holding donations to all those groups since (4.00 / 2)
obama supported the bank baiout. so hell yeah
I'm in (4.00 / 1)
I've pulled back from politics and retrenched a bit since the emotional rollercoaster of '04, '06 and '08 and haven't given any money to anyone, but if they fuck this up I'm going to be fully raging recharged for shit-stirring the Democratic party for another three election cycles or so...
Why don't you set up a petition, I will sign it (4.00 / 2)
I pledge to give no money to the DNC, DSCC, DCCC, or OFA for the next three years unless we get a robust public option.
What is your definition of.... (0.00 / 0)
"Robust Public Option"?

No one can define it.  But everyone is clammering for it.

Where's the leadership?  Where is anyone who can explain what they mean by this phrase?  Certainly not in the democratic party or the current "administration".

Single Payer Medicare for all...now that is a robust public option.

[ Parent ]
robust is rates on the public option tied to Medicare (0.00 / 0)
It would be Medicare + 5%.

This kind of public option would REQUIRE health insurance companies to actually work for a living.

Reports now are saying this is a non-starter in the Senate, thanks to GOP and ConservaDems.

No more money to ConservaDems, or the organizations that support them.

[ Parent ]
Considering that I never donate to anyone (I'm poor!) (4.00 / 1)
this won't be a problem for me.

But how bout groups like PCCC?

I'm in... (4.00 / 1)
Who do you serve when the rubber hits the road?

You serve the money or the people.  It's real simple.

Wanna serve the money?  Not getting mine then.

You had me at "various." (4.00 / 1)
Yes, yes, and yes. I am so in. This is a no-brainer.

miasmo.com
I suggest Larry Lessig's Change-Congress.org (4.00 / 2)
I've put the bill numbers - S.752 and HR 1826 on my refrigerator, along with the two DCCC letters that I got back-to-back. That's to remind me to explain to the caller that he/she should take the message back that I want them to support the Fair Elections Act Now. That left the last person "scratching his head," I think! Great feeling to be able to counter the ask with a greater ask.

This works when responding to e-mails as well, for example, Majority Leader Reid:

"Can I count on Sen. Harry Reid to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Fair Elections Now Act?"
"The bill is S.752 in Senate, HR 1826 in House."

Change Congress addendum (0.00 / 0)
There's no HOME button, but click on their logo instead. Also, Joe Trippi is co-founder.
[ Parent ]
I sent the DLCC letters back with a note GET A ROBUST PO, THEN (0.00 / 0)
I MIGHT CONSIDER A DONATION!!


[ Parent ]
I Agree With The General Thrust Of This Diary/Thread (4.00 / 3)
     I would add for $60 a year, $5 a month only, one can become a "sustainer" for Progressive Democrats of America.  While PDA may seem, at times, not able to compromise when necessary, I am starting to realize there are serious merits to this approach.  Also, I think PDA and the liberal/progressive netroots can work together to forge a strong alliance, even when there are differences.
PDA has some excellent veteran leaders; this can be supplemented w/ the netroots' power.
   
Good Idea - (4.00 / 1)
Not only NOT donate money to mainstream Democratic organizations, but YES donate money to confirmed progressives.

Maybe this could be the start of a national third party that might actually work!

[ Parent ]
Already there. (4.00 / 1)
I've been a card carrying member of this "club" since Obama's FISA vote.  And, have had similar conversations with the national Democratic apparatus as described by William Timberman.  I will note that I've not been approached by the DNC since the conversation where I stipulated my donation was contingent up on a specific Obama response to a FOIA request.  The stunned caller asked me to clarify that my donation was contingent.  Yep.  They should call me back after that decision was made.  They haven't called me back... but, then Obama failed to affirm the FOIA demand - instead going back to court to preserve state secrets.  The DNC and I have been at stalemate for awhile.
Like so many others in this thread (4.00 / 1)
I'm already doing this. I politely inform the phone operators for DCCC and DSCC that I'm donating to Democracy For America instead.

Save Our Schools! March & National Call to Action, July 28-31, 2011 in Washington, DC: http://www.saveourschoolsmarch...
I've NEVER donated to the DP or any of its organizations, (0.00 / 0)
or any organization that supports anti-left, anti-progressive, pro-war, pro-Wall St, pro-NAFTA, etc candidates -- and I never will.

I have donated to individual progressive, lefty candidates (regardless of Party affiliation) and will continue to do so.

The real power for progressives, lefties, peace & justice folks is in their vote -- definitely NOT in their wealth, because the left can't compete against Big Capital's wealth in the bribe -- uh, I mean, "contributions" arena. The "malefactors of great wealth" can simply up the ante in that game. The vote is another story.

Unfortunately, most people are so wedded to the eViL-lesser  fallacy that they regularly waste their vote -- throwing that real power away -- on Big Capital's approved candidates.  

Creating a Trigger for Campaign Contributions in 2010 and 2012 | 52 comments
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