Legal Commentary

Taliban Dan

By Big Tent Democrat

Via Digby, that's how Alan Grayson refers to his opponent, Daniel Webster, in the reelection contest in his central Florida district. Are you fainting yet? Anyway, here is an interesting observation:

Grayson mobilizes and energizes his diverse base: African Americans, Latinos, Jews, gay men and lesbians, union members, pro-choice activists and younger “‘Daily Show’ Democrats,” who, like him, do not hesitate to criticize their party’s leadership for insufficient fervor and a promiscuous eagerness to compromise. Their enthusiasm and their commitment, Grayson says, can make up for their smaller numbers in the otherwise moderately conservative district. If he manages to win despite the expected GOP wave — regardless of his margin — the lesson for Democrats will be clear.

“If Grayson wins,” said Aubrey Jewett, associate professor of political science at the University of Central Florida, “and especially if many other congressional Democrats lose, the lesson for the Democratic Party will be clear: A winning strategy for Democrats in swing districts involves energetically advocating progressive positions rather than muddling policy differences for the moderate voters.”

Indeed.

Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on September 19, 2010 (boomark / email).