Local Wisdom
A perfect example of why I will be reading local blogs for primary coverage, Iowa political sage David Yepsen explains why the International Association of Fire Fighters union endorsement will help Dodd:
In a precinct caucus fight, support from a local fire fighter can prove pivotal. The neighborhood fire fighter is usually a respected person who is trained to act quickly in a crisis. In the hectic commotion of a Democratic caucus, having that leadership take charge and rally your people can attract others to your preference group. Just ask Kerry.Seems kind of obvious when you read it. But I would have otherwise thought of the endorsement as a nice media event, a cool picture, a flexing of political strength. But if Dean's failure in Iowa teaches us anything, it's that the caucuses are about very intimate local settings, in which people judge each other as people. With that in mind, a local firefighter is obviously a good ally.
Update: Karen Tumulty should read local blogs.
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I wonder who'll get the endorsement of the International Association of Pizza Deliverers.
August 29, 2007 8:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Mention of the "Military-Industrial Complex" as reason for the Iraq War and the atrocities being done for its survival seems tough for the MSM to digest. Thus I am putting this item in the blogs for all to see:
Whistleblowers on Fraud in Iraq Facing Penalties
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/08/24/ap4052736.html
Sorry if it not directly pertinent to this item. But you have got to read it!
August 29, 2007 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sphealey why would you rank this a 0?
August 29, 2007 10:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
Because it is completely off-topic and he has posted it at least 5 threads (all off-topic) that I have been able to find so far.
sPh
August 29, 2007 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
allwar: I see that although you've been a member for some time, you haven't posted much here at TPM Cafe, so maybe you just don't know the best way to publish the issues you believe are important. Have you ever considered posting your topic in your personal blog? You're much more likely to find a more postitive reaction to your information that way, rather than when you hijack someone else's topic. And you can add quotes from your article and your own personal commentary about why the issue is important. All TPM Cafe members have a blog; if you're unfamiliar with how to post to yours, check the FAQ.
"If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail." ~~ Abraham Maslow
August 29, 2007 11:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
And now he is spamming it across dozens of liberal blogs. Which is the usual pattern for people who either A. have a wild hair in their ear or B. are paid trollers.
You might want to rethink that 5.
sPh
August 29, 2007 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Got it. Didn't realize he was spamming other things. Re-think I have.
August 29, 2007 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
explains why the International Association of Fire Fighters union endorsement will help Dodd
yes and no. if people are making mindless choices, we'll get the situation of 2004 where bush and kerry each got about half.
in that election, the union first went with gephardt, then they split on dean and kerry, I think. while these endorsements certainly get press, I don't think they help explain the candidate to america.
i.e. if kerry had had a solid base-- not sheeple based, the people would have rose up for kerry when they learned about the voting irregularities in Ohio but-- since many people chose via a proxy, that didn't happen-- my opinion.
for things to change, there has to be a broad perception of a mandate and bush was smart enough to see that he had fooled the people and, thus, he claimed the ability to mandate himself. regardless of dodd's supporty, I hope that people confirm-- for themselves, that he's the guy to run america.
To boldly go...
August 29, 2007 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
This post makes a good point, but the same is true for most of the other skilled trades as it is for the IAFF members. Anyone who is a memberof the Carpenter's, the Pipefitters, etc... is typically someone who is respected in his/her community so numerous candidates will have the benefit of this kind of endorsement. Granted, the IAFF is very active and very good at mobilizing its members for political action, but you will find similar effectiveness in most of the skilled trades where the actions of members are important in securing the benefits of membership, etc...
August 30, 2007 9:40 PM | Reply | Permalink