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FWD BLOG: Dems need a “Rockstar” Nominee in 2016 - Jim Webb has played the role before and other candidates should pay attention to how he did it!

11/20/2014

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With the announcement on webb2016.com today that the former Virginia Senator is creating an Exploratory Committee to run for President the Democratic race has pseudo-officially begun so it’s a good time to not just throw out endorsements but start a dialogue about what it will take for ANY Democratic candidate to win in 2016….but especially an underdog who is trying to beat the “inevitable” nominee Hillary Clinton.

And it just so happens that even though Jim Webb might not be the insider’s darling yet he could be the most qualified to become the next Obama-like rockstar in 2016.

Even before Obama, Jim Webb’s 2006 Senate campaign laid down the FIRST blueprint for what a “winning” grassroots campaign could be in the 21st Century after Howard Dean pioneered the internet and people-driven strategy in 2004.

First, whether by accident or design, Webb was actually “drafted” to run thanks to the efforts of bloggers Josh Chernila and Lowell Feld as chronicled in the book “Netroots Rising.” A passionate economic populist BUT also a war hero and served as Navy Secretary under President Reagan was the kind of mix Democrats needed in a state like Virginia.

Since he owed his candidacy to people asking him to become a candidate, he smartly let his supporters keep driving the bus with more creativity once the campaign officially began.

As many probably recall, his campaign’s opposition tracking led to the legendary “Macaca” moment where an Indian-American campaign worker was welcome to the “REAL Virginia” during his speech by Republican candidate George Allen...the first political gaffe to destroy a politician via YouTube.

But aside from finding aggressive ways to expose the racism of his opponent, it also meant aggressive ways to mobilize people on the ground FOR the candidate. That mean that volunteers were given the power to innovate under the guidance of Chernila as Grassroots Coordinator of a volunteer community called The Brigades - the alumni chapter is home to some of Northern Virginia’s strongest activists to this day.

But aside from a focus on the typical volunteer roles of door knocking and phone calls, the Brigades were also about proactive outreach efforts. After the “Macaca” incident South Asian volunteers branded themselves as “REAL Virginians for Webb” with their own T-Shirts and Business Cards. Then I had an idea for reaching another demographic we created a Generation Webb program that featured a website with videos and events to reach young voters.

Hence, after an improbable primary victory just four months after announcing his candidacy, Jim Webb pulled off a legendary 9,000-vote general election upset victory against a presidential hopeful that wound up flipping the Senate to the Democrats. Virginia has been a “purple” state ever since.

So, how does this all translate into 2016 for Jim Webb or any other candidate? Here are 4 key ways:

1) Be a Rockstar!

As they say, Democrats want to fall in love while Republicans fall in line.



To win, you need to do more than come up with a brilliant policy idea or wait for an opponent’s gaffe to create a wave of support, you need to inspire an aura of excitement. The critics probably don’t see a new one on the horizon but there’s an easy way to remedy that: start being awesome!

As proven by Webb as well as “Straight Talk Express” John McCain or Ron Paul you don’t have to be superficially charismatic, attractive or unique as a person to make it happen if your CAMPAIGN is attractive and unique...especially if you can build a brand as an authentic and even reluctant citizen leader not just an ambitious professional politician. 


Actions speak louder than Words.



2) Be an “Explainer-in-Chief!”

Everyone was so enamored with how President Clinton explained the President’s record at the DNC Convention in 2012 but his message should have been old hat already if the party was doing its job. As Jim Webb does in his campaign video above, he is also willing to educate his audience on the issues and won’t just throw out a series of talking points. He also will take the time to promote his record of achievements which is even more important to show proof you can get results.

This is also true because the winning candidate will need President Obama to improve his poll numbers and the best way to do that is to highlight what has worked in the last six years. And President Obama is right that it is a problem for ALL Democrats because his policies are their policies too.

There will be pressure on candidates to distance themselves from the President and I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities for that but this is the best way to win over the Obama loyalists and persuadable people who are down on him because the media only covers the overblown crisis-of-the-minute like ISIS or Ebola.


3) Be a “Hope & Change” Candidate!

Not only should candidates support the President’s record, they should also share his “Yes We Can”-themed and “Pragmatic Progressive”-focused messaging. Everyone is going to start wondering if Jim Webb is going to run to Hillary’s Left but I don’t think it was ever clear that Barack Obama was despite his Iraq War opposition. The perception that someone is THE “progressive” candidate can easily label someone as the fringe option not as a mainstream player. If Jim focuses on his positive message and his ability to listen to new ideas, compromise and make government work he will avoid the trap that other insurgent campaigns get into when they focus too much on ideology as some kind of partisan warrior.


4) Be a “Grassroots” Candidate!

Democrats talk a lot about progressive values but they also have to practice what they preach with a campaign operation that learns from the President’s previous campaigns and Webb’s pioneering Brigades team. When you match people-driven policies with people-driven politics you get better results so that means more money invested in digital and field outreach (including attractive salaries and work requirements to attract the best talent) and less devoted to annoying and ineffective TV ads. 


You create buzz among the base by informing and building a relationship with them as part of a team that is part of a broader movement not by treating them like one-way email pen pals that constantly owe you a bigger allowance.



SUMMARY:
The bottom line is Democrats need to start building on these lessons if they want to succeed again. There are no excuses anymore as there are are more registered Democrats than Republicans in America and demographics are leaning their way every day. Hence, the country is becoming more progressive on issues ranging from the minimum wage to gay marriage to marijuana.

Yet Democrats succumb to the hype of right-wing scare tactics and how well they can target ads or raise online dollars they will continue to lose to a party that is fighting to take away our Rights and kill the American Dream in plain sight as their primary agenda.

Like Jim Webb, I underwent a political transformation myself after seeing this occur over the years and especially after witnessing the fraud and incompetence of the Iraq War. And I believe Democrats can not only win but create a mandate if they are more strategic and an even “inclusive” when it comes to persuading men (especially younger “Sportscenter” voters) by speaking the stats-savvy language of a Nate Silver or Ezra Klein so they don’t think the Unemployment rate is 32% for example.

Time will tell if 2016 candidates will proudly exclaim “Yes We STILL Can!” and get to work.


About “Forward Progressive” Blog:

Jim McBride is a social and media strategist was the Founder of Generation Webb and Generation Obama-Washington, DC chapter as well as one of the lead organizers of Virginia For Obama’s grassroots-led primary campaign. He is currently the President of the grassroots community Netw
ork For Progress and has over 20 years in communications and political work.
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11/18: NationBuilder's 2014 Social Media Post-Mortem

11/17/2014

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RSVP & SEE WHO ELSE IS COMING
NationBuilder, Phone2Action, Terra Eclipse, and Peak Capitol Strategy invite you to join a panel of speakers in discussing the role social media played in the 2014 midterms.

This is a free event with food and a happy hour following the event, but you must RSVP as space is limited.


WHEN

November 18, 2014 at 6pm - 8:30pm

WHERE
The Loft, 600 F St NW. Washington, DC
Google map and directions

CONTACT
Nathan Adams · nadams@nationbuilder.com


The current panelists are: 

Beth Becker  
Beth Becker of Becker Digital Strategies brings 20+ years of communications and marketing background to politics where she consults for numerous House campaigns, non profits, and unions. Beth's favorite part of her job is conducting trainings about digital strategy for the New Organizing Institute, clients and conferences like PA Progressive Summit, and Netroots Nation. As a contributing blooger at epolitics.com and avid activist, Beth shares her knowledge to help the progressive movement use digital strategically with offline to win. When she's not working she can be found at the nearest shoe store or on Twitter @Spedwybabs.

Dmitri Mehlhorn
Dmitri Mehlhorn is a partner with Vidinovo, a network of operating executives who invest together in data, healthcare, and education businesses.  Mehlhorn has written about market-friendly progressive solutions in journals such as The Atlantic, the Daily Beast, Fordham Law Review, Citizen Stewart, OnLabor, Dropout Nation, and the San Diego Union Tribune.  He has earned degrees in politics, policy, and law from Stanford, Harvard, and Yale respectively.   

As a political activist, Dmitri has co-founded several groups focused on market-friendly advocacy.  In 2003, he co-founded Hope Street Group, a 501c3 national nonprofit focused on centrist innovation in healthcare and education.  In 2010, with former Washington DC Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, Mehlhorn co-founded and served as COO of StudentsFirst, a 501c4 focused on K-12 education.  In 2011, Mehlhorn founded and chaired the Great New England Public School Alliance, a group funded by Michael Bloomberg and focused on electoral advocacy in New England.  Dmitri has also supported civic life in Los Angeles, California, where he has family and lived for several years.  Recently, Dmitri served as Senior Advisor to Mayor Eric Garcetti to support the new administration on strategic, organizational, and talent management matters. Mehlhorn has also served on the boards of other market-oriented groups.  

Michael Moschella 
Michael Moschella is the Vice President of Organizing, Politics & Advocacy at NationBuilder. He has been at the forefront of the leadership development and civic engagement community for over a decade.

Prior to joining the team at NationBuilder, Michael served as Chief Organizer and Political Director for the Truman National Security Project and the Center for National Policy.

In addition to his work at Truman, Michael is a founder and current Secretary of the Board of Directors of New Leaders Council, which runs 30 highly selective civic leadership training institutes across the country.

Michael is a native Bostonian, a graduate of Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations and Boston College High School, and is a huge Boston sports fan.

Ross Parman
Ross Parman is the Deputy Director of Social Media at the Republican National Committee. He was previously a Senior Communications Strategist at New Media Strategies, where he consulted on social media strategy, content development and crisis and risk management for corporations, trade groups and government clients. This is his second election cycle with the RNC. Twitter: @TheBuckingham


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UPCOMING EVENTS -> 11/6: WNDC presents Amy Goodman & Karaoke in the Capital! & AGRP Networking Panel & YNPN Speed Networking! 11/12: Digital District's Elections & Advocacy! 11/13: WIN's 25th Anniversary Celebration!

11/5/2014

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11/6: Woman’s National Democratic Club
presents
Amy Goodman

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Thursday, November 6, 2014       
6:00-8:00 p.m.

$20 Members; $25 Non-members (one complimentary drink)

Woman's National Democratic Club
1526 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington DC 20036

Amy Goodman American broadcast journalist, syndicated columnist, investigative reporter and author. She is the host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, a national, daily, independent, grassroots global news program airing on over 1,200 public television and radio stations and the Internet worldwide, bringing alternative voices that are often excluded by mainstream media. She also writes a weekly column (and audio podcast).

She is the recipient of the Thomas Merton Award in 2004, a Right Livelihood Award in 2008, and an Izzy Award in 2009 for "special achievement in independent media". In 2012, Goodman received the Gandhi Peace Award for a "significant contribution to the promotion of an enduring international peace". In 2007, she received the James Aronson Award for Social Justice Reporting. Goodman has received the American Women in Radio and Television Gracie Award; the Paley Center for Media’s She’s Made It Award; and the Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship, George Polk Award, Robert F. Kennedy Prize for International Reporting, and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award.

Goodman is the author of five books, including the 2012 The Silenced Majority: Stories of Uprisings, Occupations, Resistance, and Hope, Breaking the Sound Barrier (2009), Standing Up to the Madness: Ordinary Heroes in Extraordinary Times (2008), Static: Government Liars, Media Cheerleaders, and the People Who Fight Back (2006) and The Exception to the Rulers: Exposing Oily Politicians, War Profiteers, and the Media That Love Them (2004).

REGISTER
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11/6: Association of Government Relations Professionals’
Young Leadership Network 
presents
“Networking for a Job: How I Utilized My Contacts”
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REGISTER


11/6: Young Non Profit Professionals’
Speed Networking 

@ Board Room!
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REGISTER

11/6: AAPC Mid-Atlantic Chapter 
presents 2014 Karaoke in the Capital!
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http://karaokeinthecapital.com

Each year for one night only Democrats, Republicans, the media, special interests - and even people who could care less about politics - come together to sing badly for a good cause.

Part of the proceeds benefit Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. 

RSVP & SHARE ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1651240825102716
(this attendee list is much smaller so far)

REGISTER


11/12: Digital District’s
“Elections & Advocacy in the Digital Age” Panel
@ The Loft

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REGISTER


11/13: WIN’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
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Thursday, November 13

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

The Frederick Douglass Museum, 320 A Street NE 
(Capitol South/Union Station)

Celebrate 25 years of the Women's Information Network (WIN)'s work to inform, connect, and empower pro-choice, Democratic women! On November 13, we're hosting a cocktail celebration honoring WIN's Leadership. Join us to mix and mingle with like-minded women over wine and appetizers.

REGISTER
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FOLLOW #N4P VIA EMAIL, FACEBOOK & TWITTER!
(includes Career Progress, Comm Tech 4 Progress, Campaign 4 Progress, Advocate 4 Progress, Serve 4 Progress, Policy Progress, Grassroots Progress, Progress Office and Jim’s Forward Progressive blog)
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UPDATED! 11/1-11/4: Ways to Help Get-Out-The-Vote to #SaveTheSenate & #ProtectOurProgress + Election Party @ Local 16!

11/4/2014

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Read & Share Why We Should #KeepCalmVoteDem!
NEW: Join the DNC Voter Protection Team!
Find out the Who, When, & Where for Voting Early or on Election Day!
GET INVOLVED!
 JOIN THE N4P “GET-OUT-THE-HOPE” DRIVE:
http://n4pgetoutthehopedrive.eventbrite.com

(RSVP to connect with Network For Progress Members at volunteer events and for carpools)

N4P Contact: Jim @ 703-867-5070 or network4progress@gmail.com


- SPECIAL EVENTS - 
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*** NoVa Rallies for Senator Mark Warner ***
with House candidates Don Beyer & John Foust!


Old Town Alexandria “Fair Shot” Rally
with Senator Mark Warner, Senator Tim Kaine, and Ambassador Don Beyer

Monday, November 3
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Old Town Alexandria Market Square
301 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314

RSVP: http://markwarnerva.com/alexandria-rally


Share on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1479750795621772



Sterling “Fair Shot” Rally
with Senator Mark Warner, Senator Tim Kaine, and John Foust

Monday, November 3
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM


Sterling Community Center
120 Enterprise St, Sterling, VA 20164

RSVP: http://markwarnerva.com/sterling-rally 

The polls are tightening so get involved at http://markwarnerva.com
and sign up for the volunteer events below!



***11/4: Election Night Watch Party ***
hosted by Women’s Information Network
& New Organizing Institute

@ Local Sixteen (U Street)

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REGISTER HERE!

- VOLUNTEER EVENTS - 


URGENT: DNC Voter Protection Hotline Volunteers Needed!

The Democratic Party's Voter Protection Hotline is still recruiting volunteers to assist voters at DNC HQ on Election Day! Lawyers, law students, and others interested in working to #ProtectVotingRights are encouraged to sign up by 5pm Monday:
http://bit.ly/1vFXmkC

(All shift and training times are flexible - and food and coffee will obviously be provided!)

Please feel free to contact Anna at cloetera@dnc.org if you have any questions!



*** How You Can Help #SaveTheSenate! ***
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/senate/2014_elections_senate_map.html

HERE ARE THE MUST-WIN TIGHT RACES TO DONATE, VOLUNTEER & SHARE:
North Carolina
http://www.kayhagan.com @KayHagan
Colorado
http://markudall.com @MarkUdall2014
Georgia
http://www.michellenunn.com @MichelleNunnGA
Iowa
http://www.brucebraley.com @TeamBraley
Kentucky
http://alisonforkentucky.com @AlisonForKY

OTHER TARGETED RACES FOR YOU TO DONATE, VOLUNTEER & SHARE:

Louisiana
http://www.marylandrieu.com @MaryLandrieu
Alaska
http://www.markbegich.com @MarkBegich
Arkansas
http://pryorforsenate.com @PryorForSenate
South Dakota
http://rickweiland.com @People4Weiland
Kansas
http://www.ormanforsenate.com @ormanforsenate
(dem-learning Independent)



Make #SaveTheSenate Calls @ Home!
(various candidates/shifts available)
http://pol.moveon.org/2014calls/home_shift_signup.html

OR
http://act.democracyforamerica.com/survey/gotv2014


Make Calls for House Races @ Home!
http://social-organizing.dccc.org

includes DCCC-targeted NoVa’s John Foust For Congress (VA-10) but to get a daily link to even HIGHER priority calls then email Jim @ network4progress@gmail.com

*plan out a time to make 10 calls and if that goes well make 10 more!


DNC Phone Banks 
with Obama For America Alumni & N4P & GO-DC! 


10am - 9pm
Saturday, 11/1
Sunday, 11/2
Monday, 11/3
Tuesday, ELECTION DAY!



DNC HQ, 430 South Capitol Street SE
@ Capitol South Metro
(Walk south on 1st St toward Tortilla Coast -> Right on D St -> Left on NJ Ave -> Right for Ivy St entrance)


Please bring a laptop & a phone so we can do virtual phone banks/get on the dialer and avoid data entry!

We will have pizza on Monday and Tuesday at 6pm but need people to bring their own food over the weekend and will need more donations to get enough food for Monday and Tuesday:

Sign Up for DNC Phone Banks:
Final week of 2014 GOTV

(not required to attend)

Can’t attend but want to help?
Donate funding for food and transportation for people who can knock and call:
Donate to GOTV 2014



 - OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES -

*** Anthony Brown For MD Governor ***
http://anthonybrown.com/offices



*** 10/28-11/4: AFL-CIO Phone Bank Center ***

815 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC
@ Farragut Metros

10am-8pm 10/28-10/31, 11/3-4
10am-4pm Saturday, 11/1
12pm-4pm Sunday, 11/2

RSVP: Kate Shaughnessy, Kshaughnessy@aflcio.org


*** 11/1-4: NARAL Pro-Choice America ***
Phone Banks & Campaign Invasion


1156 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(McPherson/Farragut North)

*Pizza will be provided!

Saturday, 11/1: GOTV Phone Bank
Sunday, 11/2: GOTV Phone Bank
Monday, 11/3: GOTV Phone Bank
Election Day GOTV Phone Bank

Saturday, 11/1: NARAL Campaign Invasion for John Foust (VA-10)


*** Help #FlipADistrict with John Foust for Congress & #SaveTheSenate for Mark Warner! ***

This DCCC-targeted race is considered a “Toss Up”:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/house/2014_elections_house_map.html

Plan a time to make 10+ Calls @ Home!
http://social-organizing.dccc.org
find John Foust (VA-10) on the map to start OR for access to a daily link with the HIGHEST priority calls to targeted voters email Jim @ network4progress@gmail.com!

Bus Trips for Door knocking & on-site Phone Banking:

Date       Pickup                     Time             Destination              Return 
11/1       Washington, DC     9:00a.m.       Sterling Office        7:00p.m.
11/2       Washington, DC     9:00a.m.       Manassas Office    7:00p.m.
11/3       Washington, DC     9:00a.m        Leesburg Office     7:00p.m.
11/4       Washington, DC     9:00a.m.       Sterling Office        7:00p.m.

If you need more information call the Field Director, Samir Sheth at (901) 409-9331. 

Sign up for a shift here: http://tinyurl.com/nnq2ya5


FULL Volunteer Shift schedule!

10am, 1pm, 4pm, 6pm 11/1-11/4
(phone banks start at 1pm)



PRIORITY LOCATIONS:

Leesburg Office
(Emily Mills & Jenny Kaplan)
101 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA.
Regional Field Director: Josh Yazman, 703-304-8282, jyazman@vademocrats.org


Manassas Office
(Ronny Lau and Rachel Kottler)
9411 Main St. Manassas
Regional Field Director: Robert Campeau, 616-916-2557, RCampeau@vademocrats.org


Sterling Field Office
(Susan Balding and John Mulligan)
10 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 80, Sterling, VA
Regional Field Director: Erica Constance, 504-710-1723, Erica@vademocrats.org


METRO-ACCESSIBLE DC-AREA LOCATION:


McLean HQ 
(Devan Kerley)
6888 Elm Street, McLean, VA
Regional Field Director Erica Constance, 504-710-1723, Erica@vademocrats.org
FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NETWORKS 4 PROGRESS!
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UPDATED! DC/MD/VA & USA Voting & Candidate Information + DC debates & newspaper endorsements!

11/4/2014

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BE AN EXPLAINER-IN-CHIEF: Why We Should #KeepCalmVoteDem!
GET INVOLVED" How You Can Get-Out-The-Vote!
It’s time to show candidates the reasons you #TurnOutForWhat!


WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rijpU5yD55I
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RTV Nationwide Voter Info

Who is on my ballot? Get the Vote 411:
http://www.vote411.org/ballot?street=4800%20N%209th%20St&city=Arlington&state=Virginia&zip=22203



DC Voting Information
https://www.dcboee.org
(find your polling place and early voting centers that open Monday-Saturday until 11/1 until 7pm - same day registration is available at all locations)

MD Voting Information
http://www.elections.state.md.us
(find your polling place)


VA Voting Information
https://www.vote.virginia.gov
(find your polling place or in-person or mail weekday and saturday absentee voting options until 11/1)




Also make sure to study up on DC’s competitive and “non-partisan” races!

Watch:
AU’s DC Mayor Debate
WUSA9’s DC Mayor Debate
DC For Democracy’s City Council (At-Large) Debate
City Paper’s City Council (At Large) Debate (audio only)
UDC’s Attorney General Debate



Washington Post endorsements:
Muriel Bowser for Mayor
Courtney Snowden & Robert White for City Council (At-Large)
Karl Racine for Attorney General
(FYI: Mr. Racine defended convicted former City Council Member Harry Thomas and is considered the “establishment” candidate which in DC is not always a good thing)

City Paper endorsements:
David Catania for Mayor
Elissa Silverman & Graylan Hagler for City Council (At-Large)

(N4P recommends Elissa as a first choice for her strong activism and policy experience)
Paul Zukerberg for Attorney General
(I would also recommend considering  Lori Masters)

N4P Endorsement:
David Do for School Board
(David is a great friend to the DC grassroots and local community so we wanted to give him a plug too)



LEARN MORE & GET INVOLVED WITH THE CANDIDATES ON YOUR BALLOT @ VOTE411.ORG!



FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NETWORKS 4 PROGRESS!
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UPDATED! #KeepCalmVoteDem: Why we need YOU to be an Explainer-in-Chief to #SaveTheSenate #SaveObama & #SaveAmerica

11/3/2014

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VOTE: Election & Candidate Information
GET INVOLVED: Help Get-Out-The-Vote!
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No excuses. America needs Democrats to win in November but that message is not resonating as the President's Job Approval is at 43% despite huge economic and social gains at home and less expenditure of blood and treasure abroad due to more focus on the "crisis of the week" than coverage of how America is back on track and can do even better.

Congressional Democrats need to get credit not blame for making that PROGRESS happen.

Meanwhile, Democratic voters are less passionate and more easily discouraged than Tea Party hate mongers despite that the President has moved forward about 70% of his agenda according to Politifact. 

Even progressive critic and Nobel Prize Economist Paul Krugman has come to Obama's defense in Rolling Stone recently. It was accompanied by this 6-year summary of the numbers too.

Watch as N4P President Jim McBride sums up the choice
:
"I'm HOPE-ful as Hell...
and I'm not going to take GOP B.S. anymore!'
(talking points below)


DNC "Progress" Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grf2HZvM5aQ&feature=youtu.be


At minimum, Democrats need to #SaveTheSenate or Obama's leverage on Congress to even appoint nominees like the already stalled Surgeon General will be at severe risk. We need to win at least 4 of the 9 competitive races and it could easily be decided by one very tight election.

REMEMBER: "YES YOU CAN" MAKE A DIFFERENCE! 

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN "GET-OUT-THE-HOPE" BY VOTING, DONATING, VOLUNTEERING & SPREADING THE WORD!
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 Join Unite Blue's #YesWeDid & #KeepCalmVoteDem Bomb & Change Your Profile Pic!
(includes sample tweets...i recommend using both in the same tweet to connect the messages to explain "#YesWeDid therefore #KeepCalmVoteDem" to reject GOP fear and hysteria)

Find more Get-Out-The-Vote art to post and share: 
http://govote.org




And share why #IVoted!
Share your selfie with a real/virtual sticker or inspiration today and tomorrow so you can let your friends know you #turnoutforwhat like Lil' John:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rijpU5yD55I
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Jim's TOP 10 "FWDPROGRESS" TALKING POINTS:
Examples of what President Obama and Democrats have done and how Republicans are holding America back by rejecting the Democratic Agenda!
(QUICK FACTS ARE ALSO LISTED BELOW)
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1. JOBS & EDUCATION: Rescued BUT Reformed Wall Street so the economy and consumers are protected from a high risk of another Great Recession as 15 million Americans have been compensated $4.6 Billion. 

This led to record stock prices with a Dow Jones average of 17,300 today (vs 6600 in March 2009) and record corporate profits (nearly doubled since 2009) as well as 55 straight months of job growth that has created 10 Million private sector jobs created since 2010 (reducing unemployment from a peak of 9.9% to 5.9%). In order to help young people qualify for millions of unfilled highly-skilled job openings Pell grants have nearly doubled from $18 Billion to $33 Billion. With further support from voters, Democrats can help the Middle Class get more livable wages and a more affordable education for their kids while reducing tax cuts for the rich and tax loopholes for corporations.
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2. BUDGET & TAXES: Reduced the deficit by nearly 2/3rds ($1.4 Trillion in 2009 vs under $483 Billion today) by stimulating the economy to INCREASE revenues rather than cutting critical programs like Social Security and Medicare. With further support from voters, Democrats can invest in medical research and hire more teachers, firefighters and police rather than adding to the 700,000 public sector layoffs after Republicans blocked state assistance. Current spending increases are the smallest since World War II so these cuts to discretionary spending are a drain on employment and consumer spending that is UNPRECEDENTED for a post-Recession Federal economic recovery strategy.
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#3 TECHNOLOGY & INFRASTRUCTURE: Made manufacturing and construction investments that helped the economy and boosted exports led by the rescued auto industry and technology companies that support energy-related innovators like Tesla Motors, Space X and Solar City. With further support from voters, Democrats can rebuild America with more modern and efficient mass transit, roads, bridges, buildings and more.

#4 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: Conducted an “All-of-the Above” energy policy that increased Wind & Solar renewable energy by 241%, began implementing a mandate to double mileage standards by 2025, began implementing a 30% reduction of carbon emissions at coal plants by 2030 while increasing oil and natural gas production as part of a short-term strategy that has reduced petroleum imports by 51% to lower gas prices for consumers while weakening Russia and Iran. With further support from voters, Democrats can establish a long-term energy strategy to become more independent of foreign resources that protects our environment and prevents climate change.

 
#5 HEALTHCARE: Offered more affordable coverage to over 16 Million people (reducing uninsured adults by 26%) that expanded market competition and reduced premiums while adding consumer rights and protections so your coverage helps you before and after you get sick. With further support from voters, Democrats can have more  states stop rejecting Medicaid expansion funding and not repeal Affordable Care Act exchanges.



#6 NATIONAL SECURITY: Safely withdrew our forces from Iraq and Afghanistan while focusing on direct threats like Al Qaeda and ISIS that cannot be dealt with via U.S. occupation while damaging Russia’s expansionist tendencies by hitting its oil-based economy with sanctions and increased energy independence. With further support from voters, Democrats can prevent more loss of American blood and treasure in endless military interventions.


#7 HOMELAND SECURITY: Supported universal background checks to keep weapons of war out of the hands of criminals and domestic terrorists. With further support from voters, Democrats can pass legislation to make our children safer from mass shootings and the dangerous use of guns.


#8 IMMIGRATION: Protected DREAMers who were brought to America as kids and increased border security while voting in the Senate for Immigration Reform to fixed our outdated and ineffective system. With further support from voters, Democrats can pass legislation that can help our economy by attracting more of the best innovators in the world and add more taxpayers to help cut our deficit while better securing the border. 


#9 CIVIL LIBERTIES: Fought efforts to make voting, equality and women’s constitutionally-protected health decisions harder. With further support from voters, Democrats can increase early voting, expand equality and help women get access to the services they need.


#10 GOVERNANCE: Worked to compromise to keep the government open, appointing new personnel and paying its bills. With further support from voters, Democrats can stop another $22 Billion government shutdown, fill openings by appointing nominees like a Surgeon General and prevent another downgrade of our credit rating due to threats of default. And also keep our leaders focused on solving America’s problems rather than suing the President for not implementing the health care law fast enough even though they shut down the government because of it.
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QUICK SUMMARY: 
10 QUICK POINTS ON HOW DEMS HELPED RE-BUILD AMERICA SINCE 2009!

#1 Stocks: +250% 

#2 GDP: +30%

#3 Unemployment: -33%  = 10.3 million private sector jobs since 2010 - 700K GOP-led public sector cuts of teachers, firefighers, police, medical researchers etc

#4 Lowest Federal Spending since WWII (even though Reagan and Bush INCREASED government during their recessions to stimulate economy)

#5 Federal Deficit: -60% 

#6 Manufacturing Growth (saved GM, Ford & clean energy innovator Tesla) 

#7 Infrastructure Growth (Mass Transit, Roads, Bridge construction etc)

#8 Cleaner Energy Independence ->

Wind & Solar: +241% 
Oil Production: +71% 
Auto Mileage Standards: +100% by 2025 
Coal Plant Carbon Emissions: -30% by 2030 
Petroleum imports: -51%
(Gas Prices DOWN -> Russia & Iran oil-based economies are DOWN)

#9 Health Care Coverage -> 

Uninsured Consumers: -26% (16 Million adults)
Insured Americans legally-guaranteed to be covered when they get sick: +100%
Monthly Premiums: -0.8%

#10 Pell Grants:: +80%


6 QUICK WAYS THAT DEMOCRATS CAN DELIVER MORE PROGRESS:

#1 Higher Minimum Wage & Worker Protections

#2 Affordable Student Loan Rates (by having them borrow at the same rate as banks) 

#3 Gun Safety (background checks to stop criminals & mentally unfit) 

#4 Immigration Reforms (to secure border AND bring in top talent & registered taxpayers)

#5 Equality (more voting access and freedom for women and minority groups)

#6 Fiscal Responsibility (no forced $22B shutdowns, credit downgrades, staff vacancies and fake lawsuits)



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