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 Network For Progress and has over 20 years in communications and political work.

- 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!

Tuesday October 7th, 2014
6pm - 8pm

The Mott House 
122 Maryland Avenue NE (Map)
Washington, DC

Complimentary food and drinks will be served.

RSVP and Contribute: 
https://secure.actblue.com/page/6pac1


Ticket Levels:

Young Professional (Under 30): $26

Partner: $66

Host Committee: $206


All Donations Support the Following 6 Candidates:

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-9th)

Shenna Bellows (Maine Senate)

Ruben Gallego (AZ-7th)

Jim Mowrer (IA-4th)

Rep. Rick Nolan (MN-8th)

Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1st)

5:00pm - 7:00pm Sunday, October 5th
Smith Public Trust, 3514 12th St NE, Washington, District of Columbia 20017


Come celebrate Lateefah's 38th birthday at Smith Public Trust! We'll have a special performance by renowned local Jazz artist Aaron Myers and his ensemble. Enjoy the savory happy hour specials, and a cake in honor of Lateefah's birthday. Lateefah will be discussing her Attorney General campaign, and opportunities for supporters to get involved. 

Host Committee: William Brown

Suggested Contribution Levels: 
$38 general admission
$100 supporter
$250 host 

If you'd like to be on the Host Committee, please email campaign@lateefahforag.com

If you can't attend, please consider making a birthday contribution onlateefahwilliamsforag.nationbuilder.com/donate

7:00pm Sunday, October 5th
422 Lamont St NW 20010, Washington, District of Columbia


Please join David Do and Juan C. Barragan for a Ward 1 meet and greet for Elissa Silverman Sunday, October 5th at 7pm at 422 Lamont Street NW -- everyone is welcome!

Elissa has a track record of working to make D.C. Government accountable to all of us, in every neighborhood across the city. Come meet her, hear her story, and ask questions – then help us put her to work on the D.C. Council!

As a budget analyst with the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, a community advocate, a reporter for The Washington Post, and Washington City Paper’s Loose Lips columnist, Elissa has uncovered what works in District government – and what doesn’t!

You can trust Elissa to focus on what really matters: transforming D.C. into a place of opportunity for all residents by investing in public education, public transportation, and safe and affordable housing in every ward. For Elissa, investing in our city means investing in ourselves.

For any additional information, please contact Juan Camilo Barragán at: jcbarragan@live.com

NEWS 4 PROGRESS
(September 25, 2014)


***N4P EVENT***

October "1st Thursdays" Progress Party: 
#SaveTheSenate Edition

PROGRESS NEWS YOU CAN USE:


ICYMI: THE ONLY SALUTE THAT REALLY MATTERS!
(and none of his predecessors had done it)

BACKGROUND: Republicans Try to Cash in on Obama’s ‘Latte Salute’ 

N4P BLOG:
#PeoplesClimate March & UN Climate Summit with President Obama & Leonardo DiCaprio!
(video)

N4P BLOG: 
Women's Rights Campaigns @ UN & White House!
(video)