Democrats To Grimes: You’re On Your Own
With three weeks remaining, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has pulled its advertising for Alison Lundergan Grimes in her race against Mitch McConnell.
[su_center_ad]
“We continue to make targeted investments on the ground and will continue to assess the race to decide on future television buys,” a Democratic source with knowledge of the DSCC’s strategy told CNN.
The move comes as Democrats focus their resources on defending the party’s endangered incumbents. Senators like Alaska’s Mark Begich, Arkansas’ Mark Pryor, Colorado’s Mark Udall, Louisiana’s Mary Landrieu and New Hampshire’s Jeanne Shaheen are all fighting for survival — and to keep the GOP from winning the six seats it needs to capture the chamber’s majority. [su_csky_ad]
tiredoftea October 14th, 2014 at 8:18 pm
Another reason why Dems lose midterms!
Tommy6860 October 14th, 2014 at 8:27 pm
True, but hating Obama now is driving this in red states and it works here so far. Remember the 2006 mid-terms and how the dems blew away the wingers and won control of both houses? They punished the GOP using Bush. Grimes should have hit McConnell with his 2010 comment that his sole purpose was to make Obama a one term president and how he filibustered everything after that stalling economic growth. The only thing she really hit on decently was taking him to task on his willingness to kill healthcare for 500K Kentuckians. I now can only hope.
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:55 pm
What debate did you watch last night? Grimes called out McConnell for using “the administration” in the entire debate and she actually named specifics, whereas Mitch just rambled on and on about Obama.
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:27 pm
As I mentioned before on earlier article about this, I am so disappointed that she refuses to answer the question, and I really wish she would have done that because keeping distance from President Obama is not going to do any good for her.
Mitch McConnell has done so many wrong doings through out his career, she could have used those against him.
She is just missing the big opportunity to get rid of Mitch McConnell for good, too bad, she doesn’t get it.
Tommy6860 October 14th, 2014 at 8:28 pm
Agreed she should have just stated that she did vote for him, there’s no shame in that. It made her appear dishonest avoiding the question.
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:29 pm
That is why it is so frustrating because everyone knows that Alison Lundergan Grimes was a two-time delegate to the Democratic National Convention, supporting Hillary Clinton in 2008 and Barack Obama in 2012.
What is wrong with her?
Tommy6860 October 14th, 2014 at 8:39 pm
I don’t know, but as much as I cannot stand Chuck Todd, he hit the nail on the head on how her campaign is run. Too bad she couldn’t have gotten better managers and speech writers.
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:44 pm
I can’t stand Chuck Todd either, but you are absolutely correct.
How can she and Democrats miss this opportunity?
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:47 pm
I don’t know, but as much as I cannot stand Chuck Todd, he hit the nail on the head on how her campaign is run.
You know this is the same Chuck Todd who stated it’s not his job to call out the GOP, correct?
Tommy6860 October 14th, 2014 at 8:49 pm
And how does that make his words not true? She ran (or her aides) a poor campaign. I am on hopeful mode now that she can win, but it looks real bad at this point.
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:52 pm
And how does that make his words not true? She ran (or her aides) a poor campaign.
Being tied with an unpopular minority leader in KY = bad campaign? On which planet?
And Chuck Toad has demonstrated he is full of crap, namely when he said President Obama didn’t mention Syria after Obama mentioned Syria four times. He’s a GOP hack, yet you are buying his BS and helping Mitch win.
Tommy6860 October 14th, 2014 at 9:07 pm
Oh please, stop with the dramatics. She ran a poor campaign. Seriously, as disliked and unpopular as McConnell is in his own state, she cannot overtake him and you’re blaming me? I am being objective. Whether or not you dislike Todd (and I do), words have meanings. Remember when Obama fumbled his first debate in Denver with Romney, I was aghast and Obama still has a problem with going after the issues and detailing them, even his closest allies state that. Grimes is doing the same thing while silently renouncing her ties to him.
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 9:15 pm
She ran a poor campaign.
Again, how is running neck and neck with an unpopular majority leader a POOR campaign? If she ran a poor campaign, Mitch would be leading by 20 or more points.
she cannot overtake him and you’re blaming me?
Yes, I’m blaming you and every “progressive” that has attacked ALG, because what you are doing is depressing potential turnout for her and helping Mitch win. The Reps #1 skill is in diminishing turnout, and it doesn’t help with “progressives” bitch nonstop about Democrats.
Whether or not you dislike Todd (and I do), words have meanings.
So you’re willing to lap up the BS from Chuck Toad, even though he’s a GOP hack. You really do deserve six more years of Mitch, since you’d rather believe BS from a GOP hack, as opposed to actually making said GOP hack irrelevant by proving him wrong and getting Grimes elected.
OldLefty October 14th, 2014 at 9:19 pm
Seriously, as disliked and unpopular as McConnell is in his own state,
_______
The problem is, they say they don’t like McConnell, but they do prefer Republicans.
She is on the up swing, while he is on a down turn, but those who know the state say a Republican would win not matter what.
“Born and raised Republican. I ain’t planning on changing now.” – Robin Evans, who despite taking advantage of the Affordable Care Act, said she does not support Democrats or President Obama.
https://www.facebook.com/nytimes/posts/10150462119999999
And get your government hands off my medicare!!!
OldLefty October 14th, 2014 at 9:22 pm
Re; She is on the up swing, while he is on a down turn,
http://polltracker.talkingpointsmemo.com/contests/ky-senator-14
Tommy6860 October 14th, 2014 at 10:00 pm
I will be first in line at my polling station Nov 4 casting my vote for Grimes hoping for the best. Went to the FB link you gave and read the article about that woman who loves the ACA as it helped her greatly, but will still vote for McConnell (WTF!). But I really liked this comment posted below the article, “Too bad improved education didn’t come along with improved health care.”
OldLefty October 14th, 2014 at 10:13 pm
Good Luck in, “Love Kynect, Hate Obamacare” Kentucky, and a grateful nation thanks you for your vote.
I was once in Lexington …. Beautiful country.
Good Night, all.
Dwendt44 October 15th, 2014 at 1:01 am
Grimes should have pointed out, repeatedly, that should the ACA be repealed, Kynect goes by by.
Dwendt44 October 15th, 2014 at 12:59 am
Aside from this speed bump, she’s run a good campaign. Many consultants say so. The few hiccups, mostly small ones, were of little consequence, until “The Question’ was asked.
Dwendt44 October 15th, 2014 at 12:58 am
The ‘question’ was improper to begin with. Now though, it’s on the table and should properly be responded to.
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:46 pm
What is wrong with you helping Mitch win by attacking her?
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:49 pm
When did I attack her?
What is wrong with you attacking me?
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:50 pm
Your question: “What is wrong with her” is an attack on her.
I’m calling you out because you’re the reason why Mitch still has a shot. Instead of focusing on how bad Mitch is, you and the rest of the professional left focus on Grimes not answering a trivial question.
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:53 pm
Why are you calling me the “professional Left?”
I am not on the left and I do not agree with radicals on any side, maybe you need to think and put your facts together before attacking and accusing me.
tiredoftea October 14th, 2014 at 8:42 pm
Or, responded that voting is secret and she will not answer the question unless the questioner divulges their vote.
Tommy6860 October 14th, 2014 at 8:46 pm
The moderator could have, and then she would have really been on the hook. Now imagine, a political ad where she is already conflated with Obama on on everything the wingers hate, where she admits she voted for Obama. McConnell admitted who he voted for, do you see ads attacking him for that? It’s the air she gave and asking the moderator to reveal his vote would have been expressed as desperate, IMO.
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:48 pm
where she admits she voted for Obama.
And instead of being tied with McConnell, she drops ten points in the polls, because Obama isn’t popular in KY. She’s playing it smart, yet here you are second guessing her because you fall for the crap from the professional left, who care more about ratings than they do about doing actual journalism.
Dwendt44 October 15th, 2014 at 12:56 am
But what the situation is now, she’s between a rock and a hard place.
Had I advised her, I’d have her say “I voted for the one who would do the best for Kentucky. Compared to Romney, I opted for Obama.”
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:46 pm
keeping distance from President Obama is not going to do any good for her.
She’s running in KY, not Massachusetts. Praising President Obama would doom her for sure.
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:48 pm
I understand your point, but why are the Democrats pulling their ads?
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:49 pm
Maybe because internal polls show she’s doing better than expected? I’m not one to buy into the doom and gloom from the professional left. I’m optimistic, not pessimistic.
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:51 pm
Who are you calling professional left?
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:53 pm
The authority figures who claim to be the “Democratic base,” but do nothing but attack Democrats daily. People like Chuck Todd and others who masquerade as “liberals.”
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:55 pm
I really couldn’t care less about Chuck Todd, I can’t stand the guy, plus, he is not on the “left” and I’m not on the left either.
So, please STOP calling me the “Professional Left.”
searambler October 14th, 2014 at 9:57 pm
Chuck Todd isn’t an authority figure, and he’s sure as hell not a liberal. If you’re taking your cues from those talk show morons, you’re ill-informed.
searambler October 14th, 2014 at 9:07 pm
Because they only have so much money, and they decided to use it to defend seats they already hold rather than try to support a challenger against the incumbent Senate Minority Leader. Since the vast majority of incumbents win re-election anyway.
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 9:11 pm
Thank you for the informative answer.
mea_mark October 15th, 2014 at 10:20 am
That sounds like a decision Steve Israel would make. He has no guts and should be fired from the DCCC. We need somebody with guts that wants to win, not somebody interested in preserving the status quo.
burqa October 15th, 2014 at 2:26 am
I get her point on not answering the question. The Democrats have dropped the ball by not roaring back, pointing to how the GOP is getting hung up on such a trivial matter when anyone with a passing concern can figure out how she probably voted.
This is where the Democrats screw up – they let the GOP hijack the discussion and deal with trivial matters. This takes attention from, as you rightly point out – the many warts of marble-mouthed Mitch McConnell.
Pirate Wench October 14th, 2014 at 8:28 pm
With the prospect of FINALLY getting this turtle OUT of congress they decide to NOT help Grimes? And we wonder why we lose all the time. What a bunch of morons.
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:54 pm
Democrats lose because of the professional left and unicorn progressives snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
searambler October 14th, 2014 at 9:08 pm
What the hell are “the professional left and unicorn progressives”?
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 9:11 pm
The people who bitch nonstop about Democrats not being 100% perfect.
searambler October 14th, 2014 at 9:51 pm
Who does that? Specifically? Are you talking about the professional talking bobbleheads, who only reach a fraction of the Democrats? Or someone else?
Dwendt44 October 15th, 2014 at 12:53 am
Those on the left who rant and rave about President Obama; those that tell Democrats to become REAL Democrats. etc…
searambler October 15th, 2014 at 11:10 am
Oh. “Those” people. Thanks for clarifying that. I understand completely now.
burqa October 15th, 2014 at 2:21 am
While the Democrats sure need to improve their game, we also need to get out of the loser mindset. Sometimes we lose, sometimes we win. We’ve won more than we’ve lost in my lifetime. 6 years ago we retook the Senate and since 1988, the GOP has gotten the most votes in a presidential election only once since 1988.
We just have to be smarter and keep more of the focus on the more important issues, rather than wedge issues that distract from ruinous GOP policies.
We have to fight back, too. Ever since the ACA was passed the Republicans have been attacking it but often we have left the field to them. When was the last time we saw good economic news like dropping unemployment or huge reductions in the deficit lasting any length of time in the news cycle or in public discussion? We need to get back in the driver’s seat and refocus the public debate in our favor. Our accomplishments are positives in a time when people want more positive news, yet we let the GOP bog us down in nonsense.
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:37 pm
I know she is doing wrong, but I really hope the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee reconsiders its decision, and puts its advertising back on the TV, because this is the lifelong opportunity to get rid of Mitch McConnell for ever.
Can I be her campaign manager?
tiredoftea October 14th, 2014 at 8:40 pm
If you work cheaply!
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:42 pm
I am very expensive, but I’m willing to do FREE work just to get rid of Mitch McConnell.
And, I’m not even a Democrat, I am registered as Independent (no party affiliation).
Antigone October 14th, 2014 at 8:37 pm
If Republicans get control of the Senate and McConnell becomes Majority Leader, the consequences will be devastating. The DSCC should be pumping up Grimes’ campaign to defeat McConnell. Especially in the chance that the Repubs do win control of the Senate.
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 8:40 pm
Very true, and that is the last thing we need is to see Mitch McConnell as the Majority Leader if God forbid the GOTP gets the control of Senate.
Tommy6860 October 14th, 2014 at 9:10 pm
It would be just utter gridlock. They would have no veto power and Obama would just scratch out every policy that would hurt America that the wingers would submit as bills.
forpeace October 14th, 2014 at 9:14 pm
Indeed, that’s why I’m doing everything I can in my power not to let that happen.
We have suffered enough because of GOTP having the majority in the House, enough is enough.
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 8:57 pm
I’m not buying into the doom and gloom hysteria. Recall that Eric Can’tor spent lots and lots of money on his race, only to lose. Alison can still win, but progressives need to quit bitching about her and actually encourage people to support Alison.
tracey marie October 14th, 2014 at 10:57 pm
exactlly, when did we start pushing a purity test for Dems. This is why we lose
Dwendt44 October 15th, 2014 at 12:50 am
Cantor lost because he was arrogant and didn’t bother mixing with his constituents, spending most of his time schmoozing with contributors.
burqa October 15th, 2014 at 2:06 am
Cantor, once the darling of the Pee Party, pissed them off. I think it had more to do with his stances and votes on fiscal policy – stuff like the sequester and shutdown.
This is how it will be for anyone the Pee Party favors because they are eternally in search of a variety of ideological purity that is impossible to meet and maintain.
All the Tea Party favorites of today will eventually have the TP turn on them just as they did Cantor.
Linda1961 October 15th, 2014 at 6:24 am
Amen!
NW10 October 14th, 2014 at 9:22 pm
A collection of Milt Shook Tweets about the Grimes race:
https://twitter.com/MiltShook/status/521680673644761088
https://twitter.com/MiltShook/status/520946672390508544
https://twitter.com/MiltShook/status/520944807292571648
Linda1961 October 15th, 2014 at 6:23 am
Milt Shook is right – Grimes is running a great campaign in Kentucky. As a SC resident, I understand that. As for who she voted for – why isn’t anyone asking other candidates who they voted for? It’s no one’s business unless the candidate volunteers that information. I’m more concerned about McConnell’s voting record in the Senate than who Grimes voted for in 2012. Why isn’t he being questioned for his obstruction?
Dwendt44 October 15th, 2014 at 12:01 pm
It certainly is an ‘improper question’. She should have said that at the beginning and moved on.
mmaynard119 October 14th, 2014 at 9:59 pm
Alan – you should know better than report this nonsense. The Huffington Post did her a major disservice today. What is being done is to focus on the ground game of getting out the vote and getting voters to the polls instead of running more ads, which have limited effectiveness. Right now, there is on;y 3% to 4% undecided in this race. It is better to focus on getting out the vote than trying to change a limited number of minds.
burqa October 15th, 2014 at 1:56 am
I can’t speak to details of the Kentucky race, but agree with you on getting out the vote. The Democrats are doing a poor job of it. In states where there have been efforts to limit voting, the Democrats should be running loud ads directed at those people, saying, “The Republicans don’t want you to vote! Fix their wagon and vote for [Democratic Party candidate]!”
Likewise, the Democrats should be running ads directed at those who got health coverage thanks to Obamacare, saying, “The Republicans don’t want you to have health care and will take it away if they get the chance. We need your vote!”
KB723 October 15th, 2014 at 12:39 am
Shame Shame!!! I live in Denver and Udall is holding his own, and will again receive my vote this coming November… Ya know, I canvassed for Kerry back in the day, cos I was told you have to contribute if you want real change, but all I learned is that the dems lose cos they know no other way… Seems we were going to go to the Cherry Creek mall and ask all the folks who received a tax break from Bush to contribute to Kerry, it never made any sense to me, I threw in the towel, although I still vote democrat, in my heart I think they are the ‘Enabler’ of the Thugs that stab them and the people in the back!!!
Shame Shame………
Linda1961 October 15th, 2014 at 6:19 am
I can understand not putting any money in my state, SC, as the Democratic candidates have the proverbial little or no chance of winning, but Grimes has a real chance against McConnell. Yes, defend the incumbents in trouble, but what happened to all the money the Democrats have raised this election cycle? There should be enough to support Grimes as well as the others.
Denise October 15th, 2014 at 10:09 am
This headline is misleading. The DSCC pulled out, not the DNC. Alison’s campaign is fine. Grimes had enough money to see her through the race. It makes sense for the DSCC to.pull out. It appears we are going to pick up two GOP Senate seats nobody saw coming. The October surprise I guess. Funding is needed in KS, and SD for sure. The GOP are about to go into cardiac arrest! These two seats were considered “safe.”
I don’t like the arm chair campaigning I see going on. What the national media says is irrelevant, they speak for the right, so naturally they are homing in on a trivial matter concerning Grimes, not a major matter concerning McConnell. As a matter of fact, what blogs think is irrelevant. How many of the writers have ventured to KY, KS, GA or any other state to get a feel of what’s going on? probably not one, but yet, they criticize campaigns they know nothing about
mea_mark October 15th, 2014 at 10:27 am
This sounds like Steve Israel playing politics instead of trying to win. He should not be leading the DCCC. It is time to fire him and get somebody who wants to win.