TPMDC
MoveOn Backs Halter In Arkansas Primary Challenge
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Arkansas Lt. Governor Bill Halter (D)
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MoveOn.org today endorsed Lt. Gov. Bill Halter in a Democratic primary challenge against already embattled Sen. Blanche Lincoln in Arkansas.
MoveOn announced in an email that 92 percent of their more than 4 million members voted to support the primary. It's no real surprise since the progressive group has long targeted Lincoln, but their support could catapult the already tight race to become a repeat of Sen. Joe Lieberman's Democratic primary in Connecticut in 2006.
MoveOn Executive Director Justin Ruben said in a statement they consider Lincoln "one of the worst corporate Democrats in Washington."
"With Bill Halter, our Arkansas members see a candidate who will stand up to special interests. Arkansans deserve someone who'll fight for them, not Wall Street," Ruben said.
MoveOn asked members to give cash to Halter to compete with Lincoln's $5 million war chest.
Progressive Change Campaign Committee also endorsed Halter and is doing a "Dump Lincoln" fundraising drive. Democracy for America also backed Halter for the May 18 primary, calling Lincoln a "Healthcare Villain."
"Last year, we said Senators who stand against the America people -- will stand alone for reelection. Today, we can prove it," DFA told members in an email, calling Halter a "real Democrat."
TPMDC is checking with the White House to see if they will weigh in and support Lincoln in the contested primary as they have done with incumbents in Pennsylvania and Colorado. But it's worth noting that administration aides heaped praise on Lincoln's role in shaping the health care bill last year.
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benjoya
March 1, 2010 12:49 PM
i'll donate and all, but i fear skeletons in mister halter's closet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlmGknvr_Pg
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Campesino
March 1, 2010 12:54 PM
Let's see, Moderate Democrat Lincoln is in trouble in Arkansas because even though she's moderate, she's still too far Left for voters in her state. And the solution is to run a more Progressive candidate in the primary to force her out or back to the Left.
Great logic here.
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holyhandgrenaid
March 1, 2010 12:58 PM in reply to Campesino
Wrongo. Shes in trouble because shes a CORPORATE moderate. A populist moderate is a different animal altogether, which Halter is. More in the vein of Tester or Klobuchar than Lincoln or Landrieu
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Campesino
March 1, 2010 2:20 PM in reply to holyhandgrenaid
Progressive Change Campaign Committee also endorsed Halter and is doing a "Dump Lincoln" fundraising drive. Democracy for America also backed Halter for the May 18 primary, calling Lincoln a "Healthcare Villain."
"Last year, we said Senators who stand against the America people -- will stand alone for reelection. Today, we can prove it," DFA told members in an email, calling Halter a "real Democrat."
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HCR polls horribly in Arkansas, which is why Lincoln is a "Healthcare Villain" - she's reflecting the position of the majority of her constituents. Moving further to the left with either Halter or Lincoln will be a disaster this fall.
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mrut
March 1, 2010 3:15 PM in reply to Campesino
Lincoln won't win the general election. Dumping her is risk-free.
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Barry Champlain
March 1, 2010 1:13 PM
Okay, he needs airtime. Local media need to pay attention to him, starting now.
Here's what you do to get Bill Halter face time on TV:
When ordering campaign "swag", you get a ton of hats.
You put the Halter logo on them... and you call them:
"HALTER TOPS"
The mainstream media never met a vapid story it didn't love. GO FOR IT!
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FreeRider
March 1, 2010 1:17 PM
MoveOn is on board? Sheez. In the words of GWB, we're looking at a five-spiral crash, boys!
MoveOn could mess up a wet dream.
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hoppycalif2
March 1, 2010 1:21 PM in reply to FreeRider
Spoken like a true Republican.
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Darrius
March 1, 2010 1:24 PM in reply to hoppycalif2
However, MoveOn should not endorse him publicly if they want him to win. Give him money but don't publicly endorse him.
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FreeRider
March 1, 2010 1:29 PM in reply to Darrius
I don't think MoveOn needs to hide its support for Halter. But I do think MoveOn is completely incompetent and hapless in electoral politics.
They only know how to run against something; they never run for anything.
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mcc
March 1, 2010 2:20 PM in reply to FreeRider
MoveOn is one of the few progressive groups (perhaps the only one?) currently actually making any positive push for the health care reform bill.
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mrut
March 1, 2010 3:20 PM in reply to FreeRider
@FreeRider
I agree with you that MoveOn has a tin ear for political discourse. I regard MoveOn with great skepticism, even on issues I support because MoveOn's messaging is so incompetent that I don't want to give them money to screw things up.
I contributed to Halter's campaign, though, on his website, and kicked in 10% for ActBlue.
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FreeRider
March 1, 2010 4:09 PM in reply to mrut
Agreed. They are awful because they are so heavy-handed and strident. I sent Halter $25 but I won't give a dime to MoveOn so they can piss it away with more bullshit ads.
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FreeRider
March 1, 2010 1:27 PM in reply to hoppycalif2
Spoken like a true moron.
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Progressive Party
March 1, 2010 2:15 PM
I see two immediate positives. This will help move Blanche to the left for the primary fight and raise for money for the fall campaign if he runs a decent campaign. It might aldo help with other conservaDEMS to see that they can be primaried and get some donations coming their way!...
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Barry Champlain
March 1, 2010 2:33 PM
I don't want Blanche Lincoln to "move to the left" for the duration of a primary. I want her corporatist ass gone.
As for MoveOn.org, one need only look at the howls of outrage and offense they elcit on Capitol Hill, whenever they get involved in a primary or a campaign (remember "General BETRAY-us"?).
One doesn't get that incensed over an organization that is INeffective. So, I'll gladly take "effective", over "popular among the Kool Kids".
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mcc
March 1, 2010 2:55 PM in reply to Barry Champlain
People seem to get real upset over Fred Phelps.
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FreeRider
March 1, 2010 2:57 PM in reply to Barry Champlain
You make my point. That General Betray-us ad was a disaster for MoveOn. It unified Republicans had Democrats running in the other direction.
They are great at creating a ruckus but they suck at actually accomplishing anything.
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mrut
March 1, 2010 3:24 PM in reply to FreeRider
The General Betray-us ad is what soured me on MoveOn. It doesn't matter what you think of Petraeus; what is the most effective way to move public opinion?
MoveOn doesn't ask that all-important question.
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bluebell
March 1, 2010 3:59 PM in reply to FreeRider
I have to chuckle at those criticizing MoveOn for not accomplishing anything. Compared to what pray tell? NOT passing health reform? NOT passing financial reform? NOT passing EFCA? NOT getting out of IRaq? NOT doing anything on climate change? NOT passing anything but total joke called a "jobs" bill? I grow tired in the littany of false promises ....
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FreeRider
March 1, 2010 4:05 PM in reply to bluebell
No. Compared to you not leaving the Democratic party after lying about it for 18 months.
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gharlane
March 2, 2010 3:34 AM in reply to FreeRider
Look, Bluebell, you have a stalker! And a foul-mouthed liar of Palinesque stature for a stalker, at that.
Who, just incidentally, is evidently unable to respond to the points you made.
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FreeRider
March 2, 2010 12:16 PM in reply to gharlane
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
4 portobello mushroom caps, cleaned
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared pesto
2 teaspoons coarse-grained mustard
4 hamburger buns, split, buttered, and toasted
1 cup baby arugula
1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
Directions
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Brush mushrooms caps with olive oil; sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Grill mushrooms, smooth side down, covered with grill lid, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until tender.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pesto, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread mixture evenly over cut sides of buns. Divide arugula evenly over bottom halves of buns. Top each evenly with peppers. Place mushrooms caps over peppers. Cover with tops of buns.
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gharlane
March 2, 2010 11:08 PM in reply to FreeRider
Who, just incidentally, is evidently unable to respond to the points you made.
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FreeRider
March 3, 2010 12:08 AM in reply to gharlane
Roast Beef & Gravy
1 (3 to 4-pound) bone-in rib-eye roast
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
Gravy:
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1/2 bottle drinking red wine, such as Malbec
5 cups beef stock
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Using a heavy hand, season rib-eye roast with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a roasting pan. Place beef in hot pan and sear until deep golden brown on all sides. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for about 15 minutes per pound for medium-rare, making an approximate hour of cooking time. Remove the pan from oven and transfer the beef to a cutting board. Allow meat to rest for at least 15 minutes, tented with foil, before carving.
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gharlane
March 4, 2010 1:30 AM in reply to FreeRider
And a foul-mouthed liar of Palinesque stature for a stalker, at that.
Who, just incidentally, is evidently unable to respond to the points you made.
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FreeRider
March 4, 2010 10:09 AM in reply to gharlane
Roast Beef & Gravy
1 (3 to 4-pound) bone-in rib-eye roast
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
Gravy:
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1/2 bottle drinking red wine, such as Malbec
5 cups beef stock
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Using a heavy hand, season rib-eye roast with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a roasting pan. Place beef in hot pan and sear until deep golden brown on all sides. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for about 15 minutes per pound for medium-rare, making an approximate hour of cooking time. Remove the pan from oven and transfer the beef to a cutting board. Allow meat to rest for at least 15 minutes, tented with foil, before carving.
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gharlane
March 5, 2010 5:00 PM in reply to FreeRider
And a foul-mouthed liar of Palinesque stature for a stalker, at that.
Who, just incidentally, is evidently unable to respond to the points you made.
Reply | Flag Abuse
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FreeRider
March 5, 2010 6:57 PM in reply to gharlane
Roast Beef & Gravy
1 (3 to 4-pound) bone-in rib-eye roast
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
Gravy:
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1/2 bottle drinking red wine, such as Malbec
5 cups beef stock
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Using a heavy hand, season rib-eye roast with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a roasting pan. Place beef in hot pan and sear until deep golden brown on all sides. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for about 15 minutes per pound for medium-rare, making an approximate hour of cooking time. Remove the pan from oven and transfer the beef to a cutting board. Allow meat to rest for at least 15 minutes, tented with foil, before carving.
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Viva!America!
March 1, 2010 3:53 PM in reply to Barry Champlain
Is it real outrage or is it just good politics to bash a very very Liberal organization?
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Kevin Sutton
March 1, 2010 4:21 PM in reply to Viva!America!
Democrats doing what the GOP tells them to do has never been good politics.
Moreover, whatever the competance of their messaging; MoveOn's positions are hardly very, very Liberal.
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Joseph Calling
March 1, 2010 4:52 PM
I say, let Lincoln and Halter bloody each other, so the GOP nominee can pick up the pieces in November. MoveOn proves again how clueless it is. I'm McLovin' it.
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hoppycalif2
March 1, 2010 10:13 PM
The Arkansas senator was a major player in defeating any semblance of real health care reform. The Democratic Party supports health care reform, and the President, who, as I recall, is a Democrat, elected in a landslide, made health care reform his top priority.
Our choice now is to acknowledge that individual Democrats can thumb their nose at the party, or refuse to allow that to go unchallenged. My choice is the latter. So I donated to Halter's campaign, and I applaud MoveOn for leading the drive to support him. I will continue to support him as much as I can afford until MoveOn requests otherwise.
In my honest opinion the reason for the lack of any real progress on health care reform is the widely held belief that one can call oneself a Democrat as long as it is convenient to do so, but one doesn't have to pay the slightest attention to the party leadership. That has to change. MoveOn is 100% correct in what they are doing.
I read that Obama is backing Senator Lincoln for reelection, just proving once again his utter lack of leadership ability. Of course he knows that all liberal Democrats will support his reelection and vote for him even if he moons them daily. So, he does so.
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