Is Schieffer the Guy for Democrats?

Again, Already! (3.00 / 2)

So we have an obscure Democrat, identified with W, who will win the governorship for the Democrats? I think I'll look for a tooth to put under my pillow tonight.

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by: texun @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 19:36:26 PM UTC

Let's be honest. (0.00 / 0)

Tom Schieffer is the perfect Boyd Richie Democrat.

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by: PDiddie @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 19:59:58 PM UTC

hahahahaha (0.00 / 0)

This comment = epic fail.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 20:06:20 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

In what area is he lacking? (0.00 / 0)

Enlighten me.

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by: PDiddie @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 08:31:38 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

I would say... (0.00 / 0)

More of the Texas Trust type candidate versus Richie.  I don't mean that as a negative, but lets be honest, the Texas Trust is generally who picks the candidates and flicks away the ones' they feel aren't worth the time or focus.  It's the whole resource allocation argument, which I understand to an extent.  

Such is the name of the game in Texas.    

Todd

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

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by: Todd Hill @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 21:15:07 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Also a poor assumption (0.00 / 0)

Have you all talked to any of these folks, or are you just projecting?

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 21:30:04 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

y tu? (0.00 / 0)

have you spoken with them?

someone is clearly pushing this along. it would be helpful to know their identities.

ftr, i have not spoken with anyone who is actively encouraging him to run.

Please refer to KT's signature.

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by: colin @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 21:49:58 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Assuming (0.00 / 0)

not projecting.  If I'm wrong, call it out.  I'm fine with that.  I have no problem standing corrected.  

Todd

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

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by: Todd Hill @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 22:14:24 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

To Colin & Todd (0.00 / 0)

What I read from Angle's LSP report was that Democrats have fielded a strong candidate. Like Glenn's piece on BOR, it seemed like he was pushing back against the conventional wisdom meme that "no Democrats will run statewide." And I think that's an important CW bubble to burst.

You all also know that I'm more questionable about Schieffer than most -- Jason Embry had my quote in his Statesman first reading, as did the Daily Kos post. I'm not excited about him at all...

But I don't think there are "puppet-masters" behind all this like you all think. All the public e-mails I've read and all the private conversations I've had suggest that everyone -- from BOR readers at the top to the consultants at the bottom -- want a strong ticket. We believe we can have that; we believe we shouldn't wait until 2014. But the mainstream media doesn't believe we can win in 2010 -- and for whatever reason some of them (including Bud Kennedy) are willing to give us a better benefit of the doubt now that he's announced. That's a good thing.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 00:11:03 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

so he's a placeholder candidate until after session? (0.00 / 0)

I could live with that.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 05:29:45 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

in other posts (0.00 / 0)

i've more than agreed that it is a grand development that folks want to come back home to the TDP...schieffer inclulded.

we also are on the same page about this waiting BS. we did it in 2000 and it was a disaster.

but if we can all be serious for one moment, no reasonable person gets this far along the decision-making process without having literally dozens of conversations with party leaders, activists and, yes...eeeek!, consultants.

i'm just curious who is encouraging him to run.  i've seen B. Rappaport's name, but don't think B. is on the phone with him daily telling him who to go speak to.

so you haven't spoken with anyone that is helping him?

Please refer to KT's signature.

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by: colin @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 14:40:01 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Oh I get that (3.00 / 1)

He who raises the most caysh and all.  Certainly you're not going to be able to count on the leadership of the TDP for any fundraising assistance if you run for governor; that's understood by all.

Just not interested in the old white guy who can raise the most money as my candidate.

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by: PDiddie @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 08:35:21 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Agreed (0.00 / 0)

I'm not either.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 18:32:26 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

This seems like (0.00 / 0)

Schieffer's hometown paper is just helping him out a little.

There are at least a few Democrats who could jump in the race tomorrow and raise more money than Schieffer.

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by: David Mauro @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 20:42:23 PM UTC

True (0.00 / 0)

But I respect Ambassador Olson a lot (who has agreed to help him raise some money, I believe). He's done a lot of work, and he definitely knows a lot of folks with money.  

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 20:59:49 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Also true (0.00 / 0)

I too have great respect for Amb. Olson but am not convinced that Olson's many friends will give to Schieffer, at least at this point.

I think most big time donors are like us in that they are taking a "wait and see" approach.

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by: David Mauro @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 21:49:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Hold on a little. (0.00 / 0)

Schieffer in no obscure Democrat. He is well connected, thoughtful, and personable. He would not be a sacrificial lamb. Sure - let's let things shake out a bit. But really fellow pilgrims - let's not dis anyone who is willing to take on the race.

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by: Pilgrim @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 22:17:53 PM UTC

Schieffer and Obscurity (0.00 / 0)

Try a name recognition poll, even among your friends, and see how well known he is.

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by: texun @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 14:34:31 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

No obscure Democrat? (4.00 / 2)

He hasn't been elected as a Democrat since the 70's, voted against one of the most popular Democratic governor's in Texas History (Ann Richards), donated thousands of dollars to a Republican President and his re-election campaign in 2004, served as ambassador to that Republican President, and has just recently, since the 70's anyway, decided to run as a Democrat for higher office.  

If he isn't obscure, perhaps confused Democrat is better.  

Todd

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

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by: Todd Hill @ Wed Mar 04, 2009 at 22:23:53 PM UTC

At least he's willing! (0.00 / 0)

Had Tony Sanchez been elected anything? Oh that's right deep pockets that don't ask Texas Democrats to contribute at the state level doesn't count.  Obscurity depends on the circles one runs around in. I can assure you that there are a lot of Democrats outside of Travis County who find those inside very obscure. Come on Todd - don't put out purity litmus tests - that is so GOP! Let the GOP cannibalize for a change. We can't tolerate another Republican term in the mansion.

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by: Pilgrim @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 00:55:18 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

I've reserved judgment (3.00 / 1)

You are jumping to conclusions awfully fast.  As I've said, I've made no judgments or conclusions, I've only asked questions, as have many other people.  Questions that will need to be answered sooner rather than later in order to generate a base of support and allay concerns some folks might have.

So because you and I somewhat disagree I'm now associated with the GOP and utilizing GOP tactics?  

Ok.

Todd  

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

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by: Todd Hill @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 02:24:46 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Not Guilty. (0.00 / 0)

I am observing and reserving any firm assessment. We must remember that before 1980 most folks in Texas were Democrats. Some are returning to their roots because of GOP excesses and the radical right's domination of their grassroots. We are beginning to make gains in the marketplace of ideas and building a party with a genuine base of progressives - old and young-  and, to some degree, lost sheep who are returning to the fold. No - we are not in disagreement - we just have differences as wordsmiths.

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by: Pilgrim @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 03:30:57 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Harry Truman on choosing between two Republicans (4.50 / 4)

Re: Tom Schieffer

President Harris S. Truman once said that if given the choice between a Republican running on the Republican ticket and a Republican running on the Democratic ticket, the voters would always choose the Republican running on the Republican ticket. And as the sainted Franklin Jones of Marshall, one of the founders of the Texas Observer, wrote  of another wealthy Establishment Democrat, "His campaign promises all the fire and enthusiasm of a wild orgy of artificial insemination."

Please raise your hand if you watched the video of the Schieffer press conference and saw the kind of fire and enthusiasm needed to fire-up the Democratic base so that it will turn-out in large numbers in a non-presidential year. Did you hear one sentence crossing  Schieffer's lips indicating that he has a even one populist bone in his body or one drop of egalitarian blood in his veins? Did you hear the kind of clarion call to action that would lead a reasonable observer of politics to think that Tom Schieffer's platform, his rhetoric, his style,and his personality will so resonate with the voters in Jefferson, El Paso, Hidalgo,and Webb counties and on the West Side of San Antonio and South Dallas that they will march to the polls in the many hundreds of thousands?

Were you inspired by Schieffer? Do you think he is the kind of motivational speaker who will inspire our troops?

Face it, Tom Schieffer is an Establishment-type who compiled a voting record in the House that was so tilted  toward the special interest lobby that not even the most conservative Democrat now serving could return to his or her district and defend it. Anyone who watched him perform at his press conference and who has given any serious thought to his business and political ties to George W. Bush, much less studied his House voting record, and who still claims that Schieffer is worthy of the support of real Democrats is either delusional or in search of a slot on his campaign payroll.

  Dave Shapiro
  Austin  

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by: Dave Shapiro @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 02:39:13 AM UTC

I agree (2.67 / 3)

with Mr. Shapiro.

Given the choice between Republican and Repubican-lite, voters will choose the "real thing."

He is exactly right: we need a candidate to inspire our base to turnout in record numbers. I cannot imagine why someone who was compelled to vote because of Obama and Clinton last year would vote for a Bush appointed conservative businessman.

Schieffer will have my support if he is the nominee and I will work hard for him, but let's call it like it is.

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by: David Mauro @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 02:59:00 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

OH SNAP! (0.00 / 0)

Well said.

Todd

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

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by: Todd Hill @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 04:22:24 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Maybe the better question... (0.00 / 0)

Is Bush the guy for Democrats?

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 04:44:18 AM UTC

It's The Money, kids. (0.00 / 0)

Shapiro and Todd hint at it, but what Schieffer's candidacy symbloizes is The Money, saying,  "we're back" - and would like us to please have the cortesy to let them all cut in line so they can get to the trough first.

I have no doubt that Mr. Schieffer is a sound businessman and decent guy who probably means well. That doesn't change the fact that he was wrong to cast his lot with Bush and the GOP for the last 14 years, and that he flat-out betrayed his purported Democratic 'principles' for prestige and a 'friendship' - access to the halls of power - and a cushy ambassadorship or two. Let's not kid ourselves about 'serving one's country' - those gigs are almost exclusively handed out to loyal supporters with close ties, large contributions and big business resumes. Now that Tom's 'friend' has ridden off into the sunset, suddenly he feels an uncontrollable comnpunction to "do what's right for Texas"?

Where the fuck have you been, Tom?

Generally The Money seeks to proactively shape the power structure to it's benefit (understandably), but in times of political transition, The Money often finds itself having to play both sides of the fence until someone comes out on top. Right now The Money senses the shifting wind, but it also knows that Texas Democrats are still presently too fragmented and unconsolidated to realize what kind of leverage we now possess if we get our shit together. Thus, The Money ascertains that it would be best to get out in front of the problem, and return with a friendly handshake - but with a gun to our heads nonetheless: "You guys don't have the goods to win without us. But if we're gonna make an investm,ent with you, you're gonna have to put us in charge." Why else would a guy like Schieffer think he should be running for our highest statewide office, as opposed to writing fat checks and bundling more checks for the very capable Democrats who have actually been down in the trenches slogging away honorably lo these many years?

This guy hasn't even gotten his shoes dirty for the last 15 years, but thinks he's qualified to lead 3.5 million Democrats into battle against the very interests he so unconscionably served during the same 15 years that saw our state's education, health care, and public service systems deteriorate to below Mississippi status, while people like him did quite well.

And we're being asked to "just give him a chance". I think Tom's had plenty of chances.  

If Schieffer couldn't put aside his personal 'friendship' with George Bush to do "what's right for Texas" for the last 15 years, what makes any of you think he'll put aside personal relationships with any other business associates and Republican shills he calls 'friends', and do "what's right for Texas" this time around? Did he have a near-death experience or take some magic mushrooms? Did he get a bad batch of enchiladas from Joe T Garcia's one night that caused a synaptic shift in his establishment melon? I'm not a doctor, but I sure don't see any outward signs.

They're bluffing. We don't need them as much as they want us to think.
The Money can start writing checks and get on the line and do some grunt work; that's how they can help. But this ain't 1982, or even 1990 (Glenn...). Of course it's a good sign that they're starting to filter back to our side, but we can make them chase us this time, if we want to. There's another way to win for us, and for Texas.    

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by: Robert Ryland @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 06:35:38 AM UTC

Thanks, Robert (5.00 / 1)

Should Democrats nominate candidates on the basis of their ability to raise funds? Tempting, given the inertia of the state party.  Not so, unless you want the same crowd who've controlled state politics to continue to do so.

Money talks: in Texas, it conducts a virtual monologue.

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by: texun @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 14:39:14 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

yes but no (0.00 / 0)

clearly a well-funded Noriega performs 2-5 points better...does he get to 50% +1? probably not.  1 million votes is a huge nut to crack.

again, i think that this is a huge sign that Dems are on the rebound and that even someone with solid repub credentials (that would certainly be supported by george w. dipstick) actively chooses our party.

between AG, McCaul's seat, US Senate, etc, schieffer could take his pick.  despite his friendship with bush, i thoroughly respect his decision to stick with his roots when he decided to seek a new office.

someone with his experience, credentials and rolodex could make a formidable primary opponent in the repub primary for US senate.

money matters, but both Dean and Obama exhibited that money follows message and momentum.  no one sent them money for the hell of it...they sent money because they cared about the candidate and the agenda.  replicating the infrastructure is another issue entirely.

Please refer to KT's signature.

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by: colin @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 21:30:09 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

He might make a "formidable" opponent (3.00 / 1)

in a GOP primary but it is a huge stretch to say he would be able to beat Abbot, Dewhurst or any of the other possible/declared candidates.

His Democratic voting history gave him no place in the GOP. We shall see if his close ties to Bush and conservative voting record give him one in the Democratic Party.

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by: David Mauro @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 22:28:10 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You're talking about a Pres. year (0.00 / 0)

colin, with a candidate who had to first acquire the name rec. and cross the plausibility threshold. In a Pres. year that has to be done early at the state level or it won't get done at all, esp. if the Pres. race isn't engaged here.

Now, however, Noriega has run statewide, and in doing so, set himself up for a better chance in a midterm. Different landscape, different circumstances - and possibly a more open playing field.  

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by: Robert Ryland @ Thu Mar 05, 2009 at 23:39:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

sorry, but no (0.00 / 0)

imho, to win in an interim election we need someone borderline electrifying in order to win.

the only way to win is to truly energize Dems and get them out to vote in the absence of a competitive national election.

i don't expect obama to be engaged in texas in 10, nor do i expect that noriega could ever do more than he did in 08.

our most likely hope is an aggressive, progressive candidate that can convince people to care.

is schieffer that candidate???? it is too early to tell.

Please refer to KT's signature.

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by: colin @ Fri Mar 06, 2009 at 04:35:18 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

not necessarily (0.00 / 0)

Electrifying would certainly be a big help, but making that a requirement is another way of setting ourselves up for disappointment and failure. There's no magic bullet out there and nothing before us but the hard work of building a competitive campaign with a lot of sweat and shoe leather, regardless of who our candidates are. We need a better model and a more comprehensive approach than what we've used for the past 10 + years.

I don't think Noriega's problem was the candidate himself so much as the other aspects of his campaign, particularly his resources (or lack thereof). Rick is a smart guy who performed very well, didn't embarrass himself or the party, and who likely learned quite a bit from the experience that could serve him well if he decides to make another run. Given the political landscape down here last year, I don't think any Democrat could have gotten within 6 points of Cornyn, but that's no excuse for not trying, and Rick stuck his neck out there. I think he's still got the goods and is capable of getting better. I wouldn't rule him out so soon - and at this point, I'd take him in a heartbeat over Tom Schieffer.  

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by: Robert Ryland @ Fri Mar 06, 2009 at 05:13:50 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

We probably (3.00 / 1)

need someone who is able to raise turnout from the mid 20s to around 40 percent. Like you said, its too early to see if Schieffer is that person but the early signs don't look good.

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by: David Mauro @ Fri Mar 06, 2009 at 13:18:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]