Feingold

By Aziz P. -
can someone explain to me Feingold's appeal? (paging Brian) I am not skeptical, just ignorant. Well, I am also more conservative than most liberals (while firmly associating myself to the liberal label, of course), which is probably why I am leaning Hillary if anything. I just want to hear a case for Feingold on its merits rather than "He's Zaphod Beeblebrox, baby!!" rock star kind of thing.

 

Comments

Brian Ulrich said…
Well, I'm not sure how he would do in a national campaign, which is why I'm not willing to become a 2008 cheerleader yet (I also haven't fully assessed the other candidates), but I think he does personify some of the attempts to bridge the red/blue divide we talk about here. He's skilled at pitching liberal ideas in a largely rural midwestern state, and has a hometown appeal most Rhodes scholar types lose. In WI, he also has the reputation of a man of principle because of issues like the Patriot Act and his refusal to take soft money.
10:02 AM
Aziz P. said…
the one thing I've learned though is that when you run a candidate based on a single quality, that quality gets tarnished. Kerry a war hero? Enter teh swift Liars.

Feingold a man of principle? Well, he just set up a PAC. Let the accusations of hypocrite begin.

I don't like the idea of running a candidate based on a single defining trait. Its just too tempting a target.
9:33 AM
frailamerica said…
before i became dean-conscious back in late 2002 i wanted senator feingold to run. a quick list of why:

* deficit hawk (e.g. paygo)
* strong civil libertarian streak (e.g. anti PATRIOT act)
* great environmental record
* independent minded
* anti death penalty

he's definitely a say what he means, means what he says type of politician.

New Jersey for Feingold - www.njforfeingold.org
11:10 AM
russell said…
The only Senate vote against the USA Patriot act. Frankly, that's all I need to know about the guy.

Cheers -
12:26 AM
russell said…
an aside re: abde's comment on Feingold setting up a PAC.

here is Feingold's page from opensecrets. Feingold's '04 campaign was funded just over 90% from private contributions, 93% with full disclosure. Financially, he's pretty clean.

Cheers -
12:34 AM
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