DNC Questionnaire: They had to ask!!!

One of the reasons why, unlike some of my friends, I did not de-register from the Democratic Party after the 2008 spectacle/debacle,  is because once in awhile they actually contact me to ask for something besides money.  (Another reason is because the Clintons are both still Democrats, and I like being in their party.)  Yesterday, Patrick Gaspard sent me a question and a questionnaire.  Being a responsible Democrat, I responded to both.

Here is my response to the question:

April 30, 2011 email question:

What should democrats be doing to prepare for 2012?

The Democratic Party should wake up and realize that Barack Obama campaigned on rhetoric, built a coalition that has fallen apart and, like Humpty Dumpty, cannot be put back together again, not with all the king’s horses and all the king’s men.

In forcing Barack Obama on us, the party managed to fracture itself. It shot itself in the foot. His approval ratings are low for a good reason: He fails to act. He folds to the GOP. He hesitates. This is not leadership. This is weakness.

Hillary Clinton is a strong leader, and the DNC failed to give her a fighting chance in Denver. Right now, she is the only one who exhibits the kind of leadership this party needs and the country needs.

It is time to stop making this campaign about re-electing a feeble candidate. It is time to be realistic and make the campaign about doing the right thing for America. The RIGHT thing: Put Hillary Clinton on the ballot. Get on your knees and beg her to run. Give Obama his walking papers, and pray that Hillary Clinton says yes. I know she will… for her country.

The questionnaire is a typical survey, but there are places to write text.  It looks like this:

Survey

How do you feel about the work the Democratic Party is doing now?:1 Extremely Negative 2 3 4 5 Extremely Positive

How do you feel about the work the Democratic Party has done in the past?:1 Extremely Negative 2 3 4 5 Extremely Positive

How important would you rate the following issues?

Job creation and strengthening the economy:1 Least Important 2 3 4 5 Most Important

Health insurance reform:1 Least Important 2 3 4 5 Most Important

Clean energy:1 Least Important 2 3 4 5 Most Important

Education reform:1 Least Important 2 3 4 5 Most Important

Wall Street reform:1 Least Important 2 3 4 5 Most Important

Immigration reform1 Least Important 2 3 4 5 Most Important

Which issue is the most important to you?:

If “Other”, please tell us which issue is most important to you:

How would you rate the quality of the Democratic Party website (www.democrats.org)?:1 Very low quality 2 3 4 5 Very high quality

Do you know or work with your local Democratic Party?:Yes No

How likely are you to participate in the Democratic Party’s next online activity (letter to the editor, online petition) on an issue that’s important to you?:1 Very unlikely 2 3 4 5 Very likely

Do you identify yourself with any of the following groups? (Check all that apply):   African Americans Americans Abroad Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Business Owners/Entrepreneurs Environmentalists Healthcare Professionals Labor Latinos/Hispanics   LGBT Native Americans People of Faith People with Disabilities Seniors Students Veterans Young Professionals

How would you categorize yourself politically?:

Are you a fan of the Democratic Party on Facebook?:Yes No, but I use Facebook I don’t use Facebook

Do you follow the Democratic Party on Twitter?:Yes No, but I use Twitter I don’t use Twitter

How would you describe the current political climate? (Optional):

What do you believe the Democratic Party stands for? (Optional):

Why are you a Democrat? (Optional):

Here is how I answered the optional questions:

Which issue is the most important to you?:   (There is a drop-down menu with choices.  I chose “other.”)

If “Other”, please tell us which issue is most important to you:

Choosing the right leader to take the party in the right direction. That would be Hillary Rodham Clinton whom the party kicked to the curb in 2008. We need a real leader, not a hesitant, weak, do-nothing. All Obama does is talk. Hillary acts. I am sick of this gutless, self-centered weakling. Many thousands of Democrats, former Democrats, and Independents agree with me. His coalition is gone. He cannot be re-elected. It is time for the party to wake up to that. I did not vote for him, and I will not. I will write in Hillary Clinton’s name, if I have to.

How would you describe the current political climate? (Optional):

Very dangerous for the middle class and the poor. The Democratic Party used to stand for those groups, but,  under Obama’s leadership (if you can call his paralysis in the face of every crisis leadership),  these groups are hurting.  He simply folds to the GOP every time. ENOUGH! Get Hillary Rodham Clinton on the ticket. She is decisive, strong, and smart. Her heart is with the people.

What do you believe the Democratic Party stands for? (Optional):

Right now? There is nothing democratic about the way Barack Obama became the nominee and plenty of us are angry about that. The party stands for manipulation, caucus fraud, sexism, and disenfranchisement.
Why are you a Democrat? (Optional):

Why am I STILL a Democrat? After what I saw in the last general election?  To continue to receive questionnaires like this from you. I want my party back! The Democratic Party I grew up with did not tolerate thuggery. Primaries were civilized. Roll call votes on the convention floor were genuine,  and a candidate would emerge after several ballots. Hillary Clinton and her delegates (for whom we voted) were not given a fair vote. I want my party back!

Unfortunately, there was no way to put my poster on their survey. 😦