What the Democratic Party can't wrap its head around

The race for Shelby County Party Chairman is representative of what is wrong with the Democratic party. This party restructuring process has been different from others. There is a large influx of new people wanting change, the Coalition. The traditional factions have taken to different ways to address this new group. Chism has remained quiet, while the Fords have gone into full campaign mode. They have gone on the hard sell and when challenged they revert to talking points and defensiveness. It has been three weeks since the caucus, I have heard of attacks or justifications of tactics by Cocke surrogates, but very little from Cocke himself. Last Saturday, Senator Russ Feingold explained the secret to his success. Listening. That’s what makes Feingold special in the Party. For god sakes he was the only Senator to vote against the Patriot Act and the War yet still won re-election easily. I think Democrats get into politics because they want to make the country a better place. Democratic politicians generally have powerful ideas for change. Tribalism and individualism run strong in our Party. Along with this you will get egotism. This is what hurts the Party the most. Our leadership and Party appear not to listen. David Cocke’s people have gone into full campaign mode. They think this is what you are supposed to do to get your candidate elected. But it is not working and they can’t seem to take constructive criticism (helpful advice). Don’t browbeat or harass delegates with phone calls, negativity, and talking points. If you want to win try to listen to what motivated all these new people and see if you can work together.
This is what separates we Democrats from Republicans. The Republican Party is a hierarchical machine. Everyone knows their place. Republicans don’t have people just pop and say I have ideas to make this country better. The Party constantly polls its own people at their mega-churches, Nascar races, and where ever else republicans hang out. Party spin masters distill a tight, simple 3 point message. They know exactly what buttons to push to get their voters fired up. Then they go out and find candidates that can mime these talking points. Ergo, you get candidates like Rick Santorum and George Bush. When was the last time a national level Democratic candidate was described as stupid? Now think how many Republicans are considered dumb as a post. (Thune, Allen, Weldon, Blackburn, Cunningham, Kyle, Brownback, Santorum, BUSH) But have you every heard these politicians being off message from the RNC talking points? Also, you almost never see Republican celebrities campaigning. Brooks and Dunghill types will play some songs, but they don’t give extended speeches which can easily be seen as “ elitist” lectures like liberal celebrities do. Plus, who the hell is dumb enough to listen the crap some philistine like Toby Keith or Chuck Norris has to say.
I don’t want the Democratic Party to take on a Republican Party structure. But come on people. Let’s start listening and taking some good advice. This is what rebuilding the Party’s grassroots structure is all about. Democrats, take a step back and try understand how voters perceive you.