| There's a phrase used my the militaries of most NATO countries that seems apropos here: friendly fire is referred to as "blue on blue." That's what we're shaping up for in the New York state Senate race.
God forbid though that both party elders and activists alike try to prevent internecine warfare here, straight up to the President of the United States: a man who knows better than anybody when a hard primary is winnable and when it isn't. Simply stating the facts is, to some people, like stabbing democracy in the neck.
It doesn't matter that it's going to take 14 months, cost probably $20 million dollars in money that could go elsewhere, and automatically subtract five to ten points from the strength of the eventual winner. We're Democrats, and what are Democrats without self-destruction, petty infighting, disorganization, and chaos? That is, after all, what we're talking about, since it's been telegraphed very clearly that this is not going to be a clean and professional challenge.
So you wanted a primary. Fine. Let's do it. Mark my words, though: It's going to be long. And bloody. And not to your benefit. Do pardon those of us who don't relish destroying our own people. |
