It's been a tough night for Dems in Appalachia

[theHandpuppet]

Although I have to say the results were not that unexpected.

If you had the ear of the Dem Party for even one night, what advice would you give TPTB on how to regain the confidence and votes of people in the region?

For this thread, only folks either living in/from Appalachia, please.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

1. theHandpuppet ...

we need GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT !!!

I liked that Dems were upfront at my polling booth with INFORMATION ...

we were so close tonight.

in so many races.

it is close.

we can bridge the gap.

[theHandpuppet]

2. It was only the grassroots movement that kept the races close

Just a few suggestions:

Federal commitment to reshaping the Appalachian economy. The biggest employer in WV is Wal Mart. What does that say? Take away union coal and all the well-paying union jobs associated with that industry (rail, shipping, trucking) ya got nothing. We all know that we have to cut back on the use of fossil fuels, especially coal, but you have to be able to offer folks an alternative economy, i.e., jobs that pay more than minimum wage. Coal-related jobs are bleeding out in Appalachia and people are scared.

Inspirational leadership. By that I mean a Democratic leader who can actually find Appalachia on a map of the United States. President Obama just hasn't connected here but then, neither has he tried, not in the way Dems used to.

[theHandpuppet]

3. Sibelian posted a thread to GD which I believe truly speaks to us

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025764711

[A Little Weird]

4. I'm not sure

I guess I would tell them that the best way to win is to actually stand up for progressive causes and to stop trying to "out-republican" the republicans. The one bright spot in Kentucky was that democrats retained control of the state House. But if you look at some of the state representatives, you would be hard pressed to tell the democrats from the republicans. Jim Gooch comes to mind.

[get the red out]

5. The people are slow to change

Racism, Religion, and Guns; that's it.

I grew up in Paintsville, KY; so I am from there. I escaped to Lexington where it is "snotty country club republicans, religion, racism, guns; and enough university-related people to make elections closer and sometimes Dems win.

To be honest, once President Obama's term is up, things could improve a little for Dems there; if they present a clear path to more jobs.

[theHandpuppet]

6. Key word: JOBS

Appalachia is leaking well-paying jobs faster than the Titanic was taking on water.

[get the red out]

7. Very much so

[MadAnne]

8. Own

Your party! How many thousands of West Virginians were signed due to Medicaid expansion? And you can't make a case for clean air and water?
The Tennant - Capito debate was who hates Obama the most and who loves coal the most. Evan Jenkins had the right idea, embarrassed by your part? No longer believe in the platform? Change parties!