Democrats and the independent voter

Are Democrats losing independent voters? Joe Gandelman responds to an e-mail from a reader calling him "a ventriloquest for George Bush" here. As one of Joe's co-bloggers at The Moderate Voice, I've been attacked for being too liberal (well, for being a liberal). Of course, being attacked by one's opponents comes with the territory -- with political blogging, that is. And it's all too easy to think that one irate reader represents more than just a sliver of a vocal minority.

But it's all a matter of perspective, isn't it? I've been attacked from all across the spectrum, from the far left to the far right. I take that to mean I'm doing something positive out here.

One other point: I agree with Joe that there is extremism on both sides. Obviously, though, Republicans, including the current occupant of the Oval Office, have done a good deal to lose not just independent voters but voters of all political persuasions. And things aren't going to get any better in '06, not with the GOP gearing up for the midterm elections in November by getting ready to pounce on the Democrats with a profoundly negative campaign.

Democrats need to be ready themselves. Hopefully without alienating the independent voter.