What is to be gained by "going negative" on your own people?

It's not like the Dems don't have *anything* to run on, so why are they acting like their only rhetorical move is to harangue the "dissatisfied voter"? It's counter-productive, and really just painful to watch.

There are stark contrasts to be drawn between Dems and the GOP in this election cycle, but instead of talking about those distinctions, our leaders are spending precious time drawing stark distinctions between themselves and their own party members who aren't 100% happy with them.

No one wins elections belittling their voters' mortal insecurities. People who are losing their jobs, homes, healthcare and retirement, have no more room to "suck it up."

Here's a gimme: according to the majority of voters polled, healthcare reform didn't go FAR ENOUGH. So, show us how this will be enlarged and improved, and how it couldn't happen without the initial baby steps. Admit the shortcomings of the first swipe and show us a clear path to a better system.

Admit the shortcomings of Wall Street reform, and show us a clear path to a system we can feel secure to invest in. Admit the shortcomings of dealing with DADT and DOMA, and show us a clear path full equality for our LGBT brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters.

Falling short of expectations is a given in political life. Successful politicians carve entire careers out of broken promises. They do that by talking to their constituents like adults, admitting their shortcomings, and showing how they plan to put things back on track.

The less-than-100%-satisfied slice of the voters weren't the ones who blocked a meaningful stimulus, or the public option, or Wall Street reform. That was The Party of No. If people are apathetic about this election, don't scold. Stop acting like you're embarrassed to be a liberal and show us that you're going to fight like hell to keep the American Taliban, with their "Second Amendment Remedies" from taking power.

We can't afford to pick and choose which Dems are good enough for us -- it's time for our leaders to suck it up, and get to work winning some elections.