Demagoguery on both sides (0.00 / 0)

People are worried about what McCain will do but I'm seeing much the same here. Not to defend any Repub but nobody has voted for anything yet. The final bill could still be somewhat acceptable. Lets wait and see.

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by: conspiracy @ Thu Sep 25, 2008 at 15:02:06 PM CDT

That's not a Hell No ad we can believe in (4.00 / 1)

His ad merely states "no bailouts until CEO bonuses are cut" which, based on what I've heard today, means he might be pro-bailout.  

Congrats for taking on payday lenders.  Now how about directly explaining the situation and your thoughts in how it should be resolved?

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by: twoWheeledTerror @ Thu Sep 25, 2008 at 15:10:04 PM CDT

Indeed (0.00 / 0)

He's essentially saying, "I'm all for the most massive redistribution of wealth from the poor to the rich in American history, but maybe we should limit the amount CEOs receive to $5 million dollars or so.  After all, I am on your side."

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by: Begoner @ Thu Sep 25, 2008 at 15:25:47 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Merkley does not support the proposed bailout plan (4.00 / 1)

The ad does include a statement about protections for taxpayers as well. Merkley put out a statement on Monday saying how he does not support the proposed plan and here's video of Jeff at a press conference talking about the proposed bailout in more detail:

Merkley believes any plan MUST include protections for homeowners, limits on executive compensation, oversight and accountability, and has to have serious market reforms.  

Netroots Director for Oregon Senate Candidate Jeff Merkley

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by: sarahlane @ Thu Sep 25, 2008 at 15:33:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Where does Merkley stand on the Dodd plan? (4.00 / 1)

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by: Mark Matson @ Thu Sep 25, 2008 at 15:38:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Merkley is a better Democrat (0.00 / 0)

and I look forward to adding some much needed backbone to the Senate. He's also not afraid to take on big pharma, the insurance companies and the lending industry. He took them on in the Oregon House as House Speaker and lowered prescription drug prices, forced insurers to cover contraceptives and sent the abusive payday lenders packing.

Every Democratic candidate needs to be hammering their Republican opponent for supporting bills like Gramm-Leach-Bliley. Republican Gordon Smith and other R's have continually supported deregulating the financial industry and need to be held accountable. This issue goes way beyond partisan lines folks, Americans overwhelmingly do not want a blank check with no accountability. It's time Congress serves the people and not the "Big Boys of Banking," like Jeff Merkley said at his press conference on Tuesday.  

Netroots Director for Oregon Senate Candidate Jeff Merkley

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by: sarahlane @ Thu Sep 25, 2008 at 15:27:31 PM CDT

re: Merkley is a better Democrat (0.00 / 0)

Thanks for helping a better democrat take office.  I have one small point of contention for you:

Americans overwhelmingly do not want a blank check with no accountability

I don't think this gets to the root of the problem.  I think the root issue here is: Americans do not want inflation to further decrease their buying power, and this seems like what is going to happen if $700b gets pumped into the economy this way.

Beyond that, I don't think Americans understand what is at stake, and don't make the connection between businesses making payroll and wall street's illiquid assets.  If that connection gets made, opposition to the bailout could dry up.

That said, I haven't watched the video yet, and am prepared to eat crow after I do :)

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by: twoWheeledTerror @ Thu Sep 25, 2008 at 15:40:09 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thanks for the Nudge (0.00 / 0)

I just gave Merkley $50 and $150 spread over the remaining better Dems.  I am so mad I fear I am going to spend myself broke.  Comes on, you guys, loosen up those purse strings and fight big money with our little money.  It adds up.

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by: ArthurKC @ Thu Sep 25, 2008 at 16:21:51 PM CDT

Oregon Democrats are lucky (0.00 / 0)

Let's not forget that Merkley was the safer choice in the primary - Steve Novick was the bomb-thrower candidate.

That Merkley is willing to cut an ad like this - imperfect as it is - would suggest that there really were no bad options in that primary. I want to see this language be stronger, although I can appreciate that Merkley wants to avoid being painted into a corner. But that he's campaigning on it is a damn good step. If he wins, he'll have earnt his place and some.

Forgotten Countries - a foreign policy-focused blog

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by: Englishlefty @ Thu Sep 25, 2008 at 17:36:20 PM CDT