Dear John,
Yesterday 6,613 of us contributed $389,900 towards our $3.5 million field organizing plan for the election, smashing our goal of $250,000 for the week. Amazing. This generosity gives us a great deal of hope—and we've got to keep the momentum going. Can we make it to $600,000 by Friday?
A contribution of $100 from 2,100 more of us will get us there. Can you pitch in? You can contribute by credit card or check at the link below—it takes just a minute.
political.moveon.org
After yesterday's e-mail about the big plan, a MoveOn member, Ben from California, wrote, "Tom, why is this 'our best opportunity yet' as you described in the e-mail?" The answer to that is central to our plan.
Since 1994 the right-wing Republican juggernaut in Congress has been unbreakable. But in the wake of the corruption scandals, President Bush's low approval ratings and Tom DeLay's departure, the wheels are coming off their machine. This Fall, there is a real chance to end the Republican stranglehold on Congress—and start moving forward with real progressive reforms.
The election will come down to a money and organizing battle. Together we have got to stop them—and we can, if all three million of us get into the fight. (Learn more about our plan tonight on a conference call—see the sidebar for details.)
Just consider these polling numbers and facts:
The desire for change in the country is intense—60% think America is on the wrong track. In 1994 only 55% of the country felt that way.1
President Bush is very unpopular. Only 39% approve of him in one poll—that is lower than anyone, except Nixon, during this point in their presidency.2
The news isn't better for Congress. Only 24% want Congress to continue in this direction—63% want a significantly different direction.3
The Republican-controlled Congress' approval ratings are at 29%—the lowest level since 1994 when Republicans swept into power.4
The wheels are coming off the right-wing machine. Tom DeLay is under indictment. Republican are having trouble finding good candidates. Business groups and religious conservatives are splitting. Even Karl Rove is under scrutiny.
On the issues, from Social Security to Iraq to drilling the Arctic, the public is rejecting the Bush agenda.
Americans say they trust Democrats over Republicans by 51% to 37%—the first time since 1992 that number has topped 50%.5
There are 3.3 million MoveOn members—together, we're bigger and stronger than ever.
We all want a government that works, and the incompetence and corruption of the current Congress isn't grounds for rejoicing. But we have an opportunity to set things right—and if we let it slip by us it will only be our fault. And, believe me, the Republicans know times are tough for them and are putting together a massive effort.
The field organizing side of this will cost $3.5 million over the next nine months. Can you help get us off to a good start?
Please contribute today and help us reach our goal before midnight.
political.moveon.org
MoveOn.org Political Action is entirely member funded—the average contribution is about $50 and no one person can give more than $5,000. If thousands of people step up we can implement our plan—if they don't, we can't.
But every time we ask MoveOn members come through—and I know you will this time too.
Thanks for all you do.
–Tom, Wes, Justin, Carrie and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
Thursday, February 2nd, 2006
Sources
1. Right Track/Wrong Track. www.PollingReport.com. February 2, 2006
pollingreport.com
2. President Bush—Overall Approval Ratings. www.PollingReport.com. February 2, 2006.
pollingreport.com
3. Democracy Corps, January 31, 2006
moveon.org
4."Public's Focus is Health Care, Troop Cuts in Iraq." The Wall Street Journal, January 31, 2006.
moveon.org
5. "Bush's Midterm Challenge." The Washington Post, January 29, 2006.
moveon.org
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