There's an interesting article about how the Blue Dog Democrats
(or better known as wolves in sheep's clothing) are looking to rebrand themselves in order to expand their influence in American government. In Washington-speak, this means trying to fool more Americans into supporting neoliberalism, and increasing the influence of corporations by cutting away labor rights, and supporting privatization of government services.
The Blue Dog Research Forum — the K Street outpost run by former Congressman-turned-lobbyist Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) — is renaming itself Center Forward, and spending nearly $1 million from corporations and individuals on a TV advertisement urging Congress to balance the budget.
Cramer has briefed House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) — who is often aligned with centrist Democrats — on his plans. Former Republican Rep. Mike Castle of Delaware is also involved. Erskine Bowles is also supportive of the group’s mission.
The shift for the research forum comes at a time when the Blue Dog brand is wearing. There are just 24 Blue Dogs left in Congress, roughly half as many as there were in 2010. And the group is losing leaders like Reps. Dan Boren (Oklahoma), Mike Ross (Arkansas) and Heath Shuler (North Carolina) to retirement. Rep. Joe Donnelly of Indiana is also leaving the House, in his quest for a Senate seat. Several other members have tough races in November.
The reason why many of these Blue Dogs lost their seats in 2010, is because given the choice of a Democrat that talks like a Republican and an actual Republican,
the voters will go for the actual Republican every single time.
"Given a choice between a fake Republican and a real one, the public will choose the real Republican every time." --- President Harry Truman
Apparently, Center Forward, the "new name" for the Blue Dog Research Forum is going to be running a TV ad urging a balanced budget. We all know that this means more austerity for Americans, handouts to the weathy, and reductions in social safety net programs. That's not what we need at this time.
This is what the Blue Dogs have supported recently:
1) Supporting corporations' push to reduce the corporate tax rate, which is already at an all time 40-year low.
2) Coming out against the EPA rule with the support of 207 Republicans to limit greenhouse gas pollution from the coal industry.
3) Supporting the Republican balanced budget amendment that would double the unemployment rate, and gut the safety net.
Instead of rebranding their think tank as Center Forward, I think that a more appropriate brand name for the think tank should be these below:
Feel free to use this image below to create your own logo or create your own logo for the Blue Dogs' new research foundation!
Have at it away in the comments :-)
For every time you read about the Blue Dogs, remember to tell Steny Hoyer not to work with Blue Dogs and Republicans to cut Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid benefits.