This is a Democratic primary after all, and if there is any area were the netroots have shown their power it is in Democratic primaries. Hillary polls at 4% among the thousands of activists that make up the netroots. That is a dismal number and I believe that even Joe Lieberman had more support than 4% in 2006.

What we need to do is:

1. Start talking to our fellow Democrats, especially low info voters. Knock on doors, pound the pavements, set up meetings in schools and workplaces. Educate people about Hillary's record, and inform them about all the polls showing that she cannot win in 2008. Even if she somehow squeezes out a victory the Republican Party will be energized again, the independents will leave the Democratic side and everything that happened under George W Bush will be forgotten or forgiven. 1984, 1988, 2000 and 2004 taught us that a likeable and charismatic candidate always beats the unlikeable policy wonk. 2008 could be a landslide for Democrats, if we avoid the mistake of nominating Hillary Clinton.

2. Stop the attacks on Obama and Edwards. Legitimate concerns can be expressed but should be kept civil and fair. Avoid criticism when there are uncertainties about what the candidate really thinks about a issue (case in point: Obama and social security, where we learnt yesterday that he is indeed against privatization). Just wait and ask instead of assuming the worst. There has been all too many hit diaries and character assasinations lately. The steady stream of anti Obama hate pieces have helped Hillary immensily as can be seen in the latest polls. People bringing up the ridiculous haircut issue have kept Edwards from promoting his agenda.

3. Perhaps Obama and Edwards supporters could make a pact: If the polls in early 2008 show that Obama has the best chance to beat Hillary, then Edwards supporters should consider voting for Obama instead. And vice versa. I realise that this is a controversial issue, and I can only speak for myself when I say that I am 100% certain that I will back Edwards over Obama in my primaries (CA) if Edwards has the best chances of stopping Hillary. This is not because I hate Hillary, but because I am desperate to see a Democratic president after Bush. I don't see any chance for Hillary to win the general election, and even if she does she will be wholly impotent against a fired up Republican Party and a depressed Democratic base.

Full disclosure: I am an Obama supporter, since I generally agree with him on the issues and I think that he would be our best candidate in the general election. Obama is a transformational candidate not because he is an ideologue (which he clearly is not) but because he has the personality and background to 1. solidify a long lasting Democratic majority, 2. bring the political center towards progressive values, 3. stop the boomer strangle hold on politics and 4. radically improve our relations with the rest of the world.