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I would not be in the race for U.S. Senate in Texas without the netroots. A group of Texas bloggers banded together to form the Draft Noriega movement, and I answered their call in July to run for U.S. Senate. I experienced first-hand the power of the blogosphere and its democratizing effects. There were no smoke-filled rooms filled with power brokers making the decisions – just a group of concerned citizens working together to take back Texas and their country. The amazing thing is this is not an isolated event. From the victories of Ned Lamont, Jim Webb, and Jon Tester to the ongoing fight on important issues like Iraq, net neutrality, the economy, and health care, the progressive netroots have changed the game in politics, and they have changed it for the better.
Yesterday, the San Antonio Express News printed an article discussing the netroots and my campaign. Needless to say, I was disappointed. Disappointed in the article, but more importantly, disappointed in my own quoted statements. I own up to making those statements. I do believe that the politics of Karl Rove, John Cornyn, and right-wing talk radio are based on exploiting wedge issues like flag burning or the political trifecta of "gays, guns, and God." I do not equate the democratic influence of citizen journalists in the blogosphere fighting for their country with the corporate right-wing noise machine, and I do not believe the progressive blogosphere is participating in this form of wedge politics. I also realize my statements are hurtful to our greater cause to promote progressive politics. I know what it is like to be devalued, whether it's because of my last name, my skin color, my lack of hair, or any number of things folks have used against me in life. My comments devalued the blogosphere, and I apologize.
As I stated above, the netroots have made a tremendous contribution to today's politics. Ultimately, I know I will be judged on my actions going forward, and I'm confident you're going to see a candidate and campaign fighting for our shared values. Our campaign to bring change to Texas took a hit yesterday, and there will undoubtedly be more. I'm going to continue busting my butt out here in Texas to fight for what we all believe in. I hope you'll stand with me.
You can donate to Rick's campaign through Blue America here.
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Welcome Rick, we are glad you are here to talk with us.
so close
Thanks so much for being here today, Rick. We appreciate you coming on and talking with our community. People have been really excited about your race and the possibility of beating John Cornyn so we’re excited to have you.
Call me anything you want but are you going to end the war is my question?
egregious @ 4
Good to be here
Rick
Rush and Tony Snow had a conversation a couple of hours ago where Rush described Bin Laden as the voice of the “Democrat” party and Snow just chuckled along. I’m sick of this BS and hope someone stands up to it.
Jane Hamsher @ 6
Thank you
Tough break for you, Mr. Noriega. You are up against this fascinating display of bologna in the House committee room. Still I wish you luck in your campaign.
Still though what triggered that outburst?
As a leader of the Draft Rick Noriega movement, I’m excited that you stepped up.
Netroots activists encouraged you to take on this tough task because we know you can take out Cornyn, Bush’s lap dog and apologist.
Good to see you again, Rick. Thanks for the statement. Our community is eager to find out what was behind the remarks comparing dedicated progressives concerned with the political evolution of the country to the likes of multimillionaire propagandists on Hate Talk Radio.
things come undone @ 7
This is the number one issue our campaign is talking about…ending the war.
I wish you success in Texas. I have many in my family who live and vote in the Lone Star State.
Me too..your one Arkansas supporter.
howieklein @ 14
My intent was to challenge the MSM to not get sucked into the “wedge issue” political coverage when we need in depth coverage on issues and real debates etc. Unfortunately there was a line in my prepared remarks that made a wrong contrast and I take responsibility for reading that… no excuses. It was harmful to some of my strongest supporters and for that Mi Culpa. It was never my intent.
Your speech to the Democracy for Texas group last week was great in how you laid out your opposition to the war in Iraq.. To have active duty folks delivering this message about what’s happening to military families, our country and the people of Irag is just the kind of messenger who can penetrate in Texas.
let’s take Texas back from the wingnuts!
I don’t live in Texas but have friends there. I will pay attention … and make sure THEY do.
Shouldn’t the newspaper be corrected for those not online?
Can we suspend the no name-calling rule for Cornyn? I don’t understand Texas politics. I don’t get how the same state could give us Ann Richards and then, next, you know, as Governor. But just from his post, I like this guy. Can we ask questions?
If so here are mine:
Ted Kennedy said yesterday on Bob Schieffer’s program that he’s going to do whatever it takes to begin bringing troops home from Iraq. He would not, however, answer Schieffer’s question as to whether that included filibustering appropriations bills. Will you filibuster a bill to appropriate more money for the Iraq war? Or is asking this of a would be Freshman Senator unrealistic? Too Mr. Smith Goes to Washington-ish?
Can we have a little background type stuff?
Rick, welcome.
So you do approve of the way the people in the Draft Rick movement are representing you on the blogosphere? They carry a pretty big virtual hammer sometimes.
Where is the line of which you spoke.
Thanks.
Glen Maxey @ 13
the netroots has been behind our success thus far and it will be the key to beating Cornyn in November.
I for one accept your explanation and your apology, and wish you well in your fight.
Hi Rick.
Last time you were here, I brought up the new highways in Texas, and you responded by mentioning that the Valley needed a new highway because of new ports. You mentioned some ports in Mexico. Since then, the trucking from Mexico has commenced. I have read somewhere that the Mexican ports will somehow affect the jobs of longshoremen in the U.S. My question is 2-fold:
1. Please fill us in on what is going on with the Mexican Ports, i.e., how many and where, and will it affect tariffs?
2. How will cargo arriving in Mexican ports be adequately screened for radiological content, as well as any other dangerous materials?
Thanks.
Rick
boadicea made available your full comments,
in context, of course, but I would be interested in knowing, specifically, to whom you were referring. Could you please clarify that?
IMO, this article is somewhat better about the quote and includes an explanation and a quote from Boadicea as well:
http://www.chron.com/disp/stor.....21267.html
Hello Rick, Thanks for coming by and for your clarification.
There seems to be two schools of thought on getting out of Iraq. Those who favor a “prudent and responsible” pull out, and those who want out now. Where do you situate on this issue?
Welcome sir,
Please, whatever you do, when you get to Washington, don’t drink the Kool-Aid.
Too many good people seem to get their heads all spun around once they get there.
I personally consider our current situation a crisis of monumental proportions. Equal in a lot of ways to our own Civil War.
But unfortunately, this time around, we don’t seem to have the right leadership to guide us through this. I welcome the introduction to some new voices to our government in hopes that we finally get the leadership our democracy so desperately needs.
Thanks!
Good luck, we need cronies like Cornyn out of politics forever.
And the last few weeks have been veddy ,veddy good to us with the retirement of some really odius politicians.
Keep up the good fight.
ccmask @ 22
They pulled out a line that unfortunately attacks our strength in this campaign which is our netroots, people powered, campaign. I suspect that it won’t be the last time but we Texans take it on the chin, get up and ask our fellow supporters to get up with us so that we can beat Cornyn.
By the way, anyone wanting to show appreciation and support to Rick for his service and his forthrightness, Blue America is open for business. Imagine defeating Cornyn!!
Greetings Rick - Thank you for sharing this time with us. And, thank you for setting the record straight. Will there be a retraction or statement in the San Antonio Express News?
1 * picture = words * 1000
Rick Noriega live blogging on Daily Kos from Yearly Kos
Thanks for being here Mr. Noreiga, I wish you much success in your race.
My question is , are you going to be one of the Senators that agrees hook line and sinker with those in the majority or are you going to think for yourself and act accordingly.
Saying what you believe and answering directly make a bigger impression on me that the typical dance around the issue we see by the majority of Pols.
rick @ 15
My first direct answer to a question from a politican….and he agrees with me? I , I, I feel faint.
Forget my 2nd question friends cut each other slack!
What are your 3 biggest priorites for Texas and for America!
It was really just one sentence in the speech that allowed itself to be pulled out of context. The overall speech made your intent clear. It may have been sloppy speech writing BUT you get major kudos for standing up and taking responsibility for a mistake! That takes strength of character and leadership, something sadly lacking in most politics today!
Thank you.
My intent was to challenge the MSM to not get sucked into the “wedge issue” political coverage when we need in depth coverage on issues and real debates etc. Unfortunately there was a line in my prepared remarks that made a wrong contrast and I take responsibility for reading that… no excuses. It was harmful to some of my strongest supporters and for that Mi Culpa. It was never my intent.
Wow. That statement was such a breath of fresh air. No blaming the reporter for “out of context” quotes. Just simple, “Hey, I F-ed up. Came out wrong and I’m on your side.” Refreshing in today’s politics, although still confused on where that came from.
Mr. Noriega, If you were on the Committee that is asking Gen. Petraeus questions today, most of which has been bland and uninspired questioning by the Dems, what would you be asking?
Go get ‘em, Rick.
Thanks for making the effort to visit with us Rick.
And I appreciate both your “owning up” to those reported statements, and more importantly, to unequivocally rejecting the idea that the progressive blogosphere is practicing the politics of hate, fear and division.
For the last 30 years, it has been the Republicans have made use of those very political practices to the detriment of our country.
Standing up and fighting those Republican “values” is in fact, honorable and more importantly, patriotic.
We see our duty, and we are doing it. Glad to see you’re willing to serve in the frontlines too!
QuakerGirl @ 35
The writer of this article hit Rick’s opponent in the Democratic Primary hard a week ago. I think RG Ratcliffe was looking for something “to show he’s and equal opportunity” gotcha reporter.
There’s a lot of facts and chronology missed in his reporting… and of a comment 5 or six weeks ago almost?
Thanks for apologizing. It’s all too infrequent today.
Lord knows I’ve said my share of stupid things, so I understand how it can happen. Many of us have been begging candidates to take on the relationship between what they report and the right wing noise machine. I appreciate the effort, but it still does hurt when someone who has gotten a lot of support from the netroots devalues us. Apologizing is what friends do and you have.
rick @ 18
David W. Bartoo @ 28
This was a poor attempt to try to be balanced and draw a contrast. However it came out like comparing apples to wheat…not even the same food group. However I am the candidate and I have to lead by example when we make a screw up… I take full responsibility as your candidate.
TXsharon @ 36
Ha! Picture didn’t com through. You can see it here
OT:
The Senate is expected to take up the 2008 transportation appropriations bill soon. And as early as this evening, Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-ND, will introduce an amendment that would block funding for Bush’s illegal Mexican Truck pilot program.
fire-in-the-belly-dogs ruff ruff
hi rick.
QuakerGirl @ 35
I am not aware of any at this time. I suspect that because there was negative coverage of my primary opponent this is the MSM’s attempt to be “fair and balance.” My real regret is that it was harmful to our campaigns strongest supporters.
Mod help please if you could my comment at @38 the boxes got messed up.
[Mod: Happy to help.]
tw3k @ 48
hello
Rick, it is good to see you and Glen here. I am quite excited about your candidacy and the prospect of canning Cornyn!
Rick,
I appreciate the fact that you are willing to speak with us, and as I have family in Texas, I truly welcome your courage in doing so. However something prompted your statement and you will forgive me, I hope, for holding your feet to the fire just a little bit in expecting some direct answer. I repeat, did you have specific bloggers in mind?
rick @ 49
Does your campaign have a blog or a website? That would be a good venue by which to communicate with bloggers. Perhaps even have a weekly live blog session or other venue by which to invite bloggers and readers to engage with you….(edited to correct mixup with blockquote)
darclay @ 37
My voting record and hopefully my actions (Ardmore Ok)will demonstrate my sincerity to represent ALL Texans and not just those in the white house.
The Netroots for Noriega set out to get 800 donations this quarter. We’re only about 45 shy of hitting that goal today, with three full weeks to go.
Would be awesome if FDL and Blue America folks put us over the top TODAY!!!!!!!!!
http://www.actblue.com/page/blueamerica08
Unfortunately, we are chatting today because you have actually endorsed this false equivalency in front of a powerful audience.
You do grave damage to your greatest allies when you undermine the progressive blogosphere.
Do you intend to rectify your mistake by taking proactive steps in Texas to encourage general public awareness of all of the positive things that the progressive blogosphere is doing to encourage citizens to become more involved in our participatory democracy?
If so, I believe that you can transform this unfortunate situation into an opportunity to strengthen both your own campaign and the progressive blogosphere in Texas.
And, thanks to the help we’ve received from many of you all, we’re just 77 contributors shy of our goal-800 small dollar contributors to keep the Noriega Express on the tracks, and headed for Junior John Cornyn.
As one of the early adopters of the Draft Rick Noriega movement, I know that Rick is the real deal, and if we can continue to count on y’all to have his back, we can count on him to have ours.
i gotta say, i’m pretty impressed by this statement. if you follow up with your actions, you will have my enthusiastic support.
archpundit @ 44
Taking responsibility for a mistake is unheard of in politics these days. We need those kind of character traits in our leaders.
A Texas blogger here -
I don’t know if this has already been said, but Rick was on a conference call this morning with a bunch of Texas bloggers and we left that call letting him know we are all behind him 100%!
It is refreshing to hear a simple, “I made a mistake.”
The Texas blogosphere would like to see this make the netroots stronger and more effective with our candidates - and with Rick in particular.
David W. Bartoo @ 53
David:
The reality is that I rolled into Austin late the night before and read a prepared speech that I received as I walked into the hall. However, like I said no excuses. Ultimately as the candidate I’ve got to take responsibility. My fault.
One of the things I believe is important for our campaign is to stand up when we messed up. I am constantly learning about my strongest ally.
Will you pledge to run a positive primary campaign (i.e. no attack ads against Watts)?
rick @ 62
Do the prepared remarks reflect the sentiments of your speechwriter? If so, do you intend to keep said speechwriter on your staff?
Glen Maxey @ 56
Wow, that’s even closer than I thought. (Glen’s the database guy. So he’d be the one with the numbers.)
Hitting our target today with Blue America would be very exciting!
It’s encouraging to see this type of interaction, between candidates and activists, happening from the grass roots level, and therefore no surprise that you’re in line with the priorities of the progressive blogosphere to end the war and get health care, and preserve the integrity of the internet so we can continue to break through the MSM deception.
JimmyJack — You want to disclose your ties, if any, to the Watts campaign up front?
*xyz @ 57
i hope rick answers your question, because this will really be the way rick can show he means what he said so well today.
Sure, I have no ties to Watt’s campaign (or any campaign) at all.
*xyz @ 57
1. Got it.
2. I believe our Texas blogs will show the strength of our campaign and our momentum. We plan to use this misstep as an opportunity to build our campaign. The TX netroots will be the tip of the spear when we win this election. Folks will understand that this vehicle will transform our State.
JimmyJack @ 63
Everyone in Texas agrees we need to take out Cornyn. I think you’ll see both of these candidates staying on that frame and that message.
Rick will be the nominee because you can feel it at events and rallies, and bbq’s everywhere he goes. Right bio. Right legislative record. And the right values.
*xyz @ 57
As a friend and supporter of Rep. Noriega and Melissa, I can honestly say that they have always been supportive of progressive bloggers. As much as we cheer them on when they are at work, they have always appreciated the Texas and Houston bloggers.
JimmyJack at 69 — Thanks, every time a comment like that pops up, that always becomes a question. Thought we’d get it out of the way up front. Appreciate it.
JimmyJack @ 63
Whats wrong with attacks if they are true? Its not like Rick is going to spread rumors like Bush did about John McCain fathering an African American child.
Chicago Way! Rick they send one of yours to the hospital you send 10 of them to the morgue. (sorry if I messed up the Sean Connery quote)
Gotta say I appreciate the apology and clear taking of responsibility.
I am however a bit uncomfortable with the fundraising push at the same time … I’ve donated to Rick when he was a Blue America guest before - and I hope to do so again but first I’ll be watching for continued active support of citizen journalists from his campaign esp from his speechwriter and communications staff.
Thank you Rick for responding directly to my question. I fully appreciate your honesty in apologizing but humbly suggest that ‘pre-prepared’ victuals are not always healthy, and in politicky, a lack of precision can have serious consequences (even lethal) for others.
Best wishes for your political success and I shall lobby my Texas-based family in your behalf.
Phil Lovegren @ 66
Hopefully, periodically, we can do this. It helps me to be a better candidate and US Senator from the great State of TX.
Rick - Your willingness to apologize carries a lot of weight with this crowd. We genuinely respect this fresh approach to dealing with an unfortunate problem. Things happen and regrettable things are said by all of us.
There are some excellent suggestions on ways to take action to back up your true beliefs towards blogs. I especially like the suggestion that you encourage your supporters and potential supporters to use blogs. Hope you incorporate this in your campaign.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 67
Is JimmyJack new to the Lake? A plant perhaps?
Siun @ 75
I agree. It doesn’t seem contrite to be asking for money from the people one recently publicly demeaned.
Sir,
My husband was a Vietnam vet and POW, who was tortured by his North Vietnamese captors. He suffered from his injuries for over thirty years until is fatal heart attack two years ago.
My question, which I’m asking all candidates, is: What will you DO to stop torture as the law, policy and practice of the United States?
With respect and gratitude,
For Dan,
Heather
Christy Hardin Smith @ 73
Thanks to Howie and Jane for allowing me to clear the air and have a frank discussion with my biggest supporters.
Lt. Col. Noriega,
As one of the leaders along with Glen in the Draft Noriega Movement and Bloggers for Noriega, I want you to know that we’re standing behind you. Thanks for admitting that this was a mistake. It’s a sure sign that you will be a heck of a departure from John Junior Politics As Usual Box Turtle Cornyn. John Cornyn has never admitted a single mistake in four years of office, and nearly every vote he’s cast is a mistake.
We’re behind you, and we know you are the person to defeat Cornyn.
Siun @ 75
the guy who wrote the speech is not writing my speeches anymore.
Rick,
This Administration and its Republican party-line supporters, have made a repeated habit of questioning the patriotism of those who have criticized the Iraq War.
Folks who are against this Administration and its policies are deemed to be supporters of “surrender”, and even “terrorism”.
John Cornyn has used and continues to use this style of “the country’s enemies” politics.
What are you going to do to call him on this unacceptable behavior?
Note: As a Vietnam-era Veteran who served honorably for 4 years, I don’t easily forgive those equate my patriotism and political participation with being a traitor.
Siun @ 75
I can understand that, Siun, and I apologize.
I confess that we are so very close to a goal that seemed very daunting when we set it, that I got a little overexcited.
FWIW, I expect, as one of the citizen journalists supporting this campaign, the very same thing you do.
Is JimmyJack new to the Lake? A plant perhaps?
I can assure you I am 100% animal.
Thanks Rick - that’s precisely the sort of active response we need to see.
I really do appreciate your apology.
rick @ 84
Accepts responsibilty and holds his staff accountable for their actions?
thanks for standing up and taking responsibility for what you said, and explaining how it contradicted what you believe about the people who support you and countless other progressive candidates and officials.
Sent on another small donation. (Have to be thrifty right now, being uninsured and uninsurable, I need to scrape up another $7K or so for knee surgery). Have sent your website url to a couple of friends in Texas, asking them to give you a look and see if they would consider supporting you in their small town on the TX-LA border.
I know you’ll be a good candidate and Senator for the people of Texas and our nation. A few stumbles along the way are learning experiences, and you’ve taken the right actions to explain what you did wrong. I like a person who is honest enough to accept that they have made mistakes and brave enough to admit those mistakes in public.
rick at 82 — We certainly appreciate you coming by to chat. Far too often, we get asked to support candidates in terms of fundraising, but when it comes to accountability, they brush it off. It is always a pleasure to have someone come in and explain policy or speech issues — or to talk frankly about how they are feeling about a particular topic or problem.
I’m from WV, and we’re very much like Texas in terms of expecting folks to be plain-spoken and keep their word. It’s a good thing you are doing to clarify but, as Siun says, actions will speak very loudly on this indeed as we move forward. Frankly, getting Cornyn out of office would be wonderful — and I look forward to that happening. To have it happen with a candidate that we support wholeheartedly would be very nice indeed.
Chacounne @ 81
First I believe we should do what Colin Powell said and close Guantanamo. Second, we need to rescend what was put out by Alberto Gonzalez regarding our policy on torture. Our generals have said that we put our own soldiers at risk when we don’t adhere to humane treatment. We as Americans have to lead the world by example.
rick @ 82
If the blogs are your biggest supporters, then perhaps you need to communicate that to your speechwriter, and perhaps add someone to your communications staff who already understands the blogosphere, so this does not happen again.
I work for Rick. There’s no intent on our part to push for money here. I can speak for Rick and the campaign that this is about the blogosphere today, not about filling our campaign coffers.
Siun @ 75
things come undone @ 79
I think (though I can’t be absolutely sure) that Jimmy Jack is one of our TK regulars.
If he’s who I think he is, his concern with civility in discourse is entirely in character with comments he’s made there. Not a plant.
As bloggers in Texas, we set out to make Rick the nominee. He’s up against a mega millionaire primary opponent.
Every major left/Democratic blog in Texas has endorsed Noriega.
In light of the new story, Rick has communicated with all of us, by email, in person and by conference call.
We’re ready to move on and win this election.
We set out to get small donors for Rick.
The netroots can make this happen. Don’t think it’s out of line here. It’s actually more important than ever.
things come undone @ 79
Ditto. What is JimmyJack’s ties to the Watts campaign or any other for that matter? Can JJ or someone shed light here?
Hi Rick. Thank you so much for being here. I met you at YKos2 in Chicago and I am wondering how we Texas Firepups can help you out. (We are 12-15 that I know of.)
That is good news. Are there any other steps that you have already taken to address what happened?
QuakerGirl — Read through the thread. He already said he isn’t with the Watts campaign — was hoping the thread wouldn’t get sidetracked with this issue, which is why I asked the question.
Or put another way, an apology is easy to produce, but is truly useless without some evidence that methods have been put in place to prevent future outrages.
In what way will Mr. Noriega assure us that future amazing statements WILL NOT be made?
Mad Dogs @ 86
MD
I, like you, am offended that our leadership uses the military for photo ops and misuses the institution for its political gain. I believe that the government will unfortunately stay the course, not because it is good policy but because it is good politics for them. This is immoral and I plan to call them on it.
Guess what MD? Guess who’s visiting the TX National Guard this Thursday in Austin, TX (Camp Mabry)? Our very own junior senator from TX, Mr. Cornyn.