Vietnam-Era War Protesting, v2.0

A newer, more calculated form of war protesting has begun to push Democrats in Washington, one much more advanced than those in the days of Vietnam. The New York Times reports increasing efforts from groups like MoveOn.org to systematically "unify Democrats, divide Republicans, and isolate the President." While many groups called the recently-vetoed timetable resolution too timid, MoveOn.org stuck with Pelosi's decision, feeling that unity within the party, in this case, was more important than getting the troops home sooner than later. Aside from having weekly meetings with House and Senate Democrats, this antiwar coalition (including not just MoveOn but groups like the National Security Union and Service Employees' Union) marks a more shrewd movement than seen in previous wars. They have systematically focused on weak holds for Republicans where the 2008 race may be particularly tough, and have also sent former generals and military officials to directly persuade lawmakers. As for Bush's veto? The coalition organized over 350 rallies and 20 news conferences in response. “This is act one of a three-act play,” said Tom Matzzie, MoveOn's Washington director. “Act two will be the summer. During the summer, our job is to create a firestorm of opposition.”