Dems, GOP square off at opposing rallies

Former Charleston County Democratic Party Chairman Andy Brack implored a crowd to shout "yoo-hoo" several times during the West Ashley Democrat Blue Jamboree picnic at Parkshore Park on Saturday afternoon.

It was an attempt to chide Republicans who decided to hold a rally and fundraiser of their own just a block away, behind the Elk's Lodge on Cosgrove Avenue.

Kay Long of the Charleston County Republican Women's Club was coy when asked about the Democratic event, which took place all afternoon and included speakers such as U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., and the parents of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Vincent Sheheen.

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Lowcountry Politics

Democrats and Republicans square off at opposing events around the Lowcountry.

"Why would I know what the Democrats do?" Long asked.

Welcome to the mid-term elections of 2010 -- Charleston County style.

Clyburn outranked all of the speakers -- Democrat or Republican -- and implored the faithful to work hard to get Democrats elected in every office possible, but especially Congress, if they want President Barack Obama to accomplish his goals.

"We must make sure that we keep this president on course, moving forward," Clyburn said. "How do you do that? The same way you do with your automobile. If you want to move forward, you put it in 'D.' If you want go backwards, you put it in 'R.' "

Clyburn continued with the car analogy for the economy and health care, noting that the Republicans drove the car in the ditch and already are asking for the keys back.

"When that car, this economy, was driven into the ditch, there were some people in that car. As happens in so many accidents, the driver -- George Bush -- stepped out of the car unhurt. Some people got scratches and bruises. Some suffered from blunt force trauma. They showed up in emergency rooms all over this country. The most expensive health care you can get. We decided to take them out of the emergency room and try to stabilize them."

Clyburn added that after eight years of Bill Clinton, the nation enjoyed 22 million new jobs and a $280 billion budget surplus. After eight years of Bush, the country suffered from eight million lost jobs and a deficit of $250 billion.

He warned that Democrats need to "wake up our folks" because of the anger that is fueling their opponents.

"They are angry because we passed health care. Some of our people are disappointed because we didn't do the public option. I wanted the public option, too, but I tell you what -- I also wanted to stop discriminating against children with diabetes. I wanted to stop discriminating against people with chronic illnesses. I wanted to stop discriminating against young people just finishing college (and needing to continue on parent insurance plans) ... We did all that and we ain't through yet."

"If you re-elect a Democratic Congress this year, we will come back next year and get the rest."

Tim Scott, the Republican nominee for Congress in the state's First District, didn't seem too worried about that possibility while talking to supporters at the Republican function.

"The American people will take care of Pelosi, Reed and President Obama," said Scott, who was on his third stop of the day before heading to Myrtle Beach to meet more supporters. "We (Republicans) need to make sure we're focusing on the American people."