Bird-Dog Rep. Nadler Sunday on Impeachment

January 10, 2008 Bush Era, Impeachment News, New York 2

DailyKos, by Conchita — There are two golden opportunities to bird-dog Rep. Nadler this coming weekend, but before I go into details, I would like to let you know that an open letter to Rep. Nadler urging him to support Rep. Wexler’s call for impeachment hearings in the House Judiciary Committee was sent yesterday by a group of concerned citizens working together under the banner AskNadler2Impeach.org. We wanted it to reach him this week while he is still in the city on recess and chose to send it yesterday with 133 signers although it is clear that there are many others who would still like to cosign. AskNadler2Impeach.org is currently being constructed and as soon as it is up and running the site will host the letter and a petition to Rep. Nadler asking him to support impeachment. You will be first to know when it is operational (hopefully next week).

For those who are not familiar with the term bird-dogging, the PDA website Progressive Challenge 2008 offers a link to What is “Bird-Dogging” and How to Do It. Bird-dogging is defined as:

bird-dog also bird·dog (bûrddôg, -dg)
v. bird-dogged, bird-dog·ging, bird-dogs Informal v.intr.
To follow a subject of interest, such as a person or trend, with
persistent attention.

Bird-dogging is one of PDA’s Progressive Challenge 2008 recommended courses of activism and a special blog page has been set up for activists across the country to share their experiences bird-dogging.

Back in November a NYC group organized to bird-dog Rep. Nadler at a Citizens Action New York event. Bob Fertik from Democrats.com joined us that evening on the “inside” while we flyered on the outside. Bob wrote about his conversation with Congressman Nadler on impeachment in Jerrold Nadler Whistles Past the Impeachment Graveyard.

Bird-dogging is best practiced at a Town Hall meeting or other forum where an elected official will be appearing. Specific tips and techniques from the PDA link are:

1. Do your homework.

a. Find out from the local office when and where your representative or senator will be speaking or holding a forum.

2. Prepare questions ahead of time. Rehearse reading the question or comment.

a. Use the EPIC format (engage them, state the problem, illustrate the solution, call them to action) to craft your questions.
b. Be confident, considerate and persistent about getting an answer to your question.

3. Get familiar with your Congressman.

a. Here is where you can find info on current representatives and senators.

4. Work in teams.

a. Sit in different areas of the room to maximize your impact.
b. Designate a note taker to jot down all info and promises made by the Congressperson.
c. Designate a videographer, as You-Tube, Google video and other methods are an excellent way to amplify your message.
d. Seek out media after the meeting to talk about our issues if they were not covered.
e. Seek out the speakers after the meeting to introduce yourself and follow up on your question, or ask it if you were not able to ask the question during the meeting.
f. Leave the event with a clear plan to follow up with their staff.

5. Stay on message.

a. Don’t get distracted or angry if your question is blown over. Be forceful in repeating the question and asking for an appropriate response.

Item #5 is key: Don’t get angry – it is critically important that we remain respectful if we are to be considered credible in our questions.

In this case, we have the answer to #1 – the venues where Rep. Nadler will be speaking. This Sunday Rep. Nadler will be participating in two events. The first is in Chelsea, a Presidential Candidates Forum hosted by the Chelsea Reform Democrats:

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2 Comments

  2. Manhattan
    Rep. Jerrold Nadler Please Write to Him at this Address or Call them.
    201 Varick Street, Suite 669 Even Better Do BOTH!
    New York, NY 10014
    Tel. 212-367-7350

    Brooklyn
    Rep. Jerrold Nadler
    445 Neptune Ave.
    Brooklyn, NY 11224
    Tel. 718-373-3198

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