The Democrats' Problem
Here is the reason that, as noted here yesterday, the Democrats are having a hard time finding their voice.
Molly Ivins represents the views of a large minority -- if not a majority -- of Democrat true believers. But just try giving full-throated expression to the ideas set out in this column: Her three big ideas are that (1) Iraq is making terrorism worse (i.e. fighting terrorism exacerbates the problem); (2) All campaigns should be subsidized fully by taxpayer money; and (3) Government should run the health care system (trusting, to be sure, in that she's just criticized the military's' job in Iraq, and goes on to fault the Katrina response).
How I wish the Democrats would run on Ivins' platform! No such luck, probably, but imagine how hard it is for the Dems who are tuned into reality to try to deal with people like Ivins, and find a message that's palatable to middle-of-the-road people at the same time.
Molly Ivins represents the views of a large minority -- if not a majority -- of Democrat true believers. But just try giving full-throated expression to the ideas set out in this column: Her three big ideas are that (1) Iraq is making terrorism worse (i.e. fighting terrorism exacerbates the problem); (2) All campaigns should be subsidized fully by taxpayer money; and (3) Government should run the health care system (trusting, to be sure, in that she's just criticized the military's' job in Iraq, and goes on to fault the Katrina response).
How I wish the Democrats would run on Ivins' platform! No such luck, probably, but imagine how hard it is for the Dems who are tuned into reality to try to deal with people like Ivins, and find a message that's palatable to middle-of-the-road people at the same time.
posted by LadybugUSA at 8:49 AM
2 Comments:
I think Ms. Ivins needs a hug. If she really thinks these are the three issues:
"1) Iraq is making terrorism worse; it’s a breeding ground. We need to extricate ourselves as soon as possible. We are not helping the Iraqis by staying.
2) Full public financing of campaigns so as to drive the moneylenders from the halls of Washington.
3) Single-payer health insurance."
that will garner the most votes for "progressives" in 2008, by all means dems, jump on board.
That kind of agenda will bring in tens and tens of people.
But by all means, they should say it loud and say it proud.
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