The politics of optimism. [View All]

Democrats today have a real option to put before the voters in 2008 in answer to the Republican record of mismanagement, deception, deceit and denial.

They have fractured the contract we have held with Washington for years. They have walked away from the agreements we feel are essential to international relationships. They have literally undermined primary functions of our federal government for purely partisan purposes.

Our Congress is calling the Repubs record to account. States and cities are challenging the Republican agenda from the environment to health care and education. We have an energized base, broad support among centrists and independents, and the Republican's disastrous record on our side.

Obviously, that is not enough. Railing against the Republican machine has brought us some small comfort. Replacing it is where we are now. This election season is about change, I think we all agree on that.

As splintered as we may be at times, 2008 holds a real opportunity to make effective change. Our strength and our weakness are inherent in the breadth of our coalitions. Effective change relies on both, on all.

We have a strong field of possibles for the presidential race. All are developing real world responses to the challenges we face, as a nation and a world.

In response to 'terror all the time', a divisive, hyped social agenda and the basic failure of this Administration to function efficiently, I favor we support our alternative agenda. Loudly and clearly.

It's our time, friends.