Democrats could look to Dean's 'New Federalism'

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/bfpnews/editorial/3000h.htm

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Dean was often perceived as the liberal "anti-war" candidate who provided unvarnished critiques of President Bush. Much commentary also focused on the style of his campaign -- populist speeches with sleeves rolled up, Internet fund-raising prowess, and persuading new voters to become involved in the political process. These were certainly important aspects of Dean's campaign, but they did not capture the essence of what he was communicating.

His campaign was actually about a host of issues most voters never heard about during the primary campaigns: a balanced budget, repealed federal mandates, and a new twist on states' rights. Whether by accident or design, Dean was taking a page from the Republicans' "new federalism" message of the 1970s and '80s. By advocating repeal of unfunded mandates, encouraging local participation, and allowing states to apply their own solutions, Dr. Dean could have the prescription for what ails the Democrats -- and that could seize the mantle of federalism so prized by conservatives.

Together, Dean's positions amount to an interesting and potentially groundbreaking new strategy for Democrats. His instinct to reach out to frustrated voters tired of interference from a federal government that overreaches on social issues, but ignores pocketbook issues is on target. What Dean articulated was an approach that said, in essence: The federal government must be responsible for a few big-ticket items like the social safety net and national defense. Beyond that, the states and individuals should have an important role in how to tackle local issues. It sounds positively Clintonesque.

With Republicans increasingly enamored of big, centralized government, it's up to the Democrats to harness the power of the 50 "laboratories of democracy" at their disposal. From budgets to ballot initiatives, a "new federalism" message could resonate with many voters in the heartland and beyond.
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Throughout Howard Dean's campaign he was a risk-taker who took on party orthodoxy, while exhorting crowds with his catch phrase: "You have the power." A people-powered effort that flouts conventional wisdom, allows for local creativity, and works to remove federal barriers to local success would be one way for Howard Dean to turn his catch phrase into a legacy and help revitalize democracy, and Democrats, in America.

But usually when you say "federalism" to dems, they run screaming with visions of militias and slavery. Hopefully, Dean will have better luck with this message.

be DNC chair.

I hope our party listens to this message, and adopts it in some form.

:)

Did anyone else think that in September/October Kerrry started saying the things that Dean had been saying all along?

I've been after this since about April. I firmly believe that like all the religious lip service and jingo, that the GOP lies to those who are supposedly the right-wing "libertarians" and they are into as much "big government" as they claim the dems are.

If we took the stance of federalism, it would call their bluff. And, it would, in my opinion, secure some civil rights, FEDERALLY, because you could reel people in economically, and then the Constitution will come out less shit upon than the GOP's manipulation of it.

I'm for abolishing the federal income tax, except for a defense (not corporate adventure), and some bureaucratic things, and taxing higher at the state and local levels, and doing ballot initiatives to decide where funding should go.

It would, as Dr. Dean says, get people to invest in the local sphere, which would make a WORLD of frickin' difference in the psyche of this nation.

You go, Dean.

SNIP.."What Dean articulated was an approach that said, in essence: The federal government must be responsible for a few big-ticket items like the social safety net and national defense. Beyond that, the states and individuals should have an important role in how to tackle local issues. It sounds positively Clintonesque."

Geez, he is so extreme, that Dean. What is not Clintonesque about him is that he actually will stand up for the rights of the gay community and civil unions even if it makes him unelectable...as Clinton says.

Let me start by saying I am in favor of gay marriage. Period.

If I read this and play it out in my mind, a "federalist" philosophy could well lead to strong Defense of Marriage type laws in some states. It could also lead to more states outlawing *any* marriage discrimination, i.e.: permitting gay marriage.

Over the long haul, however, when everyone sees that marriage thrives rather than gets harmed, and when this religious delusion calms down, it could all swing to our side.

But in the short term .... bumpy roads ......

regardless of his high NRA rating he did say he supported the AWB.

"New Federalism" ???

:argh:

become more involved in government and give them a reason to vote etc...
It's an interesting idea.

I give him credit just for HAVING new ideas and putting them out there.

From the rest of the upper level Dems, I hear nothing but crickets chirping. Ideas? Forget it.

that's about it in way of new ideas from the party insiders.

And SCREW that shit. If I want that I'd BE a repuke.

"His instinct to reach out to frustrated voters tired of interference from a federal government that overreaches on social issues, but ignores pocketbook issues is on target."

BINGO.

If he can shake his "I Have A Scream" speech, he'd make a good DNC chair. I'd hate to see him get the job and all Independents can think every time they see him is-- "that's the looney guy".

If he has problems, it's with some of the Dems.

Use it as a rallying cry. YeeeeAAARRRRGHHHHH

Often.

It can be quite in your face and that's a good thing. It only became an issue because the media said it was an issue. It was not nearly as bad as it seemed at the time and with more time, it would simply mellow to a point on which to giggle, but it would never bring him down. So rather than allow it to mellow, just let it stay front and center. Use it.

Why not?? He owns it anyhow.:shrug:

pretation of Dean's positions.

He has a conservative streak, yes- particularly economically. Socially, though, he's pretty liberal. And he has strong moral convictions- to me, that translates into strong central government with regard to social issues.

I can see how one would come to this conclusion, but I'm not sure I entirely agree with it as an interpretation, or as a political philosophy.

And the phrase, "new federalisn" is the type of indefinite term Dean never uses.

The writer is sincere and is trying to put Dean's ideas and statements together in a meaningful context but it's an abstract way of thinking Dean seems to avoid, at least in his public speeches.

...... surely Dean is more a critical thinker than he might appear to be in his speeches. Perhaps he simply "gets it" that you have to stand *for* something and anything that seems abstract just never gets into his speeches.

If you think about it, that may be why he was so slow to clarify the "confederate flag" flap in the primaries.