How does the DLC view the Democratic Base?

A lot of discussion on this board has revolved around the split between the base of the party and the DLC. Most of the DLC rhetoric has been about the unelectability of Howard Dean, whom they call too liberal to win in the upcoming election. They worry that splitting from Clinton's concept of co-opting some Republican positions will ensure Democratic defeat in '04. They worry about the McGovernization of Dean (despite winning the popular vote in '04 on a populist message, the endorsement of Howard Dean by AL Gore, and tthe apparant possibility Nader will not run if Dean is the nominee). They worry about repealing Bush's tragic tax cuts (which many DLC'ers approved) - especially those designed for the middle class - even though it has been pointed out time and again whatever tax cut you may have received, you are being screwed in some other way even worse (property taxes, state financial crises). And they worry all of these despite Howard Dean's ability to outraise DLC candidates, the DNC, and even breaking Bill Clinton's fundraising efforts while he was President running for re-election. Not to mention he is a centrist, with a record of success with plenty for both progressives and fiscal conservatives to like.

Of course, post Clinton, the DLC has been unable to use their co-opting of Republican positions to any noticeable effect (we've lost the Senate and more seats in the House) - implying to some observers (such as myself) that Clinton may not have won so much because of his philosophy, but moreso because of his personality, and unique ability to frame the debate. Also implying that the only centrists that can actually win, are those that take on the opposition party directly rather than allow them to frame the debate.

At the start of this race, the DLC standard bearer was Joe Lieberman, and when they saw his message of "George Bush is right on Iraq" wasn't resonating with more than 5-6 people per state (ok I exaggerate for effect), they switched horses - with many Clinton folks now backing General Wesley Clark. So, why would they do this when they already have a centrist who is capturing the imagination of the base, raising more money than they ever have, and is appealing to independents, Greens, moderate Republicans and generating a massive, innovative grassroots organization?

So finally, my question - what does the Democratic Leadership Council really think of the base of the Democratic Party?

They know what's best for the base because they have research teams that poll like mad.

You can't analyze polls in a vacuum, though. You use them to bounce your ideologies off of. The DLC has no real ideology. Their formula does not work because it has no heart, soul or spine. Same reason why Spock never got his own ship.

about National Security - which the DLC also thought Joe Lieberman was right on. Now they have Wesley Clark who is apparently the only one with the foreign policy acumen to be President, despite the fact that he couldn't figure out where he stood without the help of Mary, and some time to figure out exactly what would play best with the public.

Edit: to change Molly to Mary. My bad :)

;) And Clark knows where he stands on foreign policy. He stumbled coming out of the gate.

I love polls where people who hate the DLC try to read their minds.

I just want to know why they hate me

:wtf:

The two party system ensures that.

When it gets to the level of insider politics often one has to snare the best slate of allies one can find to push a campaign over to victory. Dean was very shrewd to reach for Gore when he did. Gore of course was present at the founding of the DLC and deeply involved in it throughout. Gore was the man who picked Joe Lieberman to be his Vice Presidential running mate. DLC bashing reflects an over simplification of Democratic campaign politics. Clinton may have been DLC, but so was Gore. There are natural rivalries in the Democratic Party just as there anywhere else, it is not always ideology at the root of those rivalries.

Dean did well courting Gore, and most in the Dean camp welcome Gore's endorsement. When it comes to policies, if anything I worry that Dean is more conservative than I prefer, but I can certainly back Dean without hesitation in the Fall if he gets the nomination.

in fact, I embrace him with open arms. My question is more about why the DLC is ignoring it's base this time around. Why are they afraid to support a centist like Howard Dean who is generating so much energy, enthusiasm, money and empowerment to take the fight directly to George W. Bush? Why do they insist on saying he is too liberal and can't win in the south when his record and polling show clearly the opposite?

YOOHOO!!! :::waves arms::: People under 30 do exist!!

I mean...I'm sure that YOU vote, but your demographic category can be ignored by the DLC research team.

They're trying to convert voters, not attract them. But they only seem to be successful in the "not attracting voters" part of their mission.

Gotta suck up to big bizness, doncha know.

"What's good fur bizness is good for Amurika." OOPS, forgot that guy was a Republican.