WAKE UP, Democrats!!

I think most people see the Democrats as monolithic... on policy. For sure, that's how we are portrayed. I understand that it's important to present a unified front. But there is a real struggle going on in the party now that more people need to understand and become a part of.

We're not monolithic...there is definitely push/pull within the party on party direction and on big issues. That struggle was very apparent after 2004...as we searched for understanding what had happened and looked for a new direction. Some said we should become more centrist and 'go along to get along'. In order to win, some said, we had to become more like the Republicans. Others said we needed to stand up for what we believe...clearly and loudly...and not be afraid to be authentic.

When we selected Dean to lead (over McAuliffe) the direction was clearly change over status quo. It was authenticity over Rove-style politics. It was 'fight for what we believe' over, 'going along to get along.' I was REALLY glad about that...not just because of the 50 state strategy, but because I knew Dean understood that the future of the party depended upon us getting straight with our real values, understanding what REAL changes were needed, and FIGHTING for those changes...not compromising them away. (Not to say I don't believe in compromise. :) )

We are really, still, in a struggle over this. The Clinton, McAuliffe, DLC, centrist side fought a primary with old tactics and they compromised their values. I don't think the Clinton camp ever really understood what it was that was missing for some of us...Hillary Clinton NEVER made the case for how we Democrats, AND what we authentically believe, are better for the country (even though I am sure she knows this). She discussed important issues...education, health care, the economy, etc...that I agree with her on, but stopped there. She didn't take the discussion to the higher plane of "Our party's positions on these issues are right because...". At least not enough. She stayed at the nuts and bolts level, instead of a new vision level. She used the Rovian tactics, which was a red flag for some of us that she didn't get it. And that's also why she could never be on an Obama ticket.

The Obama/Biden, Dean, Kennedy/Kerry progressive side of the party spoke authentically to audiences of a new direction and what our party SHOULD be and stand for. They didn't just do 'sound-bite' politics...Obama explained, in depth, the change the country needs on issues from religion and race, to health care, to Iraq and economic policy. He clearly struck a nerve, as the crowds grew to unprecented proportions and young people became involved in ways never before seen. I think the American public was hungry for this kind of message and leadership.

If it is true that the Clintons are still trying to consolidate power in Congress...which is actually not surprising to me, then our struggle continues. If people are trying to force Dean out, then our struggle continues. If McCain is allowed to win...sadly...our struggle continues. But a lot will have been lost...and we may not recover. JMHO.

So, I hope progressive Democrats will continue the fight begun in 2004 with the election of Howard Dean as DNC chairman (and before ). We need to support Howard Dean. We need to get behind Obama/Biden (and Kennedy and Kerry) and fight hard...as they have been fighting for us. As they all have said from time to time...they cannot do this alone. This is NOT about them. If we progressive Democrats really want to 'perfect our union' (to use Obama's words) then we have to fight for it. Now is NOT the time to falter.

This isn't over...not yet.

:patriot:

democrats in getting Obama elected.

But once he IS elected it is back on - the DLC compromisers should have no chance to undermine his presidency with their so-called pragmatism. Doing what they want you to do is NOT the way to defeat the Republicans and all their twisted policies.

... :)