New Democratic Message: Back to Basics?
In an appearance on Meet the Press a few months back, Barack Obama was asked whether he thought Democrats should call for the US to pull out of Iraq. He said, "No." But he added a noteworthy caveat. He said that such a posture was politically appealing because it would allow Democrats to stake a position that was in clear contrast to the one held by Republicans.
With the November elections fast approaching (and the kickoff of the presidential campaign just around the corner), Democrats will be under increasing pressure to craft a message that distinguishes its platform from that espoused by the Republicans. Some will no doubt clamor for the Dems to promote an Iraqi withdrawal policy. Others will talk about a living wage. Still others will focus on privacy-related issues like abortion or NSA monitoring. What seems inevitable, though, is that Democrats will once again fashion a platform that lacks a coherent theme.
That's a shame. Bush, Cheney, Frist, and co. have opened the door to what seems like an ideal message: It's time to get back to basics. Although Republican leaders have labeled themselves "conservatives," they have been anything but conservative. They have presided over unprecedented budget deficits, tried to unravel social security, and committed America to billions in nation building. The recklessness of the Republican leadership is clear, and the Democrats are in a prime position to capitalize.
What issues might a Democratic "Back to Basics" campaign entail? Here are a few ideas:
1. Balance the Budget. This would help keep inflation down and social security solvent.
2. Invest in education. This includes easing the burden on student loan holders, promoting math and science learning, and creating new, better, and increased numbers of job retraining programs. Education and training are the keys to competitiveness in the era of globalization.
3. Protect the environment. Mother nature hath shown its fury in recent years, and it's about time we start to show a renewed respect. Carbon trading and increased investment in alternative fuels would be a welcome change.
Democrats have a real opportunity to regain the helm in the months ahead. Here's hoping they can come up with a message to do so.
Democrats, Campaign, Bush, Obama
With the November elections fast approaching (and the kickoff of the presidential campaign just around the corner), Democrats will be under increasing pressure to craft a message that distinguishes its platform from that espoused by the Republicans. Some will no doubt clamor for the Dems to promote an Iraqi withdrawal policy. Others will talk about a living wage. Still others will focus on privacy-related issues like abortion or NSA monitoring. What seems inevitable, though, is that Democrats will once again fashion a platform that lacks a coherent theme.
That's a shame. Bush, Cheney, Frist, and co. have opened the door to what seems like an ideal message: It's time to get back to basics. Although Republican leaders have labeled themselves "conservatives," they have been anything but conservative. They have presided over unprecedented budget deficits, tried to unravel social security, and committed America to billions in nation building. The recklessness of the Republican leadership is clear, and the Democrats are in a prime position to capitalize.
What issues might a Democratic "Back to Basics" campaign entail? Here are a few ideas:
1. Balance the Budget. This would help keep inflation down and social security solvent.
2. Invest in education. This includes easing the burden on student loan holders, promoting math and science learning, and creating new, better, and increased numbers of job retraining programs. Education and training are the keys to competitiveness in the era of globalization.
3. Protect the environment. Mother nature hath shown its fury in recent years, and it's about time we start to show a renewed respect. Carbon trading and increased investment in alternative fuels would be a welcome change.
Democrats have a real opportunity to regain the helm in the months ahead. Here's hoping they can come up with a message to do so.
Democrats, Campaign, Bush, Obama
posted by HN at 9:42 PM
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