Part II - The Democratic Opportunity

I turned on the news this morning to learn that less than a week following the Democratic election victory, George McGovern was to present his plan for getting out of Iraq to Democrats and Charlie Wrangle was trying to kick Cheney out of his Congressional office, arguing that the office was traditionally reserved for the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Great...they haven't even taken power yet and they've started shooting themselves in the foot.

I am open to correction on this point, but I associate McGovern with the Democratic left equivalent of the Republican right neo-cons. If there is still a McGovern Wing in the Democratic Party, I understand why they' ve been out of power for 12 years. As for Charlie, his complaint only seems to confirm the Republican comments about "measuring the windows for drapes." Surely, he can think of something else to talk about at this moment other than Dick Cheney's office.

I would suggest that just before the Congressional Democrats go to bed at night and immediately upon rising they say the following: "Americans vote out whom they don't like and do not vote in whom they like." Repeat that 20 times each evening and morning. Chaffee's loss in Rhode Island was a metaphor for the entire election..."gee, you're a nice guy, but I am sending a message."

The election victory was an opportunity handed to the Democrats by the American voter based on the same motivation that had them putting Republicans into power in 2004...namely fear. This time, it was fear of Republicans, misguided policies and incompetence. It was NOT because they've bought into the Democratic "agenda," which - as reasonable as it might be - came only late and with little election publicity in the campaign. On Iraq...frankly with notable exceptions (Howard Dean being one)...most Democrats were BEHIND public opinion on the war.

The 2008 campaign began on Wednesday. In my opinion, the message - loud and clear - is that we are tired of polarizing policies by both parties and want to see more bipartisanship in Congress, with middle of the road real solutions to real problems. If you disregard this message and use the opportunity to either gloat, get even, or swing the country to the left wing of your party...you'll be out of office as fast as you came back in...in 2008.

Geez...the bi-partisan Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group now has the center of the stage, for both parties. What the hell is George McGovern doing? OK...OK...it's a Big Tent...everybody is entitled to be heard...but I'll pay close attention to who is listening. As for Charlie....Charlie, get a life.

I think Democrats came close to becoming completely irrelevant and it was only the old saying about "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely," that saved them from oblivion. To take advantage of the opportunity they've been given they must achieve a bi-partisan solution in Iraq and initially pass some bi-partisan legislation. This may actually work on a few issues...immigration...minimum wage...education. The biggies...tax cuts...health care...social security are probably NOT going to be resolved on a bi-partisan basis. Given their Congressional numbers and GW's veto power (wonder how many pens he's received since the election)...controversal issues should have the overwhelming support of the American people...thus painting GW as the "Daschle Obstructionist."

As of now, it appears 2008 is going to be a fight for the middle. Both parties are going to be looking for an early critic of the war, who is a fiscal conservative and "clean." Sooo...at least through 2008, the old Democratic liberal warhorses are going to have to fake it and at least appear like normal people.