Comments on: Should the Democrats Create a “Contract with America”?

By: Clint

Clint — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 21:43:27 +0000

As presently constituted, the Democratic Party can’t possibly do this.

The Democratic Party is cobbled together from groups of voters who have not only different values but conflicting values. Consider same-sex marriage. In some communities, the Democratic Party advertises itself as the proponents of same-sex marriage and a fully integrated military, while in other critical core groups within the party (black voters and FDR Democrats) would be horrified by that position.

By: Doesn'tMakeSense

Doesn'tMakeSense — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 02:15:13 +0000

Republicans stand for what again? Giving government jobs to friends and spending beyond their means?

By: navin

navin — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 18:37:34 +0000

The Dems do need to get coherent core message together. They could transform “progressive tax”, “pro-minority” and “pro-choice” quite easily into Rovish/Newtish labels that resonante with the real middle and capitalize on recent unpopularity – “financial opportunity and security for the rest of us”, “fair share taxes” and “personal freedom” could encompass traditional Dem economic and social policies. Terrorism/defense is tougher, but perception of FEMA and Homeland Security are bad enough that something like “security at home” could cover reforming those and limiting foreign intervention.

By: gr

gr — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 07:45:25 +0000

My latest idea is for Democrats to start calling the debt/deficit the ‘republican birth tax.’ Its the tax you owe just for being born, the liabilities of the past you have to pay without having gotten any benfit. Sums up how we’re screwing over the next generation.

Anyone have a direct line to the Center for American Progress?

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 22:21:38 +0000

Well, Dan, the Dems will have to think of something better than fat jokes...

By: Simon

Simon — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 16:46:53 +0000

Well, then, what is it that the Democrats want?

Impeachment procedings against George Bush. Of course, it’s kind of hard to win an election when your platform is “we think a majority of you guys picked wrong last year. Try again.”

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 08:32:14 +0000

Democrats don’t have a Contract With America for two main reasons. First, Democrats are too busy pandering to insular special interests to know what they want. Second, mainstream America doesn’t want what the Democrats would likely be agreeing to. The main Democratic ideals – more abortion, more gun control, more affirmative action, more welfare – aren’t things that resonate with voters.

Of course, someone will likely say: “Mike, you’re wrong! That’s not what Democrats want!” To which I’ll answer with this pre-emptive challenge: Well, then, what is it that the Democrats want? After all, if the numerous (and intelligent) liberals reading this can’t come up with a list that they all can agree upon, then how can anyone expect the Democratic party to do so?