TBV Feature: A Tall Order for The Democrats

Like all Blue Voices, all over the country, I’m counting the days, hours, minutes, and seconds to the longed-for conclusion of the George W. Bush administration. But, in this mid-term election year (that is obviously not being taken full advantage of by a Democratic party eager to push vulnerable Republicans where it hurts) I’m beginning to worry: who are we looking toward to head the next administration? Who can take on the arduous task of undoing the damage done to the nation and to the world by this disastrous, corporate-powered right wing regime? The Democrats have yet to advance a single candidate with even the appearance of being equal to the challenge. Why not?

The challenge for the Dems entails a lot more than meets the eye. They are going to have a hell of a time appealing to the perceived preferences of "swing" voters without alienating their loyal Democratic base. To safely herd those peripheral voters into the fold, they are determined that they’ll have to stand tough on what is euphemistically called "national defense." Which means they’ll be looking for someone who can sound credible saying things like, "We’re going to track down and kill all the terrorists, wherever they are hiding, anywhere in the world." I know I am not the only Democrat who cringed and plugged my ears when John Kerry growled similar promises during the 2004 presidential campaign. Still, I gritted my teeth and unhung my chad for the Democratic ticket. Not because I wanted to lend credence to that jarring "Republican light" rhetoric, but because a vote for Kerry was not a vote for Bush.

The Democratic leadership has completely lost track of what the party faithful stand behind. Every time I see former President Clinton at a party function, hear the stadiums rocked by the thunderous applause, I wonder if the party leaders are listening, instead of continuing to wish they could quietly sweep Mr. Clinton under the closest rug. What is it that makes us so nostalgic for Bill Clinton, in spite of his ignominious descent into ex-presidenthood? Could it be his intelligence? His charisma? His self-described "policy wonkiness?" The fact that he rose from the same middle class roots so common to so many of us? Or maybe it was his personal perception of government as "public service…"?

We’re not looking for a Democratic candidate to ascend to Mr. Bush’s place at the right hand of God. We understand that the choices we face cannot be between "crucify him" and "deify him." An American president must be an insightful leader, a wise diplomat, and a canny politician, but (s)he cannot be a scant half a step down from the Almighty Itself. The president must be fully human, approachable and connected to the American people on a very basic level; and therefore accountable to them for every action carried out under his/her administration. That connection was not simply lost, it has been systematically obliterated by our illustrious incumbent. The Office of President must command the people’s respect; but the person occupying the office must earn that respect. It is as simple—and as immensely complicated—as that.

A strong stance on national defense entails a great deal more than hawkish howling about tracking down and killing terrorists. We are not interested in selling our souls—or our constitutional rights—for an insurance policy that no one in the world could ever guarantee. We understand that national security is procured by things much more intricate, much more artful, than just a very big, very loud gun. Who, among the Democratic hopefuls, will be able to adequately communicate that to an electorate still quaking in their boots, yet beginning to discern that the status quo has gotten us nowhere?

And what about the other pressing issues bearing down upon twenty-first century Americans…not the least of which is a health care/insurance system that is utterly out of control. And budget deficits and trade imbalances which threaten to reduce the American economy to an underpaid, service-based system incapable of paying its own bills. Environmental policies raped by two terms of irresponsible, profit-driven Republican incumbency. And the alarming trend toward disregarding the balance of powers written into our constitution and stacking the deck in favor of the executive branch. We can only hope that in the coming months, the minority party doesn’t react to the (wrongly) perceived wishes of the American electorate by parading before us a gallery of one-dimensional candidates chosen strictly on their ability to counter the "Democrats can’t keep you safe" rap advanced by the Rovish Republicans. We tried that last time. It didn’t work.

It’s a tall order, Governor Dean; but the first thing we need to do is quit playing by their rules. With the GOP, it’s all about smoke and mirrors, appearing before hand-picked crowds of sycophantic followers, and giving them just enough information (or misinformation) to keep them afraid. Why don’t we try something completely different—like honesty, transparency, and dialogue with the voters? Perhaps if you act as if you believe that the American people have enough smarts to understand and debate the issues, you will discover it’s true. Why not give it a shot? The results couldn’t be any worse than they’ve been for the last eight years.

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