Reply #30: Amen! [View All]

[FightinNewDem]

Well said!

A candidate with passion, sincerity, a sense of purpose, and a bit of attitude can go a long away. Frankly, this was a major part of both Howard Dean's and John McCain's appeal. People who disagreed with them on a number of specific issues admired their gumption. Similarly, most of the Democratic activists I know who backed Lieberman were considerably to his left, but admired his candor and his sense of committment. People pick up on a wet noodle, and unfortunately, this too frequently seemed to be the case with John Kerry. Kerry is a great senator who turned into a weak candidate when he was seen as squishy on major issues.

Here in New Hampshire, the party establishment is dominated by "path of least resistance" Democrats. Some are liberal, some are moderate, but the trait they share is an unwillingness to upset the bipartisan crapfest. They live from fundraiser to fundraiser, not generation to generation. That's a sad indictment.

I've ben campaigning for higher office, and I have had a good response from the grassroots. They want to talk about protecting Social Security and improving retirement security; they want to hear ideas on how we can improve national security and rebuild America's international reputation; they want to hear how we can create new jobs and provide affordable, accessible health care.

The party old guard is a different story. From these people, it's all about process. It's all about a fear that if they support an outspoken maverick, they will be punished by a vindictive Manchester City Hall, or that a more "respectable" (ie, dull, colorless and electorally hopeless) candidate might emerge.

This isn't about ideology. I am a New Democrat (yes, a dreaded DLCer). But many of my best supporters are from the progressive wing of the party. We have worked together on environmental issues and reform issues (new lobbying laws, campaign finance reforms, etc). What we share is a sense of purpose, of trying to move our core Dem values of opportunity, fairness, integrity and community forward.

The choice isn't DLC vs. DFA; the two groups are closer then most people realize. It's about the past vs. the future, about complacency vs. idealism.

That's our fight, and it's one we have to win.

http://www.sullivanforcongress.org