The inverse of triangulation.

[iconoclastNYC]

I think when we get some real power and can set an agenda we should first persue reform that would gain support from paleoconservatives and libertarian people who are afraid of the abuse of federal power.

If we can appeal to these people with these issues, which will also play well to the left, i think we could drive a woodens stake thru the heart of the republiacn coalition.

Thoughts?

[expatriot]

1. what specific abuses?

by "federal power" are you referring to civil liberties... i.e. patriot act or power of the executive branch or both or other or what?

Also, howwoud this be the inverse of triangulation?

[iconoclastNYC]

2. Yes.

Well clinton triangulation was standing between liberals in congress and conservatives in congress. My idea is to draw a position that straddles the liberals in congress and the anti-NEOCON contingent of the Republican party who feel as if their party has been stolen from them. This is probable not the inverse of triangulation. bad metaphor there i guess.

I have nighties friends who really are only that way because they distrust federal power. Meaning the slide to a police state. Increased federal power for the CIA, the FBI, the ATF, Homeland Security. They are students of history and this is setting of red flags for them big time. Most of them thing democrats are just as bad as the Democrats. Why they don't understand that all the fascist governments of Europe came from the right wing is beyond me.

If we can appeal to these people with pro-DEMOCRATIC reforms that reign in the power of the federal government I think we'd really hurt the Republicans. Foremost is repealing the Patriot act.

We can also cast other reforms in the same light by spinning it that way. Like making it easier for third parties to form. Independent Run off voting, election day holiday, election day voting registration, paper ballots, repealing the patriot act and the act they passed after OKC bombing.

I think the left makes a mistake in painting the right wish such a wide brush. I think there is great opportunity to craft our message in such a way that we pick off a significant amount of republican support.

Unlike the DLC/Clintonian view of triangulation, i don't think that are the free trade/cheap labor type issues that will gain us the most. I think it is the issues I listed above.

More oversight of executive power.

I think we can paint our agenda in ways that appeal to the non-fundie set of the right. obviously we'll never get them to support us on new entitlement programs but i think there is areas ways we can spin our agenda so it appeals to them and hurts the republican coalition.

Of course these issues are worth persuing for thier own ends, but the tactical politic side benefits is a nice icing for the cake.

[expatriot]

3. nicely explained. thanks. nt