The most important issue to emerge from both the Democratic
presidential caucuses in Iowa and the California State Democratic
Convention in San Jose was not who won but what was missing.
There was plenty of rhetoric and GOP-bashing, and many, many
snipes at each other for not being Democratic enough
– whatever that means these days. But beyond those party
politics was very little policy.
The most important issue to emerge from both the Democratic presidential caucuses in Iowa and the California State Democratic Convention in San Jose was not who won but what was missing.
There was plenty of rhetoric and GOP-bashing, and many, many snipes at each other for not being Democratic enough – whatever that means these days. But beyond those party politics was very little policy.
Somewhere in the need to best the Republicans at any cost, the Democrats have lost their way, forgotten what they stood for other than winning the next election.
What voters want more than anything else is a strong and charismatic leader who can articulate a vision and a value system. Even after the October sacking of Gov. Gray Davis by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the state Democratic Party still doesn’t seem to get it.
The candidates for the 2006 governor’s race who have announced so far don’t fill us with much hope of change: Steve Westly, Phil Angelides, Bill Lockyer and John Garamendi – a bevy of bland bureaucrats.
The 2,000 party members at the state convention couldn’t even decide whether they’re for or against the bipartisan fiscal recovery plan on the March ballot.
The Democrat leadership statewide and nationally must cast aside the mealy mouthed pseudo-policy statements conceived by political consultants and pollsters.
They could take a lesson from Ronald Reagan, who told people where he stood and had their support to carry out the Reagan Revolution. Right or wrong, like it or not, Republicans stand for no new taxes, encouraging individual wealth, taking personal responsibility and downsizing government.
Democrats need to offer a clear vision of what they want to do and stick to their message.
