The Bull Moose makes these comments:
“There is only one force that can save the Republican Party and it is called the Democratic Party. The truth of that axiom has been reinforced over the past three weeks. When the President was plummeting in the polls, the Democratic cavalry came riding to the rescue. Rather than calling for a success strategy in Iraq, the donkey opted for pessimism and defeatism. The Democrats overreached and now the President is rebounding.”“And now, some in the party, incredibly including the Senate Minority Leader are making it inhospitable for their former Vice Presidential standard bearer, Joe Lieberman. Here's some news for them - they are not only telling Joe that the Democratic Party does not have room for his views, they are also communicating to millions of Americans who might support this war or not, but find defeat unacceptable, that they are not welcome in this exclusive political club. There are some progressive hawks in this country, but it is unlikely that they will pull the Democratic lever with the message that it is being sent by the leaders of the party.”“Here's another insight for Reid, Pelosi and Dean - you are the minority party. You control nothing in this town. And it is unlikely that you ever will or should control anything as long as you apply a litmus test on prominent elected officials. Get used to the smaller offices with the poor view.”“So, listen up Democrats, you do not enjoy the luxury of contracting your ranks. If you want to expand the party, a purge is not what the doctor ordered.”The Bull Moose makes a couple of valid points. First, Democrats can’t just criticize the Republicans without offering a positive alternative of their own. Just saying their programs won’t work will not win any elections.
Secondly, the Democratic party is a party of inclusion and of varying ideas, not a party of exclusion. Some Democrats will support the Iraq war, some will not. But to alienate from the party those who do not hew the exact party line is counter-productive and wrong.
We’re listening, Bull Moose.
We are always interested in your thoughts and ideas. Write us at
blog@moderatevoters.org.
"Moderate" is not a 4-letter word!
