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The Great Democratic Landslide Of 2008
By Brent Budowsky (about the author) Page 2 of 3 page(s)
The surprise story of 2007 will be the sudden realization that Democrats are within reach of a stunning, breathtaking new majority in the Senate that could reach 60 Democratic Senators.
In 2008 there are 21 Senate Republicans running for reelection and only 12 Democrats. This historical anomaly almost guarantees some Democratic gains, but look at the races today, state by state.
Some of the highest quality Republicans in the Senate are at retirement age; others face very low popularity ratings, and in state after state there are prominent, powerful Democrats waiting in the wings, considering a Senate run.
Watch the spectacle of Senate Republicans running for cover, desperately trying to escape the Bush undertow, knowing they can run but they can't hide, to use a boxing metaphor appropriate for Harry Reid, the former boxer who is handling the Senate brilliantly.
Watch the Republicans in the House, with anger management problems from their loss of power. Dozens of them are voting for the Democratic programs skillfully advanced by Speaker Pelosi, while others, incarcerated by their ideology, are going on record against policies supported by the folks back home.
Watch what happens when the Democratic Congress investigates the $10 billlion of Iraq reconstruction money that was stolen, ripped off, robbed or wasted through crony deals given to Republican pals, while our troops risked their lives.
All of this, and more, create a historic moment similar to the eras that gave America a period where Democrats were the majority party with waves of renewal and reform from FDR and JFK. The only question for Democrats today: are we visionary enough to see it, and bold enough to make it happen?
Everyone knows there were disputes between the DNC and some Congressional Democrats for much of 2006. Here is the magic moment for Democrats today: if we do our jobs in 2007 we can have it all in 2008. We can contest for every voter, in every state, in every district, on every issue, with every weapon but the price is this: we must be visionary and aggressive in 2007 and seize the moment.
Welcome to the NFL. From now on, we are playing offense.
Democrats should initiate the greatest effort for candidate recruitment in American political history beginning in 2007. We should find and support Democratic veterans for 2008; begin a historic campaign for voter registration, voter mobilization and honest elections; and bring together our grassroots, our state party chairs, our Congressional leaders in a bold alliance.
I propose that Democrats chairs and leaders in Washington initiate a new age of political empowerment beginning with a Democracy Bond similar to the current DNC program, with the special purpose of going throughout the party to raise money for states to begin historic voter registration programs.
As we honor Martin Luther King, why not plan a new Freedom Summer? Why not raise major money from the grassroots, mobilize our great entertainers, work with the Congressional Black and Hispanic Caucuses, carry the message through the internet and progressive radio, and register a million new Democrats?
And yes, it is high time Democrats put a little advertising money into Internet sites that have huge followings and I predict would raise a tidal wave of money for a cause they believe in deeply, which would help Democrats at every level.
Why not use 2007 to mobilize Democratic war heroes such as Wes Clark, John Glenn, Bob Kerrey and Congressional heroes such as Jim Webb, Joe Sestak and all Fighting Democrats to go into the states, promote our veterans programs, and play an aggressive role recruiting 2008 candidates with promises to raise money and barnstorm in support if they run?
Why not establish as a core principle of our party what Jack Kennedy said that makes us great: ask what we can do for our country?
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by Denver Post(Author)
$19.90
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Publisher: Fulcrum Group
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