Anyone who saw the Luntz interviews with Undecided voters in Minnesota over the weekend got an interesting snapshot into what, at this late date, is still on the minds of those who hold the balance of this election, and many local elections. But when asked what mattered more: Change, Experience or Accountability the big winner among these swing voters was: Accountability.
Now is the time to drub the Republican party on the issue of Accountability. If this sample is any indication (and frankly that remains to be seen on a larger scale) the issues that have driven Change have a natural limit. If the status quo is causing you disquiet through economics, war fatigue, corruption, etc. then you are already on the Change bandwagon.
But the focus group did not appear "disquieted". They were comfortable middle class America. People of social standing, kids all raised, mortgage under control, RV in the driveway kind of people. What had them bugged was the lack of accountability in Washington. The lies and corruption that undermine faith in the system.
The New Accountability Agenda needs to be aimed like a laser at this voter.
- George Bush only recognized elections as the form of accountability worthy of his attention. Anything goes in between elections. We need to take this directly to him: the time for accountability is COMING. Discuss the high crimes and misdemeanors that a new administration must address, not cover up like McCain would do for an administration he agreed with 90% of the time.
- Accountability is more than just every four years. Specifically reject this right wing royalist notion of accountability and insist that accountability does not have to wait. Shine the light on obtruction in the White HOuse, the numerous current attempts to investigate this administration and Republican attempts to block that effort.
- Pledge a New Accountability to hold future administrations to a higher standard. Lobbying reform, restrictions on presidential pardon authority, and end to signing statements, public participation in vetting government officials, use of new media to open up government and steps to restore the independent status of the Justice Dept.
Drive the Accountability Agenda and you may reach those who want to trust their government. But be a bold and specific agent for that kind of change. Make the case that we, as Democrats, are NOT the same kind of politician as Republicans.