I originally posted this on my blog, but figured it'd get a wider audience here.
With Dean announcing his DNC bid today, I thought I'd break out some of the simple rules of Democratic politics. Oddly, in my more naive days, I thought these "rules" were simple common sense. Sadly, it appears that many people simply don't grasp them. Without further ado:
- The GOP -- and it's assorted talking heads -- will call anyone elected to the DNC a "far-left liberal" who is "out of touch with the mainstream" and "further proof the Democrats have lost touch with America". Any Democrat. Even Zell Miller. So "What will Karl Rove say" should not be a serious consideration when choosing a candidate, especially for a purely party position like DNC chair.
- When a conservative or Republican opens his or her mouth to give you an opinion on who should be elected/nominated/entrusted with a Democratic position, assume they are either lying or wrong. They don't have your best interests at heart, and -- at least among the politicians and talking heads crowd -- aren't going to vote for or support you anyways. The proper response is "Don't you have your own party to run? Fuck off".
- Do not assume that what worked a decade ago will work today. Bill Clinton is not the Messiah of Democratic politics.
- 'Triangulation' and 'centrism' only work if you have vigorous endpoints to define the middle. When you personally define "the left", you cannot hope to occupy the middle. Only chase it.
- Leadership is a necessity for party officials. People would rather follow a bold leader into the Abyss than follow a weak leader into Heaven.
- Poll chasing is not leadership, and the public knows the difference. You will not gain popularity, only a reputation for tossing aside principles to get the "cool kids" to like you.
- The American people will not trust you or your ideas if you will not stand up for them. They understand compromise when it comes time to craft bills, but distrust it on the campaign trail. Parties -- like campaigns -- should forcefully promote an undiluted vision.