Some folks think we should not have a
Big Tent Dem Party.
I do. Find common ground:
[L]et Gene Taylor be the principal Democratic spokesperson for Democrats on the Katrina response by the federal government. Taylor told anecdotes that just really grabbed you. He told his stories compellingly, emotionallly and strongly. But my bottom line is that he is the guy, in my opinion, who should be the face of the Dems on Katrina review and critique. And presenter of ideas. There was a real common touch exhibited by him.
To be clear, when I said Katrina, I meant Hurricane Katrina. My offense is this -- Gene Taylor, a Democratic representative from Mississippi, is anti-choice. He is not progressive on social issues.
But I am glad Gene Taylor is a Democrat. I want a Big Tent Democratic Party. I'll fight to the death with Gene Taylor on the social issues. Right down the line. But I am glad he is a Democrat.
See, to me the idea is to get MORE people to the Democratic Party, not less. Not by compromising our values, but by finding shared values with folks like Gene Taylor. Gene Taylor sounded like a Democrat when he talked about the role of government in the Katrina Aftermath. He can speak for me on THAT.
He can't speak for me on social issues, privacy, choice, gay rights, etc. I do not want Gene Taylor to be the Dem spokesman on those issues. I'll disagree vigorously with his views on those issues.
But I am glad he is a Democrat. I am for a Big Tent Democratic Party. And you know what? I think Howard Dean is too. And you know what? I bet Ted Kennedy is too.