I have a strategy to win what I think could be a Progressive victory in 2008. I know 2006 is the important thing at hand... but I just want to make sure our leaders are thinking ahead. And it doesn't take much time to blurt this out. And I know it bugs the hell out of the Clark campaign.
It's simple. McCain I believe could be a useful tool. I think he's eating a lot of shit right now and doing a lot of nasty business so he can get a shot at 2008 in the current GOP. I think the GOP is in a tough spot and need a new "face." I think the NeoCons are anticipating maybe needing to use McCain.
McCain wants to work from the inside. And maybe he's actually not really a great guy. But... he appeals to some folks. The kinds we just can't seem to win over.
Or what about Hagel? Sure he won his election on his own machines. But Republicans like him. Could Clark or Dean as President use these guys for the good of the Nation? I think maybe they could. I think maybe Hagel and/or McCain might even enjoy it.
Neither are any good really, McCain or Hagel, not compared to a real Progressive... but they appeal to that 40% that somehow... just hate our Green guts.
So what if Clark, Feingold, Gore, or Dean don't get the nod in 2008? What if it's a straight-up DLC puke-o-rama (and does that include Gore at this point or not)? What if McCain and/or Hagel get passed up? Any other appealing candidates?
Should we run a 3rd Party group? I thought I saw that Lieberman had threatened such a thing?
But what about securing a win for Progressives in 2008? Because I'm nearly as concerned about the pro-corporatist, pro-Israel DLC as I am about the NeoCons. Well, kinda "nearly." I think that if we can beat them now... that's really addressing the root problem, otherwise... not so much.
What about a Clark or Dean Presidential bid with a McCain or Hagel Veep? Personally, I think with either Clark or Dean as Pres, both McCain and/or Hagel could be kept at heal... and probly could do a lot of good actually.
This is of course if McCain or Hagel and Dean or Clark are available and interested?
I think possibly the egos might drive some combination thereof to be interested. In the end, I just fear that a good 40% of Americans are stuck in this new divisive climate... stuck on the wrong side. And somehow that 40% seems to keep winning elections. But I think in the end, just the theme of a Dem/Repub team would win most folks over.
So, the slogan I'd like to see, if faced with the DLC:
Clark/McCain
Screw Politics. We're here to save the country.