As we approach this very important midterm election, it seems to me that our party has yet to find a voice that is likely to truly resonate with those "in the middle" of the electorate. Yes, our party has spoken out against many of the policies of this Administration and this Congress. But I do not think it has yet articulated the most important promises.
People want to believe that they don't have to be cynical about their government. They want to believe that there are candidates who genuinely care about this nation, about the institutions of our government, and about our communities. Most of all, they want to know that those who place their name on a ballot care about them.
I think it is imperative that Democrats say, as clearly as possible, the things that will let people know that a vote for change is a vote for a return to a decent country, an honest Congress, and respect for the community and the individual.
Here's how I think this can be done. Call it a "contract," if you want, but tell those folks out there who cry as six innocent schoolgirls around the nation are laid in their fresh graves, mourn as nearly three thousand of our best and brightest die on the mean streets of Iraq, and rage at the hypocrisy of a Congress that seeks to protect its own instead of the most vulnerable in its employ of these "Most Important Promises."
1. If I am elected to Congress, I will not break the law, I will not lie to you, and I will not tolerate those among my colleagues who do.
2. If I am elected to Congress, I will ask hard questions of our President and his Administration. I will do this because it is my job, as your representative, to make sure that your dreams for our great country are honored and your expectation that all of us in Washington, D.C. follow the law is respected.
3. If I am elected to Congress, I will make sure that every lobbyist who comes to see me knows that I decide how to vote on the basis of what's best for my constituents, my community and my country.
4. If I am elected to Congress, I will think every day about how to ease the burdens that our families must bear. I will not forget that those of us privileged to serve our nation have a special responsibility to look out for the weakest and the poorest among us. I will not run away from the duties of compassion because my political opponents call me a "liberal."
5. If I am elected to Congress I will think every day about how to keep this country safe, so that our children can have a chance to achieve their dreams and so our world can know peace. I will never forget the sacrifices made by those who have laid down their lives for this nation and its people and I will never stop fighting that which would dishonor their gift to us.