It seems much debate over midterm electoral strategy centers around a "message," if Democrats need one, and, if so, what it should be. In 1994 Republicans had their "Contract With America," which is partially credited for their success. But, it is pointed out, that "plan" wasn't unvailed until late in the campaign after Repugs had already built a healthy lead. That lead, though, WAS built by a campaign to nationalize the elections and the Dems, as should be obvious from current events and poll data, should steal a page from the playbook and nationalize the elections. But they dont need their own version of a "contract" to do it, they dont need "Real Security." They simply need to remind people that they were sold a bill of goods. Throw the Republican's message back at them. BROKEN CONTRACT. Yes, the democrat's message for '06 need be no more than "They broke their promises, throw them out."
The beauty of such a plan should be apparent. First, Republicans will have a hard time trying to localize anything. After all, THEY RAN ON THE PLATFORM, and brag that THEY are the "organized" party, that THEY have a constant message, that THEY stand for something. Well, it turns out they've done almost a 180 on everything they claim to represent. Think about it:
Republican Tenet 1. National Security.
They said only they could be trusted to defend America. Well, theyve given us the "Mess'O'Potamia" and an Iran and North Korea that thumb their noses at us. 5 years after 9/11 we've managed to destroy two countries and one dictator, but still not the man who actually attacked us. And for all their ranting about not becoming the world's policemen, they sure have embraced Bush's messianic "impose american values everywhere" (im paraphrasing) vision.
Tenet 2. Fiscal Responsiblity.
They said only they could be trusted to run our finances. Well, a DEMOCRATIC President handed them the biggest surplus in American history and they gave us the biggest defecit ever and an ever-increasing debt ceiling.
Tenet 3. Big Government is bad.
They said only could could be trusted to wield Government's power. Well, they gave us the USA PATRIOT Act and Medicare Part D. The first is Orwellian from its name to its implemetation and the second epitomizes the kinda of beureaucratic ineffectiveness Repugs suggest is a liberal's domain. And speaking of Orwellian, remind me, which party brought us NSA spying? And in terms of Govermnet openness, when are they planning those hearing on Guantanimo? Abu Ghraib? Iraq intelligence?
Tenet 4. Government Accountability.
This is the best one of all.
They said their was too much fraud and corruption in Washington. They said that Congressmen "should be subject to the same laws as ordinary people. The administration gave us libby and plame-gate. Their Congress they gave us Delay, Abramoff, Scanlon, Frist, Ney, and Cunningham. To think they lecture on morality and ethics is laughable.
What does this all mean? That Dems don't need "Real Secuity" type plans. They just need to show the people what the Republicans promised, and then what they delivered. They cannot be trusted, they are not competent.
They Had Their Chance.
They Broke their Promises.
They Blew it.
Throw the bums out.
Theres a hell of a message and hell of commercial in that.
*Note: First Post- hope it was productive.