An interesting bunch of characters in search of a plot. That is often said of the Irish. Well, seven weeks until Election Day and the Democrats are beginning to resemble the Irish. We need a plot; a storyline, narrative, whatever you want to call it. Something to remind Americans what unites Democrats, and what is at stake this fall.
It's time to reintroduce The Underdog Connection. Simply put, that it is Democrats are the underdog party and the ones that stand up for underdog interests in America. We have a paramount concern with equality and fairness. We fight for poor people, a struggling middle-class, people who are discriminated against, or simply ideas that the powerful fight against. Think Thomas Jefferson and the Election of 1800. William Jennings Bryan. FDR and LBJ. More recently? Howard Dean.
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine has reclaimed the mantle of underdog for the party. He said so explicitly in Pennsylvania recently.
Underdogs are also lovable; think of the Chicago Cubs. In movies, think of Seabiscuit. It is easy to be cynical; Democrats as underdogs? How can that be since the party controlled all branches of the federal government since 2009? Reform and change have met powerful obstacles; including genuine fear caused by the horrible economy and trumped-up fear created by the GOP.
There are more and more underdogs being created everyday, with stubborn unemployment and underemployment, stagnant wages, and a gross wealth inequality that never seems to be shrinking. We need to reclaim our heritage!
President Obama said he was being treated like a dog recently. Well, Americans love underdogs. They love exciting races, where the one counted as "finished," and surprises everyone. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin is employing that strategy.
The new/old story? Democrats as the party that fights for underdogs. Let's tell the story again...