Robert Reich wrote a thoughtful analysis about what the Democratic Party needs to be doing some forward thinking if they want to unlock the chokehold that Republicans have on America. We need to stop winning elections and start making movements.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/29/opinion/29REIC.html
This is precisely why I feel that the whole issue of electability is not only shallow, but self-destructive thinking. Democrats might win a few elections here and there, but they are losing the battle of hearts and minds and utterly failing to a) put forth a coherent and consistent agenda and b) forge strong and long-lasting relationships.
He contrasts our efforts with those made by the Republicans and then concludes that the Republicans have been successful in dominating the debate on national politics because they have taken the time and effort to forge strong, local relationships with core constituencies, which is crucial for not only getting out the vote, but increasing the strength of the party.
Kerry only exacerbates our losing strategy: win an election at all costs, but do so at the expense of any sort of Democratic integrity that we might foster. When all is said and done, there will be few souls out there willing to take the time to truly push forth a progressive agenda which might benefit the party in the long term. I for one will never lift a finger for any Democratic who rabidly participated in any sort of destructive circular firing squad techniques about issues that are not crucial to either our message or our mission. I don't want to win, because winning doesn't change either politics or social conditions. I want to transform.
I hope that, come November, the electorate doesn't saunter back to their homes and perpetrate a status quo that is clearly against them. With Kerry, that's exactly what we'll get.
