If Democrats win back the House or the Senate in November, there will be some baggage we don't need. Some policies traditionally espoused by Democrats that we just can't afford any more.
So, assuming we win, who do we throw under the bus to maintain a majority (and expand it and have a decent shot at the White House) in 2008. And, most importantly, how does it help us win in 2006?
Here's who I'm throwing under the bus:
The Anti-Gun Kooks--Let's face it, this battle has been fought and lost. If crazies shooting up schools won't convince Americans to vote for an anti-gun party, what will? It's time to side with Bubba and tell him we won't take his guns away. When Democrats took back the Colorado legislature, I was afraid they would bring up gun legislation and have a two-year majority. They may get kicked out of the majority this year, but it won't be because Democrats tried to take anyone's guns away.
The Gay Marriage Proponents--You know what? It cost us the election in 2004. Yet, amazingly, GLBT voters supported George W. Bush and the party that would put them in concentration camps and gas them over Democrats with 35% of their vote. We'll work for civic unions, enjoy your tax cuts and come back to us when you support us with 90% of the vote. Meanwhile, we'll make sure you have equal rights.
Abortion Rights Activists--Two words: Lincoln Chaffee. You just lost your litmus test.
Free Traders--I guess most of us didn't realize that "Free" Trade meant that most of us would be working for "Free." Being competitive shouldn't mean that 90% of us should have to work for 10% of you to get richer. This can no longer be part of the Democratic Party platform. If waitresses are going without meals to send money to the Democratic Party, they should own it, not the Corporate shills who take congressmen out to dinner to be waited on by those waitresses.
Washington Insiders--Kos is SO DAMNED RIGHT about consultants going on and on despite being losers. If a major league pitcher went 0-7, he'd be sent to the minors to work on some new pitches. Shrum needs a curve.
Big Government Proponents--The truth is that destroying big housing projects worked. The truth is that zero based budgeting makes a lot of sense. The truth is that we may actually be able to live without a cabinet level Department of Education. The lone exception to this is National Health Care, which can easily be argued is a reduction in bureaucracy, given the HELL that is health insurance in this country.
So, that's who I'm throwing under the bus...who are you throwing under the bus (including me)?