Sen. Kennedy to address 'progressive vision' for future of Dem party

[WilliamPitt]

Received via email.

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SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY TO ADDRESS THE FUTURE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
AT NATIONAL PRESS CLUB


Will Lay out Progressive Vision to Build a New Majority

In a major speech at the National Press Club on Wednesday, January 12th,
Senator Edward Kennedy will discuss the future of the Democratic Party
and outline the fundamental issues on which this country has lost its
focus.

Although 2004 was a close election, Democrats can’t just hope that the
next election will go our way. Senator Kennedy will urge Democrats to
think anew after 2004, just as the Party did after 1994. Democrats
must embrace a new, progressive vision that speaks to the beliefs and
aspirations of all Americans.

Instead of allowing Republicans to distort “values” and divide the
nation, Kennedy will call on Democrats to talk about the principles that
have guided progressive politics for more than a century and built the
very foundation of this country. In his speech, Kennedy will lay out an
agenda that responds to the nation’s new and emerging needs without
abandoning our fundamental values.

Joining the Senator on stage at the National Press club will be two
young leaders of the Party, National President of the College Democrats,
Grant Woodard and Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee Senior Field Organizer,
People for the American Way. Grant and Andrew are two young bright stars
who represent the future of the Democratic Party and who have already
demonstrated the ability and desire to help bring the party back to core
American values.

WHO: Senator Edward M. Kennedy
WHAT: A Democratic Blueprint for America’s Future: A Vision for
Democratic Party

WHERE: The National Press Club

WHEN: Wednesday, January 12, 2004
12:30 PM Luncheon*
1:00 PM Speech

[PROGRESSIVE1]

1. Exactly! We can NOT have a divided nation for ever and hope....

that one election will come our way. We need to aggresivly rebuild our party from the grassroots foundation. Also, we need to deal with BBV too!

We need a new Democratic Majority!

[jackster]

2. uh oh -

andrew gillim from tallahasse - he's not the guy with all the tickets are whatever is he????????

[Riverman]

3. Kennedy is SOOOOO yesterday!

Too late Teddy! You have no credentials as a "progressive!" You did not have the courage to stand with Senator Boxer - a new leader of a progressive wing of elected officials. You did not stand with the House Black caucus in 2000. You have been unable to fix healthcare in thirty years at it. Where have you been in fighting for worker rights, unionization, outsourcing jobs, affordable housing, public education? Where were you on Iraq (wrong war) and going afer the Saudi's for 9/11? Where are you on fighting fiercely against Gonzalez as Attorney General who would argue that Jesus was not tortured by his standards. You have lost the moral high ground - if yuo ever had it. Fighting judicial appointments? The Senate, now with the sole exception of Senator Boxer, rolls over on nearly everything this administration puts forward. It is no wonder that Daschle is gone. Where's the fire, the passion, the courage. I'm sorry Teddy, as an Irish-Catholic, who has met you and respected you for carry the torch for your family and the banner of "liberalism" all these years, but you sir are no Progressive. Paul Wellstone was a progressive, Dennis Kucinich is a progressive. You are a good man who has been a great Senator in many ways, but as a born-again progressive, no. We need progressives with the courage and conviction to speak truth to power and lead, actually lead.

[mother earth]

4. I take offense to Kennedy bashing

I am from the state of Massachusetts, and proudly so, do not bash a Kennedy, because "you sir, are no Kennedy". I rage every time Ted Kennedy is bashed, he is my senator and he has done much for our state, and the Kennedys have done a whole heck of alot more than anyone else for this country. So, please, in spite of our disappointment with the objection to the electoral vote, let's refrain from bashing those who have done much. Perhaps you are unaware of the role he served that particular day, so I will forgive you this one time. Thank you very much.

[canadianbeaver]

5. Yeah what Mother Earth said.......n/t

[rockedthevoteinMA]

10. I second that mother earth!

He is a great Senator! I cannot believe people will bash one of the most vocal liberals left in the senate. I have caught him many times on CSPAN - and he is very fiery to say the least.

So he didn't sign on w/Boxer... well they only needed one senator, for the thousandth time. :eyes: He did give a great speech in support of her efforts. Looking back on the events of Jan. 6, we did accomplish a ton - they spoke out in favor of our efforts, some just can't see that. The way is beginning to be paved for election reform - and the republicans looked as if they were against it.

[Misunderestimator]

12. Glad you're not doing my job review... I'd be fired for missing a meeting

After having been successful at everything else.

:eyes:

[justiceischeap]

13. Ummm... Not to be judgemental but...

Now someone attempting to do something is passe because you don't consider them an "original" progressive?

It's no wonder this party is in disarray. Too many, it seems from reading some of these threads, rather latch on to any negativity than fight for the positive aspect of things. Should we shoot down every politician that doesn't meet everyone's standards. I guess it would be better if he just sat on his as* and did nothing.

With attitudes such as these, this party will continue to whither away.

Sorry all, the negativity in some of these posts when "good news" is posted is starting to get to me. :mad:

[davsand]

6. Lord knows Ted has the credibility as a liberal!

Everybody loves to bash Ted Kennedy for whatever reason they can find, but by golly there are not many guys out there with as many years of progressive service. Like him or not, Ted has walked the walk for a VERY long time and I love him for it.

I can only hope that in twenty or thirty years we have a few MORE liberals still kicking...


Laura

[WilliamPitt]

7. .

[underpants]

8. Good-I'll give this to Teddy anyone else would have wilted by now

His name has been the touchtone fire word of the right for so long that it amazes me that he has been able to stand up to it for so long. They have lumped all of their incredible hatred on his brothers on him and he keeps on keeping on. Not to say that there aren't things I disagree with him about or that he has done but you have to admire his resolve.

[mike_c]

9. it's about time someone in the dem leadership stepped up...

...and articulated a clear progressive agenda for the party. Most of the DLC types have long since dug in the trenches for an unabashedly regressive agenda and have had WAY too much influence on the party's direction for much too long.

What remains to be seen is whether Kennedy outlines truly progressive goals, and more to the point, whether the party does more than merely pay them lip service.

[Cleita]

11. No offense to Senator Kennedy, but

until our Democratic political leaders take the blinders off and look at the fact that we need to overhaul our whole election system, all the rosy futures they paint are nothing more than hot air. I would be happy if they formed a think tank to brainstorm and then draft a real plan for voting reform.