Finding a new base

[B0S0X87]

I disagree with all the people who say we need to return to our roots and start a platform that hearkens back to the FDR era.

Of the nine presidential candidates, Gephardt was the closest to being a "traditional" democrat. Tough on defense, moderate socially, and a hero to labor unions and the working class. Pretty much a clone of Hubert Humphrey. And what happened to him? He got crushed.

I believe we need to find a new base if we want to return to being the majority party. I'm not sure what it will be, but we have to realize that labor unions and other traditional democratic strongholds do not have the pull they once had.

[Just Me]

1. Since the Dems embrace all walks,...how would you define "base"?

When I think of "base", I think more in terms of principles and values (which are common to all people) than I do particular groups or associations.

So, I am curious as to your definition of "base".

[B0S0X87]

2. A group of likeminded individuals who usually vote for one side

For example, ethnic groups are traditionally a democratic base, while evangelicals are a republican base.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. Our Base Was Supposed To Be African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians...

Too bad the Republicans are doing a nice job of coopting them...

[Just Me]

14. Hmmmm,...sounds like a RW recruiter's definition of "base" to me.

"Like-minded"?

"Like-minded" in what sense?

"Like-minded" in terms of emotional stuff, rational stuff, religious stuff, political stuff, philosophical stuff,...or what?

The neoCONspirators focus upon the emotional stuff.

You have not really "DEFINED" a base.

[stray cat]

3. I think our base is democrats, independents and maybe mod. rep.

I think the republicans are so right wing radicals now that most democrats would look rational and moderate in comparison. A message of fiscal discipline, individual responsibility, opportunity for all and strong defence would resonate with most Americans. It would also include the ideals of someone like Howard Dean. I think we need to make it clear we stand for responsbility and opportunity for all Americans and want to put people first. We do need a populist messenger with broad appeal to go with it.

[B0S0X87]

6. I like your thinking

I didn't know Dean was such a fiscal conservative during the primary season (I supported Clark), but I've read up on his record as governor, and I'm excited about his plans as DNC chair.

Plus, stressing personal responsibility would be a good way to neutralize "value" attacks.

[Vincardog]

4. If you want to be a republican go join their party.

We have to come out strong for working people in this country. Our roots are Labor Education Social responsibility and the Environment.

As soon as we get open Fair elections we will win elections again.
Then we can re institute the Fairness Doctrine,
Outlaw corporate intervention in politics,
Retake the House and Senate
Appoint a special prosecutor into the war crimes of the BFEE
and impeach the chimp.

[niblick]

11. for the working people

You are right.

We should support those people who play by the rules of life, and give them back the freedom and liberty sucked away from their grasp in the past decades. They just want to work, succeed and be happy, without government intervention mucking up the place.

[stray cat]

12. Welcome to DU.

[bluestateguy]

7. Democrats are building a base in the suburbs

Especially in the northeast, west coast and upper midwest. Mind you, I'm not talking about the newer "exurbs" that are chock full of younger white families with young children, fundamentalist churches and big box retailers. Rather, I'm talking about the older suburbs that are increasingly full of non-whites, empty nesters and even gay couples.

I know this because I am from a town like that. It is an affluent town that is full of golf courses, mini-mansions, yuppie coffee shops and an eclectic shopping district. My hometown of Walnut Creek, CA used to be a GOP stronghold. Well, in 1992, it voted narrowly for Clinton, did so again by a bigger margin in 1996 and voted 54% for Al Gore in 2000. Last year John Kerry won 60% in Walnut Creek.

Kerry was the first Democrat since 1964 to win Fairfax County, Virginia; he polled 45% in Illinois' DuPage County, better even than LBJ's performance in that county in 1964. DuPage last voted Democratic for President in 1852; Kerry won solidly in the Philadelphia suburbs, and took 47% in Chester County, PA too. Bergen County, NJ went for Kerry, as did both Long Island counties and Westchester County, NY. Kerry won all but one county in the mostly suburban state of Connecticut. He polled quite well in the Cleveland suburbs, won Oakland County, Michigan and drew 48% in Macomb County, Michigan (Gore took it in 2000). Kerry won 59% in the Los Angeles County suburbs, 39% in Orange County (Barbara Boxer won 44% in the O.C.) and every county in the Bay Area, including the very affluent Marin County (73%). Kerry's performance in the suburbs of Portland and Seattle was also very strong.

So that is your new Democratic base.

[B0S0X87]

9. Thanks for the info

So where are these people in the political philosophy spectrum? Are they populists, small-government fans, libertarians, etc?

[Just Me]

15. Democrats believe "rural America is important, too".

Democrats embrace ALL of America. That makes ALL of Americans the "base".

The Republicans have MANIPULATED the emotions of the disillusioned and disenchanted and disappointed. THAT IS THE REPUBLICAN "BASE",..all those whom they can take advantage of through deception and manipulation.

[Lars39]

8. The base should be the poor, working class,

anyone that believes in equal civil rights for all. The Democrats would have all the base they need if they started appealing those people. There is more of us than them. Unions are needed more than ever.

[leyton]

10. Gephardt was crushed for other reasons...

He was crushed because he was a lackluster candidate and people were fed up with the attacks between him and Dean. Kerry and Edwards won the Iowa caucuses on military credentials and "sunny optimism," respectively. Also, I don't think the unions are what they once were (and one endorsed Dean, didn't it?) in terms of political organizing, so we are in agreement there, but I don't think that means that the FDR era is dead; just that the old institutions are.

Edwards is a combination of New Deal and Great Society Democrat, in my opinion. He has a strong economic message that would make Roosevelt and Johnson proud. This was part of his success (though his skills as a politician and an orator are not to be discounted).

I think we need to start at the bottom in states like Montana, Arizona, the Dakotas, and Nebraska (all states that have elected Democrats statewide as governor or as Senator) and take over politics in those states. If you run the table at the lower levels, this brings a number advantages, such as gerrymandering, a large number of viable candidates for higher office, and more credibility since you're no longer the party of just coastal states. If we show them that New Deal economics are better for them (and also that we are the better party for those who love to hunt and enjoy nature unpolluted) we get a leg up.

[ecoalex]

13. A Dean Edwards ticket would KICK

I think kerry could of won if he didn't waffle on the war , he would of spoken up immediately to the swift boat liars , also ask why people believed a lie, that saddam was involved with 9-11 , they need to be treated as they treat us , repetition , repetition rep.... of the truth with proof , but without real elections , there would have to be an undeniable win a landslide to succeed .

[Just Me]

16. EW!!! I smell something really GROSS. My dog musta' farted.

BAD DOG!!!

:bounce:

[cidliz2004]

17. Our base should be always evolving

as our society is. We can't succeed on "OLD POLITICS", we need to retain our core VALUES and shape them to our ever changing societal needs.

When we find someone that truly understands our past and can look to the future INDEPENDENT of "the parties platform" we will have found what it is that we need to reshape our party for the future.

[DemDogs]

18. Disagree - just talk about it diffferently

Just listened to Edwards. Same message, but a better way of talking about it. Talk about the lives of people and the difference our policies could make. Don't just talk about the policies without the personal.