Question for Kerry & Edwards Supporters:

[rucky]

1) Do you feel that the Democratic party needs to be reformed?

if so, then:

2) Do you feel your support of your candidate reflects that sentiment? If so, how?

If not, what plan of action - outside of this primary - would you implement to assure that reform happens?

[NewYorkerfromMass]

1. I feel the country needs to be reformed

until then the Democratic party is just fine and needs a few minor adjustments (starting with a Kerry presidency)

[ModerateMiddle]

2. Amen to that

this country has gone in a radically wrong direction for the past 3 years. I want MAJOR change in this country. I want Bush out.

[AP]

5. "minor adjustments"? Really?

[AP]

3. Yes. I'm looking for a break from the last 30 years of politics and

a return to values which were articulated but not fully executed by FDR, JFK and Clinton: that economic, political and cultural power should flow to the middle and working class and to people who work for a living.

Actually, FDR executed those values extremely well, however Republican have chipped away at them for the last 30 years even more effectively, and it's time America had a hero who stood up to them.

[blm]

4. Kerry will use the bully pulpit to change the mindset of Americans.

He will push them to see the rightness of public financing of campaigns. Something he's advocated since 85.

He'll make them see that alternative energy is GOOD for the economy as well as the environment.

He'll prioritize the budget to reconstruct the crumbling cities.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

6. I guess it depends on what you mean by 'reform'. What do you mean?

[JI7]

7. more about america than just a party

i like kerry's environmental policy. he has the best record on the environment and the league of conservation voters who usually don't endorse until later endorsed kerry early on before new hampshire primary. his small business plan would do great as it would finally give voice to small businesses itself rather than lump them in with large corporations. it's important as most people are employed by small businesses. his volunteer program gets people to acknowledge that what they have in this country is through the hard work of many people which is totally against the gop mindset. he understands the need to help all people, but also understands the different ways in which they need help. i like how he says these democratic ideas are not just democratic or liberal ideas, but should be american ideas and values.

[Ficus]

8. how do you reform a coalition party?

How do you reform a coalition party? I think most people on DU forget that we aren't the Greens...we're Democrats. We don't have a 10 point take it or leave it plan.

We're a party that is essentially a group of groups...labor, environmental, civil liberties, anti-war, pro-gay rights, pro-choice, anti-NAFTA, and so on. In order for any of these groups to acheive any real power, we come together and vote. Sure, if your side doesn't control the party, you can take your marbles and go home. Just remember that the only party that can beat the Republicans is the Democrats.

For no other reason that collective action is more powerful than these groups fighting alone.

Sometimes the Bill Clintons win. Sometimes the Paul Wellstones win. Sometimes the Howard Deans win, and sometimes the John Kerrys win. No matter what though, we are a stronger party with all of these people in it.



But not Zell Miller. (If you support Bush you aren't part of the coalition) Just my two cents.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

10. I hope everyone at DU will read your post.

Very insightful.

[Ficus]

13. thanks

:toast:

[AP]

12. What common theme joins all those coalitions?

They should all be primarily concerened with the downward and outward flow of power.

There is only one candidate who makes that theme the focal point of his persona and his candidacy.

[Ficus]

14. Dennis Kucinich?

no wait, I bet you are talking about John Edwards.

Here's why I DO like Edwards, and caucused for him (after Dennis wasn't viable):

I love the two Americas theme - it's like he can take all of the ideas that Dean and Kerry and DK and Sharpton and whoever have been saying, melt them down to their most basic point (we live in two Americas) and elequently present them to the voters.

[Rooktoven]

9. Yes, and yes

2) Because JRE is running as an outsider as well, and will use the Bully pulpit well.

I would hope to the end of 2) that Dean becomes either veep or head of the party.

[ShaneGR]

11. I think the country needs to be reformed to reevaluate liberalism

For years it has been viewed as a dirty word. But I do feel it requires a moderate liberal to do the job. We already have a complete ideologue in the White House, and it is my opinion that the next POUS needs to make a concerted effort to work for all, nut just his side.

That, my friends, will create a Democratic Majority to last 30 years.