http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061126/OPINION/61124031">StatesmanJournal
Flush with victory, the Democratic Party is celebrating its return to power by loudly and publicly tearing itself to pieces. Anyone who wondered if House Democrats would be as reliable as the Republicans in supporting their leaders had only to watch the leadership fight between Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and John Murtha (D-Pa.): Democrats still form their firing squads in a circle.
Back in 1994, the House Republicans advanced with the discipline of the Prussian Army. But Democrats always live in a state of crisis and feuding. As Bill Clinton discovered when he reached D.C. in 1993, House Democrats are splintered into micro-caucuses, each of which must be courted separately for their votes. When their demands conflict, no one can rally anything close to a working majority on the House floor. Each caucus is a body unto itself: blue dogs (moderate and largely southern), Blacks, Hispanics, women, Democratic Leadership Council, environmentalists and gays.
Then there was James Carville's attack on Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. In a contract hit postmarked Chappaqua, Carville unloaded on Dean for spending money on all 50 states rather than concentrating on swing House races. Carville claimed that Dean's strategy had cost potential Democratic seats.
Dean had been savvy in solidifying his power. He knew that the Clinton people would come after him — and he was ready. Sending money to the state organizations that elected him chairman, he built a store of gratitude. Maybe he didn't get as much campaign advertising in key districts — but he also let the state parties spend the national-committee money on overhead and local jobs rather than on Washington consultants.
Not a huge Morris fan, and I don't agree with everything he says here, but I do agree that left/middle will be vying for "power" until we have a nominee in 2008. I wish we would all realize that our strength as a party is in our diversity. We have fundamental things in common that we should to focus on. I find it absurd that "advisers" like Carville and Begalia don't get it? Then again, they may be out of a job if we focus on that which brings us together?
Peace all.