Where the hell is our vision?

[Quixote1818]

You know, it was the "Contract with America" that won it for the Republicans back in 94 because they showed vision. I am still not sure what the Dem. vision is? Wasn't Dean going to come out with a real vision that would sweep us into the congress in a big way? Did I miss it or are we still worried about giving our game plan away?

I feel a little nervous that we are relying too much on attacking Bush and not nearly enough time saying what we will do. If we are not careful our gains may not be nearly as big as we expect them to be.

We need more of this: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/09/04/dem-leaders-send-bush-new_n_28676.html

The American people already know Bush is a disaster and it's our responsibility to show them our plans. Where is our "Contract to Renew America?" Where is our point by point plan???

[unblock]

1. don't fall for that contract on america revisionist crap

democrats lost big in 1994 for a number of reasons, but the contract on america crap was NOT among the reasons.

the overwhelming majority of congressional elections were sewn up well before the "contract" was unveiled a mere 6 weeks before the election. exit polls showed that VERY few people even knew about the "contract", let alone factored it into their voting decision.

in fact, the very fact that the election was well in hand was what ALLOWED gingrich to start planning his post-victory strategy prior to the election. THAT is how the contract came into being. they realized they would be winning, so they decided to have a "mandate" for their whole agenda, knowing full well that their agenda had nothing to do with the election.

[Quixote1818]

2. Can you give me some references for your clams?

Thanks

[peanutbrittle]

3. What ? You didn't get the memo?

I actually received one of these in with my voters registration card.

But here is the vision:

6-Point Plan for 2006 1
Honest Leadership & Open Government
We will end the Republican culture of corruption and restore a government as good as the people it serves, starting with real ethics reform.

1Real Security
We will protect Americans at home and lead the world by telling the truth to our troops, our citizens and our allies. We believe in a strong national defense that is both tough and smart, recognizing that homeland security begins with hometown security.

1Energy Independence
We will create a cleaner, greener and stronger America by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, eliminating billions in subsidies for oil and gas companies and use the savings to provide consumer relief and develop energy alternatives, and investing in energy independent technology.

1Economic Prosperity & Educational Excellence
We will create jobs that stay in America and restore opportunity for all Americans, starting with raising the minimum wage, expanding Pell grants and making college tuition tax deductible. We also believe in budget discipline that reduces our deficit.

1A Healthcare System that Works for Everyone
We will join 36 other industrialized nations in making sure everyone has access to affordable health care, starting by fixing the prescription drug program and investing in stem cell and other medical research.

1Retirement Security
We will ensure that a retirement with dignity is the right and expectation of every single American, starting with pension reform, expanding saving incentives and preventing the privatization of social security.
http://democrats.org/agenda.html

[NOLADEM]

4. For what it is worth...

A very persuasive argument can be made that putting a plan forward just gives the Repubes something to attack, and take the focus off of their failures.

This election can easily be won by making it a referendum on Repube failure, corruption and incompetence.

Now, I do hope that the Dems have a plan they aren't putting forward to the public, but a pretty good plan would be to do the opposite of what the Repukes have done, and to endeavor to undo most of what Bush has done to us. That alone will take years.

However, I do hear some themes among candidates, namely getting out of Iraq, Health Care for all, addressing the minimum wage, addressing outsourcing and the loss of manufacturing jobs, and actually doing something to catch Bin Laden et al.

So, I don't know that I agree that we need to put forward a plan. It could VERY easily backfire.

In a sane world yes, we would put forward a competing plan and debate the merits of each, but we live in no such place, sadly.

[newblewtoo]

5. Form Circular Firing Squad

Let's get Dean in the middle and commence fire.

Like Custer said, more Indians.

Thanks. :(

[NOLADEM]

6. I am sorry, I don't understand your post

sorry if I am dense, but I dont understand your post. Can you please elaborate?

Thanks in advance.

:hi:

[newblewtoo]

7. Whoops,

wasn't replying to your post. Should have been to the OP. Seems like all some people want to do is bitch about Dean and a lack of an agenda. It usually gets worked in like an 'off hand compliment'. It is a bit of a ticklish spot with me.

[NOLADEM]

9. Ok, now I understand

Thanks for the reply.

Appreciate your time.

[kentuck]

8. It 's not about the "plan"...

It's about "selling the plan". That's what the Repubs did with the Contract on America. It was not a serious document. It was PR.

No matter what plan the Democrats were to come up with, the Repubs would be critical of it. And they are much better than Democrats at getting political mileage from their criticism. Also, they would use any Democratic proposals to change the subject from their own failures and talk about what a "failure" the Democratic "plan" would be. So we should be cautious..