The DLC needs to realize its coveted "center" is progressive, not conservative

[marmar]

from OurFuture.org:


Wrong On The Right
Submitted by Robert Borosage on July 26, 2007 - 5:36pm.


The corporate wing of the Democratic Party - the Democratic Leadership Council—will meet in its "National Conversation" this weekend in Nashville. The press is already noting that while all of the Democratic presidential hopefuls will appear at the YearlyKos progressive blogger gathering in Chicago, not one is slated to join the DLC in Nashville.

DLC head Al From suggests this is because the candidates have "tunnel vision," and, focused on the Iowa caucuses, are chasing liberal activists. But From is certain that the party's nominee will turn to the DLC and drift to the right when it comes to the general election. "It's sort of like you play on one end of the field to win the nomination," From said, "but if you want to win the game, you've got to play on both ends."

This has been the DLC's theme from its inception. Democrats, the group argued, had to distance themselves from "liberal interest groups," bite their tongues, and appeal to a center that, over the years, moved ever further to the right.

But that threadbare theory, dubious when it was initially aired a quarter century ago, is divorced from reality now. The "center" of American politics isn't on the right; the center is increasingly progressive in its views. The majority of Americans now oppose the Iraq War, oppose corporate trade policies, want big reforms in health care and energy policy, and are looking for a new deal in the economy. They aren't looking for the triangulated, modest reforms that Dick Morris and the DLC championed—school uniforms and computerized medical records—they are looking for bold changes and a very new direction.

From is partially right. The progressive base of the party is driving the debate. It has grown in sophistication and capacity, from labor's revived political program to Moveon.org and the new blogger energy. And it is buoyed by a sense that a majority of Americans are increasingly in moving our way.

But the DLC—indelibly dubbed Democrats for the Leisure Class by the Rev. Jesse Jackson—has always had a base built on corporate money and lobbyists, not on activists. Its isolation isn't because it doesn't have troops in Iowa or New Hampshire. Its isolation comes because it simply has been wrong on the fundamental questions of our day. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://commonsense.ourfuture.org/wrong_right?tx=3

[illinoisprogressive]

1. the DLC weakened this party and it took embracing the progressives that made us strong

[Totally Committed]

2. I couldn't agree more!

The DLC sucks, and has indeed weakened this Party to the point that it is nearly unrecognizable.

TC

[billyoc]

3. DLC delenda est.

Their national conversation should be a suicide pact.

[marmar]

4. "Their national conversation should be a suicide pact."

:)

[leftchick]

5. Is Everyone Here Aware that Hillary IS The DLC Leadership??

I am dumbfounded so many have no idea! :crazy:

[antigop]

13. And there are those who know but look the other way n/t

[provis99]

6. well if Hillary wins, the DLC has won

then the general election is between the corporate Democrats and the freakazoid wing of the Republicans. Not much to look for. If Hillary wins the nomination, I won't bother voting in the general.

[mod mom]

15. Who is pushing Hillary more than the CORPOATE Media?

[Demeter]

7. The DLC Couldn't Find the Democratic Party With Both Hands, a Map,

and flashing neon arrows.

[robinlynne]

8. Do we need the DLC for any reason?

[John Q. Citizen]

9. Impeach the DLC!

[RufusTFirefly]

10. In your heart, you know she's Right

[marmar]

11. Que?

:wtf:

[RufusTFirefly]

12. Barry Goldwater

That was his slogan. He was also known as "Mr. Conservative." Hillary was a so-called "Goldwater Girl," but yes, that was a very long time ago. People do change occasionally. Arianna Huffington is a good example. Kevin Phillips is another (although I believe he's still a Republican). More often, however, people move Right instead of Left as they get older.

[mod mom]

14. Its isolation comes because it simply has been wrong on the fundamental questions of our day

Says a lot~!