Is there a place for us in the Democratic Party?
Submitted by pda_ill_admin on Sun, 08/15/2010 - 15:09
Send to friendWritten by Lenny Brody
The recent remarks by President Obama’s Press Secretary Robert Gibbs about “liberal Democrats and others on the left” once again raises the question, “is there a place for progressives in the Democratic Party?” The Gibbs attack is not an off hand comment by someone having a bad day. Knowledgeable observers of the political process know that when a presidential press secretary says something it reflects the position of the administration.
A disturbing trend is emerging from the Obama administration. On the one hand, the policies of the administration, both in word and deed, for the most part, have reflected the dominant corporate Democratic positions of the Party. On the other hand, the administration has moved to undermine and marginalize any activity by progressives within the Party. Time and time again, when progressives run in primaries, the corporate Democrats that dominate the Party, intervene with money and alternate candidates to guarantee the defeat of progressives. And even when a progressive candidate is running against a Republican, like Dr. Gill in the Illinois 15th CD, the Party refuses to provide any support at all.
It is time for PDA to step up its fight for progressive principles within the Democratic Party. We cannot let the corporate Democrats drive us out of the Party. However, we recognize that we are progressives first and Democrats second. This means that we must guarantee that we are building a base of independent progressives that is not hesitant to move outside the Democratic Party when necessary. The Gibbs slander demands that we begin a discussion of the conditions progressives face in the Party and a realistic plan for the future.
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#1 Party Politics just don't work
Submitted by Web Politico (not verified) on Sun, 08/29/2010 - 08:10.
I just don't think party politics work. None of the parties, including the Green's have candidates who all share the same set of detailed positions.
The detailed positions are really important. You are doing a pretty job here. Detail the positions, detail the legislation, detail their voters.
The party line doesn't mean much. It's detailed positions. Do you support HR676 or some vague concept. There's a line. I don't know what to call it, but I can see it.
#2 Gibbs needs to worry about the professional right
Submitted by Fed Ex Offender (not verified) on Sun, 08/29/2010 - 08:30.
After half time (fall elections), there is going to be a reckoning. Compromising with the professional right , just doesn't work. Anyone awake in the White House is going to see it.
Democrats need to stop watching fox news. It's the past. Party politics is meaningless. Positions are the line.
Bernie Sanders moves the line. It's his positions, statements, advocacy, votes that matter. The party affiliation, does it matter? Not to me.
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