 |
 |
 |
|
|
        |
| |
|
|
|
Democrats: Party in Power or Powerful Party?
Yesterday, House Democrats pulled off a tactical victory in the energy debate over Republicans. But it is just that: a tactical victory in a political battle in which the Republicans set all the conditions. Setting a proactive agenda that responds to the electorate and provides a new vision for a new century will establish the Democrats as the party with real leadership for the 21st century. And the way to get started is with energy.
The House voted yesterday and passed the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act. The bill is truly an "all of the above" set of solutions, including:
This is not to say that the passage of this bill was not a success in the eyes of House Democrats. After being hammered all summer over refusing to pass expanded drilling provisions of provide relief at the pump, the Democratic caucus in Congress can now say, with honesty, that they voted for an "all of the above" energy solution package, and that the Republicans were the party standing in the way on drilling. This is actually a remarkable tactical victory for Democrats, who beat the Republicans at their own game. But it is just that: a tactical victory in a political battle in which the Republicans set all the conditions. Democrats have been in control of the House for two years, but they are still struggling for tactical victories and playing Republican games. If Democrats want to not only be the party in power but a powerful party, they need to shift the Congressional political landscape with not tactical, but strategic victories. The Dems need to proactively choose the battles that they will fight with Republicans instead of constantly reacting to Republican power plays. They need to win a battle that they start, a battle that they choose--a battle in which they represent the will of the electorate. It is these sorts of political victories that will have Democrats building political capital instead of preserving it, setting and owning the agenda instead of reacting to it. The best place for Democrats to take ownership of the political process is energy. Providing a real vision for new energy to power America will put the Democrats on the offensive, creating a narrative of proactive Democratic solutions to problems of economy and national security. The best way for the Democrats to establish credibility as leaders of the country and stewards of our economy would be a bold push for new American energy. And until the Democrats are setting the terms, they will continue to play catch-up with Republicans and to scramble for a tactical victory. 1 COMMENTS:
I don't know why many conservatives compromised their values, the nation gave them 10 good solid years and held onto and allowing another two years in an effort to show that they wanted conservtive politics not modern or liberal politics. I think this was the most unconstitution and openly unfair election any nation has ever, ever, ever seen. I,m not going to whine and belly ache like you cry babies on the left and I know that it doesn't bother you because you have no scruples, no pride. What ashame that America has allowed a bunch of lawbreakers become the lawmakers, and judges that are supposed to uphold the very gird of that which holds her together and unlaces it promise, by promise, and principle by principle. You see, the demolition party gets through it always take long and hard work to rebuild. Any idiot can destroy anything. I really believe your party constituents should be call dumercrats because they stay poor while you lawbreakers get rich. You have stood in the way of progress and created problems for our brave men and women in combat, divided our nation, festered up so much hate that exceeds the awfulness of racism. You will one day have to stand before the God that you now blaspeme. Be sure your sins will find you out (i.e., they will catch up with you), you will reap the harvest you have sown.
Posted by: James Thompson
at January 12, 2009 8:48 PM
Post a comment |
|
|
|||
Privacy : Contact : Site Map |
||||||||
The bill passed 239-189, picking up just fifteen Republican votes while losing thirteen Democrats. However, the likelihood of this bill turning into law is slim, as it has to make it through the senate, which, with the threat of a Republican filibuster, looks almost impossible. The chances of a bill that shifts oil subsidies passing the senate without a filibuster-proof Democratic super-majority (ie 60 Democrats) is, by my rough estimate, a billion to one. 
