Pacific Views

Democratic Politics

Who can win against Bush? Fortunately, we are finally seeing signs that Bush's terrible policies are starting bite back and it is no longer a foregone conclusion that he is invulnerable. For Democrats, it is a case of who can best repudiate the disastrous path he and his cronies have put us upon. And it is a matter of selecting someone who can cut out the cancer and set us on a healing path.

The next few months are going to be very interesting (as in the old Chinese curse) as we navigate from the active primary to the main battle against Bush and his policies. One reason I personally hoped we would see a Clark candidancy was because I think one argument that must be thoroughly aired is whether Bush is a good leader re: terrorism. The polls still show that 60% of the American public believe that Bush did the right thing in invading Iraq. I believe that the reason these numbers are still so high is because the American public is very invested in that decision because they convinced themselves that Bush made the decision (and they backed the decision) based on good reasons. However, I think that it is dangerous for the American public to continue to believe this as it reinforces the belief that safety and security can be found by acting alone rather than promoting multilateral relationships and following the rule of law which we helped define.

Clark articulates this point of view very well and I believe that he can help the American public to see the danger in acting like gunslingers when facing the threats of our day and age.

But, this is not the only policy we need to repudiate. We also need to rebuild a strong progressive party that is capable of fighting for the average Joe and Jane -- and here is where I think Dean shines. We need people involved in politics. We need to have people believing they have a right and a responsibility in creating the government they want. We need to rebuild a sense that a representative democracy can work and can be accountable to the people, and not just the plutocrats. I'm very excited about the people-powered campaign and hope that it is a sign that our country can once again live up to the ideals of a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

I hope as the primary continues that the majority of fire power is aimed at Bush and we Democrats put up a strong and effective candidate for the general election. One that articulates not only why the Bush policies are so dangerous, but also expresses a hopeful inclusive vision about how we can build a better future for our country and the world by working together.

We've got some good candidates, some great policies and some exciting times ahead. So I say: Go Dems! Let's kick some ass.