Dems show they are not worthy of taking the reins

There is an article in the Washington Post that highlights many of the troubles the GOP has had recently. One would think the Dems would have an opportunity to make a sweeping victory, but so far those sweeping gains are not certain. The crux of the article is the fact that the Dems just don't seem to have a clear message they can ride to victory. According to the article entitled "Democrats Struggle to Seize the Opportunity", the Dems have been working on a 'legislative manifesto'. I don't know if manifesto is a common term on the hill for these things. If not, I think manifesto is a poor word choice for obvious reasons.

The date for the release of this manifesto keeps slipping. They wanted it out in November so voter could have a full year to digest their proposals. Now Pelosi is saying it will be released in "a matter of weeks", but Schumer wants it delayed until summer. I think this delay is very telling of what the core problems that reside within the Democratic Party. I will begin with a short list of these problems and then examine them more carefully.

First, the Dems are very hesitant and indecisive. Second, they are struggling within with a large far left kook base mixed then with liberals and a few moderates. Third, the Dems have never shown themselves in recent years to have any core values. People may criticize some of Bush's decisions, but I think it is obvious to most that the behavior of the Dems in the last few years can be summarized that they have opposed merely to oppose. This does not build confidence in the people that the good of the nation will be put first. Also, while people may forget a bit between elections, they are reminded at election time of the very dangerous world we are living in. The Dems are quick to criticize actions and decisions of Bush in a period where big things happen fast such as Katrina. However, by hesitating and being indecisive in coming up with an agenda, they show that they could never be up to the task themselves.

Regarding core values: if you have them, you know where you stand and what you want to accomplish. The Dems taking so long in finalizing an agenda shows they really have no core values. In a day I could come up with a rough draft of my agenda for the country and polish it in less than a week. The delay in the agenda speaks to many shortcomings on the side of the Dems. It also may hightlight that they know some of these shortcomings and wish to shorten the amount of time for the light of scrutiny to take their agenda apart. After all, it would look very ridiculous to have it torn apart and then have to come out with a new version before the election.

Finally, if the worst happens and the Dems take control of both houses; we will quickly see why they lost control in the first place just in time for the '08 elections. So Dems, be careful what you wish for.