The Need to Flip-Flop

[liberalpragmatist]

Given how Iraq is looking, clearly some of our leading Democrats will need to change their positions in favor of some sort of phased withdrawal. The current policy is untenable. We know it and the truth is they probably know it too. Kevin Drum (http://www.washingtonmonthly.com) has a great post up about this.

The problem is our public figures are terrified of being labeled unprincipled or "flip-floppers." The problem is that by not sticking up for their beliefs on this issue, and by not acknowledging changing their mind, they are doing exactly what they're aiming NOT to do.

Our candidates need to learn how to acknowledge changing their mind on something. If something can't be reconciled with a previous statement, don't try to deny it, rationalize it, or parse it. Just acknowledge a change-of-mind and explain why. The politician in question will look far more principled and trustworthy.

And if they're tarred by the "flip-flop" charge, embrace it. Seriously.

In the past I've expressed support for more troops and for staying-the-course. That policy has become unsustainable. We are now in a military quagmire. It is true I did not support withdrawal in the past, but it is now clear there is only so much we can do. The president's folly has led us down a blind alley. I once believed we could make the best of it. Now the best hope for Iraq and for our soldiers is that we withdraw. The president and my opponents will call me a flip-flopper. They, however, live in denial - a fantasty-world in which changing your mind is a sign of weakness. I live in the real world. When the facts change, I change my mind. That's not weakness. It's common-sense. And if the Republicans want to call me a flip-flopper for having some common-sense, by all means, call me a flip-flopper.

I wished during the campaign that Kerry had made a statement like this. Unfortunately I don't think any of his advisors or speechwriters had the imagination to do such a thing. Such a strategy would have been ideal. It would have taken the bite out of the attack, focused the attention on Bush's deficiencies as someone who is stubborn and single-minded. And whenever someone embraces an insult - takes it as a point of pride (even if subtly twisting the intended meaning) it loses it's power as an insult.

So a note to politicians: If you change your mind, DON'T HIDE IT! Sing it, loud and clear. We'll respect you a lot more for it.

[AuntPatsy]

1. Kicking for thruth to come into the light.