So which candidate is talking about how they will deal with...

[helleborient]

A hostile congress? There is a fairly good chance that's what a Democratic president would face.

How do they propose moving their legislation through? Or what compromises would they make to pass budgets?

[Northwind]

1. Dean and Kucinich

are the only candidates who address issues.

The other candidates only address Dean and Kucinich.

[helleborient]

2. So how do Dean and Kucinich address dealing with a hostile congress?

I think all of the candidates address issues...I'm just not sure they address the reality of the legislative environment if they are elected.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. Kucinich tells people

that they need to vote for a Democratic Congress.

As far as working with a hostile Congress is concerned, I wish that the future Dem president, whoever it is, would use the Reagan tactic of going on TV, telling "the American people" to contact their reps, and let the astroturf start building--or the genuine grassroots movements, as the case may be.

[helleborient]

4. I would like that, too...

But I don't hear any of them talking about that possible reality. I doubt they really will, but I wish they would - as a demonstration of leadership.

Anyway, all of the candidates say we need to vote for a Democratic congress.

[JohnKleeb]

5. Yes thats what he does

said it better than I Lydia.

[cosmicdot]

6. the dynamics of tradition, precedent, the bully pulpit, the budget

process, etc., offer the Executive Branch tools to maneuver, use of PR, press releases, applying logistics of office, strategies, etc.

Of course if the Dems win the WH, and Capitol Hill remains held hostage by the likes of Frist and Delay and zell-out DINOs ... obstruction tactics will continue to hold this country down and back ...

the President will have to take the issues to the people in all ways possible ... the similar selling of positions during a campaign continue throughout an administration ...

where do we want our issues and positions to be at the point of legislation ... half-way compromised from the get-go ... corporated-lobbyied-sold out tainted ... corporate-contributor watered down?

there's a lot to consider

and, I doubt, other than conjecture ... no pat answer to "dealing with a hostile congress" ... except as you suggest: Leadership ... and, we desperately need some bona fide and no pseudo leadership ...

I believe DK addresses how to implement change in his extemporaneous remarks to crowds ...

... this is an impression ... and some partial remarks ... but
I think DK plans to make use of the Dept of Justice as a tool to assist moving this country forward ... can't recall a specific example at the moment ... he would proactively use the available tools of government for progressive improvements and (e.g. corporate, environmental, healthcare) reforms, etc. As, imho, one of the few not owned or sold out to any interest, I think he knows the workings of our government to deliver ... he's a David v. Goliath ...
I think his being 'single' is a positive ... he will devote much elbow grease in getting this country and its current tide turned around ... an FDR in ideas ... a Truman in stature ... a JFK/RFK/MLK in ideals ...

[Northwind]

7. Dean

Has a very good record of being able to work on both sides of the aisle. Even with a Republican controlled congress he will make progress.

[no name no slogan]

8. Repeat after me: Coattails, Coattails, Coattails, Coattails, etc.

The proper Democratic presidential candidate will have VERRRY long coattails, and bring in a flock of new senators and representatives who support the Democratic agenda. That will help substantially.

Also, even if we are still in the minority, we could still get a good portion of our agenda through. Think Ronald Reagan after 1980: although the Dems still controlled the House, many "went along" with his agenda because they saw his election as an overwhelming mandate-- and since they liked their jobs, they did whatever the popular president wanted them to, to look good to the folks at home.

A combination of these two would make it a lot easier to get our bills through. All we need is a candidate who can energize our voters and draw in new voters. :)