Do Democrats need to offer their own "Contract for America"?

[kentuck]

James Carville mentioned something similar this morning on the MTP program but it was not pursued or explained. But, in the present political environment, the Democrats are playing defense to the right-wing proposals of Bush and the Republicans. They do need to offer their own agenda, in my opinion.

For example:

America needs to spend less time worrying about the personal lives of our citizens and more time working on becoming more fuel efficient. We need better mileage from the vehicles in Detroit and we need alternative sources of energy.

We need to less fearful and more courageous. We need leadership that promotes hope and courage - not fear and paranoia. We believe in a strong defense but we believe this Administration and the Republicans are going in the wrong direction. Money alone does not make us safer.

We need to have a plan for withdrawal from Iraq and we need to stop throwing money down a rathole. Just think what we could do with the $300 billion spent in Iraq. It is unwise and wrong to spend that kind of money in another nation when we have so many problems here at home. We think that is wrong. It is not making us safer.

...And those are just for starters...

[mattclearing]

1. I wouldn't brand it exactly that way...

...but a well-publicized statement of principles would be nice.

[kentuck]

2. True...One Contract on America was enough...

Agenda For a New America?

[mattclearing]

7. Hmmm...

Still sounds too similar, and kinda generic at that.

How about a one-sheet of principles, billed as "The Democratic Way?"

It would state something like:

We are dedicated to fiscal conservatism in order to honor the public's civic trust.

We are dedicated to bringing the power of the federal government to bear on finding new and more effective ways to fight poverty and crime.

Our economic philosophy aims to empower individuals and businesses of every economic level through targeted tax breaks and business incentives for socially-conscious individuals and companies, because we believe in providing monetary incentives for Americans to make decisions that benefit all of society. We think it's investing in our future. Edit to add: We also think that tax cuts should be earned, not given away for nothing.

We believe in a diplomacy that involves dialogue, because the only way to build a sustainable relationship with the rest of the world is through mutually beneficial understanding.

We will withhold military intervention for all but the most dire of circumstances, when the United States is in immediate danger. Our young people are our most precious commodity, and unnecessary war is a waste of their potential.

However, our national security policy will provide adequate funding for border security and customs inspections, ensuring that would-be terrorists are met with opposition at every possible turn.

...

You get the idea. I'd hope it would stay away from the usual issues that the Democratic Party is identified with (Health Care and Education).

The main thing is that when Democrats discuss health care and education, most of the electorate shuts their brain off, because they feel like they've heard it before.

It's important that a document of this type express some attention-getting ideas that aren't generally expected of us.

[Lexingtonian]

11. very true

Something nonpartisan people can read and consider concrete and clear constructive promises. Something all Democratic leaders and representatives sign and can be held accountable to by Democratic voters. No use cluttering things with ideals and too much detail. More than three but less than about eight points. Nobody ever meets a ten point agenda.

We're going to need stuff that is fairly concrete and sums up in a phrase. Equality and due process as the Constitution actually requires, reprogressed taxes but less burden on those making less than $100K, no colonialism in the Middle East, only real terrorists will be pursued but those unrelentingly, no more subsidies for Walmarts and offshoring, anti-trust law enforcement in the health and energy industries.

[TreasonousBastard]

3. Absolutely not...

because it was the Contract on America that got Gingrich tossed. He wrote a check he couldn't cash, but others have gotten on his bandwagon and really scrwed things up.

Republicans have been successful because they pander to the simplistic feelgood notions many have. They tell us there are no real problems and that everything will be just fine if we forget all that nasty stuff those damn libruls are trying to tell us.

Just what would our message be? That we have to keep our homes colder and dump our beloved trucks to stop global warming? That we should stop buying cheap Chinese crap in WallyMart to help the current account deficit?

That we should pay more taxes?

Nope, it's tricky telling the truth, and truthtellers usually get crucified.

Of course, we could just lie about it all like they do, but we'd end up telling the same lies they do to pander, and what would that accomplish?

[Tactical Progressive]

4. Oh god no

That has ultimately turned out to be seen appropriately as the joke it was.

The last thing Dems need to do is take the legacy of that kind of idiocy upon themselves and off of Republicans.

I think people respond to the principles seen innately in a political party moreso than to any proclamations of what they stand for. We just need to keep making our case, conversationally, not via gimmicks like the Contract on America.

[KharmaTrain]

5. Keep It Simple Stupid...

Nothing does that better than a catch-theme. It doesn't have to mean anything, just sound positive and loaded with change. "A Chicken In Every Pot", "Great Society", "Morning In America" and even "Contract On America". They were positive messages that were easy for people to remember and associate with specific candidates.

Right now there's too many issues for Democrats to wrap around...not one major one, and they need to focus on major issue that is the most universal...and can be easily understood and "sold". Pure marekting.

While there are issues like the war or religion or social issues. IMHO the economy is the ticket. It's affecting or has affected the most people and this is one pain they feel every day. It has to be magnified and simplified. Carville had it right in '92 with "it's the economy, stupid", but I strongly thing we need a more upbeat, progressive one for 2006.

[Tactical Progressive]

8. I agree that the economy is the ticket

I don't think catch-phrases would be especially effective, though I do agree with simplification.

My theme would be: class warfare is sending jobs, industries and prosperity overseas and swamping us into debt. Democrats do economics better.


It hits all the points, focusing them on the economic gentrification of the class war that is polarizing the country.

The last thing people want is to read a party platform delineating a summary of each area of belief. That turns me off and I imagine most people as well. The Contract on America sure did.

[KharmaTrain]

10. Think Sheeple

We don't need to be sold...and so many times I see people coming up with arguments or concept that do just that.

From one whose studied and worked with advertising, simple and straight forward works and makes an impression. It's selling an image that the person relates to when they see that word or phrase in an almost Pavlovian response.

Using terms like "Class warefare", no matter if we both agree that it not only exists but is a major tool the Repugnicans and right wing use to divide this country...but for the moderates and "sheeple", strident scares them. They want something to belong to they can believe in and feel.

The challenge here is this message is needed for next year and there really isn't a "face" that can be associated to it...it has to be partywide...with each Democratic candidate on the same page with tihs key message, tuned to their constituency.

Most people didn't hear or read that "contract"...as much as they fell for the words of "change" and the appearance Repugnicans had a clue as to what that change is.

But we're putting the cart before the horse...first you need to get people's attention and a positive impression...that's where a catchy slogan that's upbeat and positive can go a long way.

[aquart]

6. No. Never.

But we might run on a platform of restoration.

[enid602]

9. contract

Contract to regain America?