One of the more common arguments in the political discourse is the idea that the Dems are putting up an adequate fight against the GOP agenda, but they’re failing to present an agenda of their own. Dems are against Bush’s proposals, but, the conventional wisdom tells us, they’re not for anything.
I’ve never really bought into the argument, but whether one accepts the premise or not, I think Harry Reid deserves a lot of credit in trying to dispel the notion that Dems lack a positive, forward-thinking policy agenda. In late January, Reid unveiled a list he called “Keeping America’s Promise,” which included 10 legislative measures to serve as the blueprint for the 109th Congress.
Yesterday, Reid stayed on this point, telling reporters (and everyone else): If you’re looking for the party with a vision, look to the Dems.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid yesterday in a speech laying out Democrats’ agenda accused Republican leaders of being so consumed with partisan political “sniping” that they’ve neglected a troubled economy and a weak national defense.
“Democrats are the party of national security,” Mr. Reid said at the National Press Club. “And we have an agenda to defend America from danger.”
Mr. Reid’s speech was intended to outline his party’s priorities now that a truce has been reached in the Senate fight over judicial nominations. It included some of the most pointed political broadsides since last year’s presidential campaign.
“As of this month, more time has passed since 9/11 than the time between Pearl Harbor and the defeat of Japan. During those three years and eight months — 60 years ago — we invaded North Africa and Normandy, we freed people from the Philippines to France, Hitler lay dead and Tojo was in chains,” Mr. Reid said. “But today Osama bin Laden is still on the loose, our homeland is still not secure, and we’re still not energy-independent, and — in many ways — Americans are less safe than we were before 9/11.”
Indeed, Reid, not unlike the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal, believes Republicans had an opportunity to govern at the start of the year, but have squandered their time on the nuclear option, the Terri Schiavo, and fiddling with the House ethics process.
“Perhaps the greatest abuse of power is to have the ability to help but choose to do nothing,” he said.
Nice line, senator.
But remember, while Reid took some shots at his rivals, his speech was loaded with policy prescriptions for the future and an emphasis on the fact that Dems “have something better to offer” the country.
“Americans are coming to realize this Republican Congress is out of touch with the real problems of working families and that the agenda the Republicans are advancing is at odds with what people in this country really care about.
“We Democrats have something better to offer. A reform agenda that will cleanse Washington…give power to the people – not special interests…and make sure that everyday Americans and their concerns get back on the Congressional calendar.
“Strengthening our national defense. Rebuilding our economy. Providing families with affordable health care. Making America energy independent. Securing our retirement. That’s our agenda. That’s America’s agenda. But the Republican Congress has put all this and more on hold. I hope that now we can finally turn to the people’s business.”
The whole speech is online. I thought it struck just the right balance between holding the GOP responsible for its failures and explaining how Dems can govern better.
Granted, getting Dems in a position to become a majority party again is a difficult and time-consuming process. Too much of the public has an incorrect perception of the party and Reid, along with other party leaders, need to do more to “build the brand.” Moreover, Reid’s policy goals for the party may be the greatest ideas ever, but if the party can’t articulate and sell the agenda to voters, it doesn’t much matter.
Nevertheless, this is a tremendous start and Reid deserves a lot of credit. In November, we lost what was billed as the most important campaign cycle in recent political history. Seven months later, Reid has helped lay the groundwork for a comeback.