COLUMN: Democrats have a lot on the line next month
One look at an electoral map and anyone knows that Democrats are in trouble. With the exception of a few blue states out on the coasts, it seems they just cannot manage to break the Republican’s Red Sea of electoral dominance.
So now what?
After another defeat in the recent presidential election and increased losses in both the House and Senate, if you are a Democrat, it is time for a change.
That change may come quicker that some had imagined. On Feb. 12, the 447 Members of the Democratic National Committee will cast their vote in Washington D.C. for the next chair of the Democratic National Party.
Big deal right? It sounds about as interesting as a date with the captain of the chess team.
And in reality, it really is not all that big of a deal. But with the Democratic party in desperate need of a make-over, the party’s choice could be an early indication of changes to come, whether that is a move further to the left or toward the middle.
The party is in need of a Moses of sorts, to lead it out of its wilderness and on to the promised land of electoral success.
Several have announced their candidacy, but it appears the two frontrunners will be our old friend Howard Dean, former presidential candidate, and Tim Roemer, a six-term congressman from Indiana.
Republicans ought to be cheering on Dean. Maybe another blowup like the one in Iowa (some have called it the “I Have a Scream” speech) will drive away even more grassroot Democrats from the party. If you are a Democrat, you might cheer on Dean too. Maybe if he is selected as chair, he won’t embarrass the party again by running for president in 2008.
Roemer seems like a logical choice. Both House and Senate leaders came out announcing their support of him as a candidate. But the race is expected to heat up considerably before it is over.
And the reason why? Abortion.
Many extremist Democrats are upset at Roemer’s candidacy, mainly due to his anti-abortion stance. Some have even warned of a mass exodus from the Democratic party if Roemer is selected.
Of course, I am not really sure where they would all go. Maybe they could jump on the Ralph Nader bandwagon next election. Then, instead of losing with less than 1 percent of the popular vote, he could lose with 5 percent.
Where do extremists, Republicans or Democrats, have to turn anyway? So, why is it that we, as moderates, the silent majority, so often allow them to call the shots?
With Roemer in charge though, that would put the two top-guns of the Democratic party Harry Reid, Mormon Senator from Nevada, and Tim Roemer, Catholic chairman from Indiana. Both are value-oriented. Both are moderates. Both support fundamental democratic principles. And both oppose abortion.
In addition, as a member of the 9/11 commission, Roemer brings to the table real experience in national security. And I am not just talking about some swift boat captain gig some 30 years ago either. He understands the threat of terrorism today and knows how to defend against it.
If things are going to change, it’s got to start from the top down. And I believe that Roemer is the kind of person that could lead that change.
The Democratic party was always the champion of the underdog, a party of the poor and underprivileged. Now, it has become a haven to haughty intellectuals and liberal extremists.
The party has changed before, and I am convinced it can change again. Which way will it turn? Feb. 12 may be our best indicator.
With Roemer, a push toward moderation could return the Democratic party to national prominence.
Or, if Dean is selected, I suppose we can only brace ourselves for Hillary in ’08.
So much for parting the Red Sea.
Jon Cox is a junior majoring in print journalism. Comments can be sent to jcox@cc.usu.edu.