November 13, 2002
AIM HIGHER:
Why I Should Be Minority Leader (Harold Ford Jr., November 13, 2002, washingtonpost.com)Unlike Rep. Pelosi, I have talked about where I would lead our party on the issues. In the short term, we would take immediate action to stimulate our economy. We would shift the tax cuts that do not take effect for several years into immediate tax relief for all Americans and businesses. In the long term, we would steer our nation toward fiscal responsibility and broad economic growth.Although Democrats have traditionally sought the upper hand on domestic issues, we now live in a post-9/11 world. If we want the American people to trust us to govern, we cannot take a dismissive or defeatist attitude toward issues of national security.
One area of stark contrast between my opponent and me is Iraq. Rep. Pelosi opposed the president and voted against the resolution. [...]
To expand our reach, I would bring new faces onto the leadership team. Many members, especially junior members, have long felt marginalized within the Democratic Caucus. I want them to play a meaningful role in developing our agenda. New ideas and new solutions would be at the forefront of our message.
What Mr. Ford is actually describing here is why he should be Majority Leader. Tax cuts, national security, and demarginalizing the black vote are all reasons for him to switch parties. Posted by Orrin Judd at November 13, 2002 5:12 PM
. . . Or reasons for him to reinvigorate the Dems as a serious party. Imagine having two parties that are genuinely pro-growth, resolute in protecting the country, and hostile toward racialist polarization. Pipe dreams, I know.
Posted by: Paul Cella at November 13, 2002 9:18 PMI actually don't think that's either possible or desirable. Every Western society at all times divides into those who are most interested in freedom and those who care most about economic security. The former is generally anti-goovernment, except fn matters of domestic and international law enforcement, the latter seeks its security through government action. I'd rather that the freedom party be winning, but would also hope that the security party would be coherent and consistent in its ideology so that people have a real choice.
Posted by: oj at November 13, 2002 9:47 PM