Two of the biggest problems Democrats have faced as a party over the past three decades is, first, a general sense that they do not stand for anything and, second, a general sense that they are not "tough." The combination of these two image problems is the notion that Democrats are not fighters-specifically that they won't fight for "you" or for ordinary Americans. There is a sense that Democrats care (source), but that they are not tough enough to stand up for what they say and turn that caring into legislation that will help Americans. To put it another way, Democrats mean well, but they can get the job done?
More in the extended entry, including an update on another bold new move by Reid.
Last night's Senate debate was a good step in the direction of demonstrating Democratic resolve, and their willingness to fight. Senate Democrats literally went to the mattresses to fight Republican intransigence on Iraq, and their efforts on that front are now the top story in America. This is exactly the sort of perception that Democrats have been lacking for many years, and which has slowly been reinforced during our six months in the majority. To what lengths will Democrats go to fight for their beliefs? Most people probably do not think they will go very far, and will back down at the first sign of Republican opposition. However, if Democrats continue to employ this tactic, most people probably won't think that anymore, because a lengthy, all-night debate is not just a symbolic fight, but also a physical one. It takes stamina and physical willpower to argue about Iraq late into the night, and by engaging this fight Democrats showed they are willing to stand up to Republicans, and go toe to toe with them. By moving from the symbolic to the physical, it is possible to develop an image of toughness, backbone and true grit.
However, doing this once is not enough. During his three years as Democratic leader in the Senate, Harry Reid has shown a willingness to engage in occasional grand acts such as this, or the Senate shutdown in November 2005. The thing is, the occasional grand act can quickly slide down the memory hole if it is not followed up. Now, Senate Democrats need to do this every single time Republicans block one of our central pieces of legislation via filibuster. The key is to show America that you are willing to engage the fight time and time again. You have to show that you mean to defend the ideas you propose, and that you will indeed go to the mattress with the opposition when they obstruct you from achieving those goals. Further, if Republicans still don't crack after we pull a few of these all-night debates, start forcing debates over two days. Keep upping the ante. If they won't back down, they you have to show that you will not back down either. If they intend to make blocking every piece of legislation you propose their central strategy for the 110th Congress, then you have to show you are willing to make a physical, lengthy fight to pass that legislation your central strategy.
This is a good first step, but this cannot become simply a one-time event. There is no way we can lose regular, all-night debates on issues like Iraq or health care if we are willing to continuously engage those debates. Not only is popular opinion on our side on these issues, but we will improve our image as fighters, as a party that stands for something and is willing to defend it. Further, Republicans will show just how willing they are to defend wildly unpopular ideas. This is the best possible way to advertise the difference between the two parties that I can think of, and we have to keep employing it until either Republicans crack on key pieces of legislation, or until new elections come and wipe even more Republicans out of office. Keep pressing our advantage, and keep showing our willpower. Hold the differences of the two parties up to the light for all Americans to see. This is a path toward an improved Democratic party, and to an enormous Democratic majority in 2008 and beyond. We must continue to pursue it.
I have temporarily laid aside the Defense Authorization bill and have entered a motion to reconsider.
But let me be clear to my Republican colleagues - I emphasize the word "temporarily". We will do everything in our power to change course in Iraq. We will do everything in our power to complete consideration of a Defense Authorization bill. We must do both.
And just to remind my Republican colleagues - even if this bill had passed yesterday, its provisions would not take effect until October.
So we will come back to this bill as soon as it is clear we can make real progress. To that end, I have asked the Democratic Whip and Democratic Manager of the bill to sit down with their counterparts to work on a process to address all outstanding issues related to this bill so the Senate can return to it as soon as possible.
More of this please. Let's keep pushing the envelope here.
