Bad For Us All
Are we wrong to be concerned that the Democratic Party seems destined to select Howard Dean as their next chair of the DNC? Prior to the election I wrote on several occasions that a strong a viable Democratic Party is essential to the future good governance of the U.S. Not because I want to see them win an election, or regain prominence in the House or Senate, but because the ideas and ideals that are presented to the American people are so strongly influenced by the two parties and the leftist, as opposed to liberal, movement of the Democratic Party means fewer viable alternative viewpoints and greater extremism.
Given that Kandidate Clinton, now serving as a Senator, along with the likes of Kerry, Gore and Edwards will lead the pack for the 2008 nomination. It seems certain that the Democratic Party has moved too far to the left and is secure enough to stay. I say this despite Clinton’s rather obvious attempts to seem more centrist and even hawkish. The reality is that her efforts are a political move to increase her viability in 2008, but doesn’t change the real nature of her politics or her base (which would undoubtedly support her even as a more centrist candidate).
For the immediate future, it’s probably good news for the Republican Party. In the long run, it signals a more permanent shift toward the left and is neither good for the Democratic Party or the nation.
