The T-Spot: Refuge for the Chronic Cynic

Are the Democrats Uniting?

The 2004 presidential election saw the Democratic Party at its worst. It was not the fact that they lost the bid for the White House, but rather there was so much internal conflict that on the fence voters went along with a seemingly more stable republican party. Failing to state as a party where they stood on such issues as security and gay rights the democrats were sized up by their opponent who made it quite clear which agendas there were for and against. This proved fatal and as a result we were graced with the Bush administration for another four years. However, at the 2005 Democratic Leadership Conference future presidential candidates stressed the need for unity if the democrats were going to appeal to the majority of Americans.

The convention, which was held in Cleveland, Ohio this year focused on the 2008 election even though it is still three years away. Four potential presidential candidates including Senator Clinton spoke with delegates and spoke on the unity that was needed in Democratic Party. The candidates highlighted facts about the declining economy, the need for an explanation for going to war, and health care for the American people. After reading these statements I have felt much better for a party that I had my doubts about. Of course the Republican Party slammed Clinton and the DLC for promoting far-left stances on the issues but in my view as long as the Dems are united how far left they swing is not the point. The point is, is that there are a number of Americans who are indecisive on which party to endorse and if the they see the democratic party as one strong body the chances of them considering them is likely to improve.

My parents are card-carrying democrats, always have been ever since I can remember. No matter what election they vote, and vote democrat. Growing up this made me very proud because I was always taught that the Democrats were for the people, and the republicans were for what they could take from the people. Very black and white groups or at least I thought so. Then comes the 2000 election. By this point I was 16 and heavily involved with the republican student group in my high school. This period of time was a war zone in my house. Arguments with my father erupted over why it’s more important to be fiscally conservative and how social programs will break the back of America. Even though I was two years away from voting I believed that the Republican Party had a more cohesive, conservative stance on issues, which I was in favor of.

Fast-forward four years. I’m an undergrad at a pretty liberal university and like most of my peers feel like the last 4 years have been horrible for our nation. We protest the war, fight for rights for all, and demand answers from our questionable administration. We went to the polls in record numbers hoping that we could reclaim our nation and put into motion a rebuilding of nation. As I stood in line I thought about the party I was voting for and realized that even though I was in support of them I was still concerned with the lack of cohesion I observed. The events at the DLC this year have left me hopeful because what the democratic party needs right now is U.N.I.T.Y.

posted by The Bartender @ 12:54 PM