Reply #17: A Slow Evolution [View All]

Two things I keep in mind...

First...is the position of the Democratic Party only a few years ago...especially going into the '02 and '04 elections. It was a "top-down" party that gave little thought to party building and outreach. It was centered around the "bundlers" and corporate money and winning "strategic" victories. Following Kerry's loss, the Democrats were on the edge of the political abyss...facing a strong possibility of a veto-proof House and Senate. Be thankful we walked away from that edge, but this is just a first step...and this leads to point two.

Progressives have won some battles, but we're far from being in a position to win the war...the war of ideas and values. Sadly, decades of sliming by the right, a paid-for corporate media that lives by a GOOP-driven story-line and years out of power have created a heavy "learning curve" on the Democratic party. It's one that's very much in transition and, honestly, where it goes is still not clear.

The netroots are a new element in an old game. Just like the Falwells and Gingrichs were kept at arms length by many "mainstream Repugnicans" in the 80's, they grew over the years and rose to be the prevailing voice in their party...the Progressive movement can work in the opposite direction within the Democratic party...especially when its shown that it can be the difference in elections and fund raising.

Lamont was just the first step in a long, long road...and many underestimated both the steepness of that road and the length. Many still do. The '08 election is the next step. It's the first national election where Dr. Dean's 50-state approach at the DNC is being put into play. There's a far different political landscape, but change doesn't happen overnight nor should we want it to be.

Yes, Democrats are frustrating as all hell right now, but it's not a monolith...it's now the "big tent"...that covers many types of people with different perspectives and priorities. It's a steady process that could open doors down the road to a "golden Progressive age"...but it only can be achived through working hard in winning elections and having both the political muscle and organization that will change the political narrative just as the right wing did during the 90's.

Cheers...