DLC Presents Smart, Radical New "American Dream" Agenda
In 2006, the DLC and its "moderate" members, which include Senators Hillary Clinton, Evan Bayh (D-IN), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Tom Carper (D-DE), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and the beleaguered Joe Lieberman (D-CT), have collectively refused to call for US withdrawal from Iraq.... a non-position that has angered the rest of the Democratic Party and inflamed the liberal blogopshere. (It irks me, too.)
Mark Warner, former Virginia Governor and 2008 moderate Democratic contender for the presidency, is clearly DLC material and widely admired by DLC membership. (And he, too, waffles on Iraq.)
Many, including me, have regarded the DLC as little more than a mouthpiece for corporate interests, greatly enamored of economic globalization and "free trade." Global corporatists, but with mild support for civil rights and liberties, and public welfare. Republican-lite.
The DLC purposely avoided "populist" causes, and rarely took stances to improve the lives of middle-class Americans or the downtrodden, all bailiwicks of the Democratic party.
Smart, Radical and Voter-Friendly
Until late July 2006. At its annual meeting, the DLC released its new and vastly improved agenda, "Saving the American Dream: Bold Ideas for America's Future," and I must admit, I'm impressed and intrigued.
Hillary authored it, and presented it to the recent DLC convention in Denver. The DLC's new plan makes five specific commitments to directly improve the lives of middle-class Americans. It's smart, it's radical and it should prove quite appealing to most voters, whether liberal, conservative or middle-of-the-road.
For an easy-reading summary, read DLC's "Saving the American Dream" Plan: Radical Help for the Middle Class."
Related Reading
Profile of Senator Hillary Rodman Clinton of New York
Inside Profile of Mark Warner, '08 Democratic Presidential Hopeful
Iraq War Results & Statistics as of July 24, 2006
Comments
The DLC destroyed the Democratic Party and put Bush in office by running their weak member, Al Gore, for president. They should call themselves what they are- Republican-lites.