In the aftermath of this civil war that our nation has just fought, one result is clear: the Democratic Party's first priority should be to reconnect with the American heartland.
I'm writing this on tenterhooks on Tuesday, without knowing the election results. But whether John Kerry's supporters are now celebrating or seeking asylum abroad, they should be feeling wretched about the millions of farmers, factory workers and waitresses who ended up voting - utterly against their own interests - for Republican candidates.
One of the Republican Party's major successes over the last few decades has been to persuade many of the working poor to vote for tax breaks for billionaires. Democrats are still effective on bread-and-butter issues like health care, but they come across in much of America as arrogant and out of touch the moment the discussion shifts to values.
What we need to understand is that most Americans are not going to vote on pocketbook issues--even in self-interest. We cannot run campaigns knowing we're going to lose the entire South, Mountain West, and the Plains States. The majority of voters in these states perceive that the Democratic Party disdains their values and their faith.
Sometimes I think it would be enough for Democrats to expose the Republican Party's clay-feet regarding faith: the hypocritical acceptance of pro-death policys while claiming to be pro-life. Republicans mostly support the death penalty and have been consistently pro-war: not as a last resort but as the first choice in international relations. But criticizing these Republican policies does no good if Democrats are promoting the 'inviolable' right to abortion in almost all circumstances. No one believes politicians really value human life if they think abortion is acceptable.
The other issue that kills Democrats' chances: gay rights. At my sons' schools (I'm talking elementary and middle school-age kids here) President Bush was the overwhelming favorite. The common perception is that Senator Kerry supports gay marriage and might even be gay himself. It doesn't matter that this isn't true: if the perception is that widespread, we will lose every time. The question that needs to be asked: how does this perception get that widespread? The so-called liberal media aren't spreading lies about Kerry's sexuality; dastardly Republican party flyers are not circulating hinting that Kerry is 'light in his loafers'--so where does the perception come from? I leave it to you, dear reader, to jump to the only proper conclusion.
So some advice for the Democratic Party: in 2008, don't give us a Hilary or a Dean or a Kucinich. Give us someone consistently pro-life, an active church member that can openly talk about his or her faith--not just the 'do good works' stuff, but how Jesus changes lives, or be prepared to lose again.
And just think, I was planning on getting my American flag out and flying it on Inauguration Day...
Father, let me dedicate All this year to you
In whatever earthly state You will have me be
Not from sorrow, pain, or care Freedom dare I claim;
This alone shall be my prayer: Glorify Your name.
--from New Year's Hymn by Lawrence Tuttiett, 1864 (alt.)
In whatever earthly state You will have me be
Not from sorrow, pain, or care Freedom dare I claim;
This alone shall be my prayer: Glorify Your name.
--from New Year's Hymn by Lawrence Tuttiett, 1864 (alt.)
