New Dems search for new ideas.
The New Democrat Coalition huddled for three hours Tuesday to plot strategy, determine which issues it will champion and try to generate new ideas for the Democratic Party.
The gathering, which was billed as a retreat for the group of 42 centrist House Democrats, was part of an ongoing effort launched earlier this year to increase New Democrats’ clout in Congress and help them become a source of ideas for the party as a whole.
Until this year, the New Democrats’ influence had been waning and they had struggled to find their voice and relevancy after the like-minded Clinton administration ended.
This year, however, they have embarked on a broad effort to reinvent and reinvigorate themselves. They established membership criteria — requiring contributions to their political action committee and attendance at group meetings — and have held weekly meetings and been more active in advocating for and against policy positions.
Leaders of the group recently came out against the Central America Free Trade Agreement, a bold step for the traditionally pro-trade group that won them kudos from labor unions and fellow Democrats but garnered complaints from the technology industry [and the textile industry I will add].
This latest meeting allowed members of the group to air their views on the group’s three key policy areas, economic growth, personal responsibility and national security, with the aim of developing positions that would reflect centrist values and resonate with voters. The group also discussed a reform platform to curb what members perceive as the Republicans’ abuse of power.
Much of the discussion had an eye toward honing Democrats’ message to voters.
“We understand that the 2006 elections are about Congress,” said Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), the group’s chairwoman. “We are serious about our commitment to be able to speak to issues in depth, to provide credible alternatives to the majority and to be able to debate them toe to toe.”
Democrats have at times been derided as a party that is out of ideas. The New Democrats’ agenda in part reflects a desire to counter that criticism, some New Democrats said.
“A large part of this process is about framing ideas so when Democrats do take power we’re ready for prime time,” said Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.), one of the group’s three co-chairs. “When Republicans were out of power, they sat around thinking of ideas. When we’re out of power, we engage in endless hand wringing. Part of this process is about having ideas we can implement once we [have] power.”
The New Democrats’ agenda represents an expansion of their focus during the Clinton administration, when they limited themselves to economic issues.
“The previous agenda was focused on growth. I think we’ll continue to work on those issues and talk more broadly about security and values. I think there’s a general sense that Democrats need to be better on those issues,” said Adam Smith (D-Wash.), also a co-chairman.
Democratic budget guru Stan Collender moderated the meeting.
(6-9-05, The Hill.)
_______________
After reading the above, I only have one question. Where do we sign up?
The gathering, which was billed as a retreat for the group of 42 centrist House Democrats, was part of an ongoing effort launched earlier this year to increase New Democrats’ clout in Congress and help them become a source of ideas for the party as a whole.
Until this year, the New Democrats’ influence had been waning and they had struggled to find their voice and relevancy after the like-minded Clinton administration ended.
This year, however, they have embarked on a broad effort to reinvent and reinvigorate themselves. They established membership criteria — requiring contributions to their political action committee and attendance at group meetings — and have held weekly meetings and been more active in advocating for and against policy positions.
Leaders of the group recently came out against the Central America Free Trade Agreement, a bold step for the traditionally pro-trade group that won them kudos from labor unions and fellow Democrats but garnered complaints from the technology industry [and the textile industry I will add].
This latest meeting allowed members of the group to air their views on the group’s three key policy areas, economic growth, personal responsibility and national security, with the aim of developing positions that would reflect centrist values and resonate with voters. The group also discussed a reform platform to curb what members perceive as the Republicans’ abuse of power.
Much of the discussion had an eye toward honing Democrats’ message to voters.
“We understand that the 2006 elections are about Congress,” said Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), the group’s chairwoman. “We are serious about our commitment to be able to speak to issues in depth, to provide credible alternatives to the majority and to be able to debate them toe to toe.”
Democrats have at times been derided as a party that is out of ideas. The New Democrats’ agenda in part reflects a desire to counter that criticism, some New Democrats said.
“A large part of this process is about framing ideas so when Democrats do take power we’re ready for prime time,” said Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.), one of the group’s three co-chairs. “When Republicans were out of power, they sat around thinking of ideas. When we’re out of power, we engage in endless hand wringing. Part of this process is about having ideas we can implement once we [have] power.”
The New Democrats’ agenda represents an expansion of their focus during the Clinton administration, when they limited themselves to economic issues.
“The previous agenda was focused on growth. I think we’ll continue to work on those issues and talk more broadly about security and values. I think there’s a general sense that Democrats need to be better on those issues,” said Adam Smith (D-Wash.), also a co-chairman.
Democratic budget guru Stan Collender moderated the meeting.
(6-9-05, The Hill.)
_______________
After reading the above, I only have one question. Where do we sign up?
posted by Sid Cottingham | 4:00 PM
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