It’s been called a failure of leadership, some call it a failure of Democrats, some a failure of republicans and some even call the right wimps for that “Nancy hurt our feelings” embarrassment of yesterday. A lot of people are scratching their heads wondering what’s next, both in and out of government. The people who called for no bailout got their wish and then were entertained by tanking markets. The republicans are clueless (see Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi and Digby) and the Democrats stand at the precipice seemingly unwilling to take the lead.
In fairness to the Democrats they don’t appear to have the votes in the House, and even if they did get something “progressive” passed what of the Senate? Do we really expect the Senate republicans, the most obstructive group in the history of the Senate, to support a Democratic initiative, one which will discredit the bankrupt policies of the right and promote progressive policies? Stranger things have happened and given the current political environment leadership from the left may get a fair hearing.
For those who advocate progressive policies over rescue an opening has been created. Will they have the political muscle to not only get something progressive introduced in the next round but to then get it past the republicans? Two separate, and difficult, tasks. If they can craft policies, and the appropriate language, that appeal to those same men and women on the street who may be rethinking their “no bailout” stand following yesterday’s selloff, and the reduction of their IRA’s, they may not only get it on to the agenda they may garner support. Alas, they thought they had it with HR 3997. They were headed in the right direction, but didn’t get to the heart of the matter for most Americans, what’s in it for me? Get that right, include them and make it simple; your mortgage will be safe, your bank will remain open and we will take the necessary steps to protect your retirement savings.
Win the hearts and minds of all those people who don’t see a way out and they’ll follow. They’ll follow because eight years of republican rule have taught them that taking the fork to the right leads to disaster.
Digg It!
