Can the Democrats Really Lead?

I must admit that I was concerned about reactions to different blog posts here. But I got a few interesting posts, which have a similar theme. The questions (all of which were VERY respectful, thank you very much!) were legitimate, and required a piece on Democratic Leadership.

No doubt, Colin Powell's comments about the Republican Party "narrowing", and showing signs of fracture and fear tactics was a direct shot to McCain's viability in this election. Not a death knell, mind you, but certainly not something to help him, with 14 days left in the campaign.

HOWEVER, I noticed that a lot of people tell me they are voting AGAINST Obama, not so much FOR McCain. Debra Saunder's article in the San Francisco Chronicle really seemed to sum things up for most McCain supporters. They pretty much feel that McCain is their last hope to "hold the line" on taxes, military strength, traditional values, etc. That an administration of Obama, Reid and Pelosi would be devastating to our place as leaders in the world, and all we hold dear.

I am not sure I am concerned to that extent about a President Obama. But it has made me ask the question, "Can the Democrats really lead us out of this mess?" Can a party that doesn't really stand FOR anything (other than NOT being the Party of Reagan and Bush) effectively lead a nation that has about 40% of the people immediately predisposed to revulsion at any policy initiative, and 10-20% of the people immediately skeptical of any new ideas?

I am concerned as well about a Party that has not had a significant plan for America since the Great Society in the 60's. Can they come up with effective solutions for the major issues facing Americans today? Health Care, The Economy, Entitlements, Environmental Innovation, Iraq, Afghanistan, General Foreign Policy Issues, Immigration, and on and on.

Here is what I have heard on each of these issues:

Health Care--A substantive policy on health care, which could be unbelieveably difficult to pass, and even harder to manage. How to make the slogan "Health Care is a Right" work for all Americans without an increase in taxes? I am skeptical that Obama's plan can achieve this. We will see if he can avoid the missteps the Clinton administration made in 1993 on this topic.

The Economy--The idea of government programs to stimulate the rebuilding of roads, bridges, etc. is an idea. I am not sure how this stimulates the Capitalists in us all, but could be effective. Again, these ideas, put in the hands of bureaucrats, usually turn to crap in about 2 days. And we could have a lot of money poured in, and not much coming out the other end in the form of good paying jobs. They may be jobs in the good ole USA, but spending $1 to get $.90 in return doesn't sound like a winner...

Entitlements--Interestingly, we hear nothing on this topic, other than "don't touch Social Security". Sadly, though, this is going to be devistating for the next President. 2010 is the "year of reconing" for the United States. This is when all of the IOU's come due--Medicare and Social Security. Guess what year Social Security Boomers all started turning 62 1/2? You guessed it--2008. Isn't it interesting that our economy starts to fall apart right when our largest demographic starts falling off the employment grid? In my opinion, 2010 will be devistating to our current economic and entitlement set up, and will be the point where the President and Congress have to make difficult decisions on needs testing, age limits, benefits, etc. It is pretty much a lock to say that the party that makes these decisions will be massacred in the 2010 elections. But we can only hope that the people making these decisions do what is best for the country, and not for their re-election campaigns, because it will be the decisions made in the next 2 years that will drive this country to prosperity, or over a cliff, for the next decade. People are going to be concerned that a party that hasn't really had the reigns in years would be at the helm for this. For the next 5-10 years the 800 lb gorilla in the room, the issue that will suck all the oxygen out of the room (barring any further terrorist attacks or foreign policy blow ups) is Medicare. Period. Full stop.

Environmental Innovation--Democrats want a cleaner environment. Great. All of us do. So now what? Invest in technology? Repair the electric grid? Develop fuel alternatives? Add a $1/gal gas tax (as even Charles Krauthammer has advocated?)? I am still waiting for the Democratic ideas to flow. With no such ideas, "drill, baby drill" is all I am hearing. I am waiting for that leadership we don't see on the Democratic side on this issue.

Iraq--the message here is simple. Democrats want to leave. I don't know if that's going to be a reality, even if Obama were to win. What is the plan, guys? How do we maintain peace there? Who do we need to bring into the situation? Who will lead the effort?

Afghanistan--see Iraq

Foreign Policy--see Iraq

Immigration--clearly, we can't have undocumented workers here, and entitlements to health care and crime are a concern in this debate. The race-baiting and scape-goating of Mexican immigrants, however, has been disgraceful. Tom Tancredo tried to turn this fear and loathing into a run for President. I give Republicans kudos for NOT voting for such a lunatic. But what is the plan from the Democrats? Someone help me out here.



Look, I am not trying to say that because the Democrats don't have a plan, that, ipso facto, the Republicans should have the baton again. My point is that I haven't heard a lot in terms of real policy to back up the rhetoric on the Democratic side. I am not necessarily looking to Obama on this, although he is the standard bearer. I am merely pointing out that people who are not voting for Obama may be pointing to all of this as a reason to vote for Brand R, with the mantra "stick with the Devil I know..."