Antidote

In all the fuss about Miers and indictments and whatnot this week, there was a private political meeting that didn't get much news play. Important, though, because it was all about high-powered Democrats trying to decide how they're going to play it next year. Naturally, they skipped items like, "Paul Hackett Showing in Ohio Proves We Could Actually Win Stuff, If We Tried." But at least they took the time to unveil next year's rock-em sock-em party slogan.

Are you ready for it? It's sure a doozy. Maybe you should sit down. Ready? OK!!!

"America Can Do Better"

TA-DA!

Hey? Where are you going?

Actually, that was my thought, too. "America" can do better? Hell, I could do better. THIS is supposed to inspire us? Talk about being out of touch. The Republicans love a fight--they're spoiling for one--and there are plenty of Democrats who would be happy to engage them. Yet, the people at the top of the party think we're best represented by some weasely, nonconfrontational blah de blah that looks nice and nonthreatening on a lawn poster. So sweet (America! Better!), so pleasing to the broadest focus group. Who could possibly disagree with such a blanket statement? Grumps, maybe. And the Dems aren't about grumpiness (i.e., challenging a party that they don't think they can fight). They're about optimism! See!

Yuck.

Also disheartening--the group of "Democratic leaders" who were at the meeting. From Huffington's blog:

...the intimate Democratic strategy session held at Ron Burkle’s house in Los Angeles to discuss the Dems’ need for a united message. Those present included Hillary Clinton, Harry Reid’s chief of staff, Susan McCue, pollster Doug Shoen, Haim Saban, Rob Reiner, Steve Bing, and Warren Beatty. Among the highlights was the Hollywood unveiling of the Dems’ new slogan -- "America Can Do Better" -- a soulless and vacuous phrase that sums up a party that’s become pathologically risk-averse. The discussion also included the latest report from Democracy Corps, run by James Carville and Stan Greenberg, which is calling for an agenda focused on "heath care, education and energy, followed by a top end tax cut repeal and homeland security". In other words, let’s party like it’s 2004!

Whaddya mean you still don't feel inspired? They invited Warren Beatty! Top end tax cut repeal! Woo!

Again, my thoughts exactly. Did these guys just climb out of a time capsule?  Way to ignore a weakening president and an unpopular war, folks.  Ever think about running on those issues?

But after today, I'm starting to feel a little better, because it looks like someone else gets it.  Just a mild little rebuke titled:  "Democracy Corps -- Shove it up Your Candy Asses."  The author used to work for Howard Dean; go figure.

Update:  In his article and in the comments, the author makes it clear that if people do have serious ideas about what the Democrats should do next year (strategies, etc.), they should write him ( ericschmeltzer at earthlink dot net) and he will pass the ideas along to the bigwigs. Like I said, the guy used to be Dean's press secretary, so he's probably got some pretty serious contacts.