No Middle Ground

Josh Marshall has a question:

Can we be sure we're pushing for a sufficiently robust reform agenda so long as a significant portion of the Democratic leadership on the Hill doesn't have to be dragged to it kicking and screaming?

I think you have to lead, follow, or get out of the way. Most of us in the grassroots are keen to push a reform agenda, and that should be nonpartisan. Unlike the Republican notion, which seems to be (from everyone with whom I bring up this issue) that "your side does it too" and that makes the DeLays of the world OK, we cannot allow Democrats to just go along to get along on this. It strikes at the very core of our values. We can't very well demand accountability on the one hand and try to twist yourself into knots defending wayward Congressmen on the other.

This starts with the leadership, and Pelosi may be compromised on this point, if we are to believe press reports. The DNC then must take up the mantle of reform. I believe that independents in the heartland will react strongly to this anti-corruption strategy; we're about to see how much when the Ohio results come rolling in. We cannot allow ourselves, then, to let Democrats get a free pass.

Reform Democrats need to take out the rot that sets into a complacent political structure, be it consultants or lobbyists or Congressional malefactors. The only way to do that is by not rewarding Democrats engaging in corrupt practices with your money or your votes. This sounds a tad idealistic, but as I said, it strikes at the very heart of what we need to stand for.