Democrats cast out to the desert thirst to regain national power, with party stars already beginning a slog toward the distant oasis of the White House, 2020. They start the journey drained by never-ending defensive battle against the present holder of the presidency.
Fervent opposition to Donald Trump is a necessary qualification for winning his job, but not anywhere close to enough to put the next Democratic presidential nominee over the top.
In fact, it remains to be seen whether the fierce urgency of “no” will in and of itself deliver a predicted blue wave this November.
What Democrats are still mostly missing are big ideas for big improvements in the everyday lives of everyday Americans befitting the party of FDR, JFK, LBJ, BHO and others who heard and responded to the struggles of their eras.
So far, no one’s tried harder or smarter than Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who’s used her perch to propose creative yet pragmatic measures.
Last week, Warren introduced a bill that would deliver half a trillion dollars over 10 years to subsidize new and improved affordable housing for the poor and middle class, to be paid for by bringing estate taxes on the nation’s wealthiest back up to past rates.
Last month, Warren introduced another bill that would require the nation’s largest corporations to factor in the needs of their workers, customers and communities in making business decisions — a model that a growing number of companies thrive with.
In between, she introduced an anti-corruption bill that would ban stock ownership by Washington’s top decision-makers, close the revolving door that has them auditioning for corporate lobbying jobs while on the government payroll, create an independent federal ethics watchdog and more.
We aren’t endorsing these bills per se; all deserve careful vetting. But give Warren credit for having the gall to stick her chin out.
No policy guts, no political progress.
— New York Daily News