Many a Democratic friend of mine have accused me of being blinded by loyalty to President Bush on the issue of Social Security. They say, "you are just a lock step Republican, doing what the President says, believing his words." My response, when feeling charitable is to say that I supported the idea when President Clinton raised it and I support the idea of reform now--I have no change in position. When I am feeling a little angry or snippy, I will let them know that the current Democratic strategy of being "anti-Bush" rather than pro-idea is a losing strategy that cost them the White House.
In a column appearing in Roll Call today, columnist David Winston (a Republican pollster) made a couple of points about the "anti-Bush" strategy:
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) took an obstructionist position on Capitol Hill and in the presidential campaign, refusing to even acknowledge that Social Security is in crisis. He lost those voters 65 and older by 5 points after Al Gore won the same group by 3 points in 2000. For the past four years, whatever Bush proposed, then-Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) opposed and took his party with him. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is the result.
As I have said on a number of occaissions, the American voter will only follow an "anti" campaign so far. The vast majority want some sort of idea as an alternative. For a long time, the Democrats have held a monopoly on Social Security as an issue. But like education and Medicare, the GOP is not ceding the battleground. There is no doubt that President Bush has a tough fight ahead of him, but when a solid majority of Americans (65% according to Newsweek) say that Social Security is facing a crisis, the Democrats will do well to understand American concern and offer something other than platitudes about FDR's legacy.
It does not take a genius to figure out the math. At some point, before my three year old daughter goes to college, the Social Security system will be paying out more than it takes in--at current levels. I have concerns about President Bush's plan for private accounts, but right now that appears to be the only valid option on the table. If the Democrats want to put a real proposal out there, they should. Americans love a good debate and when the issue is as important as this one, they will get involved--but only if there is a real debate between ideas.
Viewers Back Bush, Not Irresponsible Democratic Policy
No comments:
Post a Comment