So why were they elected?


It's all about the politics, not about the principles
Issues, we got your issues right here.

But according to the Congressional Democrats, those issues might not be the ones you want to hear about.

Advocates for abortion rights, gun control and gay rights say they are thrilled by the Democratic takeover of Congress. Even so, they admit their issues aren't likely to be addressed early — or at all — during the legislative session that begins in January.

“I'm aware of political reality when you're coming up to a presidential election,” says Caroline Fredrickson, Washington legislative director for the American Civil Liberties Union. “I'm afraid (Democrats will) be a little too cautious.”

Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, who headed the Democratic campaign committee and is part of the leadership team setting the agenda for the upcoming term, says his party was “very clear” on its priorities: The Iraq war, ethics reform, health care, jobs and other economic concerns will come first.

That's not likely to deter liberal bloggers and groups such as MoveOn.org, says University of California-Berkeley political scientist Bruce Cain. Those groups will “keep the heat on,” Cain says. He predicts they'll have little success. “The Democratic leadership will completely stifle” debate on issues that could hurt chances to retain the majority or take the White House in 2008, he says.

Vanderbilt University political scientist Bruce Oppenheimer agrees. “I do not expect either the Democratic House or Senate leadership to bring up things that are going to force members to take tough votes.”

Do you hear that? They are admitting that they won't take the tough votes and that they will sacrifice honor and principle in the name of partisan politics.

To their credit, at least they are admitting it. Which is more than the Republicans have done in the last twelve years.

— NeoWayland

Posted: Wed - November 22, 2006 at 05:12 PM  Tag


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