The Do-Nothing 2006 Democrats, as Seen by Future Historians

The destruction of Iraq, the looting of the national treasury, and the unregulated growth of corporate power were not of concern to the Democrats headed into the midterm campaign of 2006. Even though the party had lost ground in three consecutive national elections, Democratic leaders cautioned their candidates against taking a stand on any of the pressing issues of the era. Instead, the directive from the Democratic Leadership Council and other party brass became, “It’s the security issue, stupid.” Confident that all the party needed to do was prove that it was tougher than the Republicans, Democratic leaders leapt at any and all opportunities to show their mettle... As the midterm election season began, the Democratic Party thus offered no alternative agenda to the Republicans, who promised endless war, more tax cuts, and the end of personal liberty, all in the name of “freedom.” The Democrats hoped that the Republicans’ various scandals as well as the Bush administration’s disastrous handling of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans would make the voting public rally behind their calls for “better management” of the ship of state. But against the Republicans’ master strategist, Karl Rove, the Democrats appeared utterly rudderless. [MORE]