Less Triangulating More Ass Kicking

Thomas Frank posits that a President Obama would benefit from not taking up the Clintonian banner of the third way for every major policy initiative.

I agree with Thomas' idea that triangulation or taking cover for the political center in some respects betrays progressive tenets. The attempt to not appear partisan has brought us the some dubious results during the Bush years:

Well, there's Nafta, which proved Democrats could stand up to labor. There's the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act. There's the Iraq war resolution, approved by numerous Democrats in brave defiance of their party's left. Triumphs all.

We're just asking for some recognition now that the conditions on the ground have changed. The belief in health care reform, regulation of financial markets and looking for accountability shouldn't be sacrificed because Obama wants to transcend political boundaries.

Take the planned economic stimulus package to be debated in the coming weeks. I don't give a rat's ass if Obama thinks he needs 80 vote to add legitimacy to the Democratic plan. The over reliance on tax cuts in the plan will weaken its effect and all to make sure ten more Republican Senators vote yes. From what I've read sixty is still the necessary number of votes to get something done in the Senate.

One more thing. I'm not confusing reaching out with triangulating. Tapping Republicans to hold cabinet posts, dining with George Will and asking evangelical nutcases to speak on inauguration day is fine. Reaching out is about getting players to come over to your side of the policy fence not moving the goal post to the right. Reaching out could actually widen the appeal of true progressive ideals in the long term. 

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