New Democrat Update - May 1997
Democrats Debate Colorado's Future
On April 10, the Colorado Democratic Leadership Council conducted a debate - "The Future of the Democratic Party: What Are We Fighting For?" with former US Senate candidate Steve Leatherman and Denver City Auditor Don Mares. Tom Strickland - the Colorado Democratic Party's US Senate nominee last year - was the moderator.
Despite the snowy evening, more than 100 people attended. That turnout and audience feedback confirmed that Democrats want and need these discussions. The alternative is continuation of a rapidly disintegrating progressive coalition.
If Democrats are to be a force in Colorado, we must develop innovative, specific and pragmatic initiatives that truly solve our state's problems. To make a substantive difference, that agenda must attract mainstream support - rooted in values like economic growth, personal responsibility, community, individual liberty and equal opportunity.
Our agenda should be about expanding the economic pie, not merely redistributing wealth. We must advocate initiatives that make government perform more effectively at less cost to taxpayers, while demanding that all citizens contribute to their community and the common good.
Like big government, the era of special-interest politics is over. As illustrated by the repeated electoral victories of President Clinton and Governor Romer, today's leaders must have a specific message and agenda to get the support of progressives and the ever-growing group of independent voters. In the Information Age - where voters have direct access to what candidates say anywhere - coherent and consistent messages are essential.
The old formula of touching base with all the special interests and then advocating a hodgepodge of initiatives, aimed at satisfying each of them, simply does not work. That strategy has resulted in numerous decisive defeats, including President Bush’s kowtowing to the radical right in 1992 and Vice President Walter Mondale’s over-dependence on labor in 1984.
Sincere thanks go to Steve Leatherman, City Auditor Don Mares and Tom Strickland for their participation in this important debate. Their commitment to revitalizing a progressive agenda should serve as a model for all Democrats.
Coming Up
Next month, the New Democrat Update reviews the welfare reform debate in the state legislature and other new initiatives. Watch for it! If you have feedback on welfare or any other issues, please send us an email.