New Democrat Update - November 1997
PRESIDENT CLINTON KEYNOTES DLC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
President Bill Clinton delivered a resounding speech to DLC supporters from across the country, calling on Congressional Democrats to support his request for fast-track authority. The legislation will enable the president to effectively negotiate trade agreements that will continue our nation's prosperity - with better jobs and better lives for the American people. In his most comprehensive speech yet on the New Economy, the President made the keynote presentation at the 1997 DLC Annual Conference on October 27 in Washington, DC.
Addressing a packed hall and a national C-SPAN audience, the President linked fiscal discipline, expanded trade, and investment in education and skills training as critical strategies to maintain US global leadership and spreading economic opportunity to all Americans. He credited the DLC with a key role in developing this strategy.
DLC Chair Sen. Joe Lieberman (CT) opened the meeting by noting that, in addition to promoting fast-track, the conference was a celebration of so many of the DLC’s ideas reshaping the debate across the country. DLC President Al From characterized the fast track debate as "a pivotal moment" for New Democrats. “For our country, the big question is whether America will shape the new global economy or retreat into protectionism and economic isolation. For our party, the question is whether Democrats are going to be a force for economic progress - under President Clinton's leadership - or will instead heed his opponents and become a bulwark of economic reaction and defeatism.”
The conference focused on the theme, “New Democrats, New Economy: Expanding the Winner's Circle.” Coming as it does amid this fall's critical debate on fast track - a debate in which the DLC has had a prominent, positive voice - speakers bluntly criticized traditional Democratic interest groups who are pouring millions of dollars into an all-or-nothing campaign against fast track.
The day also featured Commerce Secretary William Daley calling fast track authority critical to US international economic leadership. Later, Education Secretary Richard Riley strongly reinforced the DLC's message that public school reform and lifelong learning for workers are essential to "expand the winner's circle" of Americans who are prepared to benefit from the New Economy and expanded trade.
Former DLC chairman Sen. John Breaux (LA), and presidential pollster Mark Penn led a panel discussion on “Governing in the Vital Center.” Penn discussed the changing nature of the Democratic electorate, indicating that Democratic rank and file voters are following President Clinton into the vital center of the debate. After the conference, Vice President Al Gore thanked the DLC for making it possible for Democrats to reconnect with the middle class.