I was browsing through The Huffington Post, when I stumbled across an idea from Walter Cronkite, encouraging Dems to hold what amounts to a mini-convention this year.
I've had similar thoughts, and if that's two of us, maybe there's more out there. Sounds like it's time for a poll...
Mr. Cronkite is proposing a convention to, in his words "debate and resolve a platform that would provide the confused electorate some idea of what the party stands for...a regretfully missing ingredient in the politics of the moment."
My own idea is that this would be a greatly pared down affair, so as not to drain resources in money, time, and effort that could go to the party building effort spearheaded by Governor Dean. This could be held in a red state, or even turned into a tour in order to win free airtime in local markets, and involve ALL the grassroots, not just us usual suspects. LOL. The case could be made for it to be held this summer, as people are losing confidence in the Republicans. An alternative idea is that we could have it next summer, just before the election season begins in earnest, in order to link premium candidates into a visible, "brandable" platform based on a few simple messages that are easy to communicate. Imagine a grand finale with Spitzer, O'Malley, Casey, and Corzine/Rendell up there with Reid, Pelosi, Dean, and maybe a Schwietzer, under the banner of "Good Jobs, Fiscal Responsibility, and Health Care for All".
We could try and get away from just providing a platform for speeches from the DC pols, and show a national slate of local candidates. I kind of like the "tour" idea, because it adds an air of informality, while it could also be used to bring in new grassroots folks, with their ideas. Mabye the tour could end up with the mini-convention finale.
Just some thoughts...for more from Mr. Cronkite, read the link.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/archive/2005/05/democrats-what-do-they-st.html
Now what do you think?