The Iraqi war remains an important issue for the country and the positions of our elected Democratic officials on the issue are undoubtedly critical to our supports for them and the chances of the Democratic party this November. However, the war is no longer a defining issue for progressive activists, as the country has moved from its pro-war status of 3 years ago, to an anti-war sentiment of recent. Calling for troops withdrawal, which was a radical idea when leftist Dennis John Kucinich among others presented it, is now shared by some blue collar, pro-military and hawkish Democrats and some Republicans, and hence cannot be a position that earns respect of the progressive activist. Surely we welcome any elected official who joins the band-wagon, but a latecomer cannot pretend a leadership position in this battle. Opposition to war is necessary but not sufficient to earn the support of the democratic wing of the Democratic party.
Mr. Kerry in particular, has shown his undeniable tendencies to "follow" the masses rather than "leading" them. His new proposal of troop withdrawal and disengagement is barely more than the reactions of a cautious politician to 60% of American public who views the war unworthy and demand a quick resolution to it. I suggest that he, and other hopefuls of '08 race take progressive but unpopular issues and lead and convince the public on those issues to establish their credential with the progressive movement.