Senator Evan Bayh is stepping out as a "pragmatic" or "moderate" Democrat and has gained notice for his early centrist opposition to several high profile issues supported by his party and the president. I disagree with his pro-abortion stance, but other than that he is my kind of Democrat. He basically personifies the term Hoosier Democrat and represents my personal views on several political issues. Here are two articles which, for those interested enough to read them, describe in detail what I'm talking about. Bayh Speaks Out From The Center Bayh Splits with Party on Several Issues
Bayh's in a tough spot. It could be said that when it 'didn't count' he produced one of the more liberal voting records out there... much more so than people originally thought, but now that the numbers are tighter he seems to be taking it a bit more seriously. That will be tough because Pelosi and Rahm are use to having people get in line or have them line up against.. There are no 'objectors' on their team.. This could get interesting. I think the Dems have effectively stolen the seat in MN so this won't matter in a few weeks.. That being said, if the spending continues, there will be a GOP power surge in 2 years..
Corey, I agree with your then and now scenario on Bayh's voting record. For me, it's important that someone - anyone - is willing to show that the Democratic party is not 100% leftist (only 95% :evil: ), and that someone just happens to be from Indiana.
Sid, I don't mind Bayh.. but one does have to ask... what the hell happened to the Scoop Jackson Democrats?!?!?? I know people like to think they exist, but I'm not too sure they do anymore... My dad's contention is that they left to the GOP along with Reagan. I think he might be right... I hate admitting that.
I tend to agree with your Dad. There are the diehards like me in the minority who just can't envision ever calling myself a Republican, but at the same time since the 70s can't relate one iota to the leftist platform of the Democrats. I guess that's why I'm glad to see someone speak up with a centrist Democratic voice. Still, I can't relate to his pro-abortion stance. That's the rub.
Sid, Given the Republican party's tainted legacy in some states during the Prohibition era and beyond, I can see why some people just can't bring themselves to do it. Hell, I have a hard time with it.
I wish we had a few more Republicans that would step up with a more central voice as well. I can't stand the "us vs. them" mentality that emanates from both sides. Last I checked we were all Americans which used to mean something. Shouldn't we be trying to do what's for the greater good of our nation instead of promoting the causes of our petty cliques that we call political parties?
I honestly believe that both sides THINK they are doing the right thing. As for me, I believe that there should be legitimate safety nets designed with the elasticity to bounce people back into the mainstream if at all possible. That is as close to the Left as I can come. Redistribution of wealth is as socialistic as it gets. I am willing to help anyone but I am not willing to give to those that are not willing to work. Now, not being able to work, legitimately disabled, is different altogether. I'm not talking about the woman with 18 children that can't work because "her feet hurt" when her feet have not hit the ground in 6 years, or the man who claims to have a delicate back so he can't work to support his 18 kids. Disabled, to me, means the veteran missing his legs coming back from war... the fireman that almost loses his life saving others and loses the use of an arm... The policeman that places his/her life on the line each and every day to protect us against those that want what we worked for and is maimed in a car crash chasing one of those criminals... and the 80 year old elderly couple that has worked all their life and Social Security runs out due to the mismanagement of our liberal congress. Those are examples of where I would loosen the elasticity of the safety nets.
My brother is a fiscal conservative who hates quotas, busing, illegal immigration etc. yet he would not vote Republican if you put a gun to his head. We were raised in a midwestern, union, blue collar household and he'll vote Dem even if they don't represent his views at all. I have friend here in NJ who tells me every year that he will vote for whoever the Teamsters tell him to vote for. This guy is more conservative than me but he doesn't vote that way.