Will the DNC Chicken Out?

It seems that the Democratic National Committee has lost its nerve. They reason that since America is voting conservative, the Democratic Party has to become the party of the center. While I must admit that I've entertained this thought after the defeat of Kerry, after reading my fellow bloggers thoughts on the topics it dawned on me that the reactionary policies of the Bush Administration are not supported by the mainstream of America, not even those that voted for him! His extremist views were excused based on a vision of the world and America's future the electorate could understand. Kerry came off as little more than a politician. People don't want to hear complex explanations for complex issues. They want to understand the issues with the "gut test". Kerry failed the "gut test". So it seems the DNC missed this altogether, and are reaching for a gutless position dead center on the issues. Except I wouldn't call this guy centrist. He doesn't sound like a Democrat any more than Jesse Helms ever did.
Dean has a way of reaching to into the gut with his style. He has charisma that Kerry only dreamed about. He has a cohesive plan that makes sense, that will present an understandable alternative to the extremist policies of the Republicans. Even if the electorate doesn't agree with all the details, Dean's ideas will likely pass the "gut test" better than Bush's policies which is beginning to fail the "stink test" even for Republicans.
CNN.com - Sources: Reid, Pelosi backing Roemer for DNC chair - Dec 14, 2004

Amid strong competition over who will lead the party as the next Democratic National Committee chairman, former Indiana congressman and 9/11 commission member Tim Roemer has emerged as a possible new candidate. He has the strong backing of Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, senior party sources told CNN Tuesday.

Sounds innocuous doesn't it? But wait, TR is no average Democrat. He could be standing up there with Bush on topics like abortion and Social Security like Lieberman has on Iraq and Homeland Security. Take a look at this guys voting record. Talk about Republican-lite!
Here is Tim Roemer on some more issues:

Voted YES on banning human cloning, including medical research. (Jul 2001)

Voted YES on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad. (May 2001)

Voted YES on federal crime to harm fetus while committing other crimes. (Apr 2001)

Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)

Voted YES on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)

Voted YES on Constitutional amendment prohibiting Flag Desecration. (Jul 2001)

Voted NO on funding for alternative sentencing instead of more prisons. (Jun 2000)

Voted YES on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime. (Jun 1999)

Voted NO on maintaining right of habeus corpus in Death Penalty Appeals. (Mar 1996)

Voted YES on making federal death penalty appeals harder. (Feb 1995)

Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)

Voted NO on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)

Voted NO on allowing suing HMOs, but under federal rules & limited award. (Aug 2001)

Voted NO on Prescription Drug Coverage under Medicare. (Jun 2000)

Voted YES on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)

Voted YES on deploying SDI (Star Wars Missile Defense). (Mar 1999)

Member of Democratic Leadership Council. (Nov 2000)

Complete Article
Sources: Reid, Pelosi backing Roemer for DNC chair
From Steve Turnham
CNN Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Amid strong competition over who will lead the party as the next Democratic National Committee chairman, former Indiana congressman and 9/11 commission member Tim Roemer has emerged as a possible new candidate.
He has the strong backing of Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, senior party sources told CNN Tuesday.
Roemer, in a written statement, confirmed that he had been approached about the post. While he was noncommittal, he indicated he is open to the idea.
"I have been approached very recently by several prominent Democrats inquiring about my interest in seeking the post of DNC chair," he said. "While I am flattered by their confidence in me, I have made no formal decision to seek the post. I am, however, consulting with my family, friends and Democrats around the country to assess this potential opportunity, and expect to make a decision very soon. The new DNC chair will have an important role to play in helping shape the future organization, message and direction of the party, and it's an exciting opportunity for whoever takes on the task."
With the support of Reid and Pelosi, Roemer immediately has an advantage over the declared candidates, former presidential candidate Howard Dean and former Clinton aide Harold Ickes.
Reid is strongly encouraging a Roemer bid, according to the sources.
Roemer's experience on the 9/11 commission, together with the fact that he comes from a "red state" -- one that voted for President Bush -- were decisive factors in Reid's decision to back him, the sources said.
Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/12/14/dnc.chair