James Stabile Info Blog Newsletter
July 2005
Politics...
The 2006 election year should be a very interesting year. Will it be the year that the Democrats make significant gains in the United Sates congress and governor races? President Bush's popularity is at an all time low. Americans are losing interest in him and in his unpopular stand on the issues affecting the economy, social security and the war in Iraq. Sooner or later the pendulum will swing to the left, so to speak. It's inevitable. Will 2006 be the year?
The senatorial race in Florida should be exciting. Of course current Democratic senator Bill Nelson will seek to retain his seat in the Senate. He should be unopposed in the Democratic Primary, in any case, sure to win the primary. He is a moderate Democrat. I believe he has a better than average chance of retaining his seat. His opponent will probably be the current House of Representative member Katherine Harris. Ms. Harris was the Secretary of State of Florida during the 2000 Presidential controversy. She may or may not be opposed in the Republican Primary, but she should win the primary. Look for sparks to fly in this contest. You have all read about "Remember the Alamo", well the 2006 slogan will be "Remember the 2000 Presidential Election".
Katherine Harris should not be to blame for the results of the 2000 election. She was only doing her job. I think staunch Democratic supporters will vehemently oppose her candidacy. Look out for the bitterness and questionable campaign tactics. As you all know, especially if you have been reading this newsletter, I am a strong Democrat. However, I try to use perspective, fairness and respect in my views concerning political sparring. Make no mistake about it, I am a Democrat and usually support the Democratic candidates, but I also try to keep an open mind and make an attempt to respect all candidates and their political views. So too in 2006.
2006 is a big year for governors, too. The Florida governor's contest is wide open. I haven't studied the candidates and personalities who have been declaring their intentions, but I will. I suppose that by the end of 2005 I will definitely be in the midterm election state of mind. Then it's off to the presidential election in 2008.
That will be a very exciting year. I not placing any bets, yet, but there's a certain senator form New York who is looking pretty good to me. As if you couldn't guess? Yes, Senator Hillary Clinton is looking pretty good to me. She is poising herself to run for the presidency. As for other potential candidates, I do have my eye on another senator. Indiana's Senator Evan Bayh seems to have a good chance of running for the Democratic nomination in 2008. He may have more general appeal than Senator Clinton, but she is my first choice. I just can't wait for the midterm elections and then the presidential election in 2008. A great time to be a democrat, a great time to be an American.
I just read an article in the Sun-Sentinel about the White House and Governor Jeb Bush seeking a Republican to run against Katherine Harris in the Republican Senatorial Primary in 2006. The president and the governor must be a little leery over Ms. Harris' chances on winning the Florida senate seat from Democrat Senator Bill Nelson. That's they way you show appreciation Mr. President and Mr. Governor? What message are these politicians sending the people of the United States of America? The message: Republicans want to win at any cost. Republicans have an agenda. Republicans seek not to unite, but to divide and conquer. Do it the Republican bosses way or no way.
Another United States House of Representative blast from the past, the House Democrats are requesting a congressional inquiry to determine if President Bush intentionally misled Congress in the President's reasons for going to war with Iraq. A possible presidential impeachment proceeding has surfaced with these same House Democratic members. If this comes to be, it should be for the right reason - the President lied to Congress. It should not come about as a payback for the Clinton impeachment.
Howard Dean the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, what's wrong with him? Yes, he is the leader of the Democratic National Committee, but stop the attacks Governor Dean. He is in a leadership role in the DNC, be a leader Governor Dean. Democrats must stop the attacks against the Republicans. The Democrats must develop a platform. They must develop a basis for being a political party. What do they stand for? I don't really know. I know what the Democratic Party of Bill Clinton stands for, I know what the Democratic Party of Lyndon Johnson, John Kennedy, Harry Truman and Franklin Roosevelt stands for, but I have no idea what the Democratic Party of 2005 stands for.
That is the first order of business for the Democrats - decide on an agenda. This agenda must be in response to the demands of the American people. The Democratic party must be a haven for all people, but it must recognize the differences as well as the similarities among these people. It should reflect the thinking of average Americans. All views can be represented and every view must be given equal time. The democratic Party must be a unifying party and not a divisive one. The Democratic agenda must appeal to all Americans and must meet their needs in this 21st century.