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2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumCan conservative Democrats be stopped?
As presidents budget drama unfolds, economic liberals vie against pro-business types for control of the party
BY BLAKE ZEFF
When it comes to economic issues, Democrats are not a united party. There are economic liberals, in the vein of Elizabeth Warren, who believe that very rich people who lead a good life can afford to pay more in taxes to support basic services for struggling people, seniors, and others who are vulnerable. And then there are pro-business Democrats, or what might be called SPECs (Socially Progressive Economic Conservatives). These are the pro-fracking, self-described entitlement reformers like omnipresent former Gov. Ed Rendell who talk about the need to keep taxes low and make bold decisions like cutting the social safety net, in an effort to fix the debt, restore balance and get serious.
While the split is not discussed as often as it might be, these two camps stand far apart on economic issues, and, in some ways, are fighting for the soul of the Democratic Party. And, with President Obamas newly reiterated proposal to cut Social Security through his chained CPI plan, a big test is approaching to see which wing of the party will prevail.
Obamas offer on Social Security is divisive for several reasons. First, theres the very real effect it will have on Americans relying on their benefits to get by month to month. By revising downward the cost of living index used to compute benefits, the policy change would reduce the amount that some on fixed incomes including disabled Americans, such as veterans live on (precisely how many is unclear, as the administration reportedly supports financial protections for low-income and very old beneficiaries). This is something economic liberals cannot support; for the SPECs, this is tolerable if part of a larger deal.
Second, theres the symbolism and precedent of cutting into New Deal-style programs. The first cut to popular, essential programs is always the most difficult; once its been done, and that toe is in the water, theres the concern that future reductions could be more easily achieved. Thats why the symbolism of a Democratic president attaching his name to and owning the cuts is so controversial and worrying for liberals. How hard would it be for Republicans to push future cuts through, when this is now a mainstream Democratic policy?
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http://www.salon.com/2013/04/06/who_controls_the_democratic_party/
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Can conservative Democrats be stopped? (Original Post)
DonViejo
Apr 2013
OP
Only if we stop them. It won't be easy. I belong to the Progressive Democrats of America.
whathehell
Apr 2013
#1
whathehell
(28,969 posts)1. Only if we stop them. It won't be easy. I belong to the Progressive Democrats of America.
because it's clear that there are now only TWO choices -- change the party from
within, which is the goal of the PDA, or form a Third Party.
I no longer give money to "mainstream" organizations like the DSCC and
the DCCC and I tell them why...I say, "I'm disgusted with most of the dems
and especially people like Harry Reid, who voted AGAINST the Talking filibuster
so I give ONLY to a few progressive democrats I believe in".