The last thing that the Democrats need going into 2008 is another Holy Joementum-wannabe. Tom Vilsack, Gobernator of Iowegia is positioning himself to be exactly that, a Democrat who listens to Democratic "Strategists" (exactly how many election victories do they have to their credit?).
After the 2004 campaign, Democratic strategists urged candidates to talk about their faith as way to to court voters in America's heartland. Vilsack appeared comfortable with that approach in his speech. He used religious imagery (the Biblical story of the loaves and the fishes) to illustrate the importance of community, saying the lesson "gives us the confidence to share."
Asked about what role religion should play in public life, Vilsack called it "a really important component to the makeup of individuals and community and it must be honored." But, he added, "There needs to be a recognition in this county that we are great because we respect all traditions."
Oh, and if there's any doubt about his Joementum Street Creds...here it is:
The Iowa governor did his best to straddle the fence on the hot-button abortion issue. Asked his opinion on South Dakota lawmakers' effort to ban all nearly all abortions in their state, Vilsack said he did not agree with that "approach." Asked directly about his stance on abortion generally, he replied, "In a strong community you make life the best option." Vilsack makes no secret that he was born in an orphanage and adopted by a mother who struggled with alcohol and drug dependency.
The DLC we don't need again as a driving force for building the a platform or a consensus. They reached their zenith with The Big Dog, and have been descendant ever since he left office in 2001. They just haven't heard that nail being pounded into their coffins yet.
Sorry Tom, take it down the road...we need a winner, not a republican-lite whiner.
