The game of domestic Politics boils down to cynical realism pandering to optimistic idealism.  The politician knows that underhanded tactics and backroom deals lead to victory and power; but nonetheless he swathes himself in the grandiose rhetoric of patriotism, loyalty and service in order to appeal to a naïve public.  The saddest part of this equation is that we as a nation buy it

Unfortunately, it seems as if the Republicans play the game much better than the Democrats, and the Left's idealism falls right into their hands.  Our memories are short:  why is Shrub in the Oval Office today?  Because idealists in Florida voted for Ralph Nader in 2000.  The result:  9/11, the Iraq War, massive Budget Deficits, and unrepentant cronyism and corruption. Me, I would have preferred Ralph Nader as President out of the three candidates that year, but realistically, he did not stand a chance; and a vote for idealism ended up as a vote for Bush.

Now, in 2006, the moderate-Left comes to a critical opportunity.  With the Republican Party fragmenting over Iraq Policy and the public's approval of the President waning, this November's midterm elections give us the chance to fight President Bush's destructive agenda-- perhaps even have him impeached and convicted for the grief he has put this Nation through with his dishonesty.

Yet, the Democrats continue to fight among themselves, and have failed to come up with a unified, cohesive policy that addresses ways to stimulate middle-class economic growth, improve domestic security and reinvigorate our sagging foreign relations. 

One symptom of this problem is Connecticuts Senate Race, where a bunch of wanna-be-consultant bloggers propped up anti-war billionaire Ted Lamont in the Democratic primaries.  While I absolutely despise his opponent, incumbent Joe Lieberman, I also recognize that this is a critical election year, and the Democrats can ill-afford to be divided-and-ruled by the far-Right.  From a national strategic point of view, it would be far more effective to commit resources toward competitive races instead of diluting your vote for a seat that should have been secure.

But that is now water under the bridge.  Ted Lamont has won and Connecticut is faced with a three-way race now that Lieberman has decided to run as an independent.  While his supporters may get all warm-and-fuzzy over his lofty "For the sake of our state, our country and my party, I cannot and will not let that result stand," I can only reel in disgust.   

For the sake of our country?  Is he so important that our nation will collapse without him? 

For the sake of our Party?  Dividing the vote will destroy the local Party and strengthen the Republicans. 

Cannot and will not let the result stand?  What, did his father pack the State Supreme Court with his cronies and is his brother the Governor?  Its not like he can pull a Bush2000 move. 

For everyones sake, just step down graciously.

That said, the Connecticut race is only a small piece of a larger puzzle.  The Democrats must come up with a unified stand that will both dig into the Republicans traditional support base and shore up their own.  I would suggest:

1.  Unify against the War in Iraq.  The vast majority of the Public is against it anyway, so the Dems need to get the anti-war Vote to come to the polls with a strategy for ending US involvement there.

2.  Embrace the 9-11 Commission Recommendations:  The Bush administration has yet to start.  By using their blueprint, the Dems can seek to alter the perception that they are weak on security issues.

3.  Protect Social Security:  this cornerstone of American politics has been attacked by Bush time and time again.  It is time to show what he wants and why it is wrong.

4.  Emphasize Bush Administration Corruption and Republican Candidate Voting records.  Im no idealist, if dirty campaigning works, then use it.  Run ads with Bush and Abramoff, develop campaigns that show local Republican candidates closeness to the administration.

5.  Detail an Energy Plan.  Americans are fed up with high oil prices, and Bush is being blamed.  Heck, I dont think it is all of Bushs fault, but I will pin it on him anyway. 

6.  Hedge Bets:  just in case Iraq miraculously unifies out and Osama bin Laden is caught, have a backup plan.

Otherwise, the Democrats will once again prove their political incompetence, and without another election before Bush's constitutionally mandated rule ends, Republican politicians will have no reason not to rally behind him.