(Community Matters) New Pew poll: from 43 to 43 in 2001 – percentage Americans identifying as Democrats vs Republicans – to 53 to 36 (a 17 point swing). Economy & jobs by far the most significant issues, followed by healthcare and education. From a partisanship perspective, pleased to see the shift. From a balanced perspective, it behooves us all to have two strong parties and it tempts us (Ds) too much to not have strong opposition (see Frank Rich’s May 3 column).
Even among voters now identifying as Democrats, such a wide gulf between those who believe we should “guarantee everybody enough to eat and a place to sleep” and that we “should care for those who can’t care for themselves.” This blows me away. I don’t have the perspective of how anyone disagrees with either of these statements – this my major political vulnerability since many (most Americans) disagree with both sentiments. Seems almost impossible to hold together the coalition that today calls themselves Democrats & Independents – though a nice challenge for Obama to have since represent a vast majority of the country.
Brings me to Austin politics. Many discussions about the mayor’s race. The polls weren’t wrong, it was very tight and Brewster could have won. We ran a very bad race. Completely outflanked in strategy, experience and ground game (what ground game?). Allowed Lee’s well-run, well-planned campaign to paint it as a business candidate (Brewster) against a Democrat (Lee). Conceded endorsements even before they were decided and then pissed off those constituencies by an aloofness/indifference toward the whole process. We forgot that all politics are local and failed to walk the blocks, ask for votes and remind supporters to vote. At one point the election was ours to lose; we lost it. I said all along I wouldn’t lose a night’s sleep if Lee Leffingwell won, and I haven’t. Lee’s always been a thoughtful, deliberate thinker and decision maker, and I know he’ll continue to be. Brewster’s a close friend and I feel many of us let him down by allowing his campaign to get so far off track.
Community Matters 