This is the Democratic Leadership Council’s response to the Democratic loss in California. Some of it is quite sensible:
"But it’s clear the success of the recall effort was no mere right-wing conspiracy. Californians are deeply frustrated by what they perceive as a political establishment -- in both parties -- that’s not listening to their concerns, acting on their needs, or paying much attention to anyone who does not belong to a bedrock partisan constituency group."
"Democrats also need to tend to their own garden and take very seriously the decision of California voters -- who still decisively tilt Democratic in party identification and overall policy views -- to support what began as a nutty right-wing crusade and ended as a popular movement. They need to regain their centrist, problem-solving reputation, and must absolutely reverse the recent perception that they don’t give a damn about anybody who doesn’t belong to a reliable Democratic constituency group. California voters can help both parties move away from the current polarization by approving a ballot initiative next year that would bring back an open primary system -- re-enfranchising moderate and independent voters, and re-engaging today’s isolated parties in a competition to win elections through new ideas and successful governance."
"This is the Democratic Leadership Council’s response to the Democratic loss in California. Some of it is quite sensible:"
The DLC is struggling "to get back on top of the horse" in a Democrat Party bound and determined to nominate a "standard bearer" in 2004 like Howard Dean. Walter F. Mondale s 1984 - 49 States to 1 disaster comes to mind. Interestingly, the DLC was formed the same year.