Unable to enact any meaningful legislative accomplishments, Congressional Democrats are eschewing substance in favor of a new slogan:
“Faith in the Future.” How does that grab you? If it doesn’t work, Democrats may try such maxims as “Progressive Policy: Oh What a Relief It Is,” “Democratic Leaders are Mmm, Mmm, Good,” and “Congress Freakout.” Like Dilbert’s pointy-haired boss, Congressional leaders seem to think that a good slogan is as effective as a record of accomplishment. Dilbert helpfully provides a new mission statement as well:
If that phrase isn’t sufficiently vacuous to run a Congress on, simply click again for a new one. But even as they shift their focus to health care, the environment, and the economy, Democrats insist that they won’t lose sight of Iraq:
There’s no reason to think that repeatedly bringing up Iraq will help Democrats next year any more than it did this year, when a ceaseless focus on retreat has driven Congressional ratings to historic lows. Rahm Emanuel says that the Democratic effort on Iraq is a “qualified success,” because “this is the first time the president made a request for the war and didn’t get full funding.” It’s pretty clear that absent a significant change however, it’s only a matter of time before Congress does precisely that. As for the focus on new issues, Congressional Republicans claim to be prepared to engage on health care and the economy. Will 2008 bring another rude awakening for Democrats in Washington, as they find that their leaders are unprepared to deal with the shifting electoral terrain?
