Wanted: an Electable Democrat

Re “Party May Be Over for Centrists,” Commentary, Dec. 14: Sadly, such entities as the Democratic Leadership Council offer American voters very little choice. It seems to me that the only way for the Democratic Party to reinvigorate itself is to stand for something.

The Democrats’ milquetoast approach to President Bush’s war on Iraq is a good example. Howard Dean’s opposition to our unilateral invasion of that nation is in the best traditions of the Democratic Party, going back to FDR and Harry Truman. Working through international organizations was first supported by Woodrow Wilson and was exemplified most recently by President Clinton during the Kosovo war.

The Democrats standing for nothing, as a party, assisted the GOP in gaining control of the U.S. Senate and gaining House seats in 2002. It’s time for these “centrists” to get a spine.

Bob Teigan

Simi Valley

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I am politically independent. The positions of both major parties are too extreme for me. I am a former Republican; however, I dropped my affiliation because I believe the Republican Party is by and large corrupt and is owned by the large business interests. I shall not vote Republican again until I see “Kenny Boy” Lay in handcuffs. As for the Democrats, they are too liberal for my sensibilities. I believe I share that sentiment with many voters.

I do not see myself voting for Dean, and I have a strong feeling that many of my fellow citizens shall agree. It appears that the Democrats are once again shooting the party in the foot.

To beat President Bush they must take a cue from the Republicans and nominate a candidate who can be elected, who has broad appeal, who has a track record as a strong leader and who will be strong enough to expose the corruption that has become our nation’s capital. Such a candidate will receive my vote.

Robert S. Sage

Woodland Hills

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Ronald Brownstein’s Dec. 15 news analysis, “Bush’s Political Gain Must Pass Test of Time,” is so much wishful thinking, or whistling past the graveyard. The U.S. military has just captured one of the most brutal, ruthless dictators of modern times. Bush will reap the benefits of Saddam Hussein’s capture for months and years to come, both at home and around the world. The Democrats are about to nominate Dean, who was and still is fervently opposed to the war in Iraq. Guess which man the voters will back next November.

Steve Joslin

Newport Beach

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Someone needs to remind Sen. Joe Lieberman that had Dean been president, Hussein might still be at large but over 450 American troops and 8,000 to 10,000 Iraqi civilians would still be alive, thousands uninjured -- at a saving so far of nearly $91 billion. Stay the course, President Dean.

Robert Shragg

Santa Monica