Not a bug

I've lost track of where my views fall in the political spectrum. I'm decidedly anti-Republican, but not necessarily pro-Democrat. Basically, I'm fed up with both parties' corporatism and aww-shucks inability to govern in a fashion remotely responsive to anyone except the monied interests. As this blog develops, I'll write more on this theme.

But today, there's a special election in Massachusetts to fill the late Ted Kennedy's seat. Set against the backdrop of health care reform (HCR), the race takes on excessive significance for a special. If the Dem, Coakley, loses, passing HCR -- something I support, however imperfect it is -- becomes infinitely more difficult, if not impossible.

The idea of a Dem losing a special in the race to replace Teddy would have been unthinkable only a few months ago. Yet, here we are.

There are any number of people and institutions to blame if Coakley loses and HCR falls through. For one, Coakley turned out to be a miserable candidate: She's yet another entitled Villager apparently unable to do the hard work necessary to achieve the position to which she aspires. For another, it appears Dems were asleep at the wheel: Only a few days ago did it apparently dawn on them there was a real chance they would lose and that HCR hung in the balance.

And to me, that's one of the real issues with today's Democrats: They're simply too slow to realize and capitalize on their opportunities. You'll never see an extra-chromosome Republican of the likes we're saddled with these days accept underachievement in such a race.

The special today in Massachusetts is one of those lost opportunities. They deserve to lose, and if the Rethuglican weren't such a whack job, I might even be agnostic in this race. But -- regardless of Coakley's shortcomings -- HCR and the rest of the Dems' agenda for 2010 -- hinge on her being elected. That alone makes me a Coakley supporter and, if you vote in Massachusetts, I urge you to vote for her, even if you have to hold your nose with your other hand.

Sadly, the Dems' ongoing and systemic failure to use the opportunities given them leads this observer to conclude it's exactly the behavior they desire. To the Democratic leadership structure, these failures aren't bugs. They're features.

DCr