National Platform Committee: Washington State Made A Difference

(continued from prior post)

We were working in conjunction with the Progressive Caucus (mostly Kucinich folks, really) whom we knew were going to violate the Kerry campaign mandate that nobody amend the Iraq portion of the platform. As that was the case, we focused on making the platform goal-oriented on domestic policy issues.

Well, I don't know what the Kerry folks were thinking, as they had anticipated only around 50 amendments; at the end of Friday by the 6pm deadline they had 230. It was looking like we were in for a long day on Saturday.

Through some smart whip action and negotiation, tho', the Kerry team managed to incorporate a great many amendments into the manager's amendments - eliminating the need for lengthy (televised) debate on some contentious issues. Apparently they were up all night, calling folks and striking deals.

Through virtue of the fact that we were staying offsite, and Hue turning off his cell phone, we didn't have to negotiate until Saturday morning. This meant that most of our amendments actually did get raised on Saturday, and despite some setbacks on energy independence (we were informed that goal lanuage on CAFE standards was specifically to be avoided on the platform--read: we don't want to piss off Michigan), we managed to get stronger language regarding the Patriot Act, civil liberties, global warming, and gender equity into the platform.

Additionally, we were able to introduce debate as to voter-verified paper ballots and instant runoff voting into the record. Finally, the Kucinich folks were extremely happy that they were able to get language regarding troop reduction in Iraq into the platform as well. Major props to them for defying the instructions and sticking to their guns (ahem!).

Overall it was a great experience, and a fascinating process to see behind-the-scenes. I'd say that we took a platform that was a C term paper and turned it into a solid B+ document. It's not as specific as I'd like, but I understand that it has to be all things to all Democrats, regardless of region. Plus, I've got to give it props for addressing issues I thought it would ignore: gay marriage, biodiesel, energy independence, native lands, etc...

"Strong at Home, Respected in the World"...get ready to campaign on this theme, folks...I think it can be a winner...

(update: today I'm seeing that the theme is now "Stronger at Home, Respected in the World". Leave it to some wonk to worry that people would think Democrats were dissing the strength of the US...)