Democrats like to lecture but they seldom learn.

Every presidential election cycle, our candidates and punditry boast about our double-digit polling advantage on health care, creating and keeping good jobs in our country, Social Security, education, the environment and a host of other domestic issues - advantages that actually increase significantly when we add the words “for working people like you” after each of those issues.

We structure our messaging and campaigns on that supposed competitive advantage. And, unfortunately, the first Wednesday in November, we lick our wounds and end up asking: “What happened?”

The answer is simple. As important as economic and social issues are, and as much as the electorate trust Democrats to be on their side on those issues, the voters in that sliver in the middle - the ones who have been deciding national elections - are concerned about their security first.

Before voters focus on promises and opportunities for the future, they worry about their families’ survival in an increasingly complex and dangerous world. Yet, by and large, Democratic candidates don’t make it a priority to establish credibility on national or homeland security issues. As a result, they are perceived as being weak on protecting our country; and when that happens, Democrats lose.

The GOP concentrates on painting Democrats as the little sisters of the weak,’ which is smart because they know the polling says they have an advantage in that regard.

But, in the absence of a Democratic message to the contrary or, at least, a strong tack to bolster their own record on protecting our nation, the Republicans are getting a free ride on the security issue, so it works. Examples abound from “swift boating” Kerry to the shameless attacks on Max Cleland’s patriotism.

The sad irony is that historically, Democrats have a stronger record on supporting and funding the programs that protect Americans in America. From FDR battling Republican isolationists in the war against fascism, to Harry Truman making a courageous stand against communism, to JFK easing the missile gap created during the Eisenhower administration, to today, where George W. Bush continually proposes billions more in funding an endless war in Iraq while cutting homeland security programs.

On these issues, Democrats have been the party of strength.

To win, Democrats must make fight back.

It’s important to say, “Those wearing the uniform of this country will not be sent into battle without the body armor and equipment they need to protect themselves.”

It’s important to assure voters that our military will be second to none and that our foreign policy will be robust and place the interests of our national security above all else.

Domestically, we must champion law and order policies that secure our borders and protect our cities and towns. We must be tough on crime and demand that resources are allocated to keep our communities safe. Democrats must assure voters that the federal government will finally have the funds needed to respond swiftly and effectively to man-made and natural disasters.

Until Democratic candidates break through the security barrier, the other issues won’t matter. And as it relates to who will occupy the White House the first Wednesday in November will continue to be a very sad day.

This entry was posted on 8.31.2007 at 8:28 am and is filed under National Security. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response.