Can't Fake the Funk

John Kerry should realize liberal is not a slur.

by Ben Waxman

a solid 52 percent of Americans voted left of center in 2000. A vast majority of those who backed Nader will not this time around. Kerry has a very strong record on the environment|which will deliver former Nader votes in several swing states. Nader’s votes could deliver Florida|Ben Waxman If Gore|Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader’s totals are combined|New Hampshire to the Democrats

As soon as the identity of the Democratic nominee became clear, it began. First it appeared in the talking points of right-wing pundits. Then there were quiet whispers throughout the media establishment. Soon, it began appearing in op-ed pages nationwide. Decorated Vietnam veteran and four-term senator John Kerry is too liberal to beat President George W. Bush.

However, a close examination of the facts shows this is just another Republican fantasy, like the idea that tax cuts for billionaires somehow help the middle class. Take a look at the 2000 election. Although he won the popular vote, Vice President Al Gore narrowly lost to Bush. Conservatives are claiming that Kerry can’t win because he is farther to the left than Gore. This is debatable, but what they miss is that Kerry can win precisely because he might be perceived as more progressive than Gore.

An important part of Kerry’s victory in Iowa was the support of veterans. Although some Democrats have basically given up on the South, it is the region of the country with the highest population of former armed services personnel in the nation. The Bush administration has slashed benefits for veterans across the board and Kerry has made this a central campaign theme. His distinguished record of service in Vietnam, combined with his principled opposition to the war when he returned, will give him the authority to challenge Bush on this issue. Kerry’s strong stance in support of veterans could help put the South back into play.

I believe that Kerry made the wrong decision by voting in favor of the war in Iraq. While most people may have initially supported the war, many now question the cost and doubt the way Bush sold it. Recent polls indicate many believe Bush intentionally misled the public about the threat Iraq posed. These people will be able to identify with Kerry, who now argues that his vote was based on false information from the Bush administration. Kerry made the right decision to refuse to fund the occupation unless the Bush administration began to answer tough questions about exit strategies and sweetheart deals for Halliburton. Also, Kerry’s experience with actual combat (as opposed to Bush’s defense of Texas from Mexico during the Vietnam War) will enable him to criticize the president’s foreign policy, such as the apparent coup in Haiti.

Republicans claim that Kerry's opposition to a Constitutional amendment banning gay and lesbian marriage will hurt him during the general election. However, according to a recent ABC/Washington Post poll, 58 percent of Americans oppose such an amendment. Bush has been forced by his right-wing base to back the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, which I like to call the Hate Amendment. While this might play well with Mel Gibson and other social conservatives, it certainly destroys any credibility that Bush might have had as a "compassionate conservative."

The final trump card against the argument that Kerry can't beat Bush is the polls. For the first time, a named Democrat is shown beating Bush in the general election. A USA Today poll shows Kerry winning 52 percent to 44 percent. While polls aren't always reliable, several other national surveys also show Kerry beating Bush by as much as 3 to 5 percentage points. The same polls show that a rising number of people are unhappy with the country's direction. While it might seem OK to take a breath, we can't rest. Kerry may have a chance to unseat Bush, but not if he loses touch with his base. Voters will always pick a Republican over a Democrat who is playing pretend. Only by staying on a progressive message and outlining an agenda clearly different from the current administration can Kerry beat Bush. It's up to progressives to hold Kerry's feet to the fire and make sure he stays the course. Is there a doctor in the house?

Ben Waxman currently studies politics at Juniata College. If you would like to respond to this Slant or have one of your own (800 words), contact Howard Altman, City Paper editor in chief, 123 Chestnut St., third floor, Phila. PA 19106 or e-mail altman@citypaper.net.

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