Schiavo: Another Missed Opportunity

The polls make it very clear that most Americans are disgusted by what Republicans are trying to do with the Terri Schiavo case. And blogger Ezra Klein says this is a chance for Democrats to really seize the moment. "Here, finally, Democrats agree that the government is in full overreach," he writes. "We agree that in cases like this one, small government is better. Let's take this moment to draw the line."

First of all, let me say that I am disgusted that any political party is trying to make this tragic case a political opportunity. But with the Republicans forcing the issue, Ezra is right, there is an opportunity for Democrats. The problem is that Democrats, incredibly (and sadly), do NOT agree that the government is in full overreach, if their actions in Congress are any sign. Almost half of the House's Democratic lawmakers who were in DC for the vote actually supported the GOP's overreach - undercutting the courageous efforts of the 53 Democrats who stood their ground. In the Senate, the Schiavo bill passed unanimously - meaning not one Democrat objected.

How are Democrats supposed to show their support for privacy and antithesis for government overreaching with votes like this? Sure, the polls seem to suggest Republicans are hurting themselves with their actions, but that doesn't mean Democrats will capitalize on those polls if they continue to behave like this.

And sadly, this is becoming a pattern. In the last few months, we've seen a faction of Democrats capitulate on Condi Rice's nomination, the class action bill, and the bankruptcy bill - essentially damaging their ability to talk about the war, workers rights, and the middle class squeeze, respectively. Now this vote on the Schiavo issue. These votes undercut the very good work by many Democrats. When will the party be unified around these core issues?