New Poll: Dems Must Fight for Middle Class

According to a new national poll, the American public desperately wants the Democratic Party to start showing some guts and stand up for America's middle class - something I and others have been screaming about for years. Here are some highlights:

- 56% oppose Bush's Social Security privatization scheme - Democrats have been terrific on this one, roundly opposing the Bush plan.

- 62% feel that our economy is not good for middle and working class people - here's where the record gets more mixed for Democrats. Supporting the bankruptcy bill and the class action bill, for instance, doesn't help Democrats make the case that they are listening to this 62%.

- 83% support a national commitment to energy independence - Democrats have a fairly good record on this, advocating for more investment in alternative energy and energy efficiency where Bush has tried to cut those programs. That said, the number of Democrats who support the industry-written Energy Bill that showers oil companies with tax breaks doesn't do the party any favors.

- 76% support guaranteeing health care to all through a program similar to Medicare - this is where Democrats have been largely absent, primarily pushing piecemeal programs that would address the health care crisis, but not in any fundamental, comprehensive way. Yes, some progressives have courageously pushed for a single payer health care system, but that has certainly not been a party position. Americans want bold initiatives on this issue - not pre-fabricated press conferences that deal with much smaller (though certainly important) issues.

- 76% want action to end tax breaks to companies that move jobs abroad and to provide incentives for those who create jobs here and allow unions to organize - Again, Democrats have a very mixed record on this. Congressional progressives have been very strong on things like trade and union rights, but they have often been undercut by other members of their party who keep pushing corporate-written "free" trade, vote for corporate tax cuts to job exporters, and undercut a strong message on outsourcing.

Being in the minority requirs a crystal clear message and contrast with the GOP. That means Democrats must start developing a strong record in ALL of these areas.