As Bush’s polling numbers continue to tank, I’m enjoying watching Republicans run from Bush faster than rats off the Titantic. Libertarians are speculating whether they can be leftie libertarians. Due to enormous ineptitude of the Republicans, Democrats have ripped open the lucky chocolate bar and been given a Golden Ticket. That rare opportunity to control the chocolate factory for a while.

Herbert says that Democrats don’t have to play nice with swing voters, like soccer moms, or pretend to care about religion. The problem isn’t the message, it’s the messenger. Democrats just need good leadership to win an election. They need charismatic individuals to come up with real answers about Iraq and the energy crisis.

Brooks tells his readers to fret not, because the new leadership in both parties aren’t listening to Herbert. Even if the Democrats win, they will be moderate, more interested in compromise. Even old Hillary isn’t looking so bad. And who knows if Democrats will win, because new more moderate Republicans are stepping up to the front.

I would like to order something from Column A and something from Column B.

Yes, I want new, cooler leadership. Someone who shoots from the hip without consulting opinion polls. Someone dreamed up by the writers of the West Wing. Flag waving and stirring music and all. The trouble is that he or she is a mythical creature. Herbert’s only example of this cowboy-philosopher-dreamer-politician was Truman, who is unable to run for office as he’s been dead for a while.

Herbert wants new ideas, but they can’t be too new. Nothing that would disrupt the old alliances and messages. Brooks points to new ideas, but ones that aren’t too crazy. No boat rocking there either.

I want new ideas, ones that go beyond just repudiating Bush. They also can’t be too safe, because a large win is going to happen. Something like 1964. You can’t blow that opportunity by thinking small.

I want to take a serious look at the old alliances. Those that are holding back the party should be catapulted. Dependable interests that bring in the votes shouldn’t be taken for granted. Extremists must be publicly marginalized. You have to deliver the goods to the American people; the party has to respond to their interests. I want to see the expansion of the FMLA, rewards given to businesses that create part time jobs, tax credits given to stay at home parents, subsidized parenting classes, increased regulation of daycare facilities, and subsidization of accredited daycare centers. Don’t do those things, and I’ll start throwing my vote away on third parties again.

The Democratic party has been given a great opportunity. That rare Golden Ticket. I don’t want to end up like Veruca Salt blowing the whole thing out of greed or stupidity.