If Only Dubya Were Leading the Raider Nation

...we'd "just win, baby":

An all-out drive for victory is necessary not just for short-term politics, but for the long-term security of this nation. But because the American people instinctively understand that so much rides on victory, they also will reward politically an administration that actually ramps up the fight in order to finish the job.

Similarly, the Bush administration needs to find some issue, indeed just about any issue of public interest, on which to win a domestic political battle. It shouldn't be all that hard. The power of the White House, when used intelligently, is enormous. Granted, the ability of the Democrats to filibuster in the Senate means that the administration needs to attract at least five of that chamber's Democrats. Fine. Pick an issue that puts moderate Democrats on the spot. In effect, give those Dems a proverbial offer they can't refuse.

For example, find a judicial nominee who will drive Ted Kennedy crazy, but on an issue on which "moderates" such as Arkansas' Mark Pryor can't afford to toe the Kennedy line. Find a nominee with a record of cracking down hard on criminals, perhaps. Or of pushing for parental consent for abortions. Plan ahead, enlist friendly senators in strategizing, frame the issue...and pull the darn trigger. Go all out for confirmation. Win the fight.

Or get involved in the death-tax battle. Re-energize Sen. Jon Kyl's compromise that so many Democrats already are on record supporting. Prepare in advance all the quotes from black Democrat U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop and other black leaders who have eloquently explained why the death tax is so bad for black Americans. Insist on a vote; twist arms; follow the Reagan model of honest legislative horse-trading. And win the fight.

Winning the fight is important, not just for political advantage but for the good of the country. The sad reality is that the Democrats have left behind the notion of a loyal opposition and instead become, at least in terms of their national leadership, an outright enemy of all things Bush. They offer obstruction, but no solutions. How would they solve the looming entitlement crisis? How would they have us leave Iraq without it looking like a huge American defeat? How would they deal with Hezbollah? How would they bring down energy costs?

Of course, the Silver-and-Black Attack hasn't exactly set the world on fire the past couple of seasons, but this will surely be our year.