Are there any traditional Democrats remaining in NC?

by Tom Campbell, Executive Producer and Moderator, NC SPIN, January 8, 2015.

Jim Graham, our late Commissioner of Agriculture, used to entertain audiences by braying like a mule, explaining that the mule was not only the symbol of the Democratic Party but also a reminder of our roots as an agricultural state. Democrats have been braying a lot recently, and for all the good its done them they might as well have been braying at the moon.

After a century of being in charge of North Carolina government Democrats despair at being relegated to the backbenches when decisions are made. But enough of the whining already; their crybaby act is making them look like sore-tail losers. It’s time Democrats owned their shortcomings, remembered their roots and started speaking out forcefully and proudly for what they believe.

Both political parties have strayed from their raisin’s, to use a euphemism we all understand. Over the past half century they’ve been hi-jacked and no longer advocate for everyone, instead becoming mouthpieces for certain ones. The GOP has traditionally been more closely aligned with business, but they shifted far right to champion big corporations, the wealthy and elite. Democrats were most often associated with the underdog and the middle-class, but they veered far left to cheerlead the causes of minorities, women and unions.

Let’s be clear. We wouldn’t for one moment suggest that Democrats turn their backs on these groups but they do need to decide if they are more than just evangelists for them.

If the Democrats’ goal is to win elections and regain power they have work to do. They must stop fighting each other and quit “killing the messengers” who proclaim their liberal left shift and insist they return to their more moderate and centrist roots. To win, they must recapture white males and unaffiliated voters. They won’t attract them so long as they are so far left of center.

North Carolina Democrats in the era between the 1930s and 1960s were what you might call “progressive centrists.” They were fiscal conservatives who believed in personal, corporate and government accountability and responsibility. They stood firm for fairness, a level playing field and the common good. Democrats advocated growth, opportunity and a way up for all, espousing working middle class values, because these were the folks who made up the backbone, the majority in our state and nation.

Democrats were also progressives in recognizing that government had a role in improving our lives. They advocated better public schools, wholesome work environments, public safety and the infrastructure that would benefit all. These Democrats demanded their government functioned effectively and be accountable. They were skeptical of big government, big business and big anything, neither supporting high taxes nor unnecessary government interference in their affairs. They believed in giving people a hand up but never intended that help to become unending handouts for anyone.

So what happened to these Democrats? Where are they today? Instead of whining about what they’ve lost why shouldn’t the Democratic Party return to its roots and loudly and proudly proclaim what they do stand for? Where are the leaders, the spokespersons who can articulate this message and rally the party faithful and others wanting something positive to stand for?

Are there any traditional Democrats remaining in North Carolina?