Litmus tests

Political blogs and pundits are buzzing about the candidate for Chairman of the Democratic National Committee who has a long record of opposing one of the Democrats' core liberal positions.

"How on earth could he lead the party, energize its base, and raise money from the liberal coastal enclaves that provide so much of the party's financial base? Sure, he has a good national profile, has paid his dues, and has great ideas for the future of the party, but how could anyone think such a person could successfully lead the Democratic Party?"

If you're thinking former Indiana Congressman and 9-11 Commission member Tim Roemer you've been drinking too much pundit kool-aid.

The Duke is talking about Howard Dean and his pro-gun record and NRA endorsements. It should surprise no one familiar with the Indigo philosophy that the Duke does not excommunicate Democrats for opposing abortion or supporting gun owners. But why has the Democratic punditocracy rejected Tim Roemer out of hand while embracing Howard Dean? Has gun control really fallen that far out of favor as a leftie litmus test? Obviously, Dean's vocal opposition to the war endeared him to many activists on the left side of the spectrum. But if we think that kind of leadership forgives a disagreement or two, we shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the formidable appeal of someone like Roemer.

• A Democrat elected repeatedly from a tough district in the reddest of states.
  
• A thoughtful foreign policy thinker whose service on the 9-11 Commission gives him instant bipartisan credibility on security and the war on terror.
  
• Supported by pro-choice San Franciscan Nancy Pelosi and pro-life Nevadan Harry Reid

This is EXACTLY the kind of person who knows how to build a winning coalition.

Some of the most vehement criticisms of Roemer relate to his votes on abortion and budget issues, but you don't win in South Bend or Indiana without demonstrating some independence from the national party.

Of course, Howard Dean said some nice things about Gingrich's Medicare reforms, and the Duke has already mentioned his record on guns. If Democrats excuse those Howard Dean positions but dismiss Roemer out of hand, their knee-jerk, lazy litmus test thinking will continue to marginalize a vast population of hard-working families who should be in lock-step with the Democratic Party's economic message.