The 2006 elections were a tidal wave that swept into office a large number of Democrats, each with their own diverse attitudes and backgrounds.
Many of these Democrats seem to have become "role models" of sorts for the modern Democratic Party. Democratic activists – especially young Democratic activists – now have people like Jim Webb or Jon Tester to look upon as the embodiment of what it means to be a "Democrat."
However, the problem with Jim Webb, or Jon Tester, or any other member of the legislative branch as a "role model" is that, typically, the American public looks to the executive – and others who have served as Chief Executive – for guidance. Because of the power and majesty of that office, it is Presidents, not Congressmen or Senators, that the public traditionally looks up to, and that young, budding politicians seek to model themselves after.
For that reason, the Democratic Party still finds itself lacking in role models, even after the injection of new blood last year.
Read More