No progressive majority until Democrats grow a spine

Ever since losing majority in 1994, the Republicans have used wedge issues to stir up emotion in swing states and put the Democrats on the defensive.  Now with the Democrats slightly in control of the Legislative Branch, they look to 2008 as their first opportunity since 1992 to gain a clear progressive majority.

How can the Democrats get there?  The Nation columnist Rick Perlstein is right on the money:

For as long as I can remember, liberals have been complaining aboutawkward, self-conscious attempts to recover this "mainstream"sensibility and how they have paradoxically weakened the party. Theyforced Democratic politicians to become obsessed with polls. That, inturn, boxed Democrats into an identity the public--themainstream--found the most off-putting of all: Democrats became timid.They couldn't pursue a bold public agenda because they were too hemmedin by polls. Very recently, among progressives, a new dictum hasemerged: Hug close to the polls, worship the polls, be the polls.

When President Bush was reelected in 2004, there were a countless number of moderate voters that admitted something like, "I don't agree with Bush a lot -- but you know, he is a bold leader that does not look at the polls.  I want a guy like that." 

There is a certain respect factor there with voters.  It's not about where to stand along the political spectrum.  What voters want is a leader with a vision.  Democrats have lacked that vision for so long.  We need a Democratic presidential nominee that is willing to be bold enough to take stances that are sometimes not ideologically popular.  Political calculation alone does not build majority parties.