I didn't think the Democrats had the ability this year to pull off control of the house. I thought that would require a national pulling together and the production of a solid, firm message on the national level. Maybe I'll be proven wrong.
Dems are completely united this year, and we have a clear agenda that has been spelled out by House leaders.
On Iraq, Democrats have been making the same set of points-
1- Begin to bring the troops home to tell the Iraqi government no blank check.
2- Clear benchmarks for them to meet or face real consequences.
3- Involve the international community to help deal with Iraq- it's not just our problem.
4- Allow the country to be administered in three separate areas while a political settlement is reached.
The 100 Hours plan sets the agenda for domestic policy:
Day One: Put new rules in place to "break the link between lobbyists and legislation."
Day Two: Enact all the recommendations made by the commission that investigated the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Time remaining until 100 hours: Raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, maybe in one step. Cut the interest rate on student loans in half. Allow the government to negotiate directly with the pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices for Medicare patients.
Broaden the types of stem cell research allowed with federal funds _ "I hope with a veto-proof majority," she added in an Associated Press interview Thursday.
All the days after that: "Pay as you go," meaning no increasing the deficit, whether the issue is middle class tax relief, health care or some other priority.
