It takes all types to make the Democratic Party

ILLUSTRATED: A party is not an interest group, embrace different types of Democrats.
This week's announcements about which Democratic Senators are voting for Roberts, reminds us to the value of the moderate pragmatists as well as the liberal idealists. The first type often infuriate the activist base, compromising on principles. But their value shows at times like these when Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Joe Biden vote against Roberts. These senators have credibility with Republicans. Particularly if the O'Connor replacement is an ideologue, the credibility of these "sellout centrists" will be needed to sway those Northeaster GOP moderates.
As for the other wing, they are needed to keep the flame alive. Their articulation of the important decisions on the Commerce Clause, Due Process, and Privacy are needed to keep the debate going in public discourse and as a campaign issue in 2006 and 2008. They also give us an identity that enriches us. The media won't discuss these issues without prodding from the "loony left".
Remember, a party is not a special interest group. It is a pluralistic coalition of constituencies trying to gain control of the government. On the right side of this blog is a list of principles to unite us thematically and rhetorically. But we need to appreciate the value of the different factions of our party.