Centerfield

Kerry's 100 Days: Plan to Change America

This is the first of a series of posts examining John Kerry's proposals for his first 100 days as president from a centrist perspective. Ideas for initial presidential action, around which a candidate builds a campaign and seeks an electoral mandate, are important indicators of what an aspirant's presidency will prioritize.

I intend to examine each of Senator Kerry's ten proposals individually over the course of the coming weeks. The plan, as a whole, provides substantial source material for an interested voter seeking the centrist voice in the campaign for the White House.

In short, Senator Kerry's 100 day plan is, at its core, a political document that charts a course of action high on political rhetoric and low on substantive action. His plan, therefore, successfully reflects the myriad obstacles to achieving significant victories that he would face in a divided government so shortly following Inauguration Day.

Amid the slogans and soundbites of the Kerry plan, however, centrists can readily discover the foundation for a pragmatic, purposeful presidency that may restore a centrist, middle-ground on core issues important to millions of moderate Americans.

Senator Kerry proposes a ten point action plan for his first 100 days in office:
(1) A New National Education Trust
(2) New Era of National Service
(3) End the 'Era of Ashcroft'
(4) Repeal Bush Assault on the Environment and Make U.S. Energy Independent
(5) Rejoin the Community of Nations
(6) First Major Legislative Plan: Affordable Health Care
(7) Reward Companies that Create Jobs not Phony Corporate Profit
(8) Create a Middle Class Economy and End the Privileged Class Economy
(9) Cut the Deficit in Half in Four Years
(10) End Influence Peddling and Secret Deals

This list presents an opportunity to examine the relative strengths and weaknesses of a Kerry Administration. Centrists have a responsibility to examine Mr. Kerry's alternatives to the Bush Administration based upon who will best advance our cause. I will argue that in each of Senator Kerry's proposals, one finds rhetoric to mobilize the Democratic establishment alongside policy proposals that appeal to centrist Americans. While imperfect, Senator Kerry's priorities for his first 100 days in office provide hope that he would govern from the center in policy areas where the Bush Administration has veered disappointingly to the right.

I look forward to examining Kerry's proposals in greater detail and hope this exercise spurs a fruitful debate and discussion regarding whether a Kerry Administration would better serve centrist interests and values.