New Democratic New Hampshire Congressional Representative Paul Hodes, who calls himself a “progressive centrist” (sounds good to me) chatted today with David and me for about half an hour.
Democrats, Hodes said, have to be pleasant but firm. “A spine is a terrible thing to waste. I am bringing my backbone with me. I plan to be as tough as I have to be and as agreeable as I can be,” he said.
The 2006 election may mark the beginning of a new era of pragmatic politics, Hodes said:
We are seeing the potential of an end of an era. The electorate has rejected the politics of radical conservatism in favor of a pragmatic approach to politics. This defies the traditional approach of liberals and conservatives. It requires politicians to take good ideas where they can find them. At base, we must respect our free market system but also remember that as Lincoln said, the purpose of government is to do what the free markets cannot or will not do themselves. With respect to international affairs, it is not enough to be the strongest country in the world. We also have to show we can play well with others.
To read his exact words, please review the MP3 of our conversation posted by David.
The 2008 Presidential election will test this thesis, Hodes said.
With respect to New Hampshire, however, he was more cautious. “As to the state, it is entirely too early to declare a sea change. In New Hampshire independents and independent thinkers dominate the electorate. This is both an opportunity and a challenge. It’s going to require fiscal responsibility and strict integrity,” he said.
Hodes, who ran unsuccessfully in 2004, cited Bush’s unpopularity, points he learned from his previous race, and more money as key factors in his victory. “In 2004 there weren’t coat-tails [from Kerry]. We raised $400,000 in 2004. Raised $1.5 million in 2006. There’s no practice like running for Congress like running for Congress,” he said. He pointed specifically to the White House’s botched handling of Katrina relief, the Foley scandal, and dissatisfaction with Iraq as key issues. He had good support from the DCCC and steady checks from ActBlue, he said.
The campaign for 2008 has already started. “There is talk about people who want to run against me,” he said.
Hodes attributed Democratic dominance in New England to our harsh beginnings, rough winters, and community spirit. “New England is small. Everybody is very close to each other. We grew up in this little village model. We’ve always been intensely democratic in terms of our traditions,” he said.
Finally, Hodes said, it is critical that the Democratic Congress be pragmatic and constructive as it attempts to govern beginning in January. “It is part of the self-interest of Democrats to show the people of this country who sent us that we can get things done. It is one of the things I learned as a lawyer. You have to be willing to disagree without being disagreeable,” he said.
An impressive addition to the House. Good thing he is bringing his backbone. I predict he will need it. And did I mention that he writes operas? We wish him well.
If you want to hear some excerpts from the work of librettist Hodes (and composer Thomas Oboe Lee) in their not-yet-finished opera on Oscar Wilde’s life — with yours truly singing the part of Oscar — you can listen here to WBUR’s story about it.