Al Knight: "No We Can't"

That's the phrase that Denver Post columnist Al Knight is encouraging Republican's to shout from roof tops this fall when responding to Barack Obama and his "Yes We Can" call to action.

Until very recently, the McCain campaign and the Republican Party have been unable to do much in response beyond mumble in obvious frustration.

Thankfully, that is about to (forgive the expression) change. The GOP has finally found a way to answer the Obama chant, "Yes, we can." The uncomplicated response? "No, we can't."

Yes Al, that's certainly uncomplicated. It's also completely out of touch, frighteningly pessimistic and a sure loser.

I would encourage my Republican friends to whole-heartedly embrace Knight's advice and every time Democrats discuss substantive steps to make average Americans lives objectively better to shout back "No we can't." Please? Frequently and loudly if possible.

The sad reality for Republicans is that Knight's silly and childish counter to Americans real desire for change is actually an accurate description of the GOP at this point. After 3 decades of ascendancy their Party is now a listless ship, devoid of any ideas or policy prescriptions beyond more tax cuts for the wealthy, more lengthy and costly wars and fewer safety nets for working Americans.

This desire for "change" goes far beyond ordinary partisan boundaries, more than 80% of the country now feels that we are on the "wrong track." As ordinary people begin to feel their lives becoming more and more destabilized they are seeking leadership that provides ideas and actions. At this point in history that leadership in undoubtedly coming entirely from the Democratic Party.

Are their answers entirely correct? In my opinion many of the policies they are advocating do not go far enough and I am concerned about Obama's past centrist tendencies. But at least the Democratic Party is offering substantive ideas designed to address the real problems facing this country - a health care system in crisis, an economy stumbling along, an expensive and pointless war and a coming energy crisis.

No we can't? Well perhaps Mr. Knight is satisfied to merely throw in the towel and give up on these problems but thankfully most American's would prefer to stand and fight.