NYTimes Gary Hart: Note to Democrats: Get a Defense Policy

It wasn't so long ago that Bob Kerrey, Sam Nunn, Al Gore and a few others in Congress sought to produce defense policies that went beyond the robotic endorsement of every weapons system promoted by conservatives.

Two decades ago I helped found the military reform caucus in Congress. Belatedly, Republicans are beginning to adopt some elements of the reforms we advocated: the creation of swifter, lighter forces, the cancellation of outdated weapons systems and a defense strategy that acknowledges our vulnerability to attack at home.

All these ideas, and more, were available to Democrats two decades ago and could have formed the framework for a positive defense policy. Alas, as a party, Democrats abdicated leadership.