Politico is always pleased to report on what Democrats are saying when they are arguing against the party’s platform (page 49).

Senator Landrieu:

“I am communicating that in every way I know how,” said Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), one of at least a half-dozen Democrats who’ve told the White House or their own leaders that it’s time to jettison the centerpiece of their party’s plan to curb global warming.

Senator Bayh:

“We need to deal with the phenomena of global warming, but I think it’s very difficult in the kind of economic circumstances we have right now,” said Indiana Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh, who called passage of any economywide cap and trade “unlikely.”

Senator Nelson:

“I’d just as soon see that set aside until we work through the economy,” said Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.). “What we don’t want to do is have anything get in the way of working to resolve the problems with the economy.”

Senator Conrad:

“Climate change in an election year has very poor prospects,” added Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.). “I’ve told that to the leadership.”

A tent that includes Senators arguing against dealing with the greatest challenge of our time is too big of a tent for me. I’m not insisting on ideological purity, but we need Democrats who are capable of fighting for legitimate solutions to real problems. The folks quoted above, unfortunately, can not be included in that category.