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November 13, 2006
an analogy
| The Sixties | The 2000s |
|---|---|
| 1960 election: Reflects unusually high degree of ideological consensus. The main issue is the personality of the incumbent VP versus "change." | 2000 election: Reflects unusually high degree of ideological consensus. The main issue is the personality of the incumbent VP versus "change." |
| Series of national traumas: Assassinations of JFK, MLK, RFK, race riots, Kent State | Series of national traumas: 9/11, anthrax, Katrina |
| Escalating war in Southeast Asia | Escalating war in Southwest Asia |
| Left mounts strong challenge to the ideological status quo (with a basis in cultural/personal issues) | Right mounts strong challenge to the ideological status quo (with a basis in cultural/personal issues) |
| Ideological backlash: Nixon elected | Ideological backlash: Democrats take Congress |
| Residue: cultural change in a libertarian direction, lingering resentment on the right, generally more conservative economic policies | Residue: ??? |
November 13, 2006 7:28 AM | category: revitalizing the left | Comments
Comments
"Ideological backlash: Democrats take Congress".
There has been a lot of punditry talk that the Democrats didn't win this election but that the Republicans lost it. I can't square with that. There were a lot of disturbing issues about the Republicans that made them loose. However, the Democrats did come up with a winning strategy, taking on the Republicans at their own game .
One thing is for sure, though, Republicans did defeat themselves in how poorly they have conducted themselves over the years.
November 14, 2006 12:02 AM | Comments (4) | posted by airth10
There is a residue, a more centrist, pragmatic approach to foreign policy, back to basics, as established over the years. This administration in contrast has been an aberration in its foreign policy. Furthermore, It has been an aberration in the running of government, un-American.
Nevertheless, this administration has been a learning experience for the American people, reestablishing in their minds what they cherish most, responsible, transparent governance for all.
November 14, 2006 12:21 AM | Comments (4) | posted by airth10
Basically, the residue will be less ideology.
November 14, 2006 12:36 AM | Comments (4) | posted by airth10
So what is Peter Levine's idea of residue in this instance?
November 15, 2006 11:34 PM | Comments (4) | posted by airth10