Why the Future of Government Is Up for Grabs - and Who Will Take It
Palgrave Macmillan
March 2012
On Sale: March 15, 2012
240 pages ISBN: 0230116469 EAN: 9780230116467 Kindle: B0065SSZ6M Hardcover / e-Book Add to Wish List
In todayβs fraught political climate, one thing is indisputable: the dream of the emerging Democratic majority is dead. How did the Democrats, who seemed unstoppable only two short years ago, lose their momentum so quickly, and what does it mean for the future of our two-party system? Here, RealClearPolitics senior analyst Sean Trende explores the underlying weaknesses of the Democratic promise of recent years, and shows how unlikely a new era of liberal values always was as demonstrated by the current backlash against unions and other Democratic pillars. Persuasively arguing that both Republicans and Democrats are failing to connect with the real values of the American people - and that long-held theories of cyclical political "realignments" are baseless - Trende shows how elusive a true and lasting majority is in todayβs climate, how Democrats can make up for the ground theyβve lost, and how Republicans can regain power and credibility. Trendeβs surprising insights include:
The South didnβt shift toward the Republicans because of racism, but because of economics.
Barack Obamaβs 2008 win wasnβt grounded in a new, transformative coalition, but in a narrower version of Bill Clintonβs coalition.
The Latino vote is not a given for the Democrats; as they move up the economic ladder, they will start voting Republican.
Even before the recent fights about the public sector, Democratic strongholds like unions were no longer relevant political entities.
With important critiques of the possible Republican presidential nominations in 2012, this is a timely, inspiring look at the next era of American politics.
Media Buzz
On Point - July 16, 2013 Diane Rehm Show - NPR - August 30, 2012 On Point - March 13, 2012
© 2003-2026