Today's election is poised to end the Republican era in American politics - an era that began in reaction to Lyndon Johnson's Great Society, the Vietnam war and the civil rights revolution, was pioneered by Richard Nixon, consolidated by Ronald Reagan, and wrecked by George W Bush. Full Story »
Posted by Derek Hawkins
I've read quite a few of these over the last week. In addition to thinking them all somewhat premature, this one has the added problem that it only looks at part of the Republican Party. Though eclipsed by economic concerns right now, Christian conservatives have become, if anything, more determined to inflict their personal morality on the whole country. The combination of their passion with corporate donors was really what drove the GOP success. While the corporate side is reeling right now, they'll be back. And the religious fundamentalists show no signs of going anywhere, but are simply overshadowed for right now. Blumenthal does not address either of these factors.
Australians are fond of observing that while they got the British convicts, we got the religious refugees. And, all in all, the Aussies feel they got the better part of the bargain.
Thoughtful perspective from a former senior adviser to President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton, about what the author sees as the end of a Republican era in American politics. He offers reasonable evidence and helpful context to back his points, though at times seems overly critical of everything Republican -- and tends to dismiss the fact that right-wing reprensentatives in Congress will continue to exert influence on our political agenda.
A good exercise for a follow up piece would be to try identify worthwhile contributions made by Republicans, and look for ways that our country can heal the political divide that has harmed us all in recent years.
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