Tuesday, January 08, 2008
The End of Reaganism, or, Three Cheers for the Great Destroyer
JB
All of the presidential candidates seem to be picking up Barack Obama's theme of change and portraying themselves as agents of change. If things keep going the way they have been, the 2008 election now looks to be as defining a moment as 1932, 1968 or 1980. (If things keep going, that is. A lot can happen in ten months).
If 2008 turns out to be a pivotal election, defining a new political era, it is important to give credit where credit is due.
Two key reasons for the change will be the crackup of the coalition of the dominant party of the era, the Republicans, and the almost complete political failure of George W. Bush and his chief political adviser, Karl Rove. Let me begin with the second reason, and then move to the first.
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Although Ronald Reagan will still be regarded with fondness by the Republicans for generations to come, George W. Bush will have effectively destroyed Reaganism. The Republicans will have to start over with a different mix of concerns, agendas and appeals. This is George W. Bush's single greatest achievement. This is one reason, although not the only reason, why he ranks high (or low) among the country's failed presidents-- not only did his policies fail, but he also took the winning coalition that brought him into office down with him.
And that is why, if, like many Americans, you think that change is coming, and you think that this is a good thing,
you should tip your hat to George W. Bush and his eventful presidency. For if Ronald Reagan was the Great Communicator, George W. Bush is the Great Destroyer of Coalitions.more at:
http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2008/01/08/tip-your-hat/#more-1626http://balkin.blogspot.com/2008/01/end-of-reaganism-or-three-cheers-for.html
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