My OperaPaul Krugman writes eulogy for the Edwards campaign
Saturday, February 2, 2008 12:56:04 AM
"The Edwards Effect"
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/opinion/01krugman.html
I would just like to add that - unlike in 2000, 2004, and every other year since Nixon - there's been actual grass- roots campaigns making an impact on the actual message the front- runners choose. Not only that - in the case of Chris Dodd - and I could mention a certain successful Texan politician who ran his campaign without the slightest concern for Washington "wisdom" - the past year has shown actual political interest.
True - the fundamentalists and the Christian groups turning their bibles in in return for passes to faith- based legislation (which did result in exactly what they wanted, like placing a ten ton concrete piece of commandments on the lawn in front of a court- house, removing expenditure on sex- education of conspicuous morality, suspending the senate for a week to save a person in a persistent vegetative state, and starting a war to smite the unbelievers) - that was indeed a grass- roots initiative having an impact on the message (or, if you're more cynical than a blue- eyed blonde with a back- stage pass at a Ramones- concert: the White House used their unquestioning support to legitimise.. yes, I know.. their otherwise indefensible political power- grab and expansion of executive power).
But this is different. Actual arguments, actual issues. Politics, like it's supposed to be. Somehow I think this is going to be interesting, as we get closer to the summer. I'm already looking forward to the Republican riposte.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/opinion/01krugman.html
(...)At the beginning of 2007, it seemed likely that the Democratic nominee would run a cautious campaign, without strong, distinctive policy ideas. That, after all, is what John Kerry did in 2004.
If 2008 is different, it will be largely thanks to Mr. Edwards. He made a habit of introducing bold policy proposals — and they were met with such enthusiasm among Democrats that his rivals were more or less forced to follow suit.
It’s hard, in particular, to overstate the importance of the Edwards health care plan, introduced in February.
I would just like to add that - unlike in 2000, 2004, and every other year since Nixon - there's been actual grass- roots campaigns making an impact on the actual message the front- runners choose. Not only that - in the case of Chris Dodd - and I could mention a certain successful Texan politician who ran his campaign without the slightest concern for Washington "wisdom" - the past year has shown actual political interest.
True - the fundamentalists and the Christian groups turning their bibles in in return for passes to faith- based legislation (which did result in exactly what they wanted, like placing a ten ton concrete piece of commandments on the lawn in front of a court- house, removing expenditure on sex- education of conspicuous morality, suspending the senate for a week to save a person in a persistent vegetative state, and starting a war to smite the unbelievers) - that was indeed a grass- roots initiative having an impact on the message (or, if you're more cynical than a blue- eyed blonde with a back- stage pass at a Ramones- concert: the White House used their unquestioning support to legitimise.. yes, I know.. their otherwise indefensible political power- grab and expansion of executive power).
But this is different. Actual arguments, actual issues. Politics, like it's supposed to be. Somehow I think this is going to be interesting, as we get closer to the summer. I'm already looking forward to the Republican riposte.
