fbpx
Politics Foreign Affairs Culture Fellows Program

What The Democrats Need

More old white guys talking only with each other.
13903385550_39f7316982_z

I’ve been absent from The Week for a couple of months, and what do I come back with on my return?

I’d particularly like to see a series of one-on-one debates between Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Sen. James Webb of Virginia. . . . [W]hile they appear to hail from opposite ends of the party ideologically speaking, their critiques of the dominant neoliberal center have some elements in common. Both are deeply concerned about the rise of inequality and the alienation of working-class Americans from political life. Both have expressed skepticism of an overly corporate-focused approach to domestic policy and a foreign policy consensus that is overly belligerent. And both are implicitly critical of a party that makes a shibboleth of identity politics, while being far less full-throated in support of measures that would benefit a wide swathe of Americans, but would challenge powerful, entrenched interests. While I’d expect to see a lot of disagreement in any debate between them, it might be even more educational to see how often they turn out to agree.

Educational — and politically important. One major challenge the Democratic Party has today is how to satisfy an increasingly restive, educated liberal base, while also reaching out to recapture downscale white voters. From a cultural perspective, Sanders represents the former while Webb represents the latter. If they turn out to agree on some large questions of policy — and disagree with the party establishment on those same questions — might the establishment actually take notice? Might Hillary Clinton herself?

‘Cause that’s what Hillary definitely needs: men to explain to her what she should be running on. Also this.

Anyway, if you want to, head on over there and read the darned thing. Should be good for a laugh.

Advertisement

Comments

Become a Member today for a growing stake in the conservative movement.
Join here!
Join here