David Brooks writes:
"Over the past two years, what we might loosely call the university-town elite has come to dominate the Democratic Party not just intellectually, but financially as well."
What will make "ordinary folks" vote for intelligence again....that is really Brooks' question.....at one level.
Democrats do well not only in "college towns" but on both coasts and also on the "third coast," the midwest.
Dubya's appeal was among RURAL, SOUTHERN AND LESS EDUCATED VOTERS. AND OF COURSE, THE WALL STREET RICH....
Women with masters degrees are the best Democrats nationally!
Under the Republican Party, there has been a lot of racism, economic and job fears, homophobia and a sense of being passed by......pushed on people.
Republicans are really the party of gloom and doom. Hunkering down....preparing for the "last stand" against evil and immorality.
When people are afraid they lose their sense of community....and Dubya has played fear and uncertainty to the hilt.
But, because of the Clinton Prosperity--Dubya has had the LUXURY of ignoring big economic issues....and that is very very rare in politics. THAT COULD CHANGE SOON.....
IF DEAN CAN FOCUS LIKE A LASER BEAM ON THE DECLINE OF THE MIDDLE CLASS... AND ON THE ECONOMIC ISSUES......
AND GET PEOPLE TO TRANSEND THE "FEAR AND LOATHING" THAT THE REPUBLICANS LOVE TO EXPLOIT.
HE'LL DO VERY WELL
And Dubya is starting to burn the political candle at both ends now.....Iraq AND Social Security. A Gingrichian Hubris is starting to set in....you see it everyday now.
Postscript: And know this...if the Democrats are so smart they should be able to figure this problem out! Up to now they haven't wanted to wallow in the sewer of racism and ignorance with Republicans....but Democrats can learn to "fight drity" too. And I hope they do.
