Advice Overload for the Democrats

Sunday, June 11, 2006
by Michael Grunwald (Washington Post)

Refer to Chapter 11

Essence of the Story

• With polls showing widespread unhappiness with the Republican Party, the Democratic Party ought to be in a strong position for the November contest. But even many Democrats seem to believe that the Party will be able to "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory."
  
• Much of the advice being given to Democrats reflects the beliefs of the advice giver. Liberals want the party to be more liberal; moderates more moderate; etc.
  
• Much of the debate centers on what the Party should do about the war in Iraq.
  
• However, the writer suggests, the same populist/powerful dichotomy that splits the Democratic party also splits the Republicans.

Political Analysis

• In American politics, our two political parties are unique (compared to other democracies) in that both our conservative and liberal party have populist appeals. This contrasts to Europe where the leftist party typically is populist and the rightist party is more elitist.
  
• Both parties have wrestled with the increasing expense of campaigns and the consequent influence of big money contributors, but this causes more internal strains in the Democrats because of their working class roots.
  
• A good showing in the 2006 midterm elections may put a lot of internal party soul-searching to rest.

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DeLay Pulls No Punches In Final Speech to House

Friday, June 09, 2006
by Michael Grunwald (Washington Post)

Refer to Chapter 5

Essence of the Story

• Tom DeLay (TX), ex-GOP Majority Leader, gave his final speech on the House floor, bidding farewell the colleagues he has worked with for 22 years and led for more than 10 years.
  
• DeLay criticized those who elevate compromise to a political principle, saying that hard fisted partisanship is the sign of a healthy democratic polity.
  
• DeLay spoke with pride of his legacy in the House, including the establishment of the "K-Street Project," the very thing that many believe led to his downfall on corruption charges.
  
• Many Democrats either stayed away from the House floor or left during DeLay's speech.

Political Analysis

• While institutions often outlive individuals, it is also the case that individuals can change institutions, and their historical legacy can live on through institutional memory.
  
• DeLay was one of those individuals--through his bare knuckled politics, he probably changed the course of Washington DC lobbying, campaign finance reform, and even the method of decision making in Congress.
  
• DeLay's departure means that Democrats lose one of their symbols for GOP corruption and arrogance. Ironically, then, his departure may hurt Democrats more than help them.

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High court to examine race-balancing schools

Tuesday, June 06, 2006
by Warren Richey (CS Monitor)

Refer to Chapter 4

Essence of the Story

• The Supreme Court has decided to review two cases that challenge local school districts (Seattle and Louisville) which take race partially into account in student transfer policy.
  
• Three years ago the Court, in a 5-4 decision, upheld the University of Michigan Law School's race based affirmative action program.
  
• However, with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's replacement on the court by Samuel Alito, it is unclear whether the Court will honor the Michigan precedent.

Political Analysis

• The key question in these cases is the degree to which diversity is a "compelling" state interest, which allows the use of race as a criteria in determining particular policies and programs.
  
• While fidelity to precedent--stare decisis--is a common aspect of Supreme Court decision making, the increasingly conservative Court has been willing to overturn precedent.
  
• This case will be the first major affirmative action case in the Roberts court, and may signal the future of American policy in this area.

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