Free Republic

Morals of the Election The Democrats have paid for 50 years of standing on principle. By Paul Starr Web Exclusive: 11.21.04 What has the past half-century of our history achieved if not a moral transformation? Equal rights and respect for black people have been a moral cause. So, too, have equality for women and open acceptance of gays. Liberals have advocated each of these causes, often turning to the courts when elected leaders were slow to respond. Insofar as politicians have welcomed and supported these movements, they have chiefly been Democrats. And the Democratic Party has paid for its...

An Uncertain Trumpet Whatever pundits say, this election was not a wholesale repudiation of liberalism. By Robert Kuttner Web Exclusive: 11.21.04 Were the Democrats repudiated as too left wing for the country, especially on cultural issues? Or were they mainly outplayed? Depending on what one concludes, dramatically different remedies follow. In fact, the country was split almost evenly, as in 2000. Democrats would make a grave mistake to take 2004 as a wholesale repudiation. Rather, John Kerry lost the election and Democrats lost ground for four distinct reasons. First, the Republicans enjoy a structural advantage. As a party they...