Civility or Civil War?
October 21, 2013 - by
Don’t spike the ball too early, Democrats. The Tea Party may be a taste of what’s ahead for our party.
Last weeks’ Armageddon – or maybe, “Armadebtaggon” – looks now like a disaster for the GOP. The episode turned Americans and many Republicans against the Cruz crusaders.
But the Republican civil war may be a sign of where all American politics is heading in our polarized, high-octane, cable-news-addled politics. Cruz & Co. could just inflame Democratic hard-liners who are fed up with the two-decade-long Clinton-Obama search for elusive middle ground.
Remember when Obama ran for President in 2008 promising – in the words of Richard Nixon – to “bring us together,” to overcome the divisions of red America and blue America?
Five years later, he wins a much-needed victory by refusing to compromise. Hardball trumped sweet reason.
In the wake of battle, we hear high-minded statements about “moderation” and “working together.” A safer bet is more hardball – from both sides. Strap on your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Civility or Civil War?
October 21, 2013/
Don’t spike the ball too early, Democrats. The Tea Party may be a taste of what’s ahead for our party.
Last weeks’ Armageddon – or maybe, “Armadebtaggon” – looks now like a disaster for the GOP. The episode turned Americans and many Republicans against the Cruz crusaders.
But the Republican civil war may be a sign of where all American politics is heading in our polarized, high-octane, cable-news-addled politics. Cruz & Co. could just inflame Democratic hard-liners who are fed up with the two-decade-long Clinton-Obama search for elusive middle ground.
Remember when Obama ran for President in 2008 promising – in the words of Richard Nixon – to “bring us together,” to overcome the divisions of red America and blue America?
Five years later, he wins a much-needed victory by refusing to compromise. Hardball trumped sweet reason.
In the wake of battle, we hear high-minded statements about “moderation” and “working together.” A safer bet is more hardball – from both sides. Strap on your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.