Abstract

Bertha Lewis & Bob Master

The article looks at the United States' political system. In a time of war and insecurity, Republican election strategist Karl Rove made Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry unacceptable even to voters who repeatedly expressed a loss of confidence in the President. The Republicans systematically undermined Kerry's life story and personal integrity, while creating a politicized climate of fear with single-minded purpose. By contrast, Kerry and the Democrats could not make President George W. Bush's own life story a part of the picture, were unable to convincingly tap into resentment of corporate rip-offs, and simply could not make the case that Bush is recruiting terrorists, not defeating them. Here in New York, we can use our blue-state haven as a laboratory to grow new alternative policies. Over the next few years, we can help elect a progressive governor and work with him or her to develop effective public programs that truly address the needs of working men and women--for jobs, healthcare, childcare and good schools. We believe the experience of the Working Families Party provides a source of hope.