Democracy Restored!
The first thing to recognize about the current midterm elections is that it was not just a referendum on Iraq, if it was so, both Ned Lemont an anti-war Democrat in Connecticut and Lincoln Chafee an anti-war Republican in Rhode Island would not have lost. This election was about change. Americans are seeking a new leadership, certainly new direction, but perhaps not a shift in values. .. To read the entire analysis click here.
4 Comments:
Muqtedar,
I agree with you that the democratic party has shifted to the center and find this entirely troubeling. It means that the discussion in this country has shifted to the right and that progressive ideas that are middle of the road in other parts of this world have become radicalized in the United States. I do not agree with you entirely on the analysis that it has not been a referendum against the war. The Dynamics in Connecticut and Rhode Island played a role in Ned Lamont and Chaffe loosing their bids. Local issues do play a role and should not be underestimated by a generalized exit poll result. Remember that Chaffe's opponent is anti-war as well. Lieberman on the other hand has been helped by the Republican party not supporting the Republican candidate in that race. A rather social liberal republican constituency in Connecticut was thereby pushed towards the independent candidate rather than to vote for the evil democrats.
Aart
Aart! nice to hear from you. I am flying into Boston on 9th morning to attend the ISA-NE conference, will be at the venue from 9-12, will you be there, we can have some hot tea and celebrate Rummy's resignation!
professor khan,
i just read an article in the new york times about a muslim congressman from minnesota getting elected. what are your thoughts? the article represented various view points. i think what is most important is that congress is representative of the american people. i think this is one more step in the right direction. i do however worry that too much emphasis is placed on religion, race and ethnicity and not enough on an individual's actions. will this be a good addition for congress? will he be able to influence american support for israel and dismissal of palestine? or will he simply be a representative figure with very little input?
elizabeth martin from your arab-israeli class
I agree.
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