At this stage the campaigns are not
into policy-think. They're too busy looking for
rocks to throw at each other. Whoever wins will
start soliciting policy books from aspiring
office-seekers.
RE: RE: Brad on Krugman by Max Sawicky 04 August 2000 18:59
_____________________
Presumably this is shaped by perceptions within the party apparatus of how
public opinion is moving?
From this side of the Atlantic the Republicans look desperate to win the
presidential race, and have had to refashion themselves as compassionate
conservatives. The overt race is about image and whether Bush looks
authoritative enough, and whether an older vice president helps.
But am I correct in saying that the Democrats also have a lot of money for
the campaign, particularly for Congress? It is not impossible to have a
result with a Republican president and a Democrat Congress.
Although a Bush victory would signal lower taxes, the shift away from
redneck conservatism would still work through would it not? There would
still have to be bargaining about policy.
Given that, the interesting questions are what are the policies that will
be contending for attention?
Presumably that will still be determined by image and public presentation
but they might also be determined by the technically possible, and the
practically essential. And by what compromises corperate capitalism has to
make with (bourgoeis) democracy. Any ideas?
I am trying to look over the top of the superficial two party choice and
look at the system.
Chris Burford
London
