I’d have been a Democrat in FDR’s day. And I liked Ike, too

FDR signing the Social Security Act.

FDR signing the Social Security Act.

I saved this comment from Richard to enlarge upon in a separate post:

Why are you so concerned about Democrats winning? You’ve stated you aren’t a Democrat.

That’s right, I’m not. And I appreciate having another chance to get the point of that last post across, since apparently I failed the first time, at least in your case.

That post was about a piece in the NYT in which David Leonhardt pointed out that if Democrats could get away from abortion and guns and other things that serve to divide us, and concentrated on economic policy — where they represent more of a consensus — Democrats can help themselves out a lot.

I liked the piece because what he was describing was the kind of thing Democrats would need to do to get my vote.

And I’d very much like to see one of the major parties doing something to appeal to voters like me.

I noted in passing that what Leonhardt was talking about would to some extent represent a return to the New Deal Coalition. No more trying to separate the world into two camps — Acceptable People and Deplorables. Instead, lift up a vision that can unify the country.

And would I be a Democrat if it was once again the party of Franklin Delano Roosevelt? You bet.

And if the GOP was once again the party of Eisenhower, you can bet I’d be a Republican.

And if both of those things happened — if both parties were reaching out and trying to appeal to all of us, instead of separating us into sheep and goats, trying to get us enraged at each other so we’ll give money to the cause — the country would truly be blessed…

President Eisenhower and John Foster Dulles.

President Eisenhower and John Foster Dulles.

8 thoughts on “I’d have been a Democrat in FDR’s day. And I liked Ike, too

  1. Claus2

    “I’d have been a Democrat in FDR’s day.”

    Don’t you mean, “I’d have been a Democrat in FDR’s day too.”

    Let’s see, I’m guessing you voted for Obama both times and you voted for Hillary this last time so… I’d label you as a Democrat.

    You jumped on the James Smith bandwagon, so there’s that too.

    1. Barry

      I’m on the Smith bandwagon, primarily because the other options are loony.

      Never voted for Obama. never voted for Hillary (unlike Donald Trump)

      1. Brad Warthen Post author

        “I’m on the Smith bandwagon, primarily because the other options are loony.”

        Yep. The leading Republican contenders are engaged in a contest to see who can be more Trump-like, and the Democratic alternatives to Smith are off-the-wall…

        Which reminds me of another post I need to write…

  2. Harry Harris

    Sorry, Brad, this isn’t JFK’s time. During his time there was a lot of bipartisanship, and polarization didn’t rule the day. Those days are over.
    I watched the Dem Gov debate where Smith was absent. Nobody seemed “off the wall” at all. Willis had a number of specific proposals, and Noble just kept grinding the corruption ax without much depth to his proposals, and doesn’t seem much like a leader. Willis seems pretty well versed, but shows a mean streak and a fixation with her abilities as legal and fiscal guru. I think Smith is more than just a good alternative, but offers a middle-of-the-road path forward and seems to have the demeanor to make things happen.
    Y’all can’t keep electing political hacks, panderers to the right wing, or ideologues.

  3. Doug T.

    Other Dems off the wall? Listened to all 3 at Gallivant’s Ferry. Phil Noble was spot on. Smith came across as Vincent Sheheen lite. I like Vincent but neither he nor Smith are inspiring. Smith spent his entire speech rebutting Noble’s good ole boy charges. At least Noble is talking about the corruption that 1 party rule has given this state.

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