The Middle Is Red

You know I have to love a piece that ends with...:

What we are seeing is a diverse but stable Republican coalition gradually eclipsing a diverse and stable Democratic coalition. Social issues are important, but they don't come close to telling the whole story. Some of the liberal reaction reminds me of a phrase I came across recently: The rage of the drowning man.

...and begins with...:

Every election year, we in the commentariat come up with a story line to explain the result, and the story line has to have two features. First, it has to be completely wrong. Second, it has to reassure liberals that they are morally superior to the people who just defeated them.

This year's trope, of course, is the "Fundamentalist, gay-bashing, bible-banging Red-stater", and Brooks demolishes it.

If you're a conservative, it's a fun read. If you're a liberal who doesn't want your party to be a third party by 2016, it's an essential one.

Give it a read.

Posted by Mitch at November 12, 2004 12:23 PM | TrackBack