Partisanship

[Hababi]

Is partisanship a good thing? Are we in a state of hyper-partisanship? When is it acceptable to compromise what you believe in? Should we as a country be looking to come together?

We find these notions in the 2008 primaries. Obama, and to a lesser extent, Huckabee and McCain, are running post-partisan campaigns. They're talking about bringing people together, sending positive and uplifting messages instead of simply badmouthing the otherside, like Hillary Clinton and Fred Thompson.

Will it work?

[Smokey D]

It's as irresponsible for politicians to avoid partisanship for the sake of avoiding it as it is for them to follow the party line simply to follow it.

[Hababi]

It's as irresponsible for politicians to avoid partisanship for the sake of avoiding it as it is for them to follow the party line simply to follow it.

So when are you willing to compromise with the other side, and when is compromise not an option?

[Smokey D]

I can't give you an answer to that in the abstract. You need real decisions and real context.

[Hababi]

I can't give you an answer to that in the abstract. You need real decisions and real context.

Well, not dealing with specific issues, but rather a specific campaign, do you think that Obama's message is an encouraging one?

[Smokey D]

Bush ran on a post-partisan platform.

And I don't see how you can run for a party and attempt to navigate post-partisan position. At some point you're party ideals (which are hopefully you're own) are going to come into conflict with your non-partisanship.

[Hababi]

Bush ran on a post-partisan platform.

And I don't see how you can run for a party and attempt to navigate post-partisan position. At some point you're party ideals (which are hopefully you're own) are going to come into conflict with your non-partisanship.

The dawn of the information age might affect party dynamics in the long run. The institution, and all of its money, is no longer the paramount concern. This could increase over time, too.

[Smokey D]

I don't see how that solves the contradiction of party politics in a non-partisan world. Is Obama going to cut taxes on the rich and cut back social spending to appeal to his colleagues across the aisle? I doubt it, and it'd be pretty irresponsible of him to do so given the politics of the vast majority of his supporters.

[Hababi]

I don't see how that solves the contradiction of party politics in a non-partisan world. Is Obama going to cut taxes on the rich and cut back social spending to appeal to his colleagues across the aisle? I doubt it, and it'd be pretty irresponsible of him to do so given the politics of the vast majority of his supporters.

I somewhat agree, though I see that as more a factor with the idea of the Unity party with Michael Bloomberg.

There are natural limits to coalition building. Obviously you can't include everyone. Obama's starting with core principles, which a majority of Americans share (for instance, making sure that everyone has access to affordable health care), and then pursuing a vision based on that. Now, truthfully, I don't know many of Obama's specifics beyond his health care plan.

[TheDarkHorse]

partisanship is a terrible thing. American's already have a hard time thinking. Now create a group to where we don't have to think for ourselves. Thats dangerous.

[Smokey D]

Refusing to form parties is as politically crippling as refusing to compromise.

[guitrguy]

partisanship is a terrible thing. American's already have a hard time thinking. Now create a group to where we don't have to think for ourselves. Thats dangerous.

Its also why you don't see necessary social reforms going into effect.

[Hababi]

Refusing to form parties is as politically crippling as refusing to compromise.

parties are an inevitable byproduct of democracy, but their impact isn't all that good. Obviously still better than the alternative.

[Iskandar]

Partisanship is pretty damned difficult to avoid in a two-party system.

[Akira]

I think that strong partisanship is a good thing, but I also think that the only way it can be avoided is through a genuine shift in political ideology. You cannot simply decide to be less partisan.

[Valhall]

Obviously, the whole "bringing people together" is a noble idea, but I don't think it's possible because of human and political nature. Therefore, to me, it's irresponsible to cave in on any political standpoint for the sake of "can't we all get along". More people are willing to support someone who is firm in thier beliefs, even if they don't agree with them, than they are willing to support someone who is willing to flip flop and compromise based on alliances and partisanship.

[Aaron]

Transparency due to technology has definately changed the way political parties operate [I'm of the opinion it's the main reason that trade-unions are less powerful].