Reply #6: Update: Great write-up from the John Hopkins newsletter. Things are changing. [View All]

http://www.jhunewsletter.com:80/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&uStory_id=06c001ca-ede1-4e4d-8aeb-9adc0f09c963

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Current issue: October 18, 2007Editorial
Engaging new constituencies
Issue date: 10/18/07

'Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean's speech in Shriver Hall last week raised a number of compelling political questions, but one seems particularly relevant both to young adults as an electoral constituency and Americans in general. Dean claimed that the Democratic presidential candidates are engaging new and previously disenfranchised political constituencies - young adults, minorities, women - while the Republican Party remains steadfastly "monolithic."

The News-Letter applauds this kind of politically inclusive attitude coming out of the mouth of a national leader and hopes such a philosophy prevails in this political season. The current trend in American politics has been political polarization. Such polarization has tended to move leaders farther toward the extremes of ideology in order to consolidate political support. American politics is currently dominated by an "us vs. them" mentality."

I agree to a certain point. I think there are times our Democrats must be partisan. Dean is bridging gaps because it is his job to do that right now...to win. But he did get partisan as well during the speech.