ottopilot

Even with its bias, the piece makes some valid distinctions regarding hypocrisies when crying foul. While the tone of the article is working the Rep vs Dem angle, it would be more accurate to frame this as a conservative vs progressive perspective.

The minority party always plays victim with grand righteous indignation. The party in power should rightfully claim victory. But there is an unusual level of fear-mongering this time. It's nothing we haven't seen similarly before. I predict there will be some significant wrestling for control of the parties... i.e. you're with us or against us. For good or bad, party identities will become more unified.

The struggle within the Democratic Party (as a super majority) to easily pass universal care most likely reflects the friction between their own groups of conservatives, liberals, and the progressives. The same sort of struggle is occurring within the Republican Party. The many fast growing independent movements (mostly conservative or libertarian) are a bi-product of their dissatisfaction with the traditional party structures. The lack of unity within the major parties is likely from their internal progressive vs conservative power struggle.

Progressives do exist in the Republican Party. I don't say this to demonize the progressive movement (like Glenn Beck). They go back as far as (at least) Teddy Roosevelt up to guys like Bush 1 and 2, Bob Dole, Bill Frist, and John McCain. They are not conservatives by any real measure, so they would most likely support similar causes (like Democratic progressives) when fronted by their parties. Regardless of outcome, the progressives are co opting the strength of the party brand. The traditional party persona (or brand) is fading as a reliable identity tool. Because the people sense a lack of message, this will be an internal focus for both parties.

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