No one seems to be writing opinion pieces quite the way I would, so I decided to do it myself.

The name? Taverns are places where one goes to discuss the interesting events and things in the world, so this is my tavern.

I will offer my views on politics, economics, and whatever else strikes my fancy.
I will occasionally publish the entire article from another journal for purposes of causing discussion.

 

Internal conflicts in Both parties

According to Paul Krugman the Republicans in the current administration are fighting an internal war between the hardliners and the more moderate people.

At the same time, Bob Herbert also of the New York Times describes the current activities of the Democratic candidates for the nomination are involved in a circular firing squad.

Personally, I think that it is ten-and-a-half months before the election, and both parties are in the process of determining how they will approach it. Neither party has yet coalesced on its approach.

At the moment, it appears to me that the Republicans have given the high ground of most of the major issues to the Democrats, but they still have the Presidential incumbancy and the emotional strength of the Presidency during wartime. The ability of the Republican Party to get on message and build on it without apparent disagreement is a powerful instrument. It will be an interesting question whether Dean's ability to express the anger of the Democrats can counter that.

If Bush wins reelection in 2004, then the election of 2000 will be seen as the pivotal election for America. If he loses, then 2004 will be viewed a pivotal.
posted by Richard at 8:34 AM