Strengthening Constitutional Self-Government

No Left Turns

Was the 2002 Election a Realignment?

I’m back from sunny SoCal (all four days were between 68-72 degrees!) and now to work. The first item I would like to bring to your attention is Steve Hayward’s article in the latest On Principle; it is called "Give ’em Hell George." It is (of course) well written and is (perhaps surprisngly?) very thoughtful. Among other things he argues that there is a very interesting connection between the stunning 1948 Truman upset, and the 2002 GOP victories. You will see what he is driving at. Do read it. Let’s argue about it. This is worth a lengthy conversation. Perhaps Sir Hayward will come down to earth for a bit and mingle with the peasants.

Discussions - 2 Comments

Very funny, Peter. Some of us have books to write. Actually, I was out in California most of the week, too, enjoying the same nice weather. But mostly out the window of the Reagan Library, where I was doing research. I should think doing an OP article would get me some blogging time off. But no, apparenlty not.

Hayward offered a great argument of the Bush/Truman parallels.

This it especially true when contrasting the collectivist/individualist trends that followed the FDR/Reagan "ages," respectively.

One thing troubles me, here: "Trust" in public institutions was stunningly high following the FDR/Truman eras, and well into the late sixities (see graph): https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/images/I40374-2001Sep28

Following 9.11, that "trust" skyrocketed, only to drop back into cynical, pre-9.11, levels again.

Question: Do you folks think this a problem, or a great opportunity?

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