Post by JesusLooksLikeMe on Jul 27, 2004 7:56:10 GMT -5
What you're describing is the soundbite nature of modern politics, Chrisfan. They all do it, but proponents of "third way" politics (the brand of conservative liberalism practised by Clinton and Blair) seem to have raised it to an art-form, together with a general polish of presentation and backroom spin that makes them the formidable election-winning politicians that they are.
It's one of the things that should see either H. Clinton or Edwards provide a more formidable opposition than Kerry at some point in the near future.
However, it's no great cause for concern. Yes, it means specific pledges are few and far between, but one can gain a sense of the ideology and the nature of the third way project both by the general thrust or tenor of the overall message, and by an examination of the hugely successful policies of both Clinton and Blair while in office. The fact that they are masters of using modern media to distill their message into news round-up soundbites that chime with a TV-age electorate should in no way be confused with the issue of whether Third Way politics are efficacious.
The economic and electoral records of both men is simply brilliant, and both have been the undefeated nemesis of the right, leaving conservatives in both nations thrashing around in impotent fury. Luckily for the American right though, you guys have the two term limit
It's one of the things that should see either H. Clinton or Edwards provide a more formidable opposition than Kerry at some point in the near future.
However, it's no great cause for concern. Yes, it means specific pledges are few and far between, but one can gain a sense of the ideology and the nature of the third way project both by the general thrust or tenor of the overall message, and by an examination of the hugely successful policies of both Clinton and Blair while in office. The fact that they are masters of using modern media to distill their message into news round-up soundbites that chime with a TV-age electorate should in no way be confused with the issue of whether Third Way politics are efficacious.
The economic and electoral records of both men is simply brilliant, and both have been the undefeated nemesis of the right, leaving conservatives in both nations thrashing around in impotent fury. Luckily for the American right though, you guys have the two term limit
