Too Many Enemies

One of the reasons the Democratic coalition fell apart in the late 1960's was that it was fighting on too many fronts. In their desire to reform American society, liberals tried to tackle too many issues at once. Poverty, civil rights for blacks, feminism, the Vietnam War - the left was extremely busy in those days. By pursuing so many changes simultaneously, they alienated too many constituencies hostile to the change. The result was a sadly diminished Democratic coalition and a predictable conservative backlash.

It appears that conservatives may have made the same mistake. They have forfeited any loyalty from (deep breath): Muslims, the poor, blacks, single women, labor unions gays, seculars, environmentalists, foreign policy realists, budget hawks, and now Latinos. Hell, if we could get them to realize it, we could probably even win over the small business community, those who live in small towns, and independent farmers - each of whom has been badly damaged by the pro-corporate policies of the Republican party.

In short, the Republican party has offended most of the American population in one way or another. They have reduced themselves to an uneasy coalition of religious fundamentalists, xenophobe ultranationalists, big companies - and those voters who can be persuaded by propaganda and fear-mongering. Scarcely a recipe for a long-term political majority.

The conservative coalition is ripe for destruction. What remains for Democrats is to move in for the kill. I just hope we have the intelligence and discipline to make it happen.