Posted by
voice_of_reason on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 9:49:39 PM
Ideology is no longer a significant part of the discussion, except among political junkies (and most of TH-types are political junkies).
In fact, the word 'ideologue' has become a pejorative - as in 'he is an ideologue, incapable of compromise'. So, the touchstone of a 'good' politician is his/her ability to compromise, not his/her ability to stand fast on principle.
BTW, most of those who post frequently at TH (including yours truly) would be considered ideologues by 'pragmatic' politicians.
What we are seeing is the non-ideological branding of candidates, parties and issues.
Wiki definition: A brand includes a name, logo, slogan, and/or design scheme associated with a product or service. Brand recognition and other reactions are created by the use of the product or service and through the influence of advertising, design, and media commentary. A brand is a symbolic embodiment of all the information connected to the product and serves to create associations and expectations around it.
When branding of politicians is non-ideological, primaries become a search for an electable standard-bearer. The RNC and DNC machinery are well tuned to this fact, and both sides will field 'compromisers'. The angst that (R) ideologues feel about Rudy, is not that different from the angst of (D) ideologues about Hillary.
There are some conservatives that are aggressively seeking a return to conservative ideology. I support that effort (with a focus on laissez-faire economics and American self-interest) , but fear that it is doomed.
So why has "ideology" become a dirty word? Why do politicians get away with damning "ideologues" as the proverbial black sheep?
I think that it is because America has become personality/celebrity driven. Celebrity has taken the place of ideology. And not just in politics .. think of the following 'associations' that more-or-less supplant the underlying concept or entity.
* the anti-war (D) party - Hillary
* Microsoft - Bill Gates
* Global warming - Al Gore the Nobel
* Altruism - Mother Theresa
* 9/11 - Rudy