RSS Feed MenuAEI’s Peter Wallison talks to Jeb about his new book, Better Parties, Better Government. Wallison explains how enacting a few simple reforms will breathe new life into Congressional campaigns. Wallison explains how restoring the role of American political parties will make elections more competitive by allowing the parties to spend money where it will have the greatest impact. He also explains that empowering political parties would lead to clearer policy platforms, thereby better allowing voters to understand what they can expect from a candidate once voted into office.
Read David Frum’s review of Better Parties, Better Government here.
barker13 // Jul 7, 2009 at 11:25 am
Listen. The problem with democracy is… er… democracy. Human nature. Median and below average IQs. Laziness. Ignorance. Not enough time.
In other words, folks… REALITY.
I used to be involved in local (county) politics here in New York. It was a cesspool of ignorance, corruption, greed, and stupidity – all wrapped in a bow of individual self-interest. Again… we call this state of affairs HUMAN NATURE.
There’s no way to “unbreak” the system because the system is… er… us. Human beings. A few wolves, lots of sheep. As noted on another thread, we’re talking about a nation where the average American can’t even discipline him/herself enough to eat reasonable amounts of food and get a reasonable amount of exercise.
I hate to always be the wet blanket here, but someone has got to point out reality here.
What “reforms” are going to create an educated, active, civic minded, ethical, informed, logical electorate…??? Hmm…???
BILL
Oneon1isto // Jul 7, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Wait–he thinks empowering political parties are the way to democracy? Has he read the Federalist Papers? Has he seen the current state of affairs within the party system?
They already fiercely spend their cash in strategic areas…I’m not entirely sure where this argument starts.
I suppose I’ll have to check out the podcast though. It’d be nice to toss up a transcript so that those of us taking a break at work can peruse.