Political parties can survive internal struggles over identity

But most recently he seems to have joined a chorus of writers, liberal and conservative, who have chosen to describe the party that they do not favor by the most vocal, outspoken advocates. Thus, there is only the far-right Republican party and those left-wing liberal Democrats.

I remember years ago when the New Frontier staff arrived to join the John F. Kennedy administration. Rep. Sam Rayburn, D-Texas, the speaker of the House, was asked about them. Rayburn allowed how yes, they were bright, young, and energetic, but he added, “I just wish one or two of them had run for sheriff.”

I have a similar wish to that of the former speaker, except that I would like to have those who write about political parties first run for office after having a race in a party primary. Believe me, it Is different and I write that because I’ve done that.

First things first, if you are seeking the party’s nomination for the office, run left if you’re a Democrat and right if the GOP is your party of choice. The wings of a political party vote more heavily than moderates. Wingers are more passionate about issues, follow the proceedings more closely and recruit followers to their side.

However, what recent studies have shown is that there are four to five different reasons for a person following a donkey or an elephant. Some are there simply because the family has always been there, others are motivated by a single issue.   Surprisingly, there are conservatives inside the left and progressive with the movement on the right. Some join or maintain interest in one side or the other because a candidate or a series of candidates brought them on board.

Once the party’s nomination has been obtained, the admonition given to all is “shift to the middle.” The candidate must remember there are independent voters out there who will speak in the fall. A good politician is always trying to form a consensus.

Both political parties will always struggle with their identity and that is a healthy democratic function, not the death cry of a Republican or Democratic organization. History gives us many examples of Democrats and Republicans in disarray and yet they win in the fall.

For example, take the 1952 Republican contest for the nomination for president, Dwight D. Eisenhower versus Mr. Republican, Howard E. Taft. Taft’s wing of the party was traditional conservatism, hated the New Deal, and wanted the U.S. to withdraw from world affairs. Eisenhower was new to the GOP, even considered running as a Democrat and believed in heavy involvement in international affairs. Eisenhower easily won the fall election and went from General Eisenhower to President Eisenhower.

You’d think the silly season is over now that the primaries have passed. Better keep the TV off, the theater of the absurd continues. This week, when U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise came to Des Moines on behalf of Rep. Zach Nunn, he attempted to link the Democrats’ 3^rd District nominee, Iowa state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, to socialism and communism, claiming that she was a disciple of New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Trone Garriott’s campaign said she is not a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, nor a supporter of its agenda. Scalise’s assertion should fall into the category of scare tactics.

Said and done: Both parties show the strain of different internal viewpoints. A better understanding of party politics might cause correspondents to refrain from announcing the results of a fall election, based on internal divisions within a party, in August. But don’t expect political shenanigans to stop just because it’s general election time. And don’t rely on forecasts based on comments made by party leaders made at campaign events and reported as fact.

As for Mr. Will, be kind to him.  He still thinks that the Washington Nationals could win the pennant in his lifetime.