The Partisan Divide on Issues

[Bob Butler 54]

(12-16-2020, 01:44 PM)Classic-Xer Wrote: I'm more inclined to view LBJ and Biden/Harris as the book ends.

LBJ was definitely tail end of the New Deal progressive era.  He did make two ‘mistakes’.  He viewed Vietnam through the Domino Theory, fighting for a corrupt dictator.  He supported the minority population, including racism in the progressive agenda, earning a backlash.  The two mistakes ended the progressive era, but there is no doubt he was continuing with the world’s policeman role and the attack on the greatest problem philosophy.

Nixon, Ford and Carter ate the problems.  Watergate, the fall of Saigon, the coming off the gold standard financial woes, the oil crisis, the hostage crisis, the national malaise all threw doubt on the idea that America could throw money at and solve any problem.  I’m not sure they belong to either the progressive or conservative times.

Reagan was the key figure of the conservative era, setting the tone and policies of the time.  I would put Trump as the bad president who took those policies to absurdity and killed them.

Biden/Harris?  It is a bit early to say they set the tone for a new progressive era.  They have not done anything yet.  They seem to be restoring Obama’s presidency.  The difference is whether the Republican obstruction continues.  It is not clear where the border will be drawn from my point of view.