A Break in the Foul Weather : Post-election political discourse actually shows some signs of substance

One of the ironies of the current political scene has surfaced in recent days. With all the worrisome talk about mean-spirited politics, we have in fact been getting some of the serious discussion we might hope for from an election. But, for better or for worse, that talk has come after the campaign, rather than during it.

Partisans in recent days have taken a breather from accusing each other of criminal-coddling and other character flaws. Republicans and Democrats have been staking out substantive philosophical ground. There have been some refreshing moments, actually, suggestive of the potential that this unwieldy country still holds to evaluate where it has been and where it ought to be going.

Some examples include Rep. Newt Gingrich’s moment of clarity on Nov. 11. Agree or not with his philosophy, the Georgia Republican delivered an assessment of the state of big government that was coherent. On the other side of the political spectrum, Democrats like Rep. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) were talking about coming up with new ideas to respond to a system widely seen as not working. And the Rev. Jesse Jackson gave a powerful assessment of the mission and alternatives facing his Rainbow Coalition.

The post-mortem season offers an all-too-brief window for the examination of ideas and the role of government. Analysts of political advertising like Kathleen Hall Jamieson of the University of Pennsylvania note that contemporary formats for campaigns discourage the complex discussion of issues. All too soon, lofty ideas give way to programs for special interests, like the promised campaign to lift the assault weapons ban. For now, the troops of Haley Barbour, the Republican National Committee chairman, have won the day, and we will see what becomes of their “Contract With America,” a set of congressional proposals for legislative action.

Before the political wars resume, we have had a taste of modern democracy’s brief, shining interlude of self-examination. Savor the moment. What’s next may not be as elevating.

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