False Democratic Dichotomies; John Edwards on People and Power
David Mizner's Dailykos diary: Edwards Rejects Clintonomics; will Obama?
Now, labels like "populist" and "progressive" don't do justice to the complexity of the issues and individuals involved. Few pols fit neatly into an ideological niche. But there's a fundamental choice that must be made, a fork in the political road. Do you stand with People or with Power? Edwards has made his choice.
This is a crude misidentification, right up there with some of the worst inaccurate simplifications intended to herd individuals into a particular political group.
Who'd dare side with Power in Its grinding conflict with People? How could you pick an impersonal thing over the huddled hopeful hearts of millions? Obviously, those choosing Power have no sympathy and shelter no concern for humanity! The clear choice is with People! Down with Power!
Claims that Mr. Mizner is just being rhetorical will be ignored. The whole point of his post is to showcase what he believes is Edwards' populism, his radical departure from DC establishment thinking, and his willingness to "[promote] fair trade and an activist government that helps the middle class, the working class, and the poor." Any normal observer of American politics will recognize the regular identification made between The People = Good and Titanic Faceless Power = Bad. There are times it even makes sense in context.
This isn't one of those times.
Contrary to Mr. Mizner's formulation, Edwards hasn't made his binary choice between people and power. He hasn't ditched one for the other. He certainly has not given up on power. In fact, he is whole-heartedly in favor of it.
He wants to use the power of the state for a vast overhaul of welfare programs, seeking more state spending and more subsidies. He wants to force businesses to cover more health care costs and he wants to force all Americans to get health care. He wants to use the state to throw up more barriers to trade so domestic jobs are protected. He has no problem with growing the deficit in the short or long term provided the middle-to-lower classes get their government funding.
He's fundamentally no different at all to anyone currently seeking or thinking of seeking the presidency. He's just a little more honest about his goals and his means: more power for the feds and more will to use it.