An Obama Mandate?

I find it amusing to watch the political pundits and commentators debating over whether or not Obama has been given a mandate, and what the nature of such a mandate may be. Are we ushering in a new era of political "progressivism." Sure we are, just as much as we ushered in a permanent Republican majority in 2004.

The truth is that people do not vote en masse based on ideologies. Most people do not even have a political ideology, let alone vote based on one. People vote based on how well they think each candidate addresses the concerns that they and their peers have for the country, and how well those solutions presented comport with their sensibilities.

Even ignoring Obama's political acumen, it is clear from the past 2 years that conservatives have failed to even address in any serious manner some of the major concerns that Americans are having-- rising college and healthcare costs, a polarization of incomes coupled with stagnating middle incomes, and diminishing job security. When conservatives do not sit at the table for the discussion, then the opposition wins the argument by default. The only way we are guaranteed to enter into an era of progressive hegemony is if conservatives insist on no more than buckling down and being more pure versions of their 1980's selves while ignoring the concerns of the people who actually vote.

Rich Lowry discusses this in more detail. It is a very insightful article. To read, go here.