Paul Krugman addresses the division among progressives sparked by the rise of Barack Obama. To many of us, Sen. Obama’s promises of “an era of postpartisan unity” are as good a magical fairy tale as we’ve ever heard:
Some progressives are appalled by the direction their party seems to have taken: they wanted another F.D.R., yet feel that they’re getting an oratorically upgraded version of Michael Bloomberg instead.
Others, however, insist that Mr. Obama’s message of hope and his personal charisma will yield an overwhelming electoral victory, and that he will implement a dramatically progressive agenda. The trouble is that faith in Mr. Obama’s transformational ability rests on surprisingly little evidence.
And the money quote:
All in all, the Democrats are in a place few expected a year ago. The 2008 campaign, it seems, will be waged on the basis of personality, not political philosophy. If the magic works, all will be forgiven. But if it doesn’t, the recriminations could tear the party apart.
Sunday Times: Barnstorming Obama plans to pick Republicans for cabinet
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