More Than Moderation
Posted in Main Blog (All Posts) on November 13th, 2008 5:28 am by HL
More Than Moderation
WASHINGTON — There is a broad consensus that President-elect Obama’s broad victory should be accompanied by broadly appealing policies and broad-minded appointments. The new president should follow the broad outlines of this advice — except where he should completely ignore it. The most impressive aspect of Obama’s victory was, in fact, its breadth. He improved on John Kerry’s performance among independents, suburban voters and Catholics. He won or tied every age group except those over 65. He made gains among low-income voters and the most affluent. It was important for America’s first minority president to secure a clear majority, rather than boosting the turnout of a few groups to gain a narrow, divisive victory. Obama not only won; he won in a healing manner.
