Democrat or Republican #4

Career politicians and the big tent

Our survey of American political parties would not be complete without commenting on a very different aspect of partisan behavior, a view that sees the parties as “landing spaces” for professional office seekers who have sought access to government to advance the special interests of those who supported their elections and “owns” their loyalty. 

The American political system is far less ideological than party systems in other Western democratic countries.  In my first three blogs I sought to identify large patterns of ideological commitment, patterns of belief about the proper size of the government sector, the desired pace of change, and the traditional class conflict between rich and poor (illustrated by the role of government in supporting either the interests of business or their workers).  In these cases, one should expect that the causes are principled.  That is, partisans on both sides will believe the best interest of the country is served by the general policies that advocate. 

But that is not the whole story by a long shot.  For most of our history the larger questions have been muted.  The actual policies of government have been small scale, assisting the interests of dairy farmers or coal miners, of Western oil producers, or manufacturers whose products are produced locally and sold internationally.  A bridge here, a highway there.  The allocation of bandwidth for broadcasting.  Intellectual property rights for song writers. 

Men and women who enter politics as a career seek support for their advancement and act as agents of those who help them get elected.  These special interests identify and support their candidates.  They work hand in glove with special interest Washington lobbyists. (The interests, it should be added, that are represented are more than simply economic concerns.  Social, ethnic and religious issues are also supported in this way.)  The broad picture is that of 100s of different concerns, needs, fears and hopes. Some wish to gain advantage over competitors; others seek to block “reforms” that will weaken their market share.  Consider, as well, issues such as abortion and marriage rights. 

How does this affect the party system?  It encourages the parties to become coalitions of any and all interests (a wide tent) that have found a temporary or semi-permanent home within the general scope of one party or another.  Of course, many hedge their bets and support elected officials from both parties, recognizing that their agents can do more for them if they are part of the ruling party.  And one party may prove more hospitable than the other to particular interests.  Still, it is a system of many interests, each represented and each gaining a share of power.