Identity conflict

Are Democrats the party of blue collar workers or high priced lawyers? Rust belt union members of east coast urban elites? Should these candidates be moving left or right to claim the middle class and labor? And does it matter? Apparently it does, judging from the number of pieces out there asking these questions. For two quick examples, here's EJ Dionne condemning Democrats for "Drop[ping] the Lunch Pail" and not focusing on blue collar folks enough, and here's Michael Moran on whether Reagan Democrats are real Democrats or Republicans in disguise or what, and whether they'll vote for Bush or the Democratic candidate. They make for interesting reading.
- posted by Anonymous @ 1:50 PM