With the US Senate vote on the debt ceiling compromise impending, vitriol from both sides of the political spectrum has boiled over like an overdue volcano. Amid the fierce ranting and predictable rhetoric lies plenty of evidence that Americans and even Democrats, do not stand united.
Progressives, whom many believe are the true conscience of the Democratic Party, are certifiably incensed over the President's compromise and the subsequent passing of the bill by the House. Expressing utter shock, feelings of betrayal and downright outrage over the debt ceiling compromise, this group is one that is plainly sick and tired of being marginalized.
Boldly outspoken activists, progressives are generally perceived as agents of change. This political sub-sect shared in the great hope for positive change promised by President Obama during his 2008 campaign. With a Democrat in the White House and the Party controlling both houses of Congress, many progressive voters felt the stage was neatly set for sweeping reforms in both our government and its policies.
Progressives are free-thinkers, dreamers, and according to some, Utopian in nature. When politically angered, a progressive will staunchly protest or actively rebel. However, these individuals can always be counted on to stand tall for their ideals to the bitter end. During the debate in regard to the debt ceiling, the arguments made by progressives were clear. They expected President Obama to stand with their values, on principle.
To step outside the principles of progressives would bring certain wrath. Holding government officials accountable has become synonymous with progressivism.
Conversely, there is a segment of the Democratic Party that favors political strategy and idolatry as opposed to ideology. These Democrats will stand by their man, no matter the cost. They are loyalists to the core and in this regard, very similar to Republican voters. In the event of any deviation from ideological principle, there is justification of the act. Oftentimes, such justification goes to the point of being illogically apologetic.
In the view of these types of Democrats, the words and actions of their elected representatives and political party are not to be questioned, under any circumstance. These voters would follow President Obama to the end of the Earth, "I'm in" Facebook profile picture flying in the breeze, even if said Earth were flat. Instead of holding their elected officials' feet to the fire, these Democrats turn in anger on those who do so.
The House vote on the debt ceiling matter illustrates a Democratic Party divided between progressives and loyalists. This fact begs the question, was George Washington correct when saying the following in his farewell address?
"They [political parties] serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community."
"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge ... is itself a frightful despotism.... It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another.... A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume"
Is a "win" for our party of more substance than upholding it's core principles? Do we value holding on to political power more than our own ideals? Heading into the 2012 Presidential elections, these will undoubtedly be questions that two very different types of Democrats will be forced to address.