Here is an "analysis" from Rasmussen describing the parallels between this election and the 1896 election (McKinley / Bryant). He draws some very dangerous and offensive parallels between Democrats in 2004 and Democrats in 1896:
In both cases, Republicans had a good run beating up the Democrats for its position on the last big political war (Vietnam today, Civil War then).
The Democratic Party then and now held a strong belief that it was right and its cause was noble. Then, and now, the majority opposed the Democratic position, but a substantial minority believed in it passionately (that's why Kerry always comes back to Vietnam and why the Solid South used to benefit Democrats).
Democrats then and now tried to adopt a populist tone fighting for those hurt by economic change (farming then, manufacturing now).
Republicans hope, and Democrats fear, that the model of 1896 is carried out a step further. Starting in 1896, Republicans controlled the White House for 28 or the next 36 years.
Where to begin?
It's unbelievably dangerous to draw any parallel to the Civil War / Jim Crow / Reconstruction era, even if you are very explicit about what you mean, and Rasmussen is anything but explicit.
Vietnam was like the Civil War? How?
Democrats' positions now are similar to their pro-slavery, Jim Crow positions in 1896? How?
The majority opposes the Democratic position? What position, what majority? Rasmussen is essentially saying here, "in 1896 Democrats liked slavery even though most people didn't. Things are similar today." What the HELL is he talking about? Opposing Vietnam was like supporting slavery? Something having to do with the actual current Democratic platform? What?
Democrats try to adopt a populist tone? How is this different from being populist? Is there a secret Democratic agenda that is hiding behind this populist tone?
Kerry is like William Jennings Bryant, a fire-breathing religious ideologue and permanent symbol of futile presidential aspiration?
My god, what a thoughtless piece of crap this "analysis" is. It reminds me of one of those crap spam emails you get talking about how 9/11 and the Iraq war was foretold by Nostradamus, or described in the Koran, or whatever. It's just maddening CRAP CRAP CRAP.
