The Future of America's Political Parties

The Future of America's Political Parties tackles a question brought to the fore in 2004 and 2006 and certain to occupy citizens and students of politics for years to come: Where do the parties stand in relation to their historic ideals, the voters, and each other? This book provides an inside glimpse into an April 2006 conference on the future of the parties held at Claremont McKenna College in Southern California. Participants included top-tier political analysts Michael Barone, Peter Beinart, Patrick Caddell, Hugh Hewitt, William Kristol, and Roy Teixeira; noted scholars including Elaine Kamarck, Charles Kesler, Michael Malbin, Wiliam Mayer, and Nelson Polsby; and former Congressman Timothy Roemer (D-Ind.). In a combination of panel discussions and individual remarks, the participants grappled with issues such as the vulnerabilities of the Democrats on moral values and national security, Republican disillusionment with "compassionate conservatism," the challenges of the new campaign finance regimen, the future of party organization, and the role of cultural issues in the parties.