Thomas Frank, the populist who wrote a book claiming that the people are hopelessly stupid, is quite mysteriously nostalgic for the glorious day when Democrats had ideas:
Democrats, I always point out, used to have a really quality identity: They were the party that believed we could do something about the world around us; that we could use the state and other institutions to achieve economic security, to win “freedom from want.” Beginning in the 1930s, they were the party of mastery over drift.
Times of overwhelming economic insecurity like the present ought to be times when Democrats of this variety prosper, when their values and their message find enthusiastic audiences around the country. And, indeed, polls confirm that the public strongly supports key elements of old-style Democratic program, national health insurance, good schools, etc. But Dems aren’t prospering. Why not? Because, I think, too many Democrats are unwilling to embrace their dynamic heritage.
But nobody else looks for a return to the Great Depression, so following this reasoning is a prescription for failure on the part of the Dems.
(note: He’s doing this today because I wacked him good yesterday.)