Product Description

For those Americans who have questioned or forgotten the aims and strengths of the Democratic Party, a well known Democrat from the Kennedy era has written a thoughtful reminder.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1072588 in Books
• Published on: 1996-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 246 pages

From Publishers Weekly
The Democratic Party "must build from the bottom up a national party of citizens," eschewing special interests and corporate donors, declares Sorenson, a corporate lawyer and former JFK speechwriter. Though the author also urges Democrats to differentiate themselves more sharply from Republicans, this sober book is more primer than prescription, as the diplomatic author mostly avoids criticizing what many see as the ideological waffling of President Clinton or the splits within the party. Instead, mixing historical reflections with current commentary, he contends that free-market Republicans attack the poor, not poverty; that we need government, not deregulation, to solve large-scale problems; that anti-tax zealots ignore the fact that Americans pay the lowest taxes in the developed world; that affirmative action, while a "messy, imperfect solution," deserves retention; that the federal government can share power with the states without Republican-style devolution; that Republicans oppose gun control; and that isolationist Republicans oppose important international treaties and disparage the flawed but vital United Nations. Only the Democratic Party, he declares, "has the history, philosophy, diversity and constituency to become once again the Party of Conscience." That political task, however, is beyond the scope of this book.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Sorensen has written an eloquently articulate definition of the historic differences between the Democratic and Republican parties' positions on topics ranging from family values to federal regulatory philosophy. To students of political science and those familiar with the parties' ideological shifts and evolutions of the last-half century, he does not reveal anything new, but to readers unaware of the traditional tenets of longstanding Democrats, this brief testament by a Kennedy-era stalwart answers a lot of questions in a highly readable style. Sorensen analyzes the Republican Congress's Contract with America and shows how he feels it shortchanges middle-class Americans and benefits wealthy and corporate America. He defines the differences between the parties' positions on social, economic, environmental, and military issues, and he recommends four ways to strengthen and focus the Democratic party to regain public confidence and popular support. For larger collections.?Jill Ortner, SILS, SUNY at Buffalo
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
What Carville's We're Right, They're Wrong does for the rock and roll/MTV generations, JFK adviser and biographer Sorenson does for readers who remember World War II--and for younger folk who prefer measured, cogent argument to the Cajun spinmeister's snappy banter. Sorenson has spent the last quarter-century in the plush precincts of one of New York's most powerful law firms but remains committed to the moral and political principles that converted his Progressive Republican parents into FDR Democrats in 1930s Nebraska. After reviewing both parties' histories since the '60s, Sorenson contrasts their principles and policies on economic justice, government's role, taxes, deficits and other fiscal issues, race, federalism, crime, the Constitution, family values and the culture wars, and national defense. With the Gingrich "revolution" emphasizing these differences, Sorenson's argument that party principles matter--and that third parties and not voting simply strengthen the "greater evil" --will be more convincing than in the recent past. While conceding that some Democrats have violated the principles he celebrates, Sorenson urges unity around these concepts as the key to both electoral success and real solutions to the nation's problems. Mary Carroll

Customer Reviews

Sorensen is the poet of the Democratic Party!
Sorensen reminds each Citizen of America that we still have both the abilities and the obligations to serve our families, communities, and country. He asserts that we can do better, and we will do better. Each of us should create hope in places where there is none. We should give of ourselves, in order to grow as a nation. If there is no hope, create some! With every good wish...God Bless America Jeremy Gabriel Bourret (DEMOCRAT)

Inspiring.
This is a great book to remind us young Democrats what our party has stood for and stands for. We can be proud of our heritage.

Of course this book is going to get nasty reviews from Republicans, but hey, that's why it's a good book!...

Worth the Look
It would be obtuse of me to deny that this book could be construed as biased to an extent. However, Sorenson points out blatant differences between America's two primary political parties, and this is much needed in an era where people apathetically resign to the false belief that they are nearly identical.
There are books that do a better job at explaining the differences between the two parties. Being an overall good book in the genre, and Sorenson's ability of putting the ideas in an easily comprehendible format, I give it 4 stars.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has been left with a sour taste in their mouth, concerning the current political power in America(2006), and the tedious mantra of the ideologues behind it. I would also recommend this book for people in the middle of the political spectrum. Be forewarned, Republicans will only give this book a bad review.