Lessons from Past Primaries

[H2O Man]

6. Thank you.

Thirty years ago, there was the wing of the party known as Kennedy Democrats. They were recognized as a powerful force within the party. Some democrats felt the Kennedy Democrats had a sense of entitlement, and resented the associated behaviors (such as Ted running in the 1980 primaries against Carter).

Today, the media talks about if the Democratic Party is still the Party of Obama, or is it again the Party of the Clintons? This is, of course, distinct from recognizing various wings within the party. Even if the Clinton Democrats are the most powerful wing -- with potential voters and money -- they are still a wing, not the party.

In that sense, as we approach the 2016 election season, we would do well to balance discussions on individual politicians being "centrists," with the issue of what politician can hold the party together from their center.