Building Red America

WASHINGTON -- "In this autumn of their discontent, Republicans tremble as November nears. But now comes yet another book by a gloomy liberal anticipating permanent Republican dominance. Thomas B. Edsall of The New Republic, in 'Building Red America: The New Conservative Coalition and the Drive for Permanent Power,' argues that inexorable social forces, augmented by the conservatives' superior reservoirs of anger, ruthlessness and cynicism -- he neglects only the word 'wickedness' -- favor Republicans, 'the party of the socially and economically dominant.'

The parties are almost at numerical parity, but Edsall, who until recently was a Washington Post political reporter, says Republicans represent people 'more broadly skilled in economic combat' and 'more accustomed to the rigors of the market.' Hence Republicans can maintain 'a thin but durable margin of victory.' Their technique is 'the symbolic manipulation of controversial sociocultural issues touching upon national security, patriotism, race, sex, and religion.' "

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