Mansfield on Politics

Speaking of maestros and pens, let me call your attention to an essay by Harvey Mansfield in the fine magazine, City Journal. Mansfield’s topic is “Our Parties,” with Part I on “The Democrats: How Progress became Drift,” and Part II on “The Republicans: Party of Virtue.” And as an introduction to these challenging but very rewarding pieces, or as a tide-me-over until you have the leisure to read them, I’m happy to present a new conversation with Harvey Mansfield. In it, Mansfield considers our two major parties, the ideas behind them, and the qualities that often go with being a Democrat or a Republican. Mansfield argues that the Democrats are the “party of progress” — and that progressivism may be headed for a crisis. Mansfield calls the Republicans the “party of virtue” and suggests the challenges that brings to the GOP. I do think this conversation is awfully enlightening as to the state of our politics and the deeper currents animating the events around us, and that you’ll find it worth taking a look at. And then you can set aside considerably more time to read and reflect on Mansfield’s articles themselves!