It was President Ronald Reagan who said, “The Democratic Party is the party of government.” Although he didn’t intend that as a compliment, many Democrats would agree.

Take the 1988 contest between presidential candidates Michael Dukakis and George H.W. Bush. In a televised debate, Dukakis said, “The purpose of government is to do something, not wait for the market to do it, which it won’t.” Bush’s memorable line was, “Read my lips. No new taxes.”