The Underdog in American Politics : The Democratic Party and Liberal Values

One major party in American politics, the Democrats, has consciously identified itself with underdogs. This book analyzes the relationship between the party and the main political ideology of its base: liberalism. One major party in American politics, the Democrats, has consciously identified itself with underdog and this book analyzes the relationship between the party and the main political ideology of its base: liberalism The Underdog in American Politics is an original analysis of how the underdog concept applies to the Democratic Party and American politics and culture. In particular, it analyzes how the power of the underdog has shaped, and reflected, the politics of Democrats running for president. From Thomas Jefferson to Barack Obama, the author uses biography, ideology, campaign strategy and public policies to depict the many different points of contact between Democrats and underdogs. The core values of equality, fairness and non-discrimination are analyzed. The role of sympathy and empathy towards underdogs is also examined Front Matter....Pages i-ix Introduction....Pages 1-5 Culture and Underdogs: The Endearing Appeal....Pages 7-21 The Political Culture and Core Ideals of Democrats....Pages 23-41 The Founders and the Great Commoner: Jefferson, Jackson, and Bryan....Pages 43-63 The Glory Days: FDR to Humphrey....Pages 65-92 The 1970s and 1980s: McGovern, Carter, Hart, and Jackson....Pages 93-123 The 1990s to 2004: Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Howard Dean....Pages 125-163 Barack Obama and the Future of the Democratic Party....Pages 165-201 Back Matter....Pages 203-265 Cover 1 Title Page 3 Copyright 4 Table of Contents 5 Figures 6 Preface 7 1 Introduction 8 2 Culture and Underdogs: The Endearing Appeal 13 3 The Political Culture and Core Ideals of Democrats 28 4 The Founders and the Great Commoner: Jefferson, Jackson, and Bryan 47 5 The Glory Days: FDR to Humphrey 68 6 The 1970s and 1980s: McGovern, Carter, Hart, and Jackson 96 7 The 1990s to 2004: Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Howard Dean 127 8 Barack Obama and the Future of the Democratic Party 166 Notes 203 Index 257