The conversation-Self Image and Party Politics

New York Times columnists David Brooks and Bob Herbert discuss the future of the Democratic and Republican parties.

"If conservatives won’t accept moderate candidates in the Northeast, then they are sentencing themselves to permanent minority status."


"Folks are not opposed to a health care overhaul, but they’re understandably wary. They fear it will drive the deficits higher and they’re not sure that this big, complicated, very difficult to understand system is the best thing for their families. There is genuine worry about what might happen if the new system — whatever its final contours — turns out to be unaffordable."