Democrats Go Left, GOP Goes Right--Good for Politics?

Is the center of Democratic politics dead? This week, the Democratic Leadership Council folded. The group that reshaped the party after disastrous defeats by steering a middle course and helping elect Bill Clinton in 1992 had lost support and funding. Democrats aligned with that view—Evan Bayh, Kent Conrad, Jim Webb, Jane Harman, and others—are dropping out of politics by the week. The Democrats seem to be reasserting a staunch liberalism, even as Republicans move toward a more conservative stance. Is this good or bad? Some think that having starkly opposed parties is the way a two-party system should work. Others see a damaging divide that could make Washington nastier, and less effective, than it already is. What do you think? Post your thoughts below.

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