Why I Am a Democrat [Hardcover]

Theodore C. Sorensen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1996

For those Americans who have questioned or forgotten the aims and strengths of the Democratic Party, a well known Democrat from the Kennedy era has written a thoughtful reminder.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Democratic Party "must build from the bottom up a national party of citizens," eschewing special interests and corporate donors, declares Sorenson, a corporate lawyer and former JFK speechwriter. Though the author also urges Democrats to differentiate themselves more sharply from Republicans, this sober book is more primer than prescription, as the diplomatic author mostly avoids criticizing what many see as the ideological waffling of President Clinton or the splits within the party. Instead, mixing historical reflections with current commentary, he contends that free-market Republicans attack the poor, not poverty; that we need government, not deregulation, to solve large-scale problems; that anti-tax zealots ignore the fact that Americans pay the lowest taxes in the developed world; that affirmative action, while a "messy, imperfect solution," deserves retention; that the federal government can share power with the states without Republican-style devolution; that Republicans oppose gun control; and that isolationist Republicans oppose important international treaties and disparage the flawed but vital United Nations. Only the Democratic Party, he declares, "has the history, philosophy, diversity and constituency to become once again the Party of Conscience." That political task, however, is beyond the scope of this book.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Sorensen has written an eloquently articulate definition of the historic differences between the Democratic and Republican parties' positions on topics ranging from family values to federal regulatory philosophy. To students of political science and those familiar with the parties' ideological shifts and evolutions of the last-half century, he does not reveal anything new, but to readers unaware of the traditional tenets of longstanding Democrats, this brief testament by a Kennedy-era stalwart answers a lot of questions in a highly readable style. Sorensen analyzes the Republican Congress's Contract with America and shows how he feels it shortchanges middle-class Americans and benefits wealthy and corporate America. He defines the differences between the parties' positions on social, economic, environmental, and military issues, and he recommends four ways to strengthen and focus the Democratic party to regain public confidence and popular support. For larger collections.?Jill Ortner, SILS, SUNY at Buffalo
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 246 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co; 1st edition (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805044140
• ISBN-13: 978-0805044140
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #440,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sorensen is the poet of the Democratic Party!, October 13, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Why I Am a Democrat (Hardcover)

Sorensen reminds each Citizen of America that we still have both the abilities and the obligations to serve our families, communities, and country. He asserts that we can do better, and we will do better. Each of us should create hope in places where there is none. We should give of ourselves, in order to grow as a nation. If there is no hope, create some! With every good wish...God Bless America Jeremy Gabriel Bourret (DEMOCRAT)

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring., July 27, 2002

By 

"ronfelt" (Norfolk, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why I Am a Democrat (Hardcover)

This is a great book to remind us young Democrats what our party has stood for and stands for. We can be proud of our heritage.

Of course this book is going to get nasty reviews from Republicans, but hey, that's why it's a good book!...

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A prominent place on my shelf, October 29, 1999

By 

ADP (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why I Am a Democrat (Hardcover)

Like "We're Right, They're Wrong," Sorensen's book is pure pleasure for us unapologetic liberal Democrats (and there are far more of us than is generally acknowledged), reminding us why we are that. Sorensen is an eloquent writer, both principled and pragmatic, who is more respectful to his/our opposition than you would expect (but not without explaining *why* they're his opposition!) His historical background as a witness to the Kennedy years enhances his credibility. While it is short on specific facts (for that, I would recommend American Prospect Magazine, or an E. J. Dionne book), Sorensen's book is inspirational and moving, and will always have a prominent place on my shelf. What a pity that it's out of print.