Platform Issue: Getting Back to Basics

Michael Tomasky writes in a recent American Prospect piece that leftists should refocus the national debate away from a perspective centered on individuals and toward a vision based on the common good. The former view was espoused, as now, during times of conservative dominance, while the latter view was embraced during times when progressivism was successful. An individualist perspective speaks to conservative frames of aloneness, aloofness, and selfishness. A communitarian perspective speaks to progressive frames of community, caring, and generosity. The left has much to do when it comes to framing.