As an educator, activist, and citizen I spend a great deal of time trying to explain the relationship between institutions (like political parties, the Congress, the White House), ideas (like liberalism and conservatism, regulation and de-regulation), and interests (like winning elections). The 2008 presidential election is unfolding in a fascinating way. More than past elections, this one is providing striking examples of the complex inter-relationship between these factors as well as the serious misconceptions this complicated nexus produces among voters.The financial crisis unfolding in real time gives us an opportunity to highlight a clear, rational path through the morass for voters. Philosophically, the Republican Party is opposed to government regulation of the economy. The Democratic Party is philosophically in favor of economic regulation. Institutionally, the next president will have to work with a strong Democratic majority in Congress. And, it is obviously in the interest of committed ideologues on both sides to win this presidential election.
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