illumined horizon

Senator Dorgan's book seems to make some provocative and necessary statements that not too many politicians from the heartland (the land of Bush Republicans and triangulating Democrats) seem to be stepping forward and making. The book looks like it will be a worthwhile read, with the Senator coming out soundly against trade deficits as far as the eye can see, exportation of good paying manufacturing jobs, and the so-called free trade/globalization orthodoxy itself. The book looks like a constructive contribution to the project of giving the Democratic Party back its spine.

Unfortunately, I see in Wikipedia, Dorgan is listed as among the Senate coterie of New Democrats, which in and of itself would seem to be antithetical to the principles and actions for which his new book is arguing. If he's changed this is understandable, if he's still a member of this dubious group perhaps he could offer up a defense that's not transparent at first glance.