Friday, March 30, 2018
Inconsistency
On page 168 Lee writes: "Perusing the Congressional Record underscores that members are sometimes even self-conscious about their party's inconsistent behavior over time." Clearly, voting inconsistently is a result of the messaging and government-versus-opposition strategies. However I would not think that any members would want to admit that. Is this something that members acknowledge often?
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I was thinking something like that too. It seems to me like it’s a necessary evil for any leader. I also wonder if the two-party system exacerbates inconsistent behavior (both individually and as an organization)? And alternatively, if switching parties would garner similar resentment. In theoretical terms, I think that it is less damaging (to the individual and to the political system) for an individual to change parties than it is for a party to change positions. Individual ideology can adapt and transform over time but party ideology must necessarily remain consistent. That’s why I would rather switch parties than try to transform the party (assuming an attractive alternative exists on the other side and assuming that I would be electable). If an alternative did not exist, then I guess I would go down the third party route - but that probably won’t work out. This problem is symptomatic of the two-party system.
ReplyDeleteTrue! Definitely a necessary evil. However, I think switching parties could also be extremely damaging to the individual, if he/she wants to be reelected. If elected in a state that is heavily dominated by one party, switching to the other party (or even a third party) could really hurt the candidate at the polls.
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