What's Really Wrong with Our Politics

Conservatives say the strongest case in favor of immigration reform is an economic one, not values-based, arguing that an expanded pool of legal workers will boost the economy — the message that tests best in focus groups.

"The message that tests best in focus groups." There it is. That is what is wrong with our politics. They will not advocate this reform on the basis of values because it does not test well. Politics by marketing. It is found on the right. It is found on the left. It is the root of what really ails our politics, the confusion of politics with salesmanship, manipulating arguments - and voters for that matter - to reach a goal, rather than leading and shaping public opinion. It makes me sick to my stomach.