Democrats Should ‘Stand Up Strongly’ for Principles

If the Democrats gain control of at least one chamber of Congress, "the best thing that [they] can do, not just for their party and their country, but for the cause of bipartisanship, is ... stand up strongly for their principles," columnist Paul Krugman writes in a New York Times opinion piece. He writes, "In particular, the public wants politicians to stand up to corporate interests," including the pharmaceutical industry.

Krugman says that according to the polls, most U.S. residents are "actually to the left of Congressional Democrats on issues such as health care," and they "deserve to have their views represented in Congress." Krugman cites the latest Newsweek poll, which indicates "overwhelming public support" for Rep. Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) agenda for her first 100 hours if she becomes House speaker.

"The strongest support is for her plan to have Medicare negotiate with drug companies for lower prices, which is supported by 74% of Americans -- and by 70% of Republicans!" Krugman writes. He states that Democrats should not "walk and talk softly if they win," because even if "they try to act in a bipartisan fashion, their opponents will find a way to divide the nation."

Krugman says, "The truth is that we won't get a return to bipartisanship until or unless the GOP decides that polarization doesn't work as a political strategy" (Krugman, New York Times, 10/23).