As we approach the Democratic Convention, the Democratic Party exhorts us to "unite the party," and implicitly asks Bernie Sanders' army, of mostly independent voters, to join and support the party and its candidates.
But what exactly is the Democratic Party these days? Who and what are we being asked to join & support?
Is the Party still an association of citizens, come together to support a common agenda - the "Party of the People," of FDR, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, of "The New Deal" and the "Great Society?" Or has it become a collection of insiders, supporting the narrow agenda of a select few - asking us to come along for the ride, and pay the frieght?
Has the Democratic Party become a "brand" - to be marketed to sheeple - with insider candidates, political operatives, and lobbyists being paid handsomely, by us, while exhorting us to buy their "product?"
Does the Party want "We the People," or does it just want our money and votes?