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Editorial
May 18, 1949
The Key West Citizen
Key West, Monroe County, Florida
What is this article about?
The editorial critiques the notion of national political parties in the US, arguing they are merely aggregations of independent state parties with varying positions, illustrated by Southern states' refusal to support President Truman and differences in Democratic and Republican platforms across states like South Carolina, New York, Missouri, California, Vermont, and Tennessee.
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WE HAVE NO NATIONAL PARTY
The general idea that the United States has two parties, operating on a national level, is far-fetched, but not many Americans stop to analyze the situation.
It is obvious that the major political parties are not "national" but represent nothing more than the aggregation of a number of state parties, which operate, inside their states, as they please.
This was illustrated by the refusal of four Southern States to pledge their electors to President Truman. It is demonstrated by the wide differences that exist between the various state delegations of the same "national" party issues in Congress.
There are wide differences between what the Democratic Party stands for in South Carolina, in New York and in Missouri. Likewise, there is not a singleness of purpose in the policies of the Republican Party in California, in Vermont or in Tennessee.
The general idea that the United States has two parties, operating on a national level, is far-fetched, but not many Americans stop to analyze the situation.
It is obvious that the major political parties are not "national" but represent nothing more than the aggregation of a number of state parties, which operate, inside their states, as they please.
This was illustrated by the refusal of four Southern States to pledge their electors to President Truman. It is demonstrated by the wide differences that exist between the various state delegations of the same "national" party issues in Congress.
There are wide differences between what the Democratic Party stands for in South Carolina, in New York and in Missouri. Likewise, there is not a singleness of purpose in the policies of the Republican Party in California, in Vermont or in Tennessee.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
National Parties
State Parties
Political Fragmentation
Democratic Party
Republican Party
Southern States
Truman Electors
What entities or persons were involved?
President Truman
Southern States
Democratic Party
Republican Party
South Carolina
New York
Missouri
California
Vermont
Tennessee
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Absence Of National Political Parties
Stance / Tone
Critical Analysis
Key Figures
President Truman
Southern States
Democratic Party
Republican Party
South Carolina
New York
Missouri
California
Vermont
Tennessee
Key Arguments
The Idea Of National Parties Is Far Fetched
Major Parties Are Aggregations Of State Parties Operating Independently
Illustrated By Four Southern States Refusing To Pledge Electors To Truman
Wide Differences In State Delegations On Issues In Congress
Democratic Party Varies In South Carolina, New York, And Missouri
Republican Party Lacks Singleness Of Purpose In California, Vermont, And Tennessee