Zoo Station

Howard Dean has won the virtual Democratic primary, far ahead of Kerry, Edwards etc. I am not sure its indicative of any real trend, but I think the mere presence of Dean has exerted a left-wards lurch within the Democratic party. This lurch has led to the party standing for even less that before, beyond the usual pro-common man nonsense. I think the Democrats in the US and the Congress party in India are both in a similar situation -- not being able to define what on earth they stand for while their opponents make a stand about 3 things and make that much clear to the public. What an unfortunate situation for the Democrats, especially after the miracle Clinton had pulled off with the party in the nineties.

Lexington introduces us to Howard Dean in this week's Economist -- one part McCain, two parts McGovern, and the last thing the Democrats need.