WSJ.com - Obama and the 'L' Word

Powered by           Since Mr. Obama's record reveals him to be a doctrinaire liberal, he dismisses ideological labels as simplistic, misleading and outmoded. In fact, "liberal" and "conservative" can be useful (if incomplete) monikers – a shorthand way of describing where an individual stands on issues and, as importantly, their political philosophy…. Mr. Obama's effort to present himself as a post-ideological figure is an effort to avoid an important national debate…. … it will not be enough for Mr. McCain to invoke the word "liberal" against Mr. Obama. Mr. McCain needs to present a compelling case on the foundational beliefs that divide liberalism and conservatism – on matters like the size and role of government, competition and accountability in education, health care, and whether higher taxes encourage or retard economic growth. Mr. McCain also needs to force a debate on the proper role of the judiciary, the protection owed to unborn children and the rights owed to unlawful enemy combatants, and whether promoting liberty should be a central aim of American foreign policy in combating militant Islam.             Click the following to access the sent link:       WSJ.com - Opinion: Obama and the 'L' Word* This article will be available to non-subscribers of the Online Journal for up to seven days after it is e-mailed.                   Get your EMAIL THIS Browser Button and use it to email content from any Web site. Click here for more information.               *This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address below into your web browser. http://online.wsj.com/wsjgate?subURI=%2Farticle%2FSB120709783253682035-email.html&nonsubURI=%2Farticle_email%2FSB120709783253682035-lMyQjAxMDI4MDA3MjAwOTI3Wj.html