Anyway, my first thought is that on what I would consider some of the core liberal democratic ideology, the counter arguments bring things out that aren’t very pretty.

I would say that the right to choose is a core liberal democratic principles, which is perhaps the most main stream of their ideologies. The problem with shouting out we’re pro choice is what the choices are, which invariably makes people think of abortion, and regardless one position on it’s legality, at the very least should make one a little uncomfortable. Other things which are even less mainstream such affirmative action have a much a powerful counter argument (ie the only way for race not to matter is for race not to matter). Where as the counter argument for low taxes is let the rich pay their fair share, which is not as powerful.

Another part of it is perhaps Democrats inflated sense of intelligence, and that trying to appear more nuanced is sign of superior reasoning.

Finally, I would like to get your idea of what those democratic principles that should be extoleld should be.

Most definitely. I get the impression that they don’t extol or defend liberal Democratic ideology because they don’t actually really believe in it.

I have some thoughts on this, but it’s late. So I will take my softball set up, and write more tomorrow…