Deep Divisions.

Deep division have now become the hallmark of American national politics. We have all heard endlessly about the "red" (Republican dominated) and "Blue" (Democrat dominated) states.

We also know that the Democrats and Republicans seem to have drawn a line in the sand and can hardly agree on anything.

This week as I write this the Democrats publicly showed their rift when New York Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton and Massachussets Democratic Senator John Kerry took diametrically opposed positions on ending us military activities in Iraq. They were speaking to a group of very liberal Democrats in New York and it was interesting to see Sen. Clinton get roundly "boooed" by the crowd when she argued that the US cannot quickly pull out of Iraq. Kerry was cheered when he said the US should start a pull out as quickly as possible.

Clinton represents the "pragmatic" line in the Democratic Party, arguing that the US must stabilize the situation in Iraq and provide continued military support. She argues that to win national elections Democrats have to be "strong" on defense. Kerry has now come out in favor of rapid pull our by American forces and believes that Americans are tired of Iraq and that Democrtas should have a clear alternative to President Bush. He is trying to appel to the more liberal base of the party.

Why is there so much confusion and division in the two parties? If you don't get the right answer came back to my blog and I'll tell you (warning: it's not a pretty picture!)

For students of American politics this is THE spectator sport to watch over the next two years as American move towards the 2008 presidential election. This will be one of the most interesting contests in a generation. Do you know why? - "Since Pres. Eisenhauer" is the clue. - Stay tuned to my blog for this one too.

Get out your scorecard and see how each party divides up on the hard issues such as Iraq, immigration, taxes, health care, and the hot social issues such as gay marriage and abortion. It's more fun than American Idol!