Does Obamas win open the door to a new Progressive Era?
By Kirsten B. Mitchell WASHINGTON – Ronald Reagan called them the nine most terrifying words in the English language: “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” Where Reagan saw fear, voters on Tuesday saw hope that the historic victory by Democrat Barack Obama could herald a generational shift in American government. Nearly three decades after Reagan sparked a conservative transformation, many of Obama’s supporters hope the first president born in the tumult of the 1960s will deliver an equally defining progressive shift. The shift could change almost every facet of American life. Obama’s backers envision an empowered federal government squarely in control of the presidency and both chambers of Congress that will: Make affordable health care available to all Americans, including most of the 47 million who have no insurance. Narrow the gap between rich and poor, which is at its largest divide since the 1920s, through some higher corporate taxes and income taxes on the wealthy and
