Lessons From New England; At their convention in Boston, Democrats should ask whether they can reinvent themselves the way the region has reinvented its economy.

Publication: Newsweek

Publication Date: 26-JUL-04

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Byline: Robert J. Samuelson

In some ways, the Democrats' selection of Boston for their convention couldn't have been worse. If you're trying to shed the liberal label--to appeal to the middle--then you wouldn't pick a famously liberal state, especially when it's your candidate's home. But in other ways, Boston is perfect. Not only is New England the crucible for some of the nation's proudest political ideals.

It has also experienced a spectacular economic renaissance. What New England has achieved economically is precisely what Democrats aspire to do politically.

Only 30 years ago New England seemed an economic relic. It was long on tradition and short on vitality. Abandoned shoe and textile factories abounded. From 1948 to 1973, these industries lost roughly...

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