Journey of Purpose
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Reflections on the Presidency, Multiculturalism, and Third Parties
Paul Tsongas
Tsongas begins with a personal account of his 1992 political campaign, revealing why he entered the race for president, how he felt as the campaign foundered for lack of funds, and the lessons he learned. He next discusses the need for a multicultural meritocracy in the United States, presenting his opinions on gays in the military, affirmative action, and other controversial subjects. Finally he offers his interpretation of the 1994 election that swept the Republican Party into power in both the Senate and House, asserting that the election should be seen not as a mandate for Republican ideology but rather as a massive rejection of Democratic policy. Tsongas suggests that there is a vast number of Americans who are socially liberal and fiscally conservative, who are not satisfied with the programs of either major party, and whose needs might be filled by a third party, and he articulates principles that this party might follow. He concludes by challenging America's young people to broaden the view of who Americans are and what Americans can be, to make their own lives a journey of purpose.
"In the hurricane moment of American politics, Paul Tsongas is a valuable observer at the eye of it all—calm but insistent, wise, practical, and candid about the odds of our national success. Journey of Purpose offers the urgent lesson that our storm-racked ship of state bears not only the freight of our own generation but the fate of all the generations still to come."—Mario Cuomo
"In his latest book Paul Tsongas challenges America to renew its commitment to future generations by replacing politics as usual with a philosophy based on economic security and social inclusion. This formula for revitalizing our national community is informed by cogent political analysis, and it appeals not just to the mind of citizens and politicians but also to the spirit of our great nation."—Senator Bill Bradley
"Read this book to learn more about Paul Tsongas, the courageous budget-balancer of the 1992 campaign."—David Mayhew, author of Divided We Govern
"Paul Tsongas is as straightforward in his writings as he was in his deliberations as a U.S. Senator and later as a candidate for President of the United States of America. He represents good old fashioned common sense and has always put his energies where his mouth is."—Lowell P. Weicker, Jr.
"A manifesto for third-party success."—Booklist
"A deeply meditation on contemporary American politics."—Paul Starobin, LUCE
Publication Date: January 11, 1996