Education - A Winning Strategy

Some of you may have seen the new Washington Post / ABC poll of New Hampshire Democratic primary voters that was published this morning. When asked, "What is the single most important issue in your choice for the Democratic candidate for president?," education came in at third place, behind only health care and Iraq, and tied with the economy/jobs. Now, readers of this blog know well the critical connections between a strong education and economic competitiveness, and it looks like the voters are starting to make those connections as well.

This poll shows that education does matter to voters, and in fact, it matters a lot. Candidates from both sides of the aisle should take note that education is an issue very much in play.

Often in this blog I stick to policy concerns, but as we get closer to the caucuses and primaries, I think it's also worth taking a look at some of the political implications of education in the election. The pollster David Winston and political consultant Christopher S. Lehane recently shared with the Hoover Institute their takes on how both parties could offer a national education strategy in order to win the 2008 presidential election.

These two takes offer a convincing argument for bringing education to the forefront of the presidential campaigns. Here are a few highlights:

From "The Right Republican Strategy," by David Winston:

"It is important, when looking at education through a political lens, to understand that it is far more than an issue. Education has morphed into something personal. For most Americans, it has become a basic value that defines, in part, who we are. For the poor it is the path out of poverty, for immigrants the chance to find freedom and opportunity. Education gives the middle class a shot at the brass ring, and for every parent, it fuels the hope that their children's lives will be better than their own."

"Because education has become such an intrinsic part of American life it may well have a decisive impact on the outcome of the 2008 presidential race, just as it did in 2000, the closest presidential election in recent history. That year, voters said in exit polls that education was the second most important factor in making their presidential choice, just slightly trailing the economy and jobs."

From "The Democratic Take," by Christopher S. Lehane:

"Given the enormous changes taking place in the world, the current education achievement gap between low-income and affluent students, and the logical nexus between a nation's economic strength and the quality of its public education system, it is incumbent on our country to put in place a national education strategy. Leaders in the Democratic Party have the opportunity to step up to the plate and provide leadership and public policy solutions."

"A national education strategy offers Democrats the chance to best the Republican Party politically by standing as protector of the American Dream. Communicating a clear economic philosophy will help the party beat the specter of higher taxes in every discussion about investing in the country's future."