Statecraft Podcast Summary: "Why the Two Parties Operate Differently"

Hosted by Santi Ruiz, Episode Released on January 29, 2025

In this enlightening episode of Statecraft, host Santi Ruiz engages in a deep conversation with Joe Freeman, a pioneering figure in the women's Liberation movement of the 1960s, a dedicated civil rights campaigner, and a respected political scientist. Drawing from Freeman's extensive experience attending every Democratic convention since 1964 and almost every Republican convention since 1976, the discussion delves into the foundational differences between the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States. Freeman's insights are particularly relevant in understanding the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race and the evolving nature of American political parties.

1. Introduction to Joe Freeman and Her Work

Santi Ruiz introduces Joe Freeman, highlighting her unique background and contributions:

"Joe Freeman...was a founding member of the women's Liberation movement in the 1960s, a civil rights campaigner, and later a political scientist...she wrote two papers about the structure of America's political parties" ([00:22]).

Freeman's focus on the organizational structures of the two major political parties provides a lens through which to examine their operational differences beyond mere ideological stances.

2. Political Organization of the Two Parties

Freeman discusses her research from the late 1980s, emphasizing how the Democratic and Republican parties function differently as organizations.

Freeman explains:

"We tend to think of seeing one political party. You've seen them all. But that's simply not true. Parties differ in their culture, just as societies differ in their culture" ([02:57]).

She underscores that understanding a party's internal culture is crucial for effective political activism and strategy.

3. Fundamental Structural and Attitudinal Differences

Freeman outlines two core differences between the parties:

1. Structural Difference:

   • Democratic Party: Power flows upward, emphasizing the representation of constituent groups.
   • Republican Party: Power flows downward, prioritizing personal connections and loyalty to party leadership.

   "In the Democratic Party, power flows upward... in the Republican Party, power flows downward" ([03:32]).

2. Attitudinal Difference:

   • Republicans: Perceive themselves as insiders regardless of their current power status.
   • Democrats: Tend to see themselves as outsiders even when in power.

   "Republicans perceive themselves as insiders even when they are out of power, and Democrats perceive themselves as outsiders even when they are in power" ([03:32]).

Freeman elaborates that these differences stem from the parties' social bases and historical contexts, influencing how members navigate power and influence within their respective parties.

4. Historical Analogies: From Goldwater to Trump

Addressing the prominence of individual leaders in shaping party dynamics, Freeman draws parallels between past and present:

"Phyllis Schlafly...gained her influence because of her relationship with Goldwater...If she had not had that relationship, it's highly likely she never would have risen" ([07:20]).

She contrasts this with the contemporary "cult of personality" surrounding Donald Trump, noting the unique intensity but recognizing historical precedents where single leaders significantly impacted party structures.

5. The Evolution of the Democratic Coalition and Women's Movement

Freeman traces the integration of various groups into the Democratic coalition, focusing on the transformative role of the women's Liberation movement:

Freeman recounts:

"The 1976 Democratic convention...feminists organized a women's caucus...they demonstrated their ability to mobilize people and to articulate issues" ([08:41]).

She highlights how the women's movement shifted from being a peripheral group to a central force within the Democratic Party, enhancing the party's inclusivity and policy focus.

6. The Role and Transformation of Caucuses in Democratic Conventions

Freeman contrasts the active, debate-driven caucuses of the past with the more passive, speech-focused councils of recent conventions:

"In the early period...they passed resolutions and they debated...last summer, they heard speakers, they didn't debate" ([13:32]).

She notes the expansion from a few influential caucuses to 33 diverse groups in 2024, yet observes a decline in their active engagement and influence compared to earlier decades.

7. Internal Party Politics: Open vs. Closed Conflicts

Exploring the nature of internal disputes within the parties, Freeman delineates contrasting styles:

• Democratic Party:

  "Democratic fights are loud, open in public" ([17:19]).

• Republican Party:

  "Republicans...fights...are behind the scenes and quieter" ([17:19]).

She uses recent Speaker's elections as an example of the Republic's behind-the-scenes maneuvering, contrasting it with the Democratic tradition of public debates and resolutions.

8. Ideological Factions: Republicans vs. Democrats

Freeman examines how ideological factions operate differently within each party:

• Republican Party:

  "Ideological factions in the Republican Party...generate new ideas and test their appeal...their concept of success is not winning benefits...but providing overall direction to the party" ([20:58]).

  She explains that Republican factions aim to influence the party's broader ideology, often aligning with overarching themes like tax policies.

• Democratic Party:

  "Democratic Party is heavily on the basis of constituency groups...what can they get for my group or do for my group?" ([22:05]).

  Freeman points out that Democratic ideological struggles are more intertwined with specific constituency interests, leading to policy changes initiated at the state level rather than through centralized ideological shifts.

9. Understanding 'Trashing' in Social Movements

Shifting focus to social movements, Freeman discusses the concept of "trashing" within the women's Liberation movement:

Freeman defines trashing as:

"People talking to other people about how bad a person was...personal attacks and shunning" ([24:11]).

She illustrates how trashing served as a method of social control, particularly targeting high-achieving or outspoken women, thus maintaining conformity within the movement.

10. Structuring Social Movements to Mitigate Internal Conflicts

In response to the challenges posed by trashing, Freeman offers guidance on organizing social movements:

"Have some structure, have some accountability, have some way of designating leaders...transparency and taking them out of power as well as putting them in power" ([26:15]).

She emphasizes the delicate balance between structure and spontaneity, advocating for mechanisms that promote accountability while allowing for organic growth and leadership transitions.

Conclusion

Joe Freeman's extensive experience and scholarly work provide a nuanced understanding of the operational disparities between the Democratic and Republican parties. Her insights into party structure, internal politics, and the influence of social movements like the women's Liberation movement offer valuable perspectives for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of American statecraft. This episode of Statecraft serves as a crucial resource for political strategists, activists, and engaged citizens aiming to navigate and influence the ever-evolving political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Freeman on Party Structures ([02:57]):

  "Parties differ in their culture, just as societies differ in their culture. And if you're going to be active in one, it helps to know what the culture is."

• Freeman on Democratic Power Dynamics ([03:32]):

  "In the Democratic Party, power flows upward... in the Republican Party, power flows downward."

• Freeman on Trashing in the Women's Movement ([24:11]):

  "There was an awful lot of that going on. And it tended to fall on two types of women... it operated as a method of social control for keeping women in their place."

• Freeman on Structuring Movements ([26:15]):

  "Have some structure, have some accountability, have some way of designating leaders... have transparency and taking them out of power as well as putting them in power."

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