For Peace and Trust Can Win The Day Despite All of Your Losing

Last Saturday, we had the pleasure of interviewing Victor Davis Hanson on the First Team of the Northern Alliance Radio Network. Dr. Hanson has recently co-authored a book with Steven Malanga and Heather MacDonald on immigration:



In the book and during his interview, Dr. Hanson expressed optimism that the tide has turned on immigration and that the majority of the country now favors an approach of closing the borders, controlling future immigration to better match up with America's real needs, enforcing workplace laws, and beginning a process of assimilation/attrition of those already here illegally. He also believes that this if Republicans get on the right side of the issue now, it could have a huge impact in the 2008 elections.

An article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal (free for all) at least somewhat confirms these views:



The Democrats' problem is that they raised immigration to a national issue by promoting an overhaul plan. Then, while it was left bubbling, they failed to pass a bill, despite having a majority in Congress, says Democratic strategist Peter Brodnitz who isn't affiliated with a presidential candidate.

Democrats further angered many voters by proposing some benefits for illegal immigrants before producing any economic relief for worried middle-class voters, adds Mr. Brodnitz.

Polls regularly show a majority of Americans resigned to legalizing immigrants if the process includes penalties and is balanced by improved border and workplace enforcement. But polls also show that Americans are outraged about government benefits for illegal immigrants, which makes framing a campaign message tricky for the Democrats.

In a new Quinnipiac University poll of voters in Ohio, a toss-up state, 55% favored legalizing unlawful immigrants. But only 11% said they should be allowed a driver's license and just 35% said their children should be allowed to attend public school.

In 2006, the debate over immigration reform was associated with the much ballyhooed "conservative crackup." In 2008, it could be the wedge issue that divides the Democrats.