ABSTRACT
In June 2000, Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush proclaimed his support for privatizing part of the Social Security system. A new majority coalition is emerging that rejects the conservative, antigovernment ideology and instead supports bold, pragmatic initiatives that can help provide economic security in an age of change. Ruy Teixeira and Joel Rogers argue that a new, progressive economic agenda that offers hope, opportunity, and economic security to hard-pressed working families could unite the forgotten majority with African Americans, Hispanics, and other Americans struggling to attain or retain middle-class economic status. Al Gore, backed by a powerful grassroots movement, repeatedly reminded voters of the value of the basic social insurance principles behind Social Security, and explained how Bush's plan to divert a portion of Social Security taxes to fund private accounts would undermine economic security for most Americans. We must try to forge a common strategy around a larger vision of political and economic change.
