Why Even Losing Campaigns Can Change America

David Broder makes a good point in his column today:

Unsuccessful campaigns can have that long-term benefit for their party, but only if the losing candidate identifies himself with much larger causes. For McGovern, the causes were peace abroad and reform of the Democratic Party at home. For Goldwater, it was conservatism in its contemporary definition -- low taxes, strong defense and skepticism about government.

It was the idealism of their campaigns -- and their willingness to defy the pollsters and the political odds -- that endeared them to their young followers. And their vindication came with the successes those followers achieved.

There's a lesson in this for those running for president today. There is more than one way to measure a successful campaign. Pragmatism -- setting positions to suit the current political winds -- can yield short-term victories. But sticking to principle can build a legacy for a generation.

I've long preached that losing campaigns can still have an impact on the movement. This column says it better than I ever did.