Back to the Future: Ongoing Strife among Leftist Intellectuals

Abstract

This essay reviews two books: Todd Gitlin's Intellectuals and the Flag and Eric Lott's The Disappearing Liberal Intellectual. The views of Gitlin and Lott represent a broad and contrasting section of contemporary left-wing opinion. The conflict between them raises deep and unresolved questions about the Left's status in America. The ongoing strife among intellectuals on the left suggests that the Democratic Party has a long way to go before embracing a set of core principles that can unite the party, forge a new coalition, and provide a rationale for governing.

Recommended Citation

DiSalvo, Daniel (2006) "Back to the Future: Ongoing Strife among Leftist Intellectuals," The Forum: Vol. 4 : Iss. 3, Article 6.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol4/iss3/art6