Like Christianity, it’s never been tried.

What are the politics we need today? Historian David O’Brien has a few ideas. “Democrats have been able to repackage the Republican message in more attractive dress,” O’Brien argues. Taking on both parties, O’Brien offers a manifesto of the common good: “Democracy requires all of us to take responsibility for our history. Let’s find a party that will help us do that.”

  “Catholics are everywhere,” writes David O’Brien. John Roberts is about to be confirmed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Some of the most prominent members of Congress are Catholic. And much of the last presidential campaign was taken up with the issue of whether prochoice Catholic politicians could receive Communion. The Roberts nomination is an occasion for the church to put its social teachings into play in the debates about abortion, privacy, the family, economics, war and peace, and other issues.

A review of Sargent Shriver's biography & Joseph Califano's memoir