Similarly, the re-alignment of Democratic messaging may create a choice between two coherent and substantive political philosophies. That would be a welcome change.

Yet, the public space has already reached a saturation point for political messaging. Between individual politicians, party platforms, and super-PAC advertisements, most people have heard all of the talking points and have either memorized or rejected them.

Hearing those talking points, however, does not necessarily equate to understanding the issues. This election cycle in particular has shown a flagrant disregard for accuracy or clarity.

The new Democratic message may only further add to that confusion. It may copy the unfortunate style of the Republican message, which has become a shell of its original self, providing mere echoes of substantive policy discussion.

There remains a glimmer of hope that the rhetoric of last week’s convention will mark a positive turning point for the Democratic Party. It has finally regained its footing in defense of liberalism. Both parties now have an articulate defense of their respective philosophies.

Politicians can passionately defend and debate their beliefs, like last week’s convention speakers, or they can reduce them to sound bites that preclude any attempt at serious discussion. It may be unfortunately easy to predict the path that they will take.

Raul Quintana ’14, a crimson editorial writer, is a Social Studies concentrator in Leverett House.