"After eight long years of George W. Bush, millions are counting the days to the inauguration of a Democratic president. But would a Democrat in the White House and a Democratic Congress deliver on the changes so many want to see? " "In this incisive challenge from the left, Lance Selfa argues that skepticism is in order. Offering a broad historical perspective, Selfa shows how the Democratic Party has time and again betrayed the aspirations of ordinary people while pursuing an agenda favorable to big business and U. S. imperial ambitions. " "Further, The Democrats makes the case that the party's record of backing the rich and breaking promises to its voting base is not a recent departure from an otherwise venerable past, but results from its role as one of two parties serving the interests of the U. S. establishment. "--book jacket.