In "The Case for Liberalism," George McGovern refutes the notion that being 'liberal' is a negative thing. His essential thesis is that liberal ideals--believing in the good of humanity, wanting progress, being dedicated to democracy and peace--are admirable traits emulated in former presidents Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Lincoln; one main goal of his article is to show how the Bush administration does everything but these things. Essentially, McGovern argues that the Bush administration is …showed first 75 words of 288 total…

…showed last 75 words of 288 total…candid and informative. McGovern is essentially defining the word 'liberal' in his owns terms, and along the way cites historical precedent and current actions as evidence. He honestly tells us what he believes. Using words like "false" and "destructive" to describe conservatives, McGovern clearly gets his message across but does so in a way that is not likely to offend, but to inform and clarify. Cleverly, McGovern does not use harsh words to criticize conservatives.