In his speech, Dionne provided fresh insight into the problems facing contemporary American political culture. He contended that we need real partisanship, which means dedication to principles and debate over real differences. Instead, political life today closely resembles "Seinfeld politics," partisanship about nothing. Worse yet, partisanship has become synonymous with nastiness. In contrast to this reality, Dionne stated that properly conceived, partisanship should be a force for good. It demands commitment, not just to individuals, not just to the pursuit of power, but to a set of ideas and principles.

Despite the bleak view of current politics, Dionne believes the nation is entering another Progressive Era, similar to that of earlier generations, with an agenda of reforming government, increasing civic involvement, and reviving community spirit. Moreover, he predicted a new era of civility, in which citizens will accept ideological differences and try to have constructive conflict lead toward greater understanding. Focusing on the citizenry of the future, Dionne observed that the young people of today are not indifferent. Rather than political activism, however, they are into social activism.

Dionne concluded with a warning. Quoting from one of Margaret Chase Smith's speeches on freedom and articulation, he agreed that "freedom unexercised may become freedom forfeited." Dionne added that "democracy involves real argument between citizens."