Without having read the book, yet, I'm happy to reply briefly, if only to kick the thread and the discussion.
Was King a “good” democrat?
Yes, absolutely. IMO, a good democrat is principled and deliberate, and their actions match their words, even if they don't match the party platform.
Should he have opposed the democrat president publicly?
I believe a good and thoughtful democrat takes the long view, which may required taking action strategically, and this includes public statements.
Was he wrong in wanting a choice in the primaries, other than the sitting president?
No, I think full participation in the process requires honesty; compromising at the primary level is an insult to the dream.
Was he wrong to criticize the Justice Department?
One is never wrong in criticizing government if one is firm in their convictions.
And was he wrong for attempting to pressure Senator Kennedy to speak out forcefully against the war in Vietnam?
Oh, hell no. And this last question reveals, for me, the dual and truly opposite definitions of the term "good democrat".
I'll leave it at that, sir.
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