Mr. Dionne and Mr. Gigot talked about the changes in political argument by the major parties. Mr. Dionne said that the Democratic message no longer was a defense against conservative charges, but rather a new progressivism aimed at civic and community renewal. Mr. Gigot similarly said that Republicans had a confidence problem which they would need to solve to be as successful as they hope in the 2000 elections. After their remarks they answered questions from the audience.