This is the wrap up of Salon.com's Chauncey Devega's great article on why Dems can't stay united, even when they're winning:
"Democrats need to embrace a high-dominance leadership style if they want any real chance of stopping the Trump administration’s authoritarian onslaught. Part of the president’s core appeal and brand is that he doesn’t back down. Trump is a political warrior for MAGA –– and most importantly, himself. Even when he is losing by most conventional measures, he keeps fighting and throwing political punches.
Democratic voters are desperate for fighters. This, at least in part, explains Zohran Mamdani’s recent victory in New York City’s mayoral race, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s rise in popularity for the 2028 presidential election.
Americans love a winner and hate a loser. Unless they break the habit of learned helplessness and change leadership, Democrats are sure to keep losing." (our emphasis)
The whole article is a must read. Earlier in his article, Devega quotes The Atlantic's Adam Serwer, who nails the difference between leadership in the MAGA / Republican Party and that of the Dems:
“American politics makes a lot more sense when you realize that the GOP is afraid of pissing off the GOP base, and the Dems are afraid of pissing off the GOP base, but neither party is afraid of pissing off the Dem base.”
💪😃 I also want fighters in the Democratic party. I am a fan of Mamdani and a longtime supporter of Newsom.
ReplyDeleteI worry, though, that any big push for youth and flamboyance could drive out excellent incumbents who are not so flashy.
My own representative in the US House is Veronica Escobar, TX 16-El Paso. She is a progressive Democrat who fights hard and is really skilled in communicating with her constituents. I receive an email from her once a week, she travels home often to meet with us, and maintains a responsive local office staff.
Escobar is 56, young in political years, but is being challenged by some younger people. I don't begrudge these challengers their political careers, but what a mistake it would be to rid ourselves of experienced fighters to accommodate a wave of young Turks! 🤨