I agree wholeheartedly with your approach for the Democratic Party. I hope they read your comments and take them seriously. Dems are loosing support and membership by not addressing the core issues of living. What a missed opportunity for them!
For years I've said I'm sick of each party telling me why the other sucks. How about talking about what your plan is for making life better for the majority of Americans? What you're going to do and more importantly, HOW are you going to achieve it? Hopefully Ds finally hear this message and run on a more positive message in the future.
Exactly I Agree The Democrats have to do a better job and stand on it and put the actions forward the Average American can’t afford to live everything has been taken away and nothing is affordable. The Democratic Party Needs to address our core issues and put the action forward and stop playing into the Republican Party’s Hands
YES! Our government is not an either/or "problem to be solved" but rather a Yes/And Polarity to be Managed. There are good things we don't want to give up on both sides and there are common good things we both want. Managing it as a Polarity keeps it Healthy, rather than a see-saw of differences. Barry Johnson describes this in his 2 books "Polarity Manaagement" and "And".
As I recall, the Democratic party rarely said anything in rebuttal to the republican party, always claiming on Faux that all the problems were due to the Democrats,
To date, enough Democrats have denounced AIPAC and declined to take its money, that AIPAC declared it would not be funding Democrats. Democrats will do the right thing, eventually. We can't say that about republicans.
Has the Democratic Party spent too much time arguing over ideology instead of focusing on improving people’s everyday lives — YES. Even my gay hairdresser agrees that focussing so much energy on trans rights is a mistake. Win the election first.
Agree. My main criticism of Democrats; almost every election quickly gets centered on race and equality. Many of us are sick of hearing it as there is no political way to fix it. Reparations for centuries old grievances, only takes from one group to give to the other group. Putting up a black woman to challenge Trump was absolute suicide. Illegal immigration was a central issue for the election. Harris, was supposedly in charge of that under Biden, failed miserably.
Unification, Clear Strategy and consistent message to voters addressing important issues is critical. The alternative is what we all see in motion now 🙄
Kudos! You nailed it with one sentence; “ It needs to become more effective.” That sentence should become the Democratic party’s mantra! Today the Republican Party is a party of chaos, failure, and corruption and a majority of Americans are beginning to recognize what the GOP has become, and want to disengage it from governing. The Democrats can accelerate the disengagement of the GOP from governing and begin healing and rebuilding the American nation by “becoming more effective” in all that they do, and by constantly telling the American people how effective the are! For ten years Trump bloviated lies and promises he intended to break, and the American people are waking up to it, and the Democrats need to be as vocal only with a constant positive message.
Agree. Tired of the clutching of pearls and shock (bur no action) over the Republicans and Trump. Tired of the same old messaging, look at what they did. Hey, what are you doing to make things better Dems ?! This is what will do us in. Apathy, lack of clear strategy, goals, inaction, Dems focus on ideology rather than solutions for all Americans. That never wins the war.
I think this is one of your most thoughtful pieces because it focuses on outcomes instead of labels. Most Americans are not asking whether a policy is progressive enough or moderate enough. They are asking whether they can afford a home, pay their medical bills, raise a family, and retire with dignity.
I would add one more thing. Democrats also need to rediscover the art of curiosity and persuasion. We spend too much time talking to people who already agree with us and not enough time listening to those who don't. Lasting majorities are built through trust, respect, and conversations that leave people feeling heard, not judged.
If we can combine practical solutions with genuine respect for people across the political spectrum, we have a much better chance of governing effectively and reducing the anger that fuels our politics.
I agree. I want a unified message from the Democrats. First, expansion of Medicare to 50+ year olds and expansion to all after an audit. Worker support and entrepreneurship with aggressive antitrust enforcement. A tax system that is fair, close the loop holes. End Citizens United, get Dark money out of politics. Reform Campaign Finance. Reform and Expand the Supreme Court.
I believe purity tests are a symptom of Democrat elitism that gave birth to more widely held sentiments that rolled out a red carpet to Trump. Elitism on the left fired the resentment against intellectualism that Trump has fed on. The smartest kids in the room were too arrogant to read that room and recognize that when you call people stupid for not agreeing with you, they start to disagree with everything you say.
I wonder how this squares with trump gaining power by calling all his detractors low iq or dumicrats 🙄? Seems like democrats have taken the advice to be nicer to opponents and it led us here.
Yes, sometimes playing by rules gets us nowhere. I hope the Dems seize this moment and recognize you have to break this rule. Meet the Republicans where they are at. But you must stand together and unify to win. Because right now that is the only thing that counts. Not suggesting anything illegal. But take the gloves off and punch back. Grass roots strategies. Hit the streets, the town halls, the county fairs, focus on building a coalition of young people to energize everyone. Listen, engage, fight back. They are tech savvy, in tune with what Americans need and want. As much as I read and listen to the news, this is not where a majority of the voters are anymore. Dems have to be creative and tap into social media more, not just Dem friendly media. Be loud and get the message out!
One of the major differences between Democrats and Republicans is this …
Republicans are given a plan and no matter how wrong or immoral it is they will line up behind it like loyal thoughtless soldiers. Look at our current situation.
Democrats will encourage input and thinking. That takes time to do and then agree on a plan. Democrats need to keep the thinking AND fast track the plan for success. Someone’s feeling will get hurt. Tough. Move on to the plan for transformation!
100% correct! Lifting all boats will win elections. Universal healthcare is a must! Enforcing laws is what makes the system improve for everyone! It feels like that was what Harris was trying to point to. Perhaps I’m wrong, but the speech I saw mentioned antitrust and from there everything just spiraled out of control. Prices started rising and then it became all about how Biden’s policies drove prices up. And that is what FDR understood. Us Baby Boomers are dying off, thank god, so the way is clearing for Democrat Socialism. And before I go I hope I can vote for a Bernie Sanders clone!
Linda, this "dying thank, God" Boomer is still a Senator Sanders supporter. I'm not sure you want all of us dead quite yet. Peace to you and your parents and grandparents.
Great line: “they need to stop arguing over which version of a losing strategy deserves another chance.” I think all the terms (e.g., conservative, liberal, moderate, progressive) have become meaningless. It’s honestly not about ideology at all anymore. The winning strategy for Democrats would be to just drop their focus on this altogether in favor of championing a practical, common-sense set of wildly popular initiatives. Just take a look at the things polls show that 70-80 percent or more of US citizens want and make them happen. In all these highly desirable goals (e.g., affordable health care), urban, rural, red, blue, purple voters agree. Dems need to face this truth and act accordingly. The “make them happen” part is what people are desperate for.
Vast majorities of our citizens are also strongly anti-corruption and want to see big money out of politics. And they want to see fair taxation and to see their tax dollars spent on things that make their lives work better.
And Dems need to let go also of all the pearl-clutching about the “socialism” scare. Our tax dollars already pay salaries for firefighters and teachers and people who maintain our traffic lights and highway systems. We don’t call that socialism. If we add a new thing that tax dollars would pay for, stand up strong to efforts to demonize that new thing by calling it socialism. The new thing is simply a spending priority.
I agree wholeheartedly with your approach for the Democratic Party. I hope they read your comments and take them seriously. Dems are loosing support and membership by not addressing the core issues of living. What a missed opportunity for them!
For years I've said I'm sick of each party telling me why the other sucks. How about talking about what your plan is for making life better for the majority of Americans? What you're going to do and more importantly, HOW are you going to achieve it? Hopefully Ds finally hear this message and run on a more positive message in the future.
Exactly I Agree The Democrats have to do a better job and stand on it and put the actions forward the Average American can’t afford to live everything has been taken away and nothing is affordable. The Democratic Party Needs to address our core issues and put the action forward and stop playing into the Republican Party’s Hands
YES! Our government is not an either/or "problem to be solved" but rather a Yes/And Polarity to be Managed. There are good things we don't want to give up on both sides and there are common good things we both want. Managing it as a Polarity keeps it Healthy, rather than a see-saw of differences. Barry Johnson describes this in his 2 books "Polarity Manaagement" and "And".
As I recall, the Democratic party rarely said anything in rebuttal to the republican party, always claiming on Faux that all the problems were due to the Democrats,
Nobody will ever fight for us if they are Israeli and corporate stooges.
There are 435 membership positions in the House of Representatives and 100 in the Senate.
Care to list ten(10) candidates whom you consider NOT "Israeli and corporate stooges"?
To date, enough Democrats have denounced AIPAC and declined to take its money, that AIPAC declared it would not be funding Democrats. Democrats will do the right thing, eventually. We can't say that about republicans.
Has the Democratic Party spent too much time arguing over ideology instead of focusing on improving people’s everyday lives — YES. Even my gay hairdresser agrees that focussing so much energy on trans rights is a mistake. Win the election first.
Agree. My main criticism of Democrats; almost every election quickly gets centered on race and equality. Many of us are sick of hearing it as there is no political way to fix it. Reparations for centuries old grievances, only takes from one group to give to the other group. Putting up a black woman to challenge Trump was absolute suicide. Illegal immigration was a central issue for the election. Harris, was supposedly in charge of that under Biden, failed miserably.
Serious question. Who in the Democratic Party has focused time and energy on trans rights ?
We need to fight harder. I'm so sick of Trump and his minions. They are awful
Unification, Clear Strategy and consistent message to voters addressing important issues is critical. The alternative is what we all see in motion now 🙄
Kudos! You nailed it with one sentence; “ It needs to become more effective.” That sentence should become the Democratic party’s mantra! Today the Republican Party is a party of chaos, failure, and corruption and a majority of Americans are beginning to recognize what the GOP has become, and want to disengage it from governing. The Democrats can accelerate the disengagement of the GOP from governing and begin healing and rebuilding the American nation by “becoming more effective” in all that they do, and by constantly telling the American people how effective the are! For ten years Trump bloviated lies and promises he intended to break, and the American people are waking up to it, and the Democrats need to be as vocal only with a constant positive message.
Agree. Tired of the clutching of pearls and shock (bur no action) over the Republicans and Trump. Tired of the same old messaging, look at what they did. Hey, what are you doing to make things better Dems ?! This is what will do us in. Apathy, lack of clear strategy, goals, inaction, Dems focus on ideology rather than solutions for all Americans. That never wins the war.
I think this is one of your most thoughtful pieces because it focuses on outcomes instead of labels. Most Americans are not asking whether a policy is progressive enough or moderate enough. They are asking whether they can afford a home, pay their medical bills, raise a family, and retire with dignity.
I would add one more thing. Democrats also need to rediscover the art of curiosity and persuasion. We spend too much time talking to people who already agree with us and not enough time listening to those who don't. Lasting majorities are built through trust, respect, and conversations that leave people feeling heard, not judged.
If we can combine practical solutions with genuine respect for people across the political spectrum, we have a much better chance of governing effectively and reducing the anger that fuels our politics.
I agree. I want a unified message from the Democrats. First, expansion of Medicare to 50+ year olds and expansion to all after an audit. Worker support and entrepreneurship with aggressive antitrust enforcement. A tax system that is fair, close the loop holes. End Citizens United, get Dark money out of politics. Reform Campaign Finance. Reform and Expand the Supreme Court.
Agree, reform, reform, reform at all levels and including the Supreme Court.
I agree 👍
I believe purity tests are a symptom of Democrat elitism that gave birth to more widely held sentiments that rolled out a red carpet to Trump. Elitism on the left fired the resentment against intellectualism that Trump has fed on. The smartest kids in the room were too arrogant to read that room and recognize that when you call people stupid for not agreeing with you, they start to disagree with everything you say.
I wonder how this squares with trump gaining power by calling all his detractors low iq or dumicrats 🙄? Seems like democrats have taken the advice to be nicer to opponents and it led us here.
Yes, sometimes playing by rules gets us nowhere. I hope the Dems seize this moment and recognize you have to break this rule. Meet the Republicans where they are at. But you must stand together and unify to win. Because right now that is the only thing that counts. Not suggesting anything illegal. But take the gloves off and punch back. Grass roots strategies. Hit the streets, the town halls, the county fairs, focus on building a coalition of young people to energize everyone. Listen, engage, fight back. They are tech savvy, in tune with what Americans need and want. As much as I read and listen to the news, this is not where a majority of the voters are anymore. Dems have to be creative and tap into social media more, not just Dem friendly media. Be loud and get the message out!
I think you put it very well indeed.
Agree with your synopsis.
One of the major differences between Democrats and Republicans is this …
Republicans are given a plan and no matter how wrong or immoral it is they will line up behind it like loyal thoughtless soldiers. Look at our current situation.
Democrats will encourage input and thinking. That takes time to do and then agree on a plan. Democrats need to keep the thinking AND fast track the plan for success. Someone’s feeling will get hurt. Tough. Move on to the plan for transformation!
100% correct! Lifting all boats will win elections. Universal healthcare is a must! Enforcing laws is what makes the system improve for everyone! It feels like that was what Harris was trying to point to. Perhaps I’m wrong, but the speech I saw mentioned antitrust and from there everything just spiraled out of control. Prices started rising and then it became all about how Biden’s policies drove prices up. And that is what FDR understood. Us Baby Boomers are dying off, thank god, so the way is clearing for Democrat Socialism. And before I go I hope I can vote for a Bernie Sanders clone!
Linda, this "dying thank, God" Boomer is still a Senator Sanders supporter. I'm not sure you want all of us dead quite yet. Peace to you and your parents and grandparents.
Great line: “they need to stop arguing over which version of a losing strategy deserves another chance.” I think all the terms (e.g., conservative, liberal, moderate, progressive) have become meaningless. It’s honestly not about ideology at all anymore. The winning strategy for Democrats would be to just drop their focus on this altogether in favor of championing a practical, common-sense set of wildly popular initiatives. Just take a look at the things polls show that 70-80 percent or more of US citizens want and make them happen. In all these highly desirable goals (e.g., affordable health care), urban, rural, red, blue, purple voters agree. Dems need to face this truth and act accordingly. The “make them happen” part is what people are desperate for.
Vast majorities of our citizens are also strongly anti-corruption and want to see big money out of politics. And they want to see fair taxation and to see their tax dollars spent on things that make their lives work better.
And Dems need to let go also of all the pearl-clutching about the “socialism” scare. Our tax dollars already pay salaries for firefighters and teachers and people who maintain our traffic lights and highway systems. We don’t call that socialism. If we add a new thing that tax dollars would pay for, stand up strong to efforts to demonize that new thing by calling it socialism. The new thing is simply a spending priority.