We Need New Democratic Leadership: Who Will Step Up?
It's clear that the establishment leadership of the Democratic Party is disconnected not only with the majority but also their base. In the age of Trump's right-wing authorianism, who will step up?
It seems demographics aren’t destiny. We are still the United States of Amnesia and are prone to our worst self-destructive tendencies. A small plurality of voters would rather see a corrupt, venal, criminal vulgarian ascend to the White House again than see a competent Black woman assume power.
Democrats are still reeling from the 2024 election results. Unfortunately, the rest of us are in a long, uphill walk for the near future as we try our best to hold on to our ailing democracy and eroding liberties and protect it from an authoritarian, White Christian nationalist force that believes it’s more important for children in public schools to read the Bible than survive bullets fired from assault rifles.
But, then again, this is America.
Democrats are, of course, learning all the wrong lessons from this election defeat, which was not a “mandate” by any means with Trump getting less than 50% of the popular vote. Instead of embracing their base, which is increasingly progressive, apathetic with corrupt institutions, and clamoring for reform, the Democratic establishment still yearns for a romantic past of civility and norms that was “great” for a few, but not great for the rest of us,
Others feel they should move to the “center.”
How did that work for them this time? It hasn’t worked out great for any progressive or liberal movement. It just moves the Overton window to the right. Corporate media like MSNBC is already bending the knee and Morning Joe is hemorrhaging viewers. Hollywood is bending the knee. Tech giants have already bent the knee. People are clamoring for some leadership or at least a fighting voice and Senators Durbin and Schumer are acting like somnambulists while President Biden is thoroughly checked out.
Meanwhile, Republicans like Rep. Nancy Mace are simply doing a reboot of the classic GOP “bait and switch” tactic of playing up the culture wars and targeting a marginalized community instead of giving Americans solutions and plans for our numerous economic, health, and educational problems. She has posted more than 300 times against Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware who is transgender.
Instead of forcefully advocating for their colleague and transgender rights, Democrat leaders are caving and staying silent. Instead, it’s up to Rep. AOC and others, like Rep. Jasmine Crockett, to at least speak up, call out the tired, ugly, but successful GOP playbook, connect the dots, and defend progressive values dedicated to humanity, equity, diversity, and freedom.
In this episode of Democracy-Ish, Danielle and I unpack this week’s news and focus on what we believe is an atrophied Democratic leadership that is in need of new, bold ideas and a voice and vision that embraces reform over restoration.
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The recent election results are a stark reminder of the challenges facing American democracy. While demographics offer some hope for long-term change, they are not a guarantee against regression. The fact that a significant portion of voters would choose a twice-impeached, criminally indicted figure over a competent Black woman underscores how deeply rooted racism, misogyny, and authoritarian impulses remain in American politics. This isn’t just about individual choices—it’s about systemic failures and a political culture that continues to cater to fear and division rather than hope and progress.
Democrats, unfortunately, are floundering at a critical moment. Instead of embracing their increasingly progressive base—young voters, communities of color, and working-class people disillusioned with corrupt institutions—the party establishment clings to a nostalgic vision of bipartisanship and civility that no longer exists. Moving to the so-called “center” hasn’t worked in the past, and it’s not working now. All it does is normalize right-wing extremism and shift the political landscape further to the right. The Overton Window keeps sliding, and the Democratic leadership seems content to watch.
Meanwhile, Republicans continue to play their culture-war playbook with ruthless efficiency, targeting marginalized communities while offering no real solutions to the pressing issues of our time: healthcare, education, climate change, and economic inequality. Figures like Rep. Nancy Mace amplify attacks on trans rights and Rep. Sarah McBride, diverting attention from their failure to address the real needs of their constituents. Instead of standing firmly in defense of these communities, most Democratic leaders remain silent, leaving a handful of progressive voices like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett to carry the mantle of equity, justice, and bold reform.
This silence is not just a moral failing—it’s a strategic disaster. Americans are hungry for leadership that is unafraid to call out disinformation, defend human rights, and challenge the billionaire class that manipulates our political system for personal gain. From Elon Musk’s voter suppression tactics targeting gamers and sports fans to Russian-linked bomb threats aimed at sowing chaos, it’s clear that democracy is under siege from within and without. And yet, Democrats appear unprepared to fight back.
The Republican agenda, including the dystopian goals outlined in Project 2025, poses an existential threat. Plans to dismantle social safety nets, violate human rights, and decimate government institutions are not only cruel but also deeply unpopular. Economists and financial experts warn of the economic catastrophe such policies would bring, yet Republicans press forward while Democrats fail to articulate an alternative vision that energizes their base and persuades independents.
Progressive leaders must seize this moment. The Democratic Party doesn’t need more centrism—it needs a bold, unapologetic commitment to humanity, equity, and justice. That means not just opposing the GOP’s regressive agenda but actively championing policies that improve people’s lives, from Medicare for All to a Green New Deal to robust protections for LGBTQ+ communities and workers’ rights.
The fight ahead is steep, but it is not hopeless. History has shown that grassroots movements, when supported by bold and visionary leadership, can overcome even the most entrenched systems of power. It’s time for the Democratic Party to stop chasing a mythical "middle" and start leading. Our democracy—and our future—depends on it.
Kamala ran with Liz Cheney for God’s sake. This narrative about the left has got to stop. The base doesn’t want republican light. They want progressive policies. And so does America if you take away the labels and names and just poll on the policies. An alienated base is why Kamala lost. Not her fault though. She listened to her handlers who guided her like they always do: ignore your base, get that errant swing voter. We have the votes, but you can’t abandon us.