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?
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.
Wow - As the end was near and you were more and more exciting me, I wanted to stand up and clap for you like I was at a rally!! Well done, well done, Waj!! It's uncertain and unknown if and when Drump will turn to journalists, but I wish you could send this to someone who might publish this piece. Keep writing like that here, at least. I'm inspired by what you wrote, and I'm sure there's many below me that feel the same way. I don't have much time because I forgot about 'Democracy-ish' and I want to go and watch it right away. High fives, my man, HIGH FIVES!!! LUV :)
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.
One of the biggest reasons why we are where we are today, along with the obvious culprits like right-wing, Russian-influenced & weak corporatist mainstream media; weak, unprincipled Russian-influenced Republican Party members; a weak Justice Department headed by milquetoast Merrick Garland; & a corrupt justice system headed by an anti-constitutional Supreme Court; is the DNC & corporatist establishment leaders who have dominated the party for far too long, providing no leadership & no resistance to the corrupt, fascist movement of the right. In fact, the DNC acts more like a right-wing mole, doing far more harm than help to the brand & fate of the Democratic Party.
Exactly, no one has the moral integrity to just do the right thing. Honestly, everyone should go through Marine Corps boot camp to learn to be a decent human; it worked for me, it can work for you. Once you've signed up to defend every single person in America for the Constitution of your own volition, it kind of says something about how far you are willing to go to defend human life and dignity.
I hate the Democratic Party right now. I self-identify as Democrat, but I loath them right now. Where are the firebrand like Gaetz and Taylor-Green who just keep shouting for their disgusting, disturbing, dimwit causes. The have Ocasio-Cortez that I can name. Where is "The Squad?" In all honesty, I don't think Durbin is going to run again for Illinois Senate and if I don't seem like any of the potential choices are willing to actually step up and defend our Republic, this former Marine and Illinois resident will. This is the talk you are wanting to here from US Citizens, no?
I feel much the same. There are some outspoken voices who nonetheless get muted by the press & their own party: the aforementioned Jasmine Crockett & AOC, along with Rashida Tlaib, Jamie Raskin, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley, Ro Khanna & Pramila Jayapal. But even from them I'm not seeing the brave action necessary to insist on recounts of suspect election results & to prevent the constitutionally ineligible Trump from his hostile takeover of this country just to destroy it on behalf of his master Putin.
Oh, and to be clear, if possible, I would dump the Democratic Party for a Consensus Movement Party in a heartbeat. I have no loyalty to them. They are just a means to an end.
This is the time to form & build a 3rd party to the left of the Democratic Party to replace it as rival to the Republicans. I had hoped it would be replacing an imploded Republican Party (but still to the left of the Democrats), but if not them, then the other wing of the corporatist Duopoly.
How about a Dem leader demanding a frickin hand recount in the swing states?? There is lots of evidence of a known/convicted fraud - who had tons of motive to do so and help from the richest man in the world and dictators - of rigging the election. The whole lot of Dems are somnambulists! (OK, not AOC.) rump got recounts, why not us? What do we have to lose by trying? Dems lose because they don't FIGHT and they are rethug-lite. I almost want to lose my affiliation . . .
Thank you for mentioning Sinclair Broadcast. They are as damaging as Fox News. People think crime is Chicago is dystopian level when it’s crime numbers are down. The LOCALS believe this despite evidence to the contrary because the first thing you see on the 6 o’clock news is “Black person commits crime”. It’s baked in racism. It’s why white people develop this “fear” of Black people instinctively. It’s because of companies like Sinclair that have done this.
I wish NETWORK (1976) was studied by high school students these days. They need to learn about the sensationalism of news media and how it’s entertainment now.
I did my thesis on cultivation theory in ‘09. I wish more knew about this.
The problem is the dems moved to extreme to the left, I.e., the dems are too busy having to kowtow to these left extreme parties so they don’t do what they did to the dems, Hillary, Clinton and to this entire country. The progressive, ie the extreme, left have pushed away and disenfranchised the middle majority of America.
Kamala ran on strong border, owning a gun, and being tough on crime. She campaigned with Liz Cheney. She didn't mention they/them or Latinx. It didnt work.
Trump spent four years spewing lies and disinformation with not much blowback. The disinformation machine connected Harris to Biden who they disparaged for years. No one believed her. She needed more time.
Voters didn't hear "strong border" from the (MAGA labeled) "Border Czar." Voters didn't hear "tough on crime." $200M of ads in Swing States told voters that Kamala was for trans rights for illegal immigrants.
Progressives may want to "overthrow the patriarchy" or make life more equitable for "victims" of "white privilege," but those are not exactly winning messages for the vast number of Americans.
To her credit, Harris did NOT run on her "identities" as "woman," "Black" or "Asian/American." What didn't work was years of right-wing/oligarchic propaganda telling Americans that inflation was Biden's fault, that illegal immigrants (note: most were legal asylum seekers) were over-running America and that crime was going through the roof.
Progressives must form a coalition of progressive independents, progressive 3rd party members (we have at least 5 minor parties with virtually the same platform -- why dilute your power that way?), & progressives within the Democratic Party.
It's worrisome that President Biden was one of the most pro UNION Presidents in history, yet Unions did not wholeheartedly support him, and a lot of members went to trump. Project 2025 is against minimum wage and unions yet so many supported Trump because they believe his lies. He has made a smart move with his labor secretary pick, seeing she is mostly pro union. If she lasts, this will continue to sway the union vote to trump. That will not be helpful in the future for the democrat party.
Tha Biden Administration still has time to tout their accomplishments and talk about the USELESS Magats in the last two years in Congress, but they are invisible.
Great YouTube video. I am glad that Joe Biden got us back from the huge ditch we were in in 2020. But I am really ticked off at him because of exactly what you said…merrick garland and the Gaza war. Notice that Merrick Garland swiftly prosecuted Hunter Biden and Bob Mendez yet was asleep at the wheel with Trump. And today Biden refuses to pardon his own son…why won’t he do that??? To have a nice legacy??? That makes no damn sense. He knows Trump will come after Hunter. Why would you leave your own son out to dry? To be nice????? Come on man. Grow a spine!!
I admit, I am extremely disappointed in our Democratic leadership right now. Other than a few voices (and I include Pete Buttigieg) the top leadership is either silent or conciliatory. I am from Delaware and one of our senators is Chris Coons. I have always respected him, but when I went to his website the other day, the main banner on the site was “joyfully” offering tickets to the presidential inauguration (https://www.coons.senate.gov). I know a Senator is supposed to represent all citizens, but this was beyond the pale. After all, Delaware is a strong blue state and Biden’s home state. I found Coon’s offer insulting. Treating trumps inauguration as normal. And I wrote and told him so. I encourage everyone who is dissatisfied with their state’s representative to write your Senators and Representatives. Let your dissatisfaction be known!
as the um used to be republican group moves farther towards (old guard / whites supremacy) through the decades (nixon et.al.) they have moved to falling off the cliff and the continual call for democrats to move center has moved democrats further and further towards republican, in that several democrats seem to be republican light (15 voting with repubs recently). it’s further frustrating the terms right and left. in older eras, left meant sinister. and right is hardly meaning correct except that there is a subliminal confluence there. the gaming videos, beginning with shoot ‘ems, inculcated shooting as benign fun. and computer gamers apparently make great drone strike operators. the rise of the belief systems of (white supremacy) militia, news channels, podcasts, that fox “propaganda/news” is the media played on military bases, airports…. there needs to be media that is for equality, especially as msnbc is caved - article there today advocating that the bible is ok for u.s. history classes (hair on fire emoji). we need more than the pod saves series! the challenges to re-instate democracy are large, especially with schooling heading to lack of actual history, science… even as so many are at risk in the incoming administration, can we find resilience and hope?
For WAY too long the Democratic establishment has catered to the center. Even I, an old white woman, am sick to death of it. We should be hearing shouts from the rooftops from our elected Democrat officials. Instead, we have AOC & Jasmine as the sole voices. If this is a signal of what we can expect, we are doomed.
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.
Ameen
This comment is a very well thought out, well written post more than worthy of being a featured article in a reputable news magazine.
I agree 100%!!! Love you, Waj!
This is definitely the way forward
Wow - As the end was near and you were more and more exciting me, I wanted to stand up and clap for you like I was at a rally!! Well done, well done, Waj!! It's uncertain and unknown if and when Drump will turn to journalists, but I wish you could send this to someone who might publish this piece. Keep writing like that here, at least. I'm inspired by what you wrote, and I'm sure there's many below me that feel the same way. I don't have much time because I forgot about 'Democracy-ish' and I want to go and watch it right away. High fives, my man, HIGH FIVES!!! LUV :)
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.
One of the biggest reasons why we are where we are today, along with the obvious culprits like right-wing, Russian-influenced & weak corporatist mainstream media; weak, unprincipled Russian-influenced Republican Party members; a weak Justice Department headed by milquetoast Merrick Garland; & a corrupt justice system headed by an anti-constitutional Supreme Court; is the DNC & corporatist establishment leaders who have dominated the party for far too long, providing no leadership & no resistance to the corrupt, fascist movement of the right. In fact, the DNC acts more like a right-wing mole, doing far more harm than help to the brand & fate of the Democratic Party.
Exactly, no one has the moral integrity to just do the right thing. Honestly, everyone should go through Marine Corps boot camp to learn to be a decent human; it worked for me, it can work for you. Once you've signed up to defend every single person in America for the Constitution of your own volition, it kind of says something about how far you are willing to go to defend human life and dignity.
I would at least advise requiring a couple of years of public service, as is done in numerous other countries, perhaps right after high school.
I have two Marine friends. Both devotees to Trump.
They broke their oath to the Constitution of the United States. Tell them that. I told my fellow Marines that.
I hate the Democratic Party right now. I self-identify as Democrat, but I loath them right now. Where are the firebrand like Gaetz and Taylor-Green who just keep shouting for their disgusting, disturbing, dimwit causes. The have Ocasio-Cortez that I can name. Where is "The Squad?" In all honesty, I don't think Durbin is going to run again for Illinois Senate and if I don't seem like any of the potential choices are willing to actually step up and defend our Republic, this former Marine and Illinois resident will. This is the talk you are wanting to here from US Citizens, no?
I feel much the same. There are some outspoken voices who nonetheless get muted by the press & their own party: the aforementioned Jasmine Crockett & AOC, along with Rashida Tlaib, Jamie Raskin, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley, Ro Khanna & Pramila Jayapal. But even from them I'm not seeing the brave action necessary to insist on recounts of suspect election results & to prevent the constitutionally ineligible Trump from his hostile takeover of this country just to destroy it on behalf of his master Putin.
Oh, and to be clear, if possible, I would dump the Democratic Party for a Consensus Movement Party in a heartbeat. I have no loyalty to them. They are just a means to an end.
We need to get rid of the electoral college first. No 3d party will ever get traction without this step.
This is the time to form & build a 3rd party to the left of the Democratic Party to replace it as rival to the Republicans. I had hoped it would be replacing an imploded Republican Party (but still to the left of the Democrats), but if not them, then the other wing of the corporatist Duopoly.
How about a Dem leader demanding a frickin hand recount in the swing states?? There is lots of evidence of a known/convicted fraud - who had tons of motive to do so and help from the richest man in the world and dictators - of rigging the election. The whole lot of Dems are somnambulists! (OK, not AOC.) rump got recounts, why not us? What do we have to lose by trying? Dems lose because they don't FIGHT and they are rethug-lite. I almost want to lose my affiliation . . .
Thank you for mentioning Sinclair Broadcast. They are as damaging as Fox News. People think crime is Chicago is dystopian level when it’s crime numbers are down. The LOCALS believe this despite evidence to the contrary because the first thing you see on the 6 o’clock news is “Black person commits crime”. It’s baked in racism. It’s why white people develop this “fear” of Black people instinctively. It’s because of companies like Sinclair that have done this.
I wish NETWORK (1976) was studied by high school students these days. They need to learn about the sensationalism of news media and how it’s entertainment now.
I did my thesis on cultivation theory in ‘09. I wish more knew about this.
The problem is the dems moved to extreme to the left, I.e., the dems are too busy having to kowtow to these left extreme parties so they don’t do what they did to the dems, Hillary, Clinton and to this entire country. The progressive, ie the extreme, left have pushed away and disenfranchised the middle majority of America.
Kamala ran on strong border, owning a gun, and being tough on crime. She campaigned with Liz Cheney. She didn't mention they/them or Latinx. It didnt work.
Trump spent four years spewing lies and disinformation with not much blowback. The disinformation machine connected Harris to Biden who they disparaged for years. No one believed her. She needed more time.
Voters didn't hear "strong border" from the (MAGA labeled) "Border Czar." Voters didn't hear "tough on crime." $200M of ads in Swing States told voters that Kamala was for trans rights for illegal immigrants.
Progressives may want to "overthrow the patriarchy" or make life more equitable for "victims" of "white privilege," but those are not exactly winning messages for the vast number of Americans.
To her credit, Harris did NOT run on her "identities" as "woman," "Black" or "Asian/American." What didn't work was years of right-wing/oligarchic propaganda telling Americans that inflation was Biden's fault, that illegal immigrants (note: most were legal asylum seekers) were over-running America and that crime was going through the roof.
And the establishment Dems’ solution to the election results is to nominate Rahm Emmanuel of DNC chair! WTAF?! I can’t even with these people.
Dems: who needs em
Not me.
You can have tham all.
The party is dead and I have no intention on assisting in its revival.
It's your problem.
Progressives unit but not with the dems or repugs.
Progressives must form a coalition of progressive independents, progressive 3rd party members (we have at least 5 minor parties with virtually the same platform -- why dilute your power that way?), & progressives within the Democratic Party.
It's worrisome that President Biden was one of the most pro UNION Presidents in history, yet Unions did not wholeheartedly support him, and a lot of members went to trump. Project 2025 is against minimum wage and unions yet so many supported Trump because they believe his lies. He has made a smart move with his labor secretary pick, seeing she is mostly pro union. If she lasts, this will continue to sway the union vote to trump. That will not be helpful in the future for the democrat party.
This is just one of the many things the Biden Administration missed with their messaging.
Tha Biden Administration still has time to tout their accomplishments and talk about the USELESS Magats in the last two years in Congress, but they are invisible.
Great YouTube video. I am glad that Joe Biden got us back from the huge ditch we were in in 2020. But I am really ticked off at him because of exactly what you said…merrick garland and the Gaza war. Notice that Merrick Garland swiftly prosecuted Hunter Biden and Bob Mendez yet was asleep at the wheel with Trump. And today Biden refuses to pardon his own son…why won’t he do that??? To have a nice legacy??? That makes no damn sense. He knows Trump will come after Hunter. Why would you leave your own son out to dry? To be nice????? Come on man. Grow a spine!!
Thank u thank u thank u!!!
U couldn't have spoke with any more truth then u did!🇺🇲
I admit, I am extremely disappointed in our Democratic leadership right now. Other than a few voices (and I include Pete Buttigieg) the top leadership is either silent or conciliatory. I am from Delaware and one of our senators is Chris Coons. I have always respected him, but when I went to his website the other day, the main banner on the site was “joyfully” offering tickets to the presidential inauguration (https://www.coons.senate.gov). I know a Senator is supposed to represent all citizens, but this was beyond the pale. After all, Delaware is a strong blue state and Biden’s home state. I found Coon’s offer insulting. Treating trumps inauguration as normal. And I wrote and told him so. I encourage everyone who is dissatisfied with their state’s representative to write your Senators and Representatives. Let your dissatisfaction be known!
as the um used to be republican group moves farther towards (old guard / whites supremacy) through the decades (nixon et.al.) they have moved to falling off the cliff and the continual call for democrats to move center has moved democrats further and further towards republican, in that several democrats seem to be republican light (15 voting with repubs recently). it’s further frustrating the terms right and left. in older eras, left meant sinister. and right is hardly meaning correct except that there is a subliminal confluence there. the gaming videos, beginning with shoot ‘ems, inculcated shooting as benign fun. and computer gamers apparently make great drone strike operators. the rise of the belief systems of (white supremacy) militia, news channels, podcasts, that fox “propaganda/news” is the media played on military bases, airports…. there needs to be media that is for equality, especially as msnbc is caved - article there today advocating that the bible is ok for u.s. history classes (hair on fire emoji). we need more than the pod saves series! the challenges to re-instate democracy are large, especially with schooling heading to lack of actual history, science… even as so many are at risk in the incoming administration, can we find resilience and hope?
AOC and Crockett! Let’s do it!
For WAY too long the Democratic establishment has catered to the center. Even I, an old white woman, am sick to death of it. We should be hearing shouts from the rooftops from our elected Democrat officials. Instead, we have AOC & Jasmine as the sole voices. If this is a signal of what we can expect, we are doomed.