The Democratic Party is experiencing a historic identity crisis as emerging movements challenge its traditions, reshape its priorities, and redefine its political future.
I guess there is no Republican crisis since they are the beacons of honesty, humility and are always looking inward. Hey but let's blame the socialist Dems now or as your boss likes to call us - commies
Heh - my favorite was when Scalia said the Democrats have undergone a Bolshevik takeover; I wrote an article about it on Substack essentially laughing at the idiocy of it all 😆
It’s puzzling to me, Michael, why you do not directly address all the damage Donald Trump has and is doing to our Democracy and our respect in the world. Why??
Michael, what about the Republicans identity crisis? The Republican party is now the MAGA party, an extremist right group under an extremist right President.
Great insights. I was chatting with an American couple a few days ago, they are from Pennsylvania, now living in Canada. Their sentiments is that they wish things could just return to normal. By normal they meant the George Bush/ Obama days or earlier. Back then it didn't matter which party was occupying the Whitehouse, you knew your kids had a future, the American dream still existed and you were safe. Normal! They just want things to go back to Normal. We all agreed on that.
Michael deserves to state his positions the same way YOU DO. AT least he is not a hypocrite stating he is "progressive" when in truth that word now used by some Democrats just means excluding people who they do not like based only on the race, religion, ethnicity or sex. Only THE CHOSEN FEW CAN JOIN THE PROGRESSIVE CLUB WHICH IN REALITY IS REGRESSIVE CLUB!!!
“It will be determined by the people still willing to ask whether they could be wrong.”
I don’t see this with centrists or status quo democrats. Don’t forget the woeful poll results showing democrats rank lower than Trump. Thank the middle. Thank the centrists. They had their opportunity but failed to ask if they were wrong. Which they were. To want more of the same always surprises me.
I think Democratic socialists asked a larger question. They look at the status quo and ask themselves, What IS Wrong. Who is the centrist beholden to from where they receive their pac money?
Democratic socialists are beholden to the people. And voters are responding. That is a change the DNC should embrace.
Their name is defined by the republicans and centrist democrats. When you hear anyone refer to them as the far left, it’s a pejorative term. They don’t confuse the term, they use it as a weapon. Why? Because they are threatened of losing power. There is one major issue that status quo democrats can’t abide. I won’t mention it here bc it is a hot button topic.
I agree, Skip. The problem is that people seem to confuse a more socialist brand of the Democratic party with Communism. But those two systems come from entirely different belief systems. That's why I think they should change their name.
Thoughtful piece. As a centrist Democrat, I despair of the socialist energy fomenting on the far left. Because it will alienate tens of millions of moderates in the middle of the country who believe, as I do, that capitalism, properly configured, is still the best route to dynamic progress. My hope is that the the savvier elements of the party can rebrand the ambitions of the far left as Scandinavian capitalism (an equitable tax code that doesn't favor the rich and allows for a robust social safety net) rather than "socialism." Another option would be to harken back to the fifties and sixties when when America was at our capitalist best, humming along economically AND accepting of marginal tax rates up to 90%! Either option requires extremely nuanced messaging...not the forte of my party I'm afraid.
Hate and anger consume people, clouding their thoughts and judgement. Instead of looking inwards at their own faults, they are quick to judge others because it's easier then addressing their own insecurities. I too miss the days of unity among Americans.
Until Republicans and Fox News are honest with Americans, nothing will change and things will only get worse. Blaming Somalians and Haitians for false made up bullshit will never promote any form of unity
I listen to 1 politician Pres DJT that's it, everyone else on both sides are either fake news, brain washed or wannabes. You know where I'm at and I give you all the credit for providing your platforms for the most MAGA Major 🪖 to just have a voice. I love your friends too they're on both sides of the aisles some are former this and that like Anthony the Mooch I hang onto every word he says too. You're blessed I'm so proud to be part of seeing your journey rise like a rocket! Honestly this was my wish for you for a long time everything you went through just hit me hard. I myself was saved in my Army career last year by General Harter the top General of the Army Reserves he let me retire under some false allegations against me that some in my unit stirred up they didn't like me they knew I was MAGA on n on. I'm retired now it's all in the past all are forgiven as far as I'm concerned.
"Viral meme says 1956 Republican platform was pretty liberal
Liberals are getting nostalgic about the 1950s Republican agenda — at least judging by the social media meme several readers recently sent us.
The meme, created by the group Occupy Democrats, summarized a few planks from the 1956 Republican Party platform, followed by the wistful comment, “Share if you miss the good old days!”
Here are the seven planks listed in the meme, which to today’s ear sound more like Democratic talking points:
1. Provide federal assistance to low-income communities;
2. Protect Social Security;
3. Provide asylum for refugees;
4. Extend minimum wage;
5. Improve unemployment benefit system so it covers more people;
6. Strengthen labor laws so workers can more easily join a union;
7. Assure equal pay for equal work regardless of sex."
As Politico noted, Eisenhower's platform was more nuanced than these statements.
For myself, though, I think the "Democratic Socialists" are the only ones addressing the real concerns of people. Housing. Child Care. Food. Education. People would like some of their taxes going toward their genuine needs. What is wrong with that?
Political extremes are not the answer. Both can be dangerous. Things won't get better unless and until we begin discussing the best way forward, to help people live their best lives.
We need cost-effective solutions. Extreme ideologies are NOT cost effective, either for our people or for the financial security of our country. We must elect MATURE leadership that will collaborate with one another. Until that happens we will continue to get less-than-optimal solutions to the problems facing us.
As always the right answer is neither extreme. That is to say, not total socialism and not total capitalism. The population on the margins of society need to be taken care of. Everyone needs to contribute where they can to the common good. Innovation needs to be nurtured.
The rise of the democratic socialist party is in direct response to the marginalizing of the lower and middle classes.
I guess there is no Republican crisis since they are the beacons of honesty, humility and are always looking inward. Hey but let's blame the socialist Dems now or as your boss likes to call us - commies
Howard, you’re spot on!!!
yes he is
Heh - my favorite was when Scalia said the Democrats have undergone a Bolshevik takeover; I wrote an article about it on Substack essentially laughing at the idiocy of it all 😆
You can't point a finger if you are guilty of doing it yourself
No clue what you are talking about
It’s puzzling to me, Michael, why you do not directly address all the damage Donald Trump has and is doing to our Democracy and our respect in the world. Why??
Add in the grifting and corruption at biblical scale
Michael, what about the Republicans identity crisis? The Republican party is now the MAGA party, an extremist right group under an extremist right President.
Great insights. I was chatting with an American couple a few days ago, they are from Pennsylvania, now living in Canada. Their sentiments is that they wish things could just return to normal. By normal they meant the George Bush/ Obama days or earlier. Back then it didn't matter which party was occupying the Whitehouse, you knew your kids had a future, the American dream still existed and you were safe. Normal! They just want things to go back to Normal. We all agreed on that.
That ship has sailed
Kate, the danger of what you are doing is validating Michael Cohen.
I wonder if you would do the same thing with Trump and People in his Regime?
If you are going to Save Our Democracy, we have to shut these People down.
Give them no Accolades, Approvals, Applause.
We need to call them out.
I wonder if People who sit in a Dictatorship reflect back and wish they had done more while they could. I bet they do.
Americans deserve better.
Michael deserves to state his positions the same way YOU DO. AT least he is not a hypocrite stating he is "progressive" when in truth that word now used by some Democrats just means excluding people who they do not like based only on the race, religion, ethnicity or sex. Only THE CHOSEN FEW CAN JOIN THE PROGRESSIVE CLUB WHICH IN REALITY IS REGRESSIVE CLUB!!!
“It will be determined by the people still willing to ask whether they could be wrong.”
I don’t see this with centrists or status quo democrats. Don’t forget the woeful poll results showing democrats rank lower than Trump. Thank the middle. Thank the centrists. They had their opportunity but failed to ask if they were wrong. Which they were. To want more of the same always surprises me.
I think Democratic socialists asked a larger question. They look at the status quo and ask themselves, What IS Wrong. Who is the centrist beholden to from where they receive their pac money?
Democratic socialists are beholden to the people. And voters are responding. That is a change the DNC should embrace.
Their name is defined by the republicans and centrist democrats. When you hear anyone refer to them as the far left, it’s a pejorative term. They don’t confuse the term, they use it as a weapon. Why? Because they are threatened of losing power. There is one major issue that status quo democrats can’t abide. I won’t mention it here bc it is a hot button topic.
Skip, I think the Democrats will be forced to embrace.
Ken Martin sees the writing on the wall and has commented. Yes, we need to hear much more.
Be interesting seeing their next moves.
Basically dealing with one Party that continues to embrace Democracy. Perhaps the
divisions will finally open up the Party System? But for now Democrats=Democracy.
Americans deserve better.
I agree, Skip. The problem is that people seem to confuse a more socialist brand of the Democratic party with Communism. But those two systems come from entirely different belief systems. That's why I think they should change their name.
If you are interested potentially talking to the DNC, a great way to do this is by making a free account:
https://blueprint.democrats.org
Grassroots Team and Ken Martin have often contacted and/or commented.
Americans deserve better.
Thoughtful piece. As a centrist Democrat, I despair of the socialist energy fomenting on the far left. Because it will alienate tens of millions of moderates in the middle of the country who believe, as I do, that capitalism, properly configured, is still the best route to dynamic progress. My hope is that the the savvier elements of the party can rebrand the ambitions of the far left as Scandinavian capitalism (an equitable tax code that doesn't favor the rich and allows for a robust social safety net) rather than "socialism." Another option would be to harken back to the fifties and sixties when when America was at our capitalist best, humming along economically AND accepting of marginal tax rates up to 90%! Either option requires extremely nuanced messaging...not the forte of my party I'm afraid.
Jordan, I believe a blended version will develop?
Labels are dangerous. Usually used to stoke fear (i.e. Communism, Far Left, etc.)
A direction forward blending Socialism and Capitalism will be a
position most Americans would support if the messages are simple and direct and
an effort is made to explain the direction.
Democratic Socialism is clearly a movement to focus on Americans opposed to the Rich and Connected. Long Overdue. Thank you Epstein and Trump.
I will not support Cohen and never supported Trump. How about this label?
Anti-Democratic. Both taking care of themselves above and beyond the American People. Call them out and say their Names!
Watch Michael Cohen....slowly moving to the Right as he uniquely tears down anyone that is not MAGA or Pro- Trump or who doesn't support him.
Americans deserve better.
Beautifully said Dawn
Hate and anger consume people, clouding their thoughts and judgement. Instead of looking inwards at their own faults, they are quick to judge others because it's easier then addressing their own insecurities. I too miss the days of unity among Americans.
Until Republicans and Fox News are honest with Americans, nothing will change and things will only get worse. Blaming Somalians and Haitians for false made up bullshit will never promote any form of unity
Nothing will change until you change - Iet go of the anger
Welcome to the Independent. Miss the days when they reached across the isle.
I listen to 1 politician Pres DJT that's it, everyone else on both sides are either fake news, brain washed or wannabes. You know where I'm at and I give you all the credit for providing your platforms for the most MAGA Major 🪖 to just have a voice. I love your friends too they're on both sides of the aisles some are former this and that like Anthony the Mooch I hang onto every word he says too. You're blessed I'm so proud to be part of seeing your journey rise like a rocket! Honestly this was my wish for you for a long time everything you went through just hit me hard. I myself was saved in my Army career last year by General Harter the top General of the Army Reserves he let me retire under some false allegations against me that some in my unit stirred up they didn't like me they knew I was MAGA on n on. I'm retired now it's all in the past all are forgiven as far as I'm concerned.
From Politico:
"Viral meme says 1956 Republican platform was pretty liberal
Liberals are getting nostalgic about the 1950s Republican agenda — at least judging by the social media meme several readers recently sent us.
The meme, created by the group Occupy Democrats, summarized a few planks from the 1956 Republican Party platform, followed by the wistful comment, “Share if you miss the good old days!”
Here are the seven planks listed in the meme, which to today’s ear sound more like Democratic talking points:
1. Provide federal assistance to low-income communities;
2. Protect Social Security;
3. Provide asylum for refugees;
4. Extend minimum wage;
5. Improve unemployment benefit system so it covers more people;
6. Strengthen labor laws so workers can more easily join a union;
7. Assure equal pay for equal work regardless of sex."
As Politico noted, Eisenhower's platform was more nuanced than these statements.
Good points.
For myself, though, I think the "Democratic Socialists" are the only ones addressing the real concerns of people. Housing. Child Care. Food. Education. People would like some of their taxes going toward their genuine needs. What is wrong with that?
Might be a good idea to change the name, though.
Agree - the done other name is needed
Yes, people keep conflating them with Communism.
The countries that lean toward democratic socialism rate far higher than US on ““quality of life”.
Political extremes are not the answer. Both can be dangerous. Things won't get better unless and until we begin discussing the best way forward, to help people live their best lives.
We need cost-effective solutions. Extreme ideologies are NOT cost effective, either for our people or for the financial security of our country. We must elect MATURE leadership that will collaborate with one another. Until that happens we will continue to get less-than-optimal solutions to the problems facing us.
Lauren, the so-called "far left" in US is more toward the middle in most countries, or mildly leftist.
The Republican party in the 1950s had many of the talking points of the so-called " left". Weird, but true.
I'll see if I can find Dwight Eisenhower's platform from that time. A staunch Repulican.
You're right, Deb. There has been an ideological shift I believe in both parties. I would love to see Eisenhower's platform if you find it. Thanks.
Surviving the downward economic spiral, seems to be the focus these days.
Disagreements are welcome, but let's keep our tone polite.
In reference to the rude hidden comments.
Well, regardless of how anyone feels, leaving rude and vile comments is absolutely unnecessary. I’ve seen some of them, not good.
As always the right answer is neither extreme. That is to say, not total socialism and not total capitalism. The population on the margins of society need to be taken care of. Everyone needs to contribute where they can to the common good. Innovation needs to be nurtured.
The rise of the democratic socialist party is in direct response to the marginalizing of the lower and middle classes.