As Democrats embrace candidates Republicans could only dream of running against, history's easiest congressional victory risks becoming one of the party's most devastating self-inflicted defeats.
I have been a reasonable, centrist Democrat all my life. I thought Obama moved too fast on the trans protections, for example, that's how gradual I wanted everything to be. But 6 years under Trump (interrupted by 4 placid and reasonable years of Biden) have opened my eyes WIDE and opened my heart to a much more radical vision of the future. This SH** cannot stand and it has to be pushed back by radical justice, a radical and bold new idea. Regular democratic politics is NOT going to overthrow MAGA, Michael. People are mightily pissed off and I don't care what the optics are of candidates with backgrounds of having toyed with prison reform, communism, etc. Reemember the root of the word Communism is "Commune - ie Community." MAGA dismisses community and people know it. Boogemen COMMUNISM and SOCIALISM are looking pretty damn good right now to many Americans.
I agree with you, and I'm guessing so does a lot of Democrats. I'm tired of the same bland vanilla vat grown candidates who cannot utter a word until it has been focus-grouped to death. We cannot return to the status quo after MAGA. We need to ensure MAGA can never happen again.
Notice Michael hasn't written a similar article about any of the bizarro world candidates that the former Republican party has voted through in the primaries. Christmas card with everyone including the toddler holding an AK47? Cool! Years of White Nationalist Twitter posts, no problems! Blind allegiance to a now 100% adjudicated rapist, count me in! I'm quite sure Michael had no problem voting for Trump before he was thrown under the bus even knowing how monstrous he is.
This article just seems so weird to me seeing that 77 million people voted for a guy who literally called a mob to attack our Capitol and try to overthrow an election! We all saw it with our own eyes!! If that doesn't disqualify a candidate (besides all of the other things we know he's done), then a couple of old Twitter posts certainly shouldn't either.
"When asked if Walter had given him a book of Adolf Hitler's speeches, Donald's response was, "Who told you that?" Ultimately, he denied that Walter gave him the book but not that he had it. "Actually, it was my friend Marty Davis from Paramount who gave me a copy of 'Mein Kampf,' and he's a Jew," Donald said."
Thank You Barbara & Jennifer.. I have been a moderate democrat all my life. But I have always believed in Health care for all, Social Security etc. Like you I have changed my view. It is time for a change .. We need young leaders who can give a speech to clarify what we stand for. I. love Mamdani . He is gloious .. So is Jon Ossoff .. The right has managed to define us for too long. When George Floyd was murdered the right went carzy because people were rightfully overwrought and said "defund the police " No one wants that, they should have said reform the police. I want to see a new generation lead us. If they can't communicate our views and hopes and Dumpty and company get there way again well so be it. Because I don't see Schumer or any of the older dems getting us over the finish line. I voted for them but it is time to step aside.
This article is tone deaf. The polls show democrats are disliked more than Trump. So, the suggested strategy should be to run bland centrists bc the Republicans can’t beat that? What? More of the same is not going to work in this new political world. Denigrating our own is still the hallmark of the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party hasn’t endorsed or supported Mamdani. But they are fast to criticize him. Whatever terms you want to use, the progressives are winning. Why? Because they are fighters who understand conventional middle of the road centrists have gotten us here and can’t lead us out. The people don’t give a shit if Trump calls someone a communist or cites Lenin or Marx. They still can’t define fascism. Michael is too ensconced with historical norms than realizing we are in a new age. Jeffries will not even say he would abolish ice. He thinks they simply need some changes. Bullshit. Ask a centrist if Israel is committing genocide? Are they being funded by AIPAC? Are they taking money from the billionaires in Silicon Valley? Would they abolish ice? SCOTUS reform? They want to get back to normalcy before Trump. Progressives are giving the shattered electorate what they want— reform. Not tweaking a program here or there. The Democrat poll numbers are the result of middle of the road centrists. They simply aren’t built for this moment, for this fight. Reform is the differentiation between winning or losing in November.
Yes, Skip Day, I agree: it's a new age. I love Mandani, also, and Jon Ossoff. And OAC with Bernie, got huge crowds even in traditionally red districts. People, many of them, are sick of the centrists.
Michael blames this on a Democratic Party strategy. No way.
Voters signed petitions to get the candidates on the ballot, then voted for them. Yes, many Dems were elected that their Repub opponents feel are a gift.
The voters gave us a corrupt administration. I hope this is getting them thinking and contemplating now to get us something better.
The book “Why Civil Resistance Works” mentions that protests are actually recruiting tools to the wider population. Which is why civil rights protesters in the ‘60s wore nice clothes.
The smart thing that Democrats are doing is emBracing candidates from the entire spectrum of the Democratic Party, aligned with the constituencies they’re elected to serve. A New York candidate is going to look quite different than a Texas one. We have our Talaricos and we have our Mamdanis. What we don’t have are a buncha yahoos claiming blind allegiance to an overweight overlord and espousing a screwed-up version of “christianity” that they think should inform every action and policy of our government……and putting the desires of a few over the basic needs of the many. No bleating of Trump-adjacent pundits will make us fashion Democratic policy and candidates into Trump-approved losers.
I truly think you are missing the true pulse of suffering in this country. We are ready for monumental changes including socialism to help the working people, not the wealthy any longer
We make no apology to the evil darkness that has infected the hearts and minds of republican politicians and those Americans that have embraced this hook, line and sinker.
Democrats remain on message. Democrats are appealing to the good angels that ARE within every human being. Democrats are earnest about affordable universal health care, protecting our democracy, our Constitution, gun control, ending corruption and protecting civil rights for ALL people.
Good morning Michael. I'm very beyond burnt out but I'll offer my two cents without loosing it, or at least try to.
You're right about the tactics. The old posts, the Marxism headlines, sure, that hands the GOP free ammo. Fine.
But honestly, does it even matter who wins the midterms anymore? Democrats aren't going to save the day either. Nobody is touching the actual problem, the debt, the dollar, the whole thing barely holding together. They're not steering toward anything, they're just trying to keep a sinking ship off the next iceberg a little longer.
Mamdani winning isn't just some screwup to manage. Maybe it's younger people starting to sense what's coming and realizing the old playbook doesn't fix it.
Honestly, it breaks my heart a little. So many Americans are still fed "America First, we're the best" and have no idea how bad this is about to get. Inflation's already brutal, give it another year. The empire's cracking from the inside, and the rest of the world can see it even if half the country can't yet. Your 401k's are sunk...literally the generation whose parents faught in WW2 will be homeless, capitalism has a predictable life span, the ponzi scheme comes to and end. America has nothing backing its currency, the gold standard of course gone, now based on the petro dollar and unchecked money printing. It's not sustainable, global trust in America's dollar is slipping, inflation running rampant. Nobody can fix housing prices or inflation, taxing the rich if futile at this point. When it falls and it will, taking Canada and others with it ; the world will be standing in a heap of ashes, and it will be China with its unique mix of socialism and capitalism, strong and steady that the nations turns to. China will be the next super power. Iran has technically won the war no matter how you frame it. It's a win for the Brics, a loss for America. America is done. America is over as we know it, and just like the titanic, the life boats are reserved for the upper echelons who made their wealth on the backs of proletariats.
The roller coaster that we are on, willingly or not, is scary. If we want to flip the house, we have to focus on what the constituants want. We have to distill Trump's continual likes or dislikes into a few catagories and then give the least amount of time to his. The Democrats must come together and organize what our platform will be. We are shooting outselves in the foot while trying to dance an Irish jig. If we blow this opportunity in the midterms and don't flip the house, I fear that we might never get our contry back.
Michael points out that "if Democrats continue allowing the loudest voices to define the parties public image, Republicans won't need to invent attack ads." Thereby the Democrats lose the acquiescence of the silent majority.
This reminds me of Ralph Kramden in the Honeymooners 50's TV series. Ralph was continuously trying to accumulate wealth by way of a get rich quick scheme, and continuously failing.
Recall the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The Democrats need to learn from this.
Great insights, Michael! Thanks for an excellent article and analysis. The problem is the word “socialist.” I know they’re talking about the system that’s used in the Nordic countries quite successfully. Many people don’t know that and they associate the word with communism (like in China) and the Nordic countries’ Democratic Socialism is not at ALL like that. I didn’t know they were digging up old social media posts with unfortunate wording. Wow. I agree with you, the word “socialist” that many people don’t understand along with questionable social media posts in the past could lose the election. Ugh. This country cannot continue on its current path. We can’t afford to lose! If we do, we lose our republic entirely. I think Centrist democrats would be much more likely to win!
Exactly, socialism isn't the bad word they've made it out to be. It varies of course, Russian socialism- communism was a very different beast then the socialism in the Scandinavian countries, its a unique formula of capitalism and socialism. China's communism has morphed into something entirely unique and sustainable, both capitalism allowing growth and socialism providing security for the masses. China has literally lifted itself out of extreme poverty after the second world War which decimated it to a world super power successfully sustaining the largest population on earth. The western world has been so indoctrinated with fear of communism/Marxism. In Canada we have the New Democrat Party, it acts a neutralized and protector of our society and human rights. We have universal health care because of them! We now have a problem that provides free dental care for low income seniors. We have the left and right in this country but the "socialist " the NDP has actually been the glue holding things together and the voice of reason keeping things in check. Smart of you to note Scandinavia is doing well, their system works, the west should be taking a good long look at reforming things before it comes crashing down.
Yes, Kate! People need to be educated about what the terms mean, just as you’ve described. That’s what we need, like Canada, a NEW Democratic Party. We need universal healthcare. We need a clean environment and equal rights for everyone. And so much more! The Scandinavian countries have cost-free higher education and up-to-date infrastructure! We need that, too! People wonder how they provide “free tuition” and “free healthcare” but it’s not free! The people pay for it via higher taxes. And they are glad to do so! Here in the US, not only are many people scared of the word “socialism” but they’re scared of higher taxes. They don’t realize how many benefits they could have if we pooled our resources, including the resources of the wealthy. The thing is, I don’t think some people want to get educated. I mean, look at the Trump cult. Just saying. And then there are so many non-voters, many of whom are indoctrinated, as you said, to fear certain words like “socialism” without wanting to learn anything about what it actually means. Definitely a good idea for US citizens to familiarize themselves with the systems that are working well in the Democratic Nordic countries. But will they? I doubt it. Slower change is probably necessary with centrist candidates. Thx for the conversation!
Democrats need to wake up before it is too late. The people are crying, but it seems as if nobody is listening. This is going to cause an upset during the midterms, and if it does, will we ever recover? Great insight Michael as always. You have the pulse on the people.
Bottom line: if the dems want to get both houses they need to attack the problems and cut the shit with impeachment talk. It’s a waste of time and energy, focus on our needs, the economy, etc.
I respect your perspective on the philosophy of some of the new candidates.
I understand the possible consequences of thir previous media coverage. However, no one should know better than you, someone's historical "philosophy" can change.
It's important to consider the issues of the population dissatisfied with the status quo of the Democratic leaders. and why they aren't voting.
Don't get me wrong. We're fighting for the democracy not a new ideology.
That said, if the Democratic party doesn't address the interests of this population, we may lose the 17,000 voters again we lost last year
And republicans are still talking about stolen elections that don’t exist and trying to gerrymander every democratic state! Both sides can be wrong at the same time, but the bottom line will be when people start to starve and can’t pay their bills. They will vote in anyone who lies to them!
Forget about Democratic Socialists as an 'off brand' Michael. National Socialists are the some of the primary folks who seek domination of our republic. Twisted FUBAR Christians and white supremacists collaborate for power, then do nothing to govern. Vote them out.
I have been a reasonable, centrist Democrat all my life. I thought Obama moved too fast on the trans protections, for example, that's how gradual I wanted everything to be. But 6 years under Trump (interrupted by 4 placid and reasonable years of Biden) have opened my eyes WIDE and opened my heart to a much more radical vision of the future. This SH** cannot stand and it has to be pushed back by radical justice, a radical and bold new idea. Regular democratic politics is NOT going to overthrow MAGA, Michael. People are mightily pissed off and I don't care what the optics are of candidates with backgrounds of having toyed with prison reform, communism, etc. Reemember the root of the word Communism is "Commune - ie Community." MAGA dismisses community and people know it. Boogemen COMMUNISM and SOCIALISM are looking pretty damn good right now to many Americans.
I agree with you, and I'm guessing so does a lot of Democrats. I'm tired of the same bland vanilla vat grown candidates who cannot utter a word until it has been focus-grouped to death. We cannot return to the status quo after MAGA. We need to ensure MAGA can never happen again.
Notice Michael hasn't written a similar article about any of the bizarro world candidates that the former Republican party has voted through in the primaries. Christmas card with everyone including the toddler holding an AK47? Cool! Years of White Nationalist Twitter posts, no problems! Blind allegiance to a now 100% adjudicated rapist, count me in! I'm quite sure Michael had no problem voting for Trump before he was thrown under the bus even knowing how monstrous he is.
This article just seems so weird to me seeing that 77 million people voted for a guy who literally called a mob to attack our Capitol and try to overthrow an election! We all saw it with our own eyes!! If that doesn't disqualify a candidate (besides all of the other things we know he's done), then a couple of old Twitter posts certainly shouldn't either.
DJT (according to his first wife) had a copy of Mein Kampf on his bedside table.
I don't know what is more shocking... The fact he was reading Mein Kampf or the fact he owned a book.
Jennifer you nailed it! Thanks for the laugh.
Ha, ha. True.
Signe K. It was a copy of Hitler's speeches.
"When asked if Walter had given him a book of Adolf Hitler's speeches, Donald's response was, "Who told you that?" Ultimately, he denied that Walter gave him the book but not that he had it. "Actually, it was my friend Marty Davis from Paramount who gave me a copy of 'Mein Kampf,' and he's a Jew," Donald said."
Who knows what is true?
Read More: https://www.thelist.com/1611200/ivana-trump-disturbing-claims-about-donald-trump-reading-habits/
Thanks Jennifer..I wrote a reply to you and Barbara above.
Thank You Barbara & Jennifer.. I have been a moderate democrat all my life. But I have always believed in Health care for all, Social Security etc. Like you I have changed my view. It is time for a change .. We need young leaders who can give a speech to clarify what we stand for. I. love Mamdani . He is gloious .. So is Jon Ossoff .. The right has managed to define us for too long. When George Floyd was murdered the right went carzy because people were rightfully overwrought and said "defund the police " No one wants that, they should have said reform the police. I want to see a new generation lead us. If they can't communicate our views and hopes and Dumpty and company get there way again well so be it. Because I don't see Schumer or any of the older dems getting us over the finish line. I voted for them but it is time to step aside.
This article is tone deaf. The polls show democrats are disliked more than Trump. So, the suggested strategy should be to run bland centrists bc the Republicans can’t beat that? What? More of the same is not going to work in this new political world. Denigrating our own is still the hallmark of the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party hasn’t endorsed or supported Mamdani. But they are fast to criticize him. Whatever terms you want to use, the progressives are winning. Why? Because they are fighters who understand conventional middle of the road centrists have gotten us here and can’t lead us out. The people don’t give a shit if Trump calls someone a communist or cites Lenin or Marx. They still can’t define fascism. Michael is too ensconced with historical norms than realizing we are in a new age. Jeffries will not even say he would abolish ice. He thinks they simply need some changes. Bullshit. Ask a centrist if Israel is committing genocide? Are they being funded by AIPAC? Are they taking money from the billionaires in Silicon Valley? Would they abolish ice? SCOTUS reform? They want to get back to normalcy before Trump. Progressives are giving the shattered electorate what they want— reform. Not tweaking a program here or there. The Democrat poll numbers are the result of middle of the road centrists. They simply aren’t built for this moment, for this fight. Reform is the differentiation between winning or losing in November.
Can we have an AMEN! Right on! Buttigeg is also calling for new ideas new ways and an honest boldness that politics in the USA MUST change.
Yes, Skip Day, I agree: it's a new age. I love Mandani, also, and Jon Ossoff. And OAC with Bernie, got huge crowds even in traditionally red districts. People, many of them, are sick of the centrists.
Michael blames this on a Democratic Party strategy. No way.
Voters signed petitions to get the candidates on the ballot, then voted for them. Yes, many Dems were elected that their Repub opponents feel are a gift.
The voters gave us a corrupt administration. I hope this is getting them thinking and contemplating now to get us something better.
The book “Why Civil Resistance Works” mentions that protests are actually recruiting tools to the wider population. Which is why civil rights protesters in the ‘60s wore nice clothes.
The smart thing that Democrats are doing is emBracing candidates from the entire spectrum of the Democratic Party, aligned with the constituencies they’re elected to serve. A New York candidate is going to look quite different than a Texas one. We have our Talaricos and we have our Mamdanis. What we don’t have are a buncha yahoos claiming blind allegiance to an overweight overlord and espousing a screwed-up version of “christianity” that they think should inform every action and policy of our government……and putting the desires of a few over the basic needs of the many. No bleating of Trump-adjacent pundits will make us fashion Democratic policy and candidates into Trump-approved losers.
I truly think you are missing the true pulse of suffering in this country. We are ready for monumental changes including socialism to help the working people, not the wealthy any longer
We make no apology to the evil darkness that has infected the hearts and minds of republican politicians and those Americans that have embraced this hook, line and sinker.
Democrats remain on message. Democrats are appealing to the good angels that ARE within every human being. Democrats are earnest about affordable universal health care, protecting our democracy, our Constitution, gun control, ending corruption and protecting civil rights for ALL people.
Agreed
Good morning Michael. I'm very beyond burnt out but I'll offer my two cents without loosing it, or at least try to.
You're right about the tactics. The old posts, the Marxism headlines, sure, that hands the GOP free ammo. Fine.
But honestly, does it even matter who wins the midterms anymore? Democrats aren't going to save the day either. Nobody is touching the actual problem, the debt, the dollar, the whole thing barely holding together. They're not steering toward anything, they're just trying to keep a sinking ship off the next iceberg a little longer.
Mamdani winning isn't just some screwup to manage. Maybe it's younger people starting to sense what's coming and realizing the old playbook doesn't fix it.
Honestly, it breaks my heart a little. So many Americans are still fed "America First, we're the best" and have no idea how bad this is about to get. Inflation's already brutal, give it another year. The empire's cracking from the inside, and the rest of the world can see it even if half the country can't yet. Your 401k's are sunk...literally the generation whose parents faught in WW2 will be homeless, capitalism has a predictable life span, the ponzi scheme comes to and end. America has nothing backing its currency, the gold standard of course gone, now based on the petro dollar and unchecked money printing. It's not sustainable, global trust in America's dollar is slipping, inflation running rampant. Nobody can fix housing prices or inflation, taxing the rich if futile at this point. When it falls and it will, taking Canada and others with it ; the world will be standing in a heap of ashes, and it will be China with its unique mix of socialism and capitalism, strong and steady that the nations turns to. China will be the next super power. Iran has technically won the war no matter how you frame it. It's a win for the Brics, a loss for America. America is done. America is over as we know it, and just like the titanic, the life boats are reserved for the upper echelons who made their wealth on the backs of proletariats.
Good points, Kate. That is my perspective, too.
The roller coaster that we are on, willingly or not, is scary. If we want to flip the house, we have to focus on what the constituants want. We have to distill Trump's continual likes or dislikes into a few catagories and then give the least amount of time to his. The Democrats must come together and organize what our platform will be. We are shooting outselves in the foot while trying to dance an Irish jig. If we blow this opportunity in the midterms and don't flip the house, I fear that we might never get our contry back.
Michael points out that "if Democrats continue allowing the loudest voices to define the parties public image, Republicans won't need to invent attack ads." Thereby the Democrats lose the acquiescence of the silent majority.
This reminds me of Ralph Kramden in the Honeymooners 50's TV series. Ralph was continuously trying to accumulate wealth by way of a get rich quick scheme, and continuously failing.
Recall the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The Democrats need to learn from this.
Great insights, Michael! Thanks for an excellent article and analysis. The problem is the word “socialist.” I know they’re talking about the system that’s used in the Nordic countries quite successfully. Many people don’t know that and they associate the word with communism (like in China) and the Nordic countries’ Democratic Socialism is not at ALL like that. I didn’t know they were digging up old social media posts with unfortunate wording. Wow. I agree with you, the word “socialist” that many people don’t understand along with questionable social media posts in the past could lose the election. Ugh. This country cannot continue on its current path. We can’t afford to lose! If we do, we lose our republic entirely. I think Centrist democrats would be much more likely to win!
Exactly, socialism isn't the bad word they've made it out to be. It varies of course, Russian socialism- communism was a very different beast then the socialism in the Scandinavian countries, its a unique formula of capitalism and socialism. China's communism has morphed into something entirely unique and sustainable, both capitalism allowing growth and socialism providing security for the masses. China has literally lifted itself out of extreme poverty after the second world War which decimated it to a world super power successfully sustaining the largest population on earth. The western world has been so indoctrinated with fear of communism/Marxism. In Canada we have the New Democrat Party, it acts a neutralized and protector of our society and human rights. We have universal health care because of them! We now have a problem that provides free dental care for low income seniors. We have the left and right in this country but the "socialist " the NDP has actually been the glue holding things together and the voice of reason keeping things in check. Smart of you to note Scandinavia is doing well, their system works, the west should be taking a good long look at reforming things before it comes crashing down.
Yes, Kate! People need to be educated about what the terms mean, just as you’ve described. That’s what we need, like Canada, a NEW Democratic Party. We need universal healthcare. We need a clean environment and equal rights for everyone. And so much more! The Scandinavian countries have cost-free higher education and up-to-date infrastructure! We need that, too! People wonder how they provide “free tuition” and “free healthcare” but it’s not free! The people pay for it via higher taxes. And they are glad to do so! Here in the US, not only are many people scared of the word “socialism” but they’re scared of higher taxes. They don’t realize how many benefits they could have if we pooled our resources, including the resources of the wealthy. The thing is, I don’t think some people want to get educated. I mean, look at the Trump cult. Just saying. And then there are so many non-voters, many of whom are indoctrinated, as you said, to fear certain words like “socialism” without wanting to learn anything about what it actually means. Definitely a good idea for US citizens to familiarize themselves with the systems that are working well in the Democratic Nordic countries. But will they? I doubt it. Slower change is probably necessary with centrist candidates. Thx for the conversation!
Democrats need to wake up before it is too late. The people are crying, but it seems as if nobody is listening. This is going to cause an upset during the midterms, and if it does, will we ever recover? Great insight Michael as always. You have the pulse on the people.
Too bad Ken Martin doesn’t know there’s an elephant in the room.
Bottom line: if the dems want to get both houses they need to attack the problems and cut the shit with impeachment talk. It’s a waste of time and energy, focus on our needs, the economy, etc.
Michael
I respect your perspective on the philosophy of some of the new candidates.
I understand the possible consequences of thir previous media coverage. However, no one should know better than you, someone's historical "philosophy" can change.
It's important to consider the issues of the population dissatisfied with the status quo of the Democratic leaders. and why they aren't voting.
Don't get me wrong. We're fighting for the democracy not a new ideology.
That said, if the Democratic party doesn't address the interests of this population, we may lose the 17,000 voters again we lost last year
And republicans are still talking about stolen elections that don’t exist and trying to gerrymander every democratic state! Both sides can be wrong at the same time, but the bottom line will be when people start to starve and can’t pay their bills. They will vote in anyone who lies to them!
Forget about Democratic Socialists as an 'off brand' Michael. National Socialists are the some of the primary folks who seek domination of our republic. Twisted FUBAR Christians and white supremacists collaborate for power, then do nothing to govern. Vote them out.