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I understand why one might take my comment that way, but I'm advocating for the exact opposite: democrats should start acting as a real left-wing party, with ag

I understand why one might take my comment that way, but I'm advocating for the exact opposite: democrats should start acting as a real left-wing party, with aggressive messaging on oligarchy, healtcare, the depravity of the right, you name it. The democrats, as they exist now, are almost "controlled opposition". There's much to wager that if they succeeded Trump II, they wouldn't undo 10% of the damage he's done. I fully believe Harris could have done a correct job at maintaining the status quo, but that's not what the people want or need. The democrats should stop showing weakness and trying to build bridges with fascists, and instead speak 24/7 about how vile and stupid this entire circus is. Then they should start advocating for big changes that will hype Americans: free healthcare, extra taxes on billionaires, etc.

AlecSchueler 1y ago
That seems like a much more reasonable position, thanks for taking the time to clarify. All I can say is what a unspeakably massive pity it is that there hasn't sooner been a reform to the electoral system that would have allowed for a less reactive governance.
- thrance 1y ago
  Indeed. I don't know how much comfort it could bring you, but know that almost the totality of western democracies are slowly succumbing to right-wing populism, not just the US. While flawed, I believe the current electoral system is only a minor part of a much deeper issue, that being the prevalence of money in our democratic processes.
ethbr1 1y ago
Part of the problem is that Democrats aren't counting voters correctly. There are fewer identity voters than there are economic voters. They'd win more elections if they trended centrist on identity and progressive on the economy. As has been quipped after they lost the last election, "poor" is its own identity.
- thrance 1y ago
  Fully agree that they should get back to their roots and start being actually pro-working class on economical matter. Alas, the establishment is too afraid of alienating their wealthy donor class to appeal to the "poor". Maybe after a democratic tea party? But I don't believe that they need to be "centrists" on identity. What even is centrism anymore? This country has shifted so far right recently. I think the issue is that their "rainbow capitalism social justice" sounds hollow (because it is) if they don't consider economical class as an important matter. Start there and you can keep fighting against -phobias and -isms, just don't make them the center-piece of your messaging.
  - ethbr1 1y ago
    Centrism on identity would be a more modern version of don't-ask-don't-tell. When Republicans try and nail Democrats into corners about LGBTQIA+ issues... respectfully refuse to engage: 'I think all Americans that pay their taxes and contribute to our country deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' Focus on multiculturalism and personal automomy as a star-spangled, patriotic American characteristic. GOP: 'So you want to give trans people healthcare?' Democrats: 'We want to give Americans healthcare. Why do you want to take it away from any citizen?' Start throwing more punches, instead of being surprised every goddamn time the other side does.

AlecSchueler 1y ago

That seems like a much more reasonable position, thanks for taking the time to clarify. All I can say is what a unspeakably massive pity it is that there hasn't sooner been a reform to the electoral system that would have allowed for a less reactive governance.

thrance 1y ago
Indeed. I don't know how much comfort it could bring you, but know that almost the totality of western democracies are slowly succumbing to right-wing populism, not just the US. While flawed, I believe the current electoral system is only a minor part of a much deeper issue, that being the prevalence of money in our democratic processes.

ethbr1 1y ago

Part of the problem is that Democrats aren't counting voters correctly. There are fewer identity voters than there are economic voters. They'd win more elections if they trended centrist on identity and progressive on the economy. As has been quipped after they lost the last election, "poor" is its own identity.

thrance 1y ago
Fully agree that they should get back to their roots and start being actually pro-working class on economical matter. Alas, the establishment is too afraid of alienating their wealthy donor class to appeal to the "poor". Maybe after a democratic tea party? But I don't believe that they need to be "centrists" on identity. What even is centrism anymore? This country has shifted so far right recently. I think the issue is that their "rainbow capitalism social justice" sounds hollow (because it is) if they don't consider economical class as an important matter. Start there and you can keep fighting against -phobias and -isms, just don't make them the center-piece of your messaging.
- ethbr1 1y ago
  Centrism on identity would be a more modern version of don't-ask-don't-tell. When Republicans try and nail Democrats into corners about LGBTQIA+ issues... respectfully refuse to engage: 'I think all Americans that pay their taxes and contribute to our country deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' Focus on multiculturalism and personal automomy as a star-spangled, patriotic American characteristic. GOP: 'So you want to give trans people healthcare?' Democrats: 'We want to give Americans healthcare. Why do you want to take it away from any citizen?' Start throwing more punches, instead of being surprised every goddamn time the other side does.