I welcome and applaud your staunch insistence that Democrats fight back and stop behaving like a bunch of bedwetters. I might actually go further than you: I'd like to see Dems become the sort of SOBs that republicans are.
Re the midterms: You are absolutely right that the loss of Congress in 2022 is NOT a foregone conclusion. First, things change very quickly in politics, eg. Bush the first had an approval rating of 90 percent after Gulf War One in early 1991; at the conclusion of 92, he garnered only 38 percent of the popular vote when he lost to Clinton. Second, Dems would do so much better I
IF POOR PEOPLE VOTED AS FREQUENTLY AS RICH PEOPLE. Bernie Sanders was right: If Dems loudly and clearly articulated a pro worker message, their numbers would shoot up and they would win. For example, polls showed that Roosevelt would lose in 36 and that Truman would lose in 48, but they won because they were Dems who gave us class war loud and clear: Truman called he rich "BLOODSUCKERS" AND "GLUTTONS OF PRIVILEGE"
Brilliant piece. Very much agree - language is such a powerful weapon in the battle to save democracy. Ideally memorable, catchy and without too many syllables. Your ideas are excellent. For example using the terms, “the democracy crisis” and “freedom-loving Democrats.” I’m thinking about what could replace “defund the police,” (“building the best police”?). The word fascist is perfect but maybe also an additional phrase for those who don't fully know what it means. Like, “democracy destroyer” or something. More to say but don’t want to make this too long. Thanks so much, Jon. Your wisdom and insights are a crucial guide for winning the battles ahead. Keep up the great work!
This analysis is inspiring - and very much needed. I'm struck by the call for new language re: Trumpists - "fascists" is the right term - and must be driven home daily. "Rogue legislatures", and "the anti-democracy party" are also perfect descriptions of the insurrectionist brood.
Another well thought out column with excellent brief and practical advice. Thank you Jon.
I welcome and applaud your staunch insistence that Democrats fight back and stop behaving like a bunch of bedwetters. I might actually go further than you: I'd like to see Dems become the sort of SOBs that republicans are.
Re the midterms: You are absolutely right that the loss of Congress in 2022 is NOT a foregone conclusion. First, things change very quickly in politics, eg. Bush the first had an approval rating of 90 percent after Gulf War One in early 1991; at the conclusion of 92, he garnered only 38 percent of the popular vote when he lost to Clinton. Second, Dems would do so much better I
IF POOR PEOPLE VOTED AS FREQUENTLY AS RICH PEOPLE. Bernie Sanders was right: If Dems loudly and clearly articulated a pro worker message, their numbers would shoot up and they would win. For example, polls showed that Roosevelt would lose in 36 and that Truman would lose in 48, but they won because they were Dems who gave us class war loud and clear: Truman called he rich "BLOODSUCKERS" AND "GLUTTONS OF PRIVILEGE"
Well Done, Jon. Your essay helps provide inspiration for me that I needed. Thank you.
Brilliant piece. Very much agree - language is such a powerful weapon in the battle to save democracy. Ideally memorable, catchy and without too many syllables. Your ideas are excellent. For example using the terms, “the democracy crisis” and “freedom-loving Democrats.” I’m thinking about what could replace “defund the police,” (“building the best police”?). The word fascist is perfect but maybe also an additional phrase for those who don't fully know what it means. Like, “democracy destroyer” or something. More to say but don’t want to make this too long. Thanks so much, Jon. Your wisdom and insights are a crucial guide for winning the battles ahead. Keep up the great work!
This analysis is inspiring - and very much needed. I'm struck by the call for new language re: Trumpists - "fascists" is the right term - and must be driven home daily. "Rogue legislatures", and "the anti-democracy party" are also perfect descriptions of the insurrectionist brood.