The Dem Congressional leaders can’t do opposition and need to be replaced. They come from a generation where the Dems held Congress for 40 years and there was no 24 hour news cycle, let alone digital alternative media. They are literally that old. And they never adjusted. Their “centrism” and “common ground” schticks are like mantras they repeat in furtherance of a religious faith that they are willing to let the country fall off a cliff for.
One more thing because this entire subject has me piping. If the consultant class was worth their salt, we don’t end up with Trump in two non consecutive elections. Just an epic fail. If as a campaign manager or consultant you need a generational political talent like Bill Clinton or Barack Obama to keep guys like Trump and Bush 2 out of office for eight years, then you suck at your job.
💯 But, if the job is to make money as a consultant, then Democratic consultants are doing a great job. The ones who suck at their jobs are the Democratic leaders who keep hiring these idiots despite the fact they are making things worse rather than better.
It’s just a dysfunctional feedback loop where the ultimate goal is not winning elections. Just look at how Harris was handled in the ‘24 election. The switch was made to a more youthful candidate who was quicker on her feet with superior rhetorical ability. The contrast could not have been more stark. Yet they stifled her early initial momentum by boxing her in and running the exact same campaign they were running with Biden. What’s even more infuriating is they haven’t learned a damn thing even from that from what I’m seeing.
This is profoundly, importantly correct. In this age of tribalism, information silos, and endless right-wing lying, politics across the entire spectrum is about emotion. They hate us because they believe the lies Fox News tells them. We hate them because they're too stupid to see what a destructive monster Trump is. Most of the time I would rather see Trump arrested, tried, convicted, and brutalized in prison, than see Medicare For All implemented next week. (Although I'd prefer both.) The more fascist the right becomes, the more our opposition to it requires getting up from the fucking kitchen table and taking to the streets. That Schumer and Jeffries can't see that is itself enraging.
Brian, this column is reminiscent of President Lincoln’s (possibly apocryphal) statement about General Grant after the battle of Shiloh, “I can’t spare that man; he fights!”
100% this. People love that Trump fights regardless of what if anything comes of the fights.
Democrats need to not only fight, but I think continue to hammer the fact that though Trump may pick fights, regular Americans usually get nothing out of it, or even get hurt in the process (tariffs are a perfect case in point).
How about a campaign with a 'Where's the Beef?' style push, with a follow-up question of 'And why does it cost $15 a pound?'. That might resonate.
I think the important lesson about the Gavin Newsome thing is not just that he's fighting, but how he's fighting. I think there are a few key points about the Newsome trolling that work, and that Democrats can take into combativeness more general:
-He's isn't playing a victimhood card, the way you might try to do in more left-driven conflicts. There's no "This is not normal", no identity politics, no pearl-clutching over Trumps's excesses, or signs of hysterics. Instead, Gavin's online trollsona is loud, brash, and combative. He treats Trump the way a Marvel superhero might treat a Marvel supervillain, with brash optimism and confidence and a belief that good will win out over evil.
-It's very specifically American, and even somewhat left-nationalist. Gavin's AI art wraps himself in the flag and says "You can't have this." He talks up California's huge economy and emphasizes Americana instead of apologizing for it. Left-nationalism and American pride is going to be key to beating the wholly anti-American fascist movement currently assaulting our government.
-It's clearly having fun! Being on the side that appears to be having fun really helps. Certainly we should be sad about the things we're losing, but despair isn't a strong message. It's better to be the one throwing spitballs from the sidelines, calling our our opponent's failures, and cheerfully expressing what we're going to do to them and their constituents after we win.
I think if the primary were held right now he would easily cruise to success. There's a lot for other potential Dem candidates to learn here, they have to learn fast. All Democratic resistance really needs to start looking more like Gavin's combative Captain America model.
Absolutely correct! As soon as a Democratic candidate for president states that they will show up to a gunfight with a gun and not a Swiss army knife, and states that what is going on in the country currently by the Trump regime is illegal, unconstitutional, and treasonous and if elected that candidate will immediately seek accountability for such acts by all persons involved to assure such acts can never occur again.... That person will awaken a sleeping giant and will cruise to the White House and win by a landslide. Remember less than 1/3 of the electorate voted that clown into office and more than 2/3 did not vote for him. Wake up people!
Agreed. I am so tired of watching Democrats fail to convert political sentiment into political victory. They just seem to think things like declining popularity polls for Trump will automatically convert into votes. I suppose this is what the consultants tell them.
The consultants seem to be really bad at ensuring wins for anyone but themselves. But, I blame National Democratic Party leadership for failing to exert leadership and judgment over the consultants.
I agree - Gavin Newsom was at the bottom of my choices for President - he's now at the time - I almost don't even care what his platform is - just that he's willing to fight against this administration, and fight fire with fire.
The Dem House hegemony ended 40 years ago. Since then their majorities have mostly accomplished holding actions. The main exception was the ACA, when the Dems had SIXTY Senators. No wonder their leaders have no fight. They have strutted and fretted their hour on the stage, now time to go.
This fight is always going to be asymmetric. At 30,000 feet Republicans are thugs but dumb, Democrats are wimps but smart. Republicans are reactionary hot heads, Democrats are methodical technocrats. Republicans have guns, Democrats have plans and policies.
I realize this is an unpopular opinion on this substack but I believe one reason we can't fight is that we are hamstrung by identity politics which is a loser with working class folks. We cannot make the case without alienating the people we need. The tragedy is that support for trans ideology is now waning and there are likely plenty of people who would like to move on. But we're stuck in support mode which means tepid responses to pointed questions and a lackluster fight in the cultural corridors where the fight burns white hot.
I agree. My point, perhaps poorly made, is that so long as we portray ourselves as the righteous defenders of trans people we will be simultaneously sending a message that we are better than others for not doing so. That sort of cultural condescension is how we arrived at this point. We are not perfect. I wish we could acknowledge that fact.
I actually don't think this is as hard as Democrats imagine. It's mostly a matter of reframing the conflict for protecting vulnerable groups from a fight over Wokeness to a fight over fascism.
How should a hypothetical Democratic fighter answer a question about protecting girls sports teams? Try this: "It's up to the sports teams what their rules are going to be. Trans Americans are Americans, and we're in favor of American freedom of expression everywhere - unlike the other guys."
I agree with both of you. The distinction I would make is not what we identify with but rather a framing of identity issues in terms that the working-class, either rightly or wrongly, takes as snobbery and condescencion. I think it is not easy, but the way to thread this needle is to just get into the streets and backroads and have conversations with people.
Sorry but I have not heard of a lot of democratic politicians holding rallies or pounding podiums screaming for trans rights. Yes the party is far more inclusive and empathetic relative to all persons and groups. However, it is the GOP that has turned identify politics into a huge deal. That is their strategy - take a fairly miniscule, tangental or rare issue that really has little to no effect on the daily life of anyone and turn it into a wedge issue by blasting about it ad nauseum to their low knowledge base. The GOP operatives even have a term for that strategy which I can't recall at the moment.
What we're hamstrung by is the GOP's making it appear that identity politics is what the Democrats are all about. Of course we argue for equal rights and protections, but to hear Republicans talk about it, and Fox et al regurgitate it, trans rights are all Democrats talk about.
As important as those rights and protections are – and they're not to be forgotten or set aside – they're *not* dominating the most frequently argued issues Democrats have been harping upon. Yes, ill-intentioned media ask questions about identity politics, specifically, to which Democratic pols are forced to provide quotable replies, but I'd bet serious money that most of the time trans issues are in the news because Republicans bring them up, often with no pretext other than to manufacture conflict.
" But my strongly worded letters!" - Chuck Schumer
"Strongly Worded Letter" would be a great country-western song title.
The Dem Congressional leaders can’t do opposition and need to be replaced. They come from a generation where the Dems held Congress for 40 years and there was no 24 hour news cycle, let alone digital alternative media. They are literally that old. And they never adjusted. Their “centrism” and “common ground” schticks are like mantras they repeat in furtherance of a religious faith that they are willing to let the country fall off a cliff for.
One more thing because this entire subject has me piping. If the consultant class was worth their salt, we don’t end up with Trump in two non consecutive elections. Just an epic fail. If as a campaign manager or consultant you need a generational political talent like Bill Clinton or Barack Obama to keep guys like Trump and Bush 2 out of office for eight years, then you suck at your job.
💯 But, if the job is to make money as a consultant, then Democratic consultants are doing a great job. The ones who suck at their jobs are the Democratic leaders who keep hiring these idiots despite the fact they are making things worse rather than better.
It’s just a dysfunctional feedback loop where the ultimate goal is not winning elections. Just look at how Harris was handled in the ‘24 election. The switch was made to a more youthful candidate who was quicker on her feet with superior rhetorical ability. The contrast could not have been more stark. Yet they stifled her early initial momentum by boxing her in and running the exact same campaign they were running with Biden. What’s even more infuriating is they haven’t learned a damn thing even from that from what I’m seeing.
This is profoundly, importantly correct. In this age of tribalism, information silos, and endless right-wing lying, politics across the entire spectrum is about emotion. They hate us because they believe the lies Fox News tells them. We hate them because they're too stupid to see what a destructive monster Trump is. Most of the time I would rather see Trump arrested, tried, convicted, and brutalized in prison, than see Medicare For All implemented next week. (Although I'd prefer both.) The more fascist the right becomes, the more our opposition to it requires getting up from the fucking kitchen table and taking to the streets. That Schumer and Jeffries can't see that is itself enraging.
Brian, this column is reminiscent of President Lincoln’s (possibly apocryphal) statement about General Grant after the battle of Shiloh, “I can’t spare that man; he fights!”
100% this. People love that Trump fights regardless of what if anything comes of the fights.
Democrats need to not only fight, but I think continue to hammer the fact that though Trump may pick fights, regular Americans usually get nothing out of it, or even get hurt in the process (tariffs are a perfect case in point).
How about a campaign with a 'Where's the Beef?' style push, with a follow-up question of 'And why does it cost $15 a pound?'. That might resonate.
I think the important lesson about the Gavin Newsome thing is not just that he's fighting, but how he's fighting. I think there are a few key points about the Newsome trolling that work, and that Democrats can take into combativeness more general:
-He's isn't playing a victimhood card, the way you might try to do in more left-driven conflicts. There's no "This is not normal", no identity politics, no pearl-clutching over Trumps's excesses, or signs of hysterics. Instead, Gavin's online trollsona is loud, brash, and combative. He treats Trump the way a Marvel superhero might treat a Marvel supervillain, with brash optimism and confidence and a belief that good will win out over evil.
-It's very specifically American, and even somewhat left-nationalist. Gavin's AI art wraps himself in the flag and says "You can't have this." He talks up California's huge economy and emphasizes Americana instead of apologizing for it. Left-nationalism and American pride is going to be key to beating the wholly anti-American fascist movement currently assaulting our government.
-It's clearly having fun! Being on the side that appears to be having fun really helps. Certainly we should be sad about the things we're losing, but despair isn't a strong message. It's better to be the one throwing spitballs from the sidelines, calling our our opponent's failures, and cheerfully expressing what we're going to do to them and their constituents after we win.
I think if the primary were held right now he would easily cruise to success. There's a lot for other potential Dem candidates to learn here, they have to learn fast. All Democratic resistance really needs to start looking more like Gavin's combative Captain America model.
I wrote about a similar idea in more detail here: https://kirazublin.substack.com/p/democrats-for-the-future-what-would
Absolutely correct! As soon as a Democratic candidate for president states that they will show up to a gunfight with a gun and not a Swiss army knife, and states that what is going on in the country currently by the Trump regime is illegal, unconstitutional, and treasonous and if elected that candidate will immediately seek accountability for such acts by all persons involved to assure such acts can never occur again.... That person will awaken a sleeping giant and will cruise to the White House and win by a landslide. Remember less than 1/3 of the electorate voted that clown into office and more than 2/3 did not vote for him. Wake up people!
Agreed. I am so tired of watching Democrats fail to convert political sentiment into political victory. They just seem to think things like declining popularity polls for Trump will automatically convert into votes. I suppose this is what the consultants tell them.
The consultants seem to be really bad at ensuring wins for anyone but themselves. But, I blame National Democratic Party leadership for failing to exert leadership and judgment over the consultants.
Democrats hesitate to fight because their greatest fear isn't losing elections, but losing their invitations to exclusive dinner parties.
I agree - Gavin Newsom was at the bottom of my choices for President - he's now at the time - I almost don't even care what his platform is - just that he's willing to fight against this administration, and fight fire with fire.
The Dem House hegemony ended 40 years ago. Since then their majorities have mostly accomplished holding actions. The main exception was the ACA, when the Dems had SIXTY Senators. No wonder their leaders have no fight. They have strutted and fretted their hour on the stage, now time to go.
This fight is always going to be asymmetric. At 30,000 feet Republicans are thugs but dumb, Democrats are wimps but smart. Republicans are reactionary hot heads, Democrats are methodical technocrats. Republicans have guns, Democrats have plans and policies.
I realize this is an unpopular opinion on this substack but I believe one reason we can't fight is that we are hamstrung by identity politics which is a loser with working class folks. We cannot make the case without alienating the people we need. The tragedy is that support for trans ideology is now waning and there are likely plenty of people who would like to move on. But we're stuck in support mode which means tepid responses to pointed questions and a lackluster fight in the cultural corridors where the fight burns white hot.
It’s not a (whatever) group ideology to believe that *all* people deserve dignity and respect.
I agree. My point, perhaps poorly made, is that so long as we portray ourselves as the righteous defenders of trans people we will be simultaneously sending a message that we are better than others for not doing so. That sort of cultural condescension is how we arrived at this point. We are not perfect. I wish we could acknowledge that fact.
I actually don't think this is as hard as Democrats imagine. It's mostly a matter of reframing the conflict for protecting vulnerable groups from a fight over Wokeness to a fight over fascism.
How should a hypothetical Democratic fighter answer a question about protecting girls sports teams? Try this: "It's up to the sports teams what their rules are going to be. Trans Americans are Americans, and we're in favor of American freedom of expression everywhere - unlike the other guys."
I agree with both of you. The distinction I would make is not what we identify with but rather a framing of identity issues in terms that the working-class, either rightly or wrongly, takes as snobbery and condescencion. I think it is not easy, but the way to thread this needle is to just get into the streets and backroads and have conversations with people.
Completely agree, Cynthia. But the classes don't talk much across that back fence no more.
Sorry but I have not heard of a lot of democratic politicians holding rallies or pounding podiums screaming for trans rights. Yes the party is far more inclusive and empathetic relative to all persons and groups. However, it is the GOP that has turned identify politics into a huge deal. That is their strategy - take a fairly miniscule, tangental or rare issue that really has little to no effect on the daily life of anyone and turn it into a wedge issue by blasting about it ad nauseum to their low knowledge base. The GOP operatives even have a term for that strategy which I can't recall at the moment.
Brian's , What Building a Big Tent Means in practice.7/2/25 https://www.offmessage.net/p/democrats-big-tent-in-practice?r=fa5ey&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
What we're hamstrung by is the GOP's making it appear that identity politics is what the Democrats are all about. Of course we argue for equal rights and protections, but to hear Republicans talk about it, and Fox et al regurgitate it, trans rights are all Democrats talk about.
As important as those rights and protections are – and they're not to be forgotten or set aside – they're *not* dominating the most frequently argued issues Democrats have been harping upon. Yes, ill-intentioned media ask questions about identity politics, specifically, to which Democratic pols are forced to provide quotable replies, but I'd bet serious money that most of the time trans issues are in the news because Republicans bring them up, often with no pretext other than to manufacture conflict.