Thanks for the explainer re. what is and is not a "hostile takeover." Gottheimer, btw: $2.3 million from AIPAC according to Track AIPAC: https://www.trackaipac.com/states/newjersey
Centrist Democrats: "We're going to keep doing the same things we've always done. Some of you may die, but that's a risk we're willing to take."
Voters:...
Progressive candidates: "Uh...maybe we could try actually making people's lives better and fighting against the Nazis staging a successful coup and murdering people in the streets with impunity?"
Voters: *raucous cheering*
Centrist Democrats: "Are we out of touch...no, it's our voters who are wrong."
We're being screwed every day by corporations and billionaires. America is under siege by a homegrown revanchist fundamentalist Confederate movement.
We don't need paralyzed and passive observers weighing opinion polls. We need loud voices. We need opinionated leaders. We need passionate patriots. We need fighters.
My message to these centrist Democrats is lead, follow, or get out of the way.
If they can make the good things happen I say go for it.
I'm still kinda suspicious nobody has announced challenges to Schumer or Jeffries as much shit as they get online. Jeffries especially, you'd think, would seem destined for the glass cliff. But let's see.
I'm sure if the Dems did win the House he'd never become Speaker.
I'm a member of the SDA - no, not a typo. The kind of government practiced in Scandinavian countries. I don't care if it's capitalism or socialism; as long as it's regulated to help all people: a living wage, unions, universal health, protections. Since capitalism here will never get there I'll be a socialist for now. Think the Democratic strategists and politicians who are bitching and moaning are the same as Republicans who do the same when someone opposes Trump. All of this opposition is great for the country which is why the rulers squash it. Other than Obamacare, which helped more of the country get health care, name one thing Democrats have done to help people? Minimum wage hasn't changed. Reagan and Bush tax cuts weren't repealed or overlaid. There's no push back against Citizens United. Democrats haven't stopped stock buying by elected politicians. Barely been any positive gun legislation. Roe wasn't codified when Dems in charge. Nothing. Little things to move slightly back towards the center. Biden got some things through but mostly for Republican states who took credit after voting against it. Elected Democrats for years have drawn a nice salary with perks and stock tips to do practically nothing except make noise.
I think it is fair to say the Clinton/Obama Dems were quite satisfied with the status quo before Trump upended it, and have been desperate to go back to it. The Biden presidency was *all about* that, tried to erase MAGA without taking it on directly, and voters were having none of it. The "normalcy" they yearn for is gone for good, and while we don't yet know what will replace it we *do* know it's center will not be held by the Clintons and Schumers and Jeffries of the world.
"Seems the real problem centrist democrats are facing right now is the people are being very clear that they want leaders who will solve their biggest problems, and centrist democrats really don't want to solve their biggest problems and hate the people for wanting that."
The People: "Vote the Centrists Out!" and start muttering about the cost of building guillotines.
Like the great Jim Hightower quote goes: " There isn't anything in the middle of the road but yellow stripes and dead armadillos" (although I'd presonally would have ended that with "dead skunks" instead of "dead armadillos" both to make it relevant to places other than Texas, and to make it much more accurate.)
You cannot be "centrist" when one side it hurtling rightward into fascim at a supersonic pace.
"I don’t know, man, who is “the Democratic Party” if it’s not the voters? Democratic voters choose candidates, not party leaders. And party leaders need to listen to what voters are telling us - and right now they are demanding our party be bolder."
The idea that most Democrats want party leaders who will constantly seek the inoffensive center so as not to alienate any potential voter is both offensive and wildly untrue. Speaking for myself, I am desperate to vote for candidates who will boldly stand for Democratic (and democratic) ideas, and who forcefully condemn and call out the anti-democratic Right.
It looks to me now that John Ossoff may be that candidate I've been hoping for.
A Blue Wave is predicted for this November, in spite of the current Dem leadership, NOT in spite of the recent DSA wins. If the current Dem leadership would let go of their concern for norms, decorum, bipartisanship, and their fear of being branded a "socialist" or even a "communist," they may actually find their spines and become real servants of the People. If they can do that, November would see a Blue Tsunami.
Nothing wrong with norms, decorum, and bipartisanship, as long as both parties operate in good faith, but the repubs haven't done that in a long time. Yet, Dems weaken their case by insisting upon all three, no matter what the repubs do. As for being branded "socialist" or "communist," repubs are already doing that. Why don't Dems counter with "Republicans are fascists"? Because they are weak! And why do they continue to use repub framing for every single issue? Because they are weak, and possibly stupid as well.
Maybe they are neither stupid nor weak, but their words and actions make them appear to be so. They should fire their paid political consultants, who have given out bad advice to Dems for years. Go talk to We the People instead of the consultants and focus groups. Tim Walz was on to something when he labeled repubs "weird" in 2024, but the Harris Campaign put a stop to that, thanks to the paid political consultants. Sigh.
As soon as you wrote "They should fire their paid political consultants," the FIRST thing I thought of was how they put a stop to Walz calling Republicans "weird" before you continued on and wrote it yourself. That word worked and not only resonated with the public, it put Republicans in a tizzy—every time they tried to prove they weren't weird, they just further reinforced Walz's point.
Though honestly I'm surprised that voters stopped actually taking in that fact. That was well-established for me by Election Day and I am nobody special.
I actually wonder what the data (polling, I presume) are that say it was working and are those data different from the polls that had Kamala Harris winning outright (like, even Ann Selzer). Because if it is based upon the same data that's a BIG problem.
I have been thinking for a while that Democratic voters in 2026 have finally reached the place Republican voters were in 2016-angry, fed up, and ready to pull the lever for someone who can clearly articulate their fury and promises to address their issues head on (say what you want about Trump, he *clearly* voiced GOP voter concerns, racist and misogynistic as they were). That Democratic primary voters are, finally, rejecting the calcified corpse of the Clinton/Obama era (Joe Biden was it's last rattling gasp) and all it's adherents should not surprise anybody IMO. Nothing they have to offer has stopped this MAGA freight train (and in fact contributed to it's rise for decades) and voters are frankly desperate for something different. Rump swabs like Gottheimer need to get with the program or get out of the way and give the reins to people who are actually up to the job.
Exactly...BOTH parties were going to change...Essentially two different reactions to the same stressors. The right doubled down by electing even more extreme, incompetent, and corrupt politicians, and the left has actually seen a huge INCREASE of quality starting when AOC got elected...She is the true flagship of the movement we're seeing growing exponentially now...
“Vote blue no matter who” NOT LIKE THAT YOURE DOING DEMOCRACY WRONG
If only there was a way to run a more popular campaign that actually appealed to the most people….
I strongly suspect Cuomo will not be the last “sore loser” to run as a third party candidate against a DSA primary winner.
This intra-party fighting is counterproductive. We should focus absolutely on beating Rs, not attacking other Ds.
Yes.
Who is the country for? The people or the rulers?
Can't beat the mayor's quote.
“‘What is the Democratic Party if not its voters?’”
If only the people in charge are at the party, that party is gonna suck.
Thanks for the explainer re. what is and is not a "hostile takeover." Gottheimer, btw: $2.3 million from AIPAC according to Track AIPAC: https://www.trackaipac.com/states/newjersey
We could have done better; and gone with Ben Wikler as DNC chair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78HSvx217Tg instead of Ken Martin https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/26/us/politics/ken-martin-dnc-democrats.html?unlocked_article_code=1.01A.zP6M.UFeDWPIOuSvC&smid=url-share
But the DNC insiders are too askeered of actual Democrats from the Democratic wing of the party...
The DCCC has gone so far around the bend this year that they jumped into the Arizona primaries to support a Republican-turned Democrat-come-lately
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/amish-shah-wins-democratic-congressional-primary-in-arizona-a-blow-to-the-party-establishment
If the Democrats blow this election and essentially destroy democracy in this country for a generation or more, we know who to blame...
The DSA is basically what I've wanted the democratic party to BE all my adult voting life...My response to this is ABOUT GODDAMN TIME!
Same
Centrist Democrats: "We're going to keep doing the same things we've always done. Some of you may die, but that's a risk we're willing to take."
Voters:...
Progressive candidates: "Uh...maybe we could try actually making people's lives better and fighting against the Nazis staging a successful coup and murdering people in the streets with impunity?"
Voters: *raucous cheering*
Centrist Democrats: "Are we out of touch...no, it's our voters who are wrong."
We're being screwed every day by corporations and billionaires. America is under siege by a homegrown revanchist fundamentalist Confederate movement.
We don't need paralyzed and passive observers weighing opinion polls. We need loud voices. We need opinionated leaders. We need passionate patriots. We need fighters.
My message to these centrist Democrats is lead, follow, or get out of the way.
If they can make the good things happen I say go for it.
I'm still kinda suspicious nobody has announced challenges to Schumer or Jeffries as much shit as they get online. Jeffries especially, you'd think, would seem destined for the glass cliff. But let's see.
I'm sure if the Dems did win the House he'd never become Speaker.
I'm a member of the SDA - no, not a typo. The kind of government practiced in Scandinavian countries. I don't care if it's capitalism or socialism; as long as it's regulated to help all people: a living wage, unions, universal health, protections. Since capitalism here will never get there I'll be a socialist for now. Think the Democratic strategists and politicians who are bitching and moaning are the same as Republicans who do the same when someone opposes Trump. All of this opposition is great for the country which is why the rulers squash it. Other than Obamacare, which helped more of the country get health care, name one thing Democrats have done to help people? Minimum wage hasn't changed. Reagan and Bush tax cuts weren't repealed or overlaid. There's no push back against Citizens United. Democrats haven't stopped stock buying by elected politicians. Barely been any positive gun legislation. Roe wasn't codified when Dems in charge. Nothing. Little things to move slightly back towards the center. Biden got some things through but mostly for Republican states who took credit after voting against it. Elected Democrats for years have drawn a nice salary with perks and stock tips to do practically nothing except make noise.
I think it is fair to say the Clinton/Obama Dems were quite satisfied with the status quo before Trump upended it, and have been desperate to go back to it. The Biden presidency was *all about* that, tried to erase MAGA without taking it on directly, and voters were having none of it. The "normalcy" they yearn for is gone for good, and while we don't yet know what will replace it we *do* know it's center will not be held by the Clintons and Schumers and Jeffries of the world.
THIS^
"Seems the real problem centrist democrats are facing right now is the people are being very clear that they want leaders who will solve their biggest problems, and centrist democrats really don't want to solve their biggest problems and hate the people for wanting that."
https://bsky.app/profile/juliusgoat.bsky.social/post/3mpdp2kug2k23
COMMENT:
"Centrists: "The people want unity."
The People: "We are desperate for affordable housing."
Centrists: "They want bipartisan solutions."
The People: "We need livable wages."
Centrists: "Arms across the aisle is what they want."
The People: "We want to organize our labor."
Centrists: "WILL YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP!"
The People: "Vote the Centrists Out!" and start muttering about the cost of building guillotines.
Like the great Jim Hightower quote goes: " There isn't anything in the middle of the road but yellow stripes and dead armadillos" (although I'd presonally would have ended that with "dead skunks" instead of "dead armadillos" both to make it relevant to places other than Texas, and to make it much more accurate.)
You cannot be "centrist" when one side it hurtling rightward into fascim at a supersonic pace.
The center will not hold. Last place we voters want to be.
"I don’t know, man, who is “the Democratic Party” if it’s not the voters? Democratic voters choose candidates, not party leaders. And party leaders need to listen to what voters are telling us - and right now they are demanding our party be bolder."
https://bsky.app/profile/chrismurphyct.bsky.social/post/3mp23v347g22v
The idea that most Democrats want party leaders who will constantly seek the inoffensive center so as not to alienate any potential voter is both offensive and wildly untrue. Speaking for myself, I am desperate to vote for candidates who will boldly stand for Democratic (and democratic) ideas, and who forcefully condemn and call out the anti-democratic Right.
It looks to me now that John Ossoff may be that candidate I've been hoping for.
I like Ossoff but I like AOC more.
I would love to see AOC in the White House, but I would also love to see her with a leadership position in the Senate.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 “𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹” 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴.
A Blue Wave is predicted for this November, in spite of the current Dem leadership, NOT in spite of the recent DSA wins. If the current Dem leadership would let go of their concern for norms, decorum, bipartisanship, and their fear of being branded a "socialist" or even a "communist," they may actually find their spines and become real servants of the People. If they can do that, November would see a Blue Tsunami.
Nothing wrong with norms, decorum, and bipartisanship, as long as both parties operate in good faith, but the repubs haven't done that in a long time. Yet, Dems weaken their case by insisting upon all three, no matter what the repubs do. As for being branded "socialist" or "communist," repubs are already doing that. Why don't Dems counter with "Republicans are fascists"? Because they are weak! And why do they continue to use repub framing for every single issue? Because they are weak, and possibly stupid as well.
Maybe they are neither stupid nor weak, but their words and actions make them appear to be so. They should fire their paid political consultants, who have given out bad advice to Dems for years. Go talk to We the People instead of the consultants and focus groups. Tim Walz was on to something when he labeled repubs "weird" in 2024, but the Harris Campaign put a stop to that, thanks to the paid political consultants. Sigh.
I haven't yet read all of 107 Days, and I'm interested to find out what KH says about all that.
As soon as you wrote "They should fire their paid political consultants," the FIRST thing I thought of was how they put a stop to Walz calling Republicans "weird" before you continued on and wrote it yourself. That word worked and not only resonated with the public, it put Republicans in a tizzy—every time they tried to prove they weren't weird, they just further reinforced Walz's point.
Though honestly I'm surprised that voters stopped actually taking in that fact. That was well-established for me by Election Day and I am nobody special.
I actually wonder what the data (polling, I presume) are that say it was working and are those data different from the polls that had Kamala Harris winning outright (like, even Ann Selzer). Because if it is based upon the same data that's a BIG problem.
America needs a new FDR.
We need a new LBJ.
The North Vietnamese might disagree.
Sure, but then I guess it's a wash for Japanese-Americans (and, well, I guess Black folk).
I have been thinking for a while that Democratic voters in 2026 have finally reached the place Republican voters were in 2016-angry, fed up, and ready to pull the lever for someone who can clearly articulate their fury and promises to address their issues head on (say what you want about Trump, he *clearly* voiced GOP voter concerns, racist and misogynistic as they were). That Democratic primary voters are, finally, rejecting the calcified corpse of the Clinton/Obama era (Joe Biden was it's last rattling gasp) and all it's adherents should not surprise anybody IMO. Nothing they have to offer has stopped this MAGA freight train (and in fact contributed to it's rise for decades) and voters are frankly desperate for something different. Rump swabs like Gottheimer need to get with the program or get out of the way and give the reins to people who are actually up to the job.
Exactly...BOTH parties were going to change...Essentially two different reactions to the same stressors. The right doubled down by electing even more extreme, incompetent, and corrupt politicians, and the left has actually seen a huge INCREASE of quality starting when AOC got elected...She is the true flagship of the movement we're seeing growing exponentially now...