Watching Meet The Press on Sunday, I was struck how all the pundits were stressing that the Democratic Party was lurching to the left, following the anti-Trump protestors. They seem to lament that the party was not learning its lessons and moving to the middle. It made it seem like the Left was leading the protest movement and bringing mainstream Democrats down its rabbit hole. The truth is the opposite. This movement was started by mainstream Americans like those in my suburban hometown that were offended by Trump’s campaign and feel his agenda and government by Executive Order are dangerous. As a longtime activist, that has worked hard to capture people’s interest, seeing thousands of people heading to Washington, and hundreds getting involved in locally to make a difference, indicates a movement that has grown organically not one that is being led by others.
Perhaps also the ideas are seen as being too far left are actually mainstream. Opposition to the travel ban has been so effective because so many ordinary Americans oppose it. Obamacare has helped tens of millions of mainstream Americans so its little wonder that the opposition to repealing it is so widespread and that the repeal movement has slowed and nothing will get done without an adequate replacement. The same goes for climate change, support for planned parenthood, public education and a number of other issues. The movement is looking for people that will stand up for their principles and articulate a positive vision for the future. These people will capture the heart and soul of the Democratic Party. This hope is what many saw in Bernie Sanders and not in Hillary Clinton (and I write this as a Clinton supporter).
Those who say that Hillary lost because she spent too much time attacking Trump and not articulating a positive vision have a very good point. I felt that way every time I saw a soundbite on the news with her negative proclamations of doom ahead. Trump on the other hand was promising the return of jobs and American greatness. Democrats do need to speak to Middle America better but in a way that reaffirms our values not moderates them. It is the mainstream that marched on Washington and are turning out to Town Hall meetings. Yes the existing infrastructure is needed to organize the new activists but make no mistake about it the mainstream has become active and the party needs to listen. Moderating views so they are watered down and without principle will only wither the movement. Democrats need to be effectively strong to keep the movement strong and keep people engaged and involved. This grassroots movement is like our Tea Party and can help turn Congress in 2018. Much to the Washington establishment’s chagrin, the Democratic Party needs to nourish this mainstream movement not marginalize it. Leadership that stays true to its values and principles, wins.