A big problem that I have with the discourse when political races are covered is that the press calls it as if it is a contest between candidates and not one where the voters are the actual active element.
In a football game, fans watch and cheer.
In an election citizens vote. When their will is not respected and they are forced to accept compromised representation, this is essentially a loss for the only team that matters.
Voters, citizens… people, not parties are what should be getting lauded for this immense expression of public will. The people said “no” to Trump and to Republicans.
Now, what politicians need to do is figure out what people actually want and figure out how to communicate it in a way that gets them elected next time.
This sounds generic, but it isn’t. The Democratic Party establishment NEEDS to have a full and active debate within itself about what the people actually want.
If the progressives prevail and what gets presented to various constituencies are things in line with AOC and Bernie and if it is legitimate appealing to the majority of voters, then great.
If they do their typical bullshit thing of trying to appeal to Boomers that don’t can’t about politics to have real opinions (and barely bother to vote) then they might get lucky and the Republicans will just put out more slinky turds in ties for the next election, or someone will figure out that charismatically complaining and making empty promises (the Trump formula) will work again and again to draw morons and frustrated people out to vote.
The problem with direct democracy is the volatility. The problem with representative democracy is the indirection, and the consequent growth of a self-serving political class.
A big problem that I have with the discourse when political races are covered is that the press calls it as if it is a contest between candidates and not one where the voters are the actual active element.
In a football game, fans watch and cheer.
In an election citizens vote. When their will is not respected and they are forced to accept compromised representation, this is essentially a loss for the only team that matters.
Voters, citizens… people, not parties are what should be getting lauded for this immense expression of public will. The people said “no” to Trump and to Republicans.
Now, what politicians need to do is figure out what people actually want and figure out how to communicate it in a way that gets them elected next time.
This sounds generic, but it isn’t. The Democratic Party establishment NEEDS to have a full and active debate within itself about what the people actually want.
If the progressives prevail and what gets presented to various constituencies are things in line with AOC and Bernie and if it is legitimate appealing to the majority of voters, then great.
If they do their typical bullshit thing of trying to appeal to Boomers that don’t can’t about politics to have real opinions (and barely bother to vote) then they might get lucky and the Republicans will just put out more slinky turds in ties for the next election, or someone will figure out that charismatically complaining and making empty promises (the Trump formula) will work again and again to draw morons and frustrated people out to vote.
The problem with direct democracy is the volatility. The problem with representative democracy is the indirection, and the consequent growth of a self-serving political class.