Imagine a challenging wilderness trek. Your guides? Social justice Democrats vowing to oppose former President Trump. Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez might forget water, but she'd have Merlot and a selfie stick. Congresswoman Omar and her progressive colleagues would pack leftist literature, while Senators Sanders and Warren, with their gourmet lunches, would blame Republicans for everyone else's hunger.
Suddenly, you spot a comfortable campfire across a creek. Moderate Democrats like Senator Fetterman, Congressman Torres, and Governor Shapiro are roasting hotdogs and making s'mores. They beckon you over.
Congresswoman Crockett criticized "White men" while discussing a bill aiming to eliminate DEI policies from the federal government.
Yet, inexplicably, you remain with the first group. This mirrors the current state of the Democratic Party, seemingly led by its most detached members.
On CNN, Representative Crockett, who frequently emphasizes her identity as a Black woman, responded to Trump's anti-DEI initiatives by saying she's "tired of the white tears." She further stated, "...the only people that are crying are the mediocre white boys that have been beaten out by people that historically have had to work so much harder."
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addresses the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Last week, Democratic leaders gathered to select a new chair. The Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart asked candidates to raise their hand if they believed racism and misogyny contributed to Kamala Harris's loss. Everyone complied, seemingly convinced that Harris ran a perfect campaign hindered only by bigotry. They've convinced themselves that the most diverse GOP coalition elected Trump due to racism. It's a baffling conclusion.
Senator Fetterman, one of the few Democrats seemingly attuned to the nation's mood, faces criticism from progressives and media for not condemning the Trump administration. MSNBC listed his "offenses": praising Trump's Greenland acquisition goal, meeting Trump at Mar-a-Lago, joining Trump's social media platform, endorsing a Trump pardon, calling him a "singular political talent," meeting Kash Patel, and co-sponsoring the Laken Riley Act.
These actions are not only normal but reflect how many voters want their leaders to act. Fetterman is the one bringing practical solutions to the campsite.
Like Fetterman, Torres, Shapiro, and even Mayor Eric Adams recognize that Americans desire compromise and effective policies, not constant attacks on Trump. If Democrats cling to identity politics, they face a long political exile. Even if they shift to moderation now, the journey back will be challenging.
For Republicans, the far-left's reluctance to relinquish control is advantageous. They'll continue their divisive rhetoric even if moderates offer better alternatives. If Democrats don't change, neither will the results, and Republicans are content with that.
