Trump Election Rambling
We’ve lost, and Trump has reclaimed the office of the Presidency. With control over the legislature, a reshaped judiciary, and significant influence over the media, the Republicans are making inroads with every demographic group. So, what went wrong? Biden and the Democrats tried to present themselves as a milder version of Republicans, slightly more sympathetic on social issues, but they ultimately failed to deliver results. As a consequence, we find ourselves facing the reality of Trump’s return. Where do we go from here? This time, there’s a stark absence of resistance. Trump has eliminated much of the Republican dissent, and Democrats have readily adopted his framing on crucial issues like trade, crime, immigration, and LGBTQ rights. It’s clear voters have turned away from our previous vision, meaning we must now accept our role as the loyal opposition.
Let’s be frank: we are out of power, and our options are limited, but that doesn’t mean we should remain passive. Trump will require assistance in pushing through legislation and managing the government, and we must seek opportunities to engage in governance. We should aim to improve bills, however small the changes may be, redirect the discourse to our advantage, and block harmful legislation. This demands a coordinated strategy that employs all tools at our disposal, while also recognizing the importance of cooperation alongside resistance to his harmful policies. As we approach the midterms, these upcoming years are critical for us to rebuild our identity and articulate a compelling counter-narrative.
Trump will provide numerous opportunities for us to highlight the contrast between the priorities of his rich friends and the needs of everyday Americans. His close ties with some of the wealthiest individuals and corporations serve as a stark reminder that the interests of the 99% are often sidelined in favor of the elite. We must seize every chance to showcase how his policies benefit those at the top while leaving the majority struggling.
Our message should resonate with the average worker, the struggling family, and the marginalized communities. By continually emphasizing that we are the party that stands for the 99%, we can draw clear distinctions between our values and those of the Trump administration. Advocating for policies that uplift the working class, ensure fair wages, and promote policies that will weaken his support and hopefully help us reclaim power.
So, what is our vision moving forward? I often find myself evaluating my political identity. Sometimes I identify as a Democrat, other times as a Green Party voter in alignment with Democrats — but fundamentally, I am a liberal, and our party should embrace this identity as well. We must prioritize human rights and reinforce a rules-based order, revisiting the four freedoms laid out by FDR: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. It’s essential to convey these principles along with their associated goals: ensuring equality of opportunity, creating jobs for those who can work, providing security for those in need, abolishing special privileges for the few, guaranteeing civil liberties for all, and making scientific progress accessible to everyone. It’s vital that we position ourselves as the party that represents not only working Americans but all Americans. We can come back from this, and will let’s save the country.