I don’t write many blog posts anymore, but I can honestly say that I’ve written a number of them in which I’ve bemoaned the failure of the Democrats to message in a way that reaches people and provokes a favorable reaction.
We now face an incoming administration that by any measure must be labeled as fascist. Many of us on the ground realize that, but it would appear that many, make that most, of the folks we’ve sent to Washington as Democrats just don’t get it.
Two cases in point. The Democrats refused to make AOC ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, instead appointing an old geezer. Yes, he has more experience, but what he lacks is an understanding of how to articulate the Democratic position or to make sure the Democratic message is spread on social media. AOC understands how to use those things, and she would undoubtedly be better at getting opposition talking points out to a far wider audience than the old guy who got the appointment. The job of the Democratic members of Congress over the course of the coming years is to both oppose the fascist state and articulate the danger it poses in a way that reaches and convinces the greatest number of people.
There’s also a number of Democrats talking about working with the Republicans over the next two years. You have to wonder where these people have been for the past 20 years. Republicans relentlessly opposed everything the Democrats tried to do, and it worked, largely because (see above) besides being united they controlled the narrative. Democrats will get nowhere by working with the Republicans. They should oppose, oppose, oppose, and while doing so call the Republicans out for what they are: facists dedicated to making the rich richer.
It is beyond certain that when the economy tanks as a result of Republican policies, the Republicans will blame the Democrats. Once again, the Democrats will not be ready with a response. It’s more important than ever right now. There’s a small chance that we’ll have real elections two years from now, and that election may represent our only chance of avoiding the fascist state President-elect Musk Trump is looking to establish.
Another thought. A number of bloggers, and even Adam Kinzinger, are referring to Musk as “President Musk”. The Democrats should do that constantly. Nothing gets to Trump more than being laughed at, and the end result would probably be removing Musk from the picture. Moreover, the Democrats should constantly find ways to make fun of Trump.