Democrats’ New ‘Resistance’: From Fiery Protests to Polite Letters?
Well, folks, it seems the Democratic Party is trading in their protest signs for stationery. Remember the days of ‘Not My President’ chants and pink hats? Those were the times when the Left’s resistance to Donald Trump was as loud as a foghorn in the dead of night. Fast forward to today, and the strategy appears to have shifted from fiery demonstrations to, well, something resembling a polite disagreement over tea.
Take California Governor Gavin Newsom, for instance. Once the poster child for the anti-Trump brigade, Newsom is now calling for a special legislative session to craft ‘Trump-proof’ laws. The aim? To safeguard California’s progressive policies from the big, bad federal government. It’s akin to building a sandcastle to withstand a tidal wave—admirable, perhaps, but ultimately futile.
Meanwhile, in the Empire State, Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are pledging to bolster coordination to protect state freedoms. Their plan involves a series of legal challenges to counteract Trump’s anticipated policies. Because nothing says ‘resistance’ like a stack of legal briefs and a courtroom drama that would put ‘Law & Order’ to shame.
But the pièce de résistance comes from the Democratic National Committee’s own Ken Martin. He’s advocating for a restructuring of the party’s messaging system, suggesting that perhaps the reason they’ve been losing ground is due to a branding issue. Yes, because when your policies don’t resonate with the American people, the obvious solution is a rebranding campaign. Maybe a new logo will do the trick?
Even more telling is the recent internal scuffle within the party. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the darling of the progressive wing, lost her bid to chair the House Oversight Committee to Representative Gerry Connolly. Connolly, backed by establishment Democrats, has vowed to engage in ‘trench warfare’ against the GOP and President-elect Trump. It’s a curious choice of words, considering the trenches seem to be filled with bureaucratic red tape rather than any substantive opposition.
And let’s not overlook the Democratic governors who, after years of lambasting Trump, are now cautiously adjusting their approach to work with him. Governors like New York’s Kathy Hochul and New Jersey’s Phil Murphy aim to find common ground on matters such as infrastructure while defending key issues like reproductive rights. It’s a delicate dance, reminiscent of a high school prom where no one really wants to be there, but everyone feels obligated to attend.
The Democratic base, once energized by a fervent opposition to Trump, now appears fatigued and frustrated. The emotional responses to the election results have given way to a sobering realization: without a unified message or clear leadership, the party is adrift. Some strategists advocate focusing on economic messages and avoiding cultural battles, while others see potential for reform and party renewal.
In the end, the Democrats’ new ‘Resistance 2.0’ seems less about resisting and more about rebranding, less about standing firm and more about finding a comfortable seat at the table. It’s a strategy that might win them a few polite nods from the Beltway elite, but it’s unlikely to resonate with the hardworking Americans who have grown tired of political posturing and yearn for genuine leadership.
So, as the Democrats pen their carefully worded letters and craft their nuanced messages, one can’t help but wonder: is this the best they can offer? If so, President Trump might want to invest in some thank-you cards, because with opposition like this, his path forward looks clearer than ever.