A PATH FORWARD FOR PROGRESSIVES

I am troubled by the debate going on within the Democratic party on how to react to President Trump, his rhetoric, his policies and his supporters.  Specifically, the emotional reaction to certain administration decisions have increasingly invoked comments among those I know and respect like: “this is the last straw” or “my red line has been crossed.”  Progressives are threatening to end public discourse with family, friends and associates who continue to support the President on these “all or nothing” issues.  Examples (among many) would be the recent Trump policy to separate immigrant children from their parents; the President’s continued support for EPA Director, Scott Pruitt; and his vicious attacks on the lawful investigation of the special prosecutor, Robert Mueller.

My reaction to these emotional responses against the Trump policies (which is rational) and against Trump supporters (which is overblown) can be summed up with a simple truth: elections have consequences.  Millions of Americans voted for Trump and will continue to support the President for a variety of reasons. While the President and his political elite traffic in fakery and nativism to maintain power, those who voted for him reflect real problems which progressives in the past have ignored.

Progressives have two very different paths to consider leading up to the mid-term elections.  They can either continue to reinforce each other on social media and to focus on their personal moral outrage not only toward Trump but also his followers, much like Hilary Clinton did in her “deplorable” speech in October 2016.  Or Progressives can get out of their moral indignation funk and join in the very practical and sweaty grass roots work needed to take back Congress and to handcuff the President from causing incalculable damage in the final two years of his presidency.

My view is that preaching to the choir and becoming intolerant toward the opposition is the path toward certain defeat. I am not suggesting that finding common ground with Trump supporters will be easy, or even fruitful.  I am suggesting that respectful tolerance, where conflict is recognized, but reasonable debate is encouraged, rather than unfettered moral outrage, will win back enough blue dog democrats and independent voters to make a difference.

 In the end, developing sound policy positions and gaining votes will “Trump” rancor and indignation.  As Michelle Obama has implored on several occasions: “When they take the low road, we will take the high road.”  

 Progressives will never over take Trump on the low road. The high road is paved with sound political strategy, not useless moral rants against those who support the President.  The high road is finding positive solutions under a broad Democratic tent, not spending resources retweeting or posting derogatory comments about the Trump presidency to gain an emotional high. 

I offer my heartfelt encouragement to those progressive Americans who care enough about our democratic republic to replace the “Circe like” obsession of social media with political activism centered on justice and equality.