By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The past year under Trump’s administration has highlighted the GOP’s agenda of inflicting cruelty and undermining democracy, while Democratic leadership’s elitist approach mirrors the factors that led to Trump’s victory. Democratic leaders like Schumer and Jeffries are failing to inspire voters, particularly working-class individuals, who are essential for defeating Republicans in upcoming elections. The Democratic establishment’s avoidance of progressive populism hinders effective opposition to right-wing populism, making the fight against the GOP and corporate Democrats one in the same. The path forward requires a focus on grassroots mobilization, with voters demanding a higher standard and pushing for new leadership within the Democratic Party to oust Republicans from power and pursue a progressive agenda.
Read the original article here
To win, Democrats should chuck their leadership. It’s not just a matter of improving their chances, it’s about addressing a fundamental problem: the current leadership is an ineffective relic of the past, out of touch with the very people they’re supposed to represent. Their pronouncements often seem to come from another world, and frankly, it’s embarrassing. A serious overhaul, whether through primaries or other means, is essential to bring in representatives who actually deliver. The idea of “chucking” their leadership, as the saying goes, is spot on. The DNC, in its current state, is in a sorry state.
The frustration runs deep, with many, even those who might have considered themselves center-left, feeling pushed to the point of considering themselves independents. There’s a strong sense that the party leadership isn’t genuinely interested in enacting meaningful change. Individuals like Jeffries, even surpassing the perceived shortcomings of Pelosi, and Schumer, seem to be clinging to outdated strategies. The ACA, for instance, became a breaking point for many, making it clear that a swing to the left is the only viable path forward. The current political landscape, with billionaires wielding excessive influence, demands a progressive response. The core point is this: the fight against the fascistic GOP is intrinsically linked with the struggle against corporate Democrats.
Progressive change will always be on the defensive as long as the Trump party is in power. The future is at stake, so social movements on the left should focus on getting Republicans out of Congress. The focus shouldn’t be on whether Democrats “deserve” to win, but on preventing a Republican victory. The current DNC leadership has repeatedly failed, including during the Hillary campaign, and needs a complete clear-out. What’s needed are individuals who are focused on moving forward, not clinging to the status quo. The old ways of playing it safe and waiting for elections are no longer enough. The call for constant pressure, constant uproar, is crucial. The shortcomings of Schumer and Jeffries are palpable, with Jeffries’s leadership creating significant division.
The perception is that many House Democrats are essentially “freestyling” due to a lack of strong leadership. Pelosi, in contrast, was seen as a unifying force, and now precious time is being wasted. The argument is that Schumer and Jeffries are stuck in the mindset of 2010, seemingly expecting Republicans to suddenly regain their senses. To survive, they must get rid of their leadership. The implication is that fresh leadership is vital, leaders who are willing to confront the fascists and aren’t beholden to wealthy interests. What’s needed is a complete removal of established Democrats who are essentially controlled by the donor class. The current plan of the corporate donors front and center is the reason why everything is happening right now. They’ve failed to defend crucial regulations and institutions, leaving voters disillusioned.
That extends to figures like Obama, the Clintons, and Newsom – all seen as corporate shills. The hope is that the party will learn from this and embrace candidates who genuinely believe in progress. As long as the influence of corporate money persists, both parties will continue to fail the voters. The only real solution is for people to stop supporting candidates who take corporate money. Ranked choice voting is the only way to get the establishment out in our current electoral system. That opens the door for a wider range of ideas and candidates. The focus here is on empowering the voters to challenge the status quo, and embracing that kind of change.
The memories of the past, such as Obama’s early days, serve as reminders that the current leadership has become stuck in outdated paradigms. The fear of being labeled “socialist” has led to prioritizing those who are unpopular with blue-collar workers. The solution is taking cues from newly elected officials, and focusing on a platform beyond just “not Trump.” The current Democratic leadership fights progressive candidates harder than they do conservatives. It’s time to admit it. People are absolutely fed up with the old guard. The top priority of the Democratic Party has been to police the leftmost extent of the Overton window. Winning elections is, in fact, their second priority. The way they circled the wagons in 2020 to keep Bernie out was telling. A new approach is desperately needed.
The reality is that working people, after listening to the Democrats, had the right idea about the party offering nothing for them. Then, there are figures like Newsom, whose interview with Ben Shapiro only highlighted how out of touch the leadership is. Schumer and Jeffries, are viewed as the worst, as corrupt, controlled opposition. They are working for their own interests. Schumer’s focus is on AIPAC. The current leadership is in place because it represents the majority of federally elected Democrats. If you want change, it starts in the primaries. This is a moment of reckoning. The hubris of the leadership is as responsible for the current state of America as Trump is. Clear them out and bring in new people to work for us.
These are the reasons why “both sides are bad” arguments exist. People are either with fascists or with the ones that stand by and do nothing when fascists take power. The establishment is either controlled or incompetent. A new approach is desperately needed. Change in leadership alone won’t solve the problem, as the new leaders will likely fall into the same trap of pandering to corporate interests. The new leadership will still pander to the very same corporate message that put them in their positions of power in the first place. Ranked choice voting could be the answer to fairly representing the voters.
The current leadership has stayed in power for far too long, blocking out new ideas. Removal of the current leadership is necessary. They are the members of the Democratic party in name only. It’s a matter of cowardice that is on par with the republicans. The proposed slogan is “chuck Chuck.” What can be done? Try voting for someone else, because the Democratic leadership is spineless, and not interested in changing anything. The solution is for a new party, where there is zero personality, zero accountability and zero desire for change. People are sick and tired of the elephant and donkey show.