The Naked Truth/Jamala Rogers
Democrats in Chaos with No Plan—As Usual
For Democrats to be calling for a new presidential nominee a month out from its national convention is yet another example of its impotency. The Republic Party has been running circles around the Dems for decades by actively pursuing a strategy for grabbing power politically, legislatively and judicially. I’m no staunch Joe Biden supporter, but this is not the time to play chicken or to pretend one is taking the high ground by not voting. Frustrations are intense because no one likes to be up against the wall with no alternatives.
The call for Biden to drop out of the race after his lackluster performance is baffling to me. Debates now are highly choreographed and rarely give voters an in-depth understanding of the candidates’ actual knowledge of a policy matter. The New York Times editorial board wasted no time in calling for the boot of Biden, and now members of his own party are joining in. With all of the former president’s immoral, unethical and criminal behavior for years, I’ve never heard a chorus singing a similar refrain to kick him out of politics.
Let me say a thing or two about the weak-kneed, spineless Democrats whose vision for the country has evaporated over time. The party has not invested in a plan to educate and energize the base that can be carried out in every town, city and suburb across the country. They stay in reactive mode, hoping they can duck and dodge the damage of the GOP. As draconian as the conservative Project 2025 is, I haven’t heard or seen a counter plan by the Dems.
The Democratic Party has also not invested in identifying and developing new and dynamic leaders in the party. I think they’re scared of losing power and the limelight. That’s why they see the “Squad” as a threat instead of welcoming them into the party so they can attract new and younger voters. The ole heads of the party would like to put members of the “Squad” in their place — outside the Party or in a corner of the Party.
As for African American voters, the “thrill is gone” as B.B. King would sing. We mustered up some enthusiasm with the Obama candidacy, but we’re tired of our votes being taken for granted. We’ve carried the Dems for as long as we can with little to show for it. A recent Pew research poll showed that one in five Black men plan on voting for 45. Black women and young Black voters may not party with the Republicans, but staying away from the polls in November opens the door for the wanna-be dictator.
This election is consequential, and it will be us who truly understand what’s at stake that will make the difference. Our strategy cannot be merely focused on an election painted as a choice between the lesser of two evils. Our strategy must be an aggressive and intentional organizing campaign to build a mass movement against authoritarianism, one that saves our democracy. One that goes well beyond one scary election.
Let’s stop obsessing over 45 and make sure he doesn’t become 47.