Bob, this is a great analysis. I agree with most of it. But I do think the Dems need a new message. I am working on a book now that will argue it should be about revising as well as reviving the American Dream to emphasize individual responsibility and agency as well as opportunity -- including the responsibility to tell the truth, and to contribute to one's community via national service, paying higher taxes if you have the means, working, learning, and taking care of your family. Belle
With all respect you misread my comment. I said and firmly believe that a majority of voters do not see AOC as someone who can go toe to toe with Putin et al. The statement was not her as fighter. That doesn’t impress Putin or any other dictator, I’m sorry. And you also missed the entire thesis of the piece, I don’t want Trump or Vance to win, and despite her current popularity among most Ds, AOC has close to zero chance of winning over independents and swing voters, enough to win in a general election. You and I can respectfully disagree about that forecast. but we share the same objective.
I appreciate that we share the same objective. I also appreciate that you read and responded to my comment. It’s refreshing, as an engaged reader.
I think there are plenty of biases baked into your argument. That’s all. We saw governor whitmer kiss the ring in the Oval Office, we saw her embrace trumps tariff messaging, and we saw her literally hug him on the tarmac in Michigan. Meanwhile, AOC has put out Instagram lives that literally say she is prepared to die for us. For our democracy. When you hold these two side by side and conclude that whitmer will be deemed a more credible fighter against autocrats than AOC, that indicates a rather profound bias.
The way you frame deficits and the Overton window on what is possible and what isn’t? This also reflects a rightwing neoliberal bias. This piece is filled with them.
It’s good to share the same goal of defeating MAGA. But let’s not pretend your priors are anything other than fully baked center-right.
The message won’t matter if the messenger can’t unite the room. Democrats don’t need a savior in 2028,they need a translator between worlds.
Bob, this is a great analysis. I agree with most of it. But I do think the Dems need a new message. I am working on a book now that will argue it should be about revising as well as reviving the American Dream to emphasize individual responsibility and agency as well as opportunity -- including the responsibility to tell the truth, and to contribute to one's community via national service, paying higher taxes if you have the means, working, learning, and taking care of your family. Belle
Whitmer is believable as a fighter, AOC is not? Give me a fucking break.
With all respect you misread my comment. I said and firmly believe that a majority of voters do not see AOC as someone who can go toe to toe with Putin et al. The statement was not her as fighter. That doesn’t impress Putin or any other dictator, I’m sorry. And you also missed the entire thesis of the piece, I don’t want Trump or Vance to win, and despite her current popularity among most Ds, AOC has close to zero chance of winning over independents and swing voters, enough to win in a general election. You and I can respectfully disagree about that forecast. but we share the same objective.
I appreciate that we share the same objective. I also appreciate that you read and responded to my comment. It’s refreshing, as an engaged reader.
I think there are plenty of biases baked into your argument. That’s all. We saw governor whitmer kiss the ring in the Oval Office, we saw her embrace trumps tariff messaging, and we saw her literally hug him on the tarmac in Michigan. Meanwhile, AOC has put out Instagram lives that literally say she is prepared to die for us. For our democracy. When you hold these two side by side and conclude that whitmer will be deemed a more credible fighter against autocrats than AOC, that indicates a rather profound bias.
The way you frame deficits and the Overton window on what is possible and what isn’t? This also reflects a rightwing neoliberal bias. This piece is filled with them.
It’s good to share the same goal of defeating MAGA. But let’s not pretend your priors are anything other than fully baked center-right.