" an economy in the worst shape since the Great Depression;
" the inflaming of divisions among Americans;
" hostility toward America among citizens of nations that have historically been our friends.
Clearly, something very dark has arisen on the political right, and the nation is paying a high price for its continuing power.
But that power derives from the people. If we believe in democracy, we must believe that if the people saw this destructive force for what it is they would take away that power.
Democrats in very red districts -- behind enemy lines, as it were -- are well-positioned to tell the truth about what the once-respectable Republican Party has become. Even while cruising to victory in their "safe" districts, party-line Republican incumbents can become the means of exposing the dishonest and destructive nature of the party they serve. Like a combination shot in pool, campaigns against such Republicans can be a means to strike at the larger force behind.
It's not only candidates who can apply this combination-shot strategy. Ordinary citizens -- with or without coordination with a Democratic candidate-- can organize demonstrations that expose the destructive spirit that animates today's Republican Party. By getting media attention, such citizens can convey this important message to the larger public.
Even if "safe" Republicans win, campaigns against them might influence toss-up races for other national or state offices and, over time, might work to dislodge some of the entrenched beliefs that have been instilled by the purveyors of the lie.
This strategy would be worthwhile in any heavily red congressional district. But if this approach were followed in these districts across the country, the combined force of many coordinated voices could press this powerful truth into the national discussion.
That's the opportunity. Can Democrats organize to seize it?
[In a subsequent post, I will provide some thoughts on steps people could take to implement this strategy.]
****************
Andy Schmookler, an award-winning author, political commentator, radio talk-show host, and teacher, was the Democratic nominee for Congress from Virginia's very Republican 6th District. He is the author of various books including The Parable of the Tribes: The Problem of Power in Social Evolution.
" the inflaming of divisions among Americans;
" hostility toward America among citizens of nations that have historically been our friends.
Clearly, something very dark has arisen on the political right, and the nation is paying a high price for its continuing power.
Democrats in very red districts -- behind enemy lines, as it were -- are well-positioned to tell the truth about what the once-respectable Republican Party has become. Even while cruising to victory in their "safe" districts, party-line Republican incumbents can become the means of exposing the dishonest and destructive nature of the party they serve. Like a combination shot in pool, campaigns against such Republicans can be a means to strike at the larger force behind.
It's not only candidates who can apply this combination-shot strategy. Ordinary citizens -- with or without coordination with a Democratic candidate-- can organize demonstrations that expose the destructive spirit that animates today's Republican Party. By getting media attention, such citizens can convey this important message to the larger public.
Even if "safe" Republicans win, campaigns against them might influence toss-up races for other national or state offices and, over time, might work to dislodge some of the entrenched beliefs that have been instilled by the purveyors of the lie.
This strategy would be worthwhile in any heavily red congressional district. But if this approach were followed in these districts across the country, the combined force of many coordinated voices could press this powerful truth into the national discussion.
That's the opportunity. Can Democrats organize to seize it?
[In a subsequent post, I will provide some thoughts on steps people could take to implement this strategy.]
****************
Andy Schmookler, an award-winning author, political commentator, radio talk-show host, and teacher, was the Democratic nominee for Congress from Virginia's very Republican 6th District. He is the author of various books including The Parable of the Tribes: The Problem of Power in Social Evolution.
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