Joe K wrote:I think Degen is falling victim to two false dichotomies. First, the distinction between supporting marginalized groups (i.e., "identity politics") and pushing an appealing economic message. Democrats can and should do both. Identity politics by itself, without an economic appeal, may not be enough to win. But the solution to Trumpism isn't for Dems themselves to abandon marginalized groups. White voters who might be uncomfortable with so-called "identity politics" might nevertheless vote for Democrats if they find their economic message appealing.
The second false dichotomy is between "attacking Trump" and "sticking to the issues." Criticizing Trump for spelling mistakes or for eating his steak with ketchup is probably counterproductive. But Trump must be attacked for his many misguided policies. In fact, those types of attacks probably played a big part in the Dems' successes this week.
We agree on the 2nd point. Attack Trump's misguided policies. When Trump sticks to policy though, it sounds ok. Like his statement on North Korea yesterday asking all countries including China and Russia to condemn them. That sounds strong. It's shit on twitter like Ed Gillespe wasn't Trump enough which is stupid and needs to be trashed.
Identity politics is a more complex issue which I am on the opposite side of all of you. Democrats relying on race to win elections is a tricky business. Cobbling together a vast number of different demographic groups is hard work, and the margin of error is always razor-thin. Also within ethnic groups are large socio-economic divides. But as Trump demonstrated that any winning strategy must include a majority of white working class voters. The ones who voted for Obama. This does not mean abandoning marginalized groups, but to make policy that includes them in, policies that are good for everyone. The Republicans have drastically failed and don't offer any of this, they make policies for the rich and big business, leaving the poor behind. They probably always have but it's worse now. They are actually the ones playing identity politics now but Trump's policies have been counter productive to the white working class he championed. Democrats need to avoid this.
We saw Tuesday night a rejection of Trump politics and the GOP. Democrats should build on this and make good policy at local levels for everyone. For me I like to talk about politics distinguishing classes and ideology (rich/poor, left/right). Not by demographics (white/black, young/old)
I know I sound right-wing (or a troll) because I keep pointing out the left's failures. My politics are actually center-left. I am way more left in my right-wing province of Alberta than most people. I support high-taxes and a social network for all.
The next Alberta election here is definitely extreme left against extreme right with a new "Alberta Party" possible seizing the center. We'll see in two years.
Kung Fu movies are like porn. There's 1 on 1, then 2 on 1, then a group scene..
