Democrats must embrace inclusion over ideological conformity to win again, as highlighted by the article. The piece argues that the party’s historical strength lay in its ability to welcome a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs. This approach fostered durable coalitions capable of winning elections at various levels of government.
However, recent years have seen a shift towards a more rigid and absolutist posture within the Democratic Party. This ‘all or nothing’ mentality has narrowed the party’s appeal and jeopardized its ability to form legislative majorities. The article suggests that this rigidity is harming the party’s capacity to govern effectively.
The example of pro-life Democrats is cited as a case in point. While they may differ from the party’s national orthodoxy on reproductive rights, they often align with the party on issues like affordable healthcare, economic justice, and workers’ rights. In a divided electorate, supporting these candidates can make the difference in holding a legislative chamber or losing it to Republicans who oppose the party’s values.
The article also discusses gun safety, noting that in rural districts where hunting and gun ownership are deeply rooted in the culture, not all Democrats may support the same proposals as those from urban centers. The article advocates for advocating commonsense reforms such as background checks, red flag laws, and safe storage without insisting on litmus tests that alienate potential allies.
As Governor Gretchen Whitmer has noted, the party needs to meet people where they are. This doesn’t mean compromising on values but recognizing that no coalition succeeds without some ideological flexibility. The article cites major parliamentary democracies around the world as examples of how majorities can be built through negotiation and compromise between parties that may agree on only a few key issues.
The article concludes that the key to successful governance is not ideological purity but the ability to pass legislation, confirm judges, invest in communities, and protect democracy from those who seek to undermine it. Embracing the complexity of the electorate and building a Democratic Party that values inclusion over ideological conformity is essential for the party to meet the current moment and future challenges.