Bob Schwartz

The Democratic Party has not been at its best during the first year of the current Republican administration. Tragically unfortunate, since it is one of only two parties that govern America, and the only one in a position to stop the slide into Republican authoritarian tyranny. It is not enough to be better than the Republican Party. Courage, vision, action and leadership are called for, and, acknowledging some admirable examples, these have been in short supply among Democrats.

It isn’t an entire solution, but I think the Democratic animal must change.

Donkeys are worthy animals for some purposes. But as a Democratic leader and politician, does your looking at a donkey really inspire you? Does it really say what this moment desperately needs?

Here are two suggestions for the Democrats: Buffalo/American bison and grizzly bear.

Buffalo is a great Democratic choice for a few reasons. It is mighty, resilient and quintessentially American. As a bonus, it resonates with the story of our native people. Of course, America did not hesitate to almost extinguish buffalo, showing disregard for those native people and wildlife. Republicans, in their infinite hypocritical absurdity, will try to say that the Democratic choice of buffalo is both mockery of a great American symbol and too woke.

Grizzly bear is also a great choice. If you want to project and inspire toughness, with the prospect of inflicting a beat down, not many animals are its equal. Certainly not donkeys.

Which should the Democratic Party be, the party of the buffalo or the party of the grizzly bear?

© 2026 Bob Schwartz