Bob Schwartz

If you are a Democrat, you are receiving maybe dozens of texts and emails each day from various Democrats running for various offices or from organizations promoting various good causes. The messages vary in content and tone from “You’re a good person who has helped before and can help again” to today’s annoyed text:

“We begged you to help overturn [Citizens United]. We pleaded with you. And still…nothing.”

The text includes pictures of Amy Klobuchar and Adam Schiff.

All this, at a time when Democrats justifiably have little confidence that the Democratic Party, with its current establishment, has a hope or a clue to restoring democracy in America. (Ironic, given the name of the party.) The reasons for that lack of confidence are too many to list.

Are there glimmers of hope and effective action? Yes. Glimmers, and thanks to those who provide them. But overall, the reaction of the Democratic Party to a dire America and to the disaffection of their own members is: Stay the course, because this American travesty will collapse under its own unpopularity and damage. Trust us, people. And give us money.

There are dozens of people—maybe hundreds—who could engineer and lead a Democratic insurgency. The party’s response to that is—again—stay the course. We know what we’re doing. Look at how successful we’ve been. Maybe there are a few minor repairs needed, but why fix it if it’s essentially not broken?

Adlai (twice). Hubert. George. Walter. Michael. Al. John. Hillary*. Kamala.

*Bill not included, though despite winning twice, he never received a majority of popular votes.