Democrats and the Ruthless Aggression Era [View all]

America needs a real opposition party.
Jonathan V. Last • Jan 09, 2025

We’ve got another moment in which professional wrestling provides the key to understanding American politics. But we have to build up to it. I hope you’ll take the ride with me.

1. Irrelevant

Democrats in Washington are, as a matter of governing, irrelevant for the next year.

They cannot pass or propose legislation. They cannot hold hearings. They are in no position to stop the Trump administration from doing whatever it wants.

The job of the Democratic party, then is to get into position to get into position. That job comes in two parts.

First: Do not help Republicans. Not in any way. On any issue. Republicans can’t pass a budget, or raise the debt ceiling? Tough luck. Do not provide them any bailout votes on any issue. Period, the end.

Second: Make Donald Trump own every bad outcome that happens, anywhere in the world while paying special attention to areas where Republicans are particularly vulnerable. Like housing and Ukraine.

I’m kind of obsessed with housing costs. To start with, housing was the one valid economic complaint people had during the Biden years. Take a look at the Case-Shiller index, which tracks changes in U.S. home prices:

Democrats ought to talk about housing all day, every day. Make it the new price of eggs.

Then there’s Ukraine. …

cont…

https://www.thebulwark.com/p/democrats-and-the-ruthless-aggression