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rfliberal commented on the blog post Shorter AARP: We’ll Analyze the Bill Until After It’s Passed
actually during those times the Democrats were successful because they had competition from the left. Especially the most famous Progressive president.
Roosevelt was pulled toward the left by both the traditional Left (The Socialist Party of America) and the unconventional left (Dr. Francis Townshend and Sen. Huey P. Long of Louisiana). In 1932 the Socialists’ presidential candidate Norman Thomas had tripled his 1928 showing as hard times rejuvenated the Socialist critique of the system. Nobody thought Thomas posed an electoral threat to FDR; the president was sensitive, however, to the Socialists’ rising popularity“. -
rfliberal commented on the blog post Shorter AARP: We’ll Analyze the Bill Until After It’s Passed
The Democratic has too many competing interests. Social programs, civil rights, education etc… All inherently worthy issues but the inherent weakness is a complete lack of focus. This has made it possible for the Republicans to peel this huge constituency from the Democrats. A labor party focused on labor in America makes the other issues possible because at the end of the day none of the other stuff is possible until survival needs are met. This is not going to happen with a fractured, subjugated Democratic party. It no longer has a purpose just a bunch of competing interesting working against each other leaving the door wide open to the right wing. Even on issues important to Democrats factions are routinely bought off. Which means a lot of energy wasted in circular firings squads. Break up the Democratic party. With a populist labor party we can leverage that clout on a variety of other social issues.
