Would democracy work better if more working-class people ran for public office? Running for office is time-consuming and expensive, and the most important pipeline that launches working-class people into politics, the labor movement, is far weaker than it once was.
Democrats
Posted inPolitics
Voters Did Not Understand the Stakes in 2024
A large majority of American voters are greatly dissatisfied with the state of things, most especially the economy. It turns out that median voters were catastrophically misled about the stakes of the election last year.
Posted inTAP
The Democrats’ Shutdown Challenge: How Long Must the Hurt Continue?
The problem the Democrats face in the current standoff is how to weigh these distinct forms of pain: immediate to a known universe of political allies; or long-term to a broader universe of, most importantly, swing voters.
Posted inPolitics
Politicians Aren’t Heroes
Issues lead politicians, not the other way around. It would be incorrect to say that politicians don’t matter—they most certainly do—but they matter less than people might think, and are often better seen as instruments of power.
Posted inTAP
Just Plain Everyday American Socialism
Socialist programs that come from non-socialists, like California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s low-cost insulin production program, don’t arouse the same level of right-wing hysteria. They also don’t arouse the same level of left-wing enthusiasm.
Posted inPolitics
Sparks Flying in Maine’s Senate Race
Susan Collins remains forever unconcerned. One of the Republicans’ most reliable meme generators isn’t fretting over Janet Mills’s entry into the race for Maine’s Senate seat alongside oyster farmer Graham Platner.
Posted inPolitics
Mamdani Dogwalks Disgraced Ex-Governor Cuomo in First NYC Mayoral Debate
In the same way that he trounced Cuomo three months ago, he showed an understanding of working New Yorkers and the struggles they face.
Posted inPolitics
The Damaged Democratic Brand
More successful economic populists within the Democratic Party can help other Democrats revive their brand with an appeal that rouses voters.
Posted inPolitics
As Shutdown Wears On, Trump’s Getting Blamed
There haven’t been any shutdown talks for a week, just public posturing. Both sides think they are winning the shutdown, giving them no reason to initiate talks rather than just wait for the other side to buckle.
Posted inPolitics
Centrist Democrats Have Already Forgotten About Kamala Harris
The Revolving Door Project, a Prospect partner, scrutinizes the executive branch and presidential power. Follow them at therevolvingdoorproject.org. For decades, many Democratic pundits and strategists have had a simple answer for how the party could win: move to “the center.” Just look at Bill Clinton: After three consecutive routs in presidential elections from 1980 to 1988, Clinton ended […]