James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
The political trade winds today are more complicated than ever. The germaneness of traditional political parties is changing each day. I believe many Americans will agree.
Over the years, political parties have gone by different names. What seems like a long time ago, the Dixiecrats existed. They were Democrats who formed a faction in the South.
The Dixiecrats, a group of White men, were formed in 1948. Their main goal was to fight against the Civil Rights agenda put forth by then-President Harry S. Truman. They did not want the U.S. Armed Forces to include African Americans.
Throughout history, political parties have used different names to describe themselves. The philosophies of these groups have become more conservative and more liberal. That is my opinion.
The key to getting different political voices is to get a rallying cry and get people to push a specific platform. Without these components, your ideas fizzle away and blow away on the wind.
One of the more interesting voices is that of Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont. He is a self-described Democratic Socialist. He is now the longest-serving Independent in United States history. As you recall, he favored universal healthcare for all Americans.
Now on the horizon is a group called the Progressive Democrats. The group has almost 100 members in the House and Senate. Representative Greg Casar (TX) chairs the group.
Within the Progressive Democrats is a group called The Squad. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY) leads them. She is rumored to be a candidate for president in 2026. We’ll see what happens.
The Progressives want prescription drug prices lowered, want more consumer-friendly economic policies, and want to adjust corporate campaign contributions. According to reports, these ideas have caught on with the American people. Right now, the cost of living is increasing for everyday working-class citizens.
Opinion polling shows that voters want changes in America. The current system of using unbridled power to control people has run out of steam. Could it be that liberal, moderate, and progressive Democrats might be elected to office? Reports show that Third Way\Global Strategy Group conducted a survey and found the above-mentioned Democratic groups stood out during recent polling.
Luke Bronin, a former mayor of Hartford, Connecticut, defeated John Larson in that state’s first Congressional district. Recently, after his victory, Bronin said, “Tonight, voters sent a message that if we are going to fix this mess we’re in, we need to build a Democratic Party that’s bringing a whole new energy to this fight. It’s time to be courageous, bold, and clear about who we’re fighting for and what we’re fighting for.”
The stage is set for the midterm elections in November. It’s clear that non-traditional Democrats will play a major role as candidates. Ballots will feature men and women with different values and visions of what this country will look like in the future.
Newcomers will enter these races. Will they be able to galvanize voters so the Democrats can win? The prevailing question is whether they can mount a united front and win when it counts.
Our America, the one we call home, is experiencing rough times. Economic indicators at all levels show we are wading through uncharted waters. We are a ship at sea with no port in sight.
A window of opportunity is now open for the Democratic Party. The opposing party opened it itself with laws and policies most Americans oppose. Trouble is brewing for them. An old expression is relevant to this upcoming election. Will the Democrats strike while the iron is hot? The answer will come in less than ninety days.
