The concern I have with a party's threat to restrict electoral tools to "noncompliant" legislators is that it interferes with the discretion and flexibility an elected official needs to govern. That's not discipline, it's substituting the non-profit party's preferences for a public official's duties and methods. Parties can't judge those things closely or well. As a local elected Dem and former federal attorney who worked with Congress a great deal, my perspective has been that legislators need flexibility that party officials can't fathom. Consider whether this kind of "discipline," "litmus test", or "purity test" is actually going to grow participation and confidence in parties, voting, and democratic practices. Seems to me that we'll be driving down the engagement and trust-building we want to engender, not least because NC is governed by Dems form the middle (i.e., Roy Cooper and Josh Stein), not the ends of the spectrum.
As far as David Hogg goes, he's trying to oust an excellent Congresswoman, Valerie Foushee, who is one of the most liberal, left leaning Congress people, for someone who is extreme. This is not helping the Democratic party and it's not helping NC. Those on Congress who are very far to the left have endorsed Foushee. It's people not in Congress who don't support her.
When faced with an existential threat, the lower nature is to act in superficial self interest. A person reacting on the higher, ethical and moral nature, will unite with others for survival. We are facing an existential threat in the state of North Carolina with voter suppression, gerrymandering, and other political, dirty tricks. It is essential that democrats stick together and pursue strategic wins. There must be accountability for sabotaging those strategic wins.
Any political candidate who is not an independent should understand that they are nothing more than a small part of a much larger umbrella. I appreciate what both Anderson and Hogg are doing. I left the Dem party last year because of the lack of leadership and unity against the felon's party of hatred and vileness. There is no more politics as "usual".
When you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. And the state party seems to have finally found leadership that understands that. Like it or don’t, but if Dems ever want to find their way out of the wilderness they’re gonna have to start all pulling the same rope. And that means using every tool in the box, and not being afraid to throw what isn’t working over the side.
And for those who haven’t noticed, the last 15 years? Not working.
I don't like it. I was a county chair for 6 years and the LAST thing I would do is pick a side in a Democratic primary. When party leadership starts playing favorites with such a heavy hand, divisiveness is sure to follow. David Hogg was wrong to play favorites as a Party officer and so is Clayton.
The concern I have with a party's threat to restrict electoral tools to "noncompliant" legislators is that it interferes with the discretion and flexibility an elected official needs to govern. That's not discipline, it's substituting the non-profit party's preferences for a public official's duties and methods. Parties can't judge those things closely or well. As a local elected Dem and former federal attorney who worked with Congress a great deal, my perspective has been that legislators need flexibility that party officials can't fathom. Consider whether this kind of "discipline," "litmus test", or "purity test" is actually going to grow participation and confidence in parties, voting, and democratic practices. Seems to me that we'll be driving down the engagement and trust-building we want to engender, not least because NC is governed by Dems form the middle (i.e., Roy Cooper and Josh Stein), not the ends of the spectrum.
As far as David Hogg goes, he's trying to oust an excellent Congresswoman, Valerie Foushee, who is one of the most liberal, left leaning Congress people, for someone who is extreme. This is not helping the Democratic party and it's not helping NC. Those on Congress who are very far to the left have endorsed Foushee. It's people not in Congress who don't support her.
The tailored approach is right. Good for you, Clayton!
Let's start with Reps Carla Cunningham and Nasif Majeed. It is time for these two to reconsider their allegiance to the Democratic Part.
When faced with an existential threat, the lower nature is to act in superficial self interest. A person reacting on the higher, ethical and moral nature, will unite with others for survival. We are facing an existential threat in the state of North Carolina with voter suppression, gerrymandering, and other political, dirty tricks. It is essential that democrats stick together and pursue strategic wins. There must be accountability for sabotaging those strategic wins.
Exactly! It takes a team to beat a team.
Any political candidate who is not an independent should understand that they are nothing more than a small part of a much larger umbrella. I appreciate what both Anderson and Hogg are doing. I left the Dem party last year because of the lack of leadership and unity against the felon's party of hatred and vileness. There is no more politics as "usual".
You go, Anderson! What’s the sense of having a Party if not to stick - and especially vote - together when it really matters?
When you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. And the state party seems to have finally found leadership that understands that. Like it or don’t, but if Dems ever want to find their way out of the wilderness they’re gonna have to start all pulling the same rope. And that means using every tool in the box, and not being afraid to throw what isn’t working over the side.
And for those who haven’t noticed, the last 15 years? Not working.
Excellent piece! I am with her.
I don't like it. I was a county chair for 6 years and the LAST thing I would do is pick a side in a Democratic primary. When party leadership starts playing favorites with such a heavy hand, divisiveness is sure to follow. David Hogg was wrong to play favorites as a Party officer and so is Clayton.
This is the Thomas we love!
Good for Anderson!