Face Plant

Graham Platner is a failure of both the activist left and the establishment.

With another Graham Platner scandal arising, we’re reminded that Platner is a uniquely Democratic problem because character no longer matters in the GOP. He’s a failure of the activist base who rallied around an unvetted candidate with no political experience. And he’s a failure of the Democratic establishment who recruited an aging and unpopular governor at a time when the country is demanding change.

In this vacuum, Democratic Socialists are having a moment. They are winning primaries across the country and the most prominent Democrat at this moment is New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He’s using his platform to shape a new Democratic agenda. I like Mamdani and agree with many of his broader goals, I just don’t think the way he talks about them will fly in swing districts and states.

The Democratic Socialists use language that is as divisive as that used by MAGA. They equate people who oppose more immigration with racists. They attack the oligarchy, a term that I doubt resonates with swing voters. They focus on the flaws of our country more than its promise. Their criticisms are often broad instead of specific, leaving people who might not see the world exactly as the Democratic Socialists do to wonder if they aren’t the target.

In a broad sense, I agree with many of the DSA positions including a stronger social safety net that includes universal health care, addressing income inequality to make the richest Americas pay their fair share, and increasing affordable housing. But I also want to win the election. At a time when moderate and less engaged Republicans have little reason to vote, DSA is giving them one—or some.

I think the change people want is a return to stability. I’m less concerned about policies than I am about beating Republicans and I’m afraid we are about to squander our opportunity.

Wave elections occur when one side comes out, the other stays home, and the middle breaks for the side that’s voting heavily. Right now, Democrats are motivated to vote against Trump. Republicans who aren’t on social media have little reason to show up on election day. The middle that’s concerned mainly with kitchen table issues is going to vote against the party in the White House.

As DSA flexes its new found muscle, they are defining Democrats and giving Republicans a rallying cry that might change the equation. They are making immigration and Gaza top priorities. Those issues may inspire younger progressives who are already likely to go vote, but it will also motivate some Republicans who might otherwise stay home.

As I’ve said before, I don’t understand embracing the socialist label. For people over fifty, the voters who make up a disproportionate part of the electorate, socialism evokes thoughts of the Cold War and failed states across the globe. Alienating those voters seems counterproductive.

I fear that Democratic Socialists are going to have to learn the lesson of the Tea Party. Back in 2012, Republicans should have taken the US Senate, but the anti-establishment wing of the party nominated Tea Party darlings, Todd Akin in Missouri and Richard Mourdoch in Indiana. Both lost, leaving the Senate in Democratic hands for another two years.

I would guess that Maine, which should be a relatively easy Democratic pick up, will remain in Republican hands if Platner insists on staying in the race. I also think that Michigan Democrats are going to nominate Abdul El-Sayed, putting at risk a seat Democrats would otherwise win handily in this political environment. DSA is making this election harder than it should be.

Instead of division, the election should be about restoring stability and unity. Great changes happen when the country is united, not divided. We need to restore faith in institutions or build new ones.

The New Deal happened when a large majority of Americans demanded something new. The Great Society came about during a time of broad economic prosperity when Democrats and Republicans agreed on the ability of government to make our lives better. Right now, our country is closely, but fiercely, divided. We need leaders who find common ground to unite us because our system of government requires us to move forward together.