Negativity, defeatism, scorn, snark, contempt. Democrats in Congress are hearing it all, lots of it from inside their own tent. They are trying to be more proactive — to highlight "the Republican health care crisis" and Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr's "corrupt abuse of power," for instance. But it's never enough. The disaffection runs deep among voters Democrats need.
The dismal election math of 2024, meanwhile, has stymied Democrats in Washington. It's tough to get attention — much less legislative traction — when you don't control the House, Senate or White House. They have also been handicapped by their affinity for negotiations over bare-knuckle political warfare. More congressional Democrats should be talking like California Rep. Eric Swalwell, who said Carr and anyone else involved in "dirty deals" to manipulate media companies should "hire a lawyer and save your records," because accountability will come.
It may feel like an impossible situation right now. But with a shutdown looming, Democratic leaders have picked the right fight. And win or lose, the public needs to know what's at stake.
This is a preview of Jill Lawrence's latest column. Read the full column here.
