Dear Democratic Party: Lead Or Get The Fuck Out Of The Way

This isn't about ideological purity — it's about finding fighters to save our Democracy

After Zohran Mamdani’s impressive win over Andrew Cuomo tonight (6/25/25) I’ve been pretty fired up.

I hadn’t been following the race super closely, but watching the old-guard Democratic establishment throw everything but the kitchen sink at him has really pissed me off as the primary came down to the final day.

So, with some anger and excitement I posted this as a note here on Substact and on BlueSky:

Dear Democratic Party,
Lead.
Get the fuck out of the way.
Or get ready to not see the next general election.
Respectfully,
This Middle-Aged White Guy

I was about to go to bed, but it started racking up some likes and reposts. Knowing that my brain is not going to shut down, I thought I’d elaborate a little on the note.

I’ve been mildly involved in politics since I volunteered for Mike Dukakis in 1988 after graduating high school. That continued in pretty much every presidential election since.

In 2018 I was the campaign manager for a congressional candidate in my very red district. It was the ultimate unpaid side hustle. So yes, involved, but probably not to near the degree of many of you reading this.

After the wrenching loss last November one of the main things I did was start this publication. In large part for my own sanity — and that of my wife who might be saved from at least a few rants.

I also think I have insight and am a pretty good writer. So, the thought that I could help with some insight or mild inspiration made it feel even better.

Long before I first published the day before Trump was inaugurated I started writing. One of my main tasks was starting a multi-part series that I not-so-cleverly called the Dem•ocracy Project. It was meant to be my thoughts on everything from policy to messaging.

While part of me felt a little unduly arrogant doing it, I come from a journalism background and a career in marketing. And there are things I’ve always though Democrats should do and have never done. Lastly, I’ve witnessed enough clearly dumb pundits over the last 30 years to know that I can hang on policy and opinion.

Anyway, I decided to put that aside and save it for 2026 when I have more subscribers and we’re gearing up for what might be our last election. But, one of the major essays I had thought about (and taken notes on) was the best way to position ourselves to to get a +1 majority in the House in ‘26.

The conclusion I came to (in part) was that every safe seat had to be defended and ALL resources needed to be put in the seats with the best chance of flipping — that means purple districts and likely fielding moderate Ds to take them.

If you’re into the politics of politics this is a decades old debate — bringing out/expanding the base vs converting Independents. I’ve theoretically gone back-and-forth with it for years — even though I voted for Sanders in the 2016 primary and would have voted for Warren would she have made it to Michigan in 2020.

But, in 2026 I thought targeted safety was the way to go. That meant no primaries against safe incumbents. And backing moderate candidates who could win in swing districts.

I was wrong.

My disgust for establishment, elected Democrats started before the inauguration and I spent a good amount of time writing posts/articles and making memes meant to shame them on board to rise to the existential seriousness of the threat. A bunch of stuff like this:

And yes, a number of Democrats have stood up and done the right thing. But, not nearly enough. And not with the intensity this dire moment dictates.

We need more and we need to primary and retire the ones that won’t or don’t get it. And if the energy is there in a swing district with a young, progressive Democrat, fuck it, I’m supporting each and every one them — through my voice and meager funds

If we’re going to lose this Democracy, I’d rather do it putting up a fight.

This isn’t about absolute ideological or policy purity. Yes to hard-core reform, big ideas, and more and more younger candidates.

There are traditional non-voters who can be engaged if politicians are being real human beings and fighting to help their daily lives. And even former Trump voters.

But there’s another side to the coin.

If it wasn’t for entitled purist progressives Donald Trump wouldn’t have won. And if it wasn’t for naive, single-issue Gaza voters Kamala would be president now. And if you still think perfection and moral purity is best in the long run — well, you’ll have plenty of time to change your mind in the gulag.

Of course I have issues with some of the some policy moves and bullshit positioning Gavin Newsom has done. But, he tore Trump a new asshole and that’s the kind of fighter we need to rally behind right now. If we start thinking about 2028 we’re not going to make it to 2028.

Zohran’s win tonight isn’t the first sign. But, it’s the biggest so far. The Democratic Party needs to totally wake the fuck up and follow the people.

If not, we will change them and do it ourselves.