July, 2025
Washington — The disarray plaguing Democrats can be overcome by uniting behind this mantra:Ditch identitarianism;Embrace humanitarianism;Compete extra hard in rural areas;Election wins will follow.
This has been the plea of many of us for the past decade, because identity politics has been a clear loser at the ballot box. Good causes must be supported on grounds of humanitarianism and universalism — once Democrats' strong suits — without identity group impediments.* Moreover, it should now be clear that the divisiveness of group identity politics is counterproductive to achieving humanitarian goals, at home and abroad. Ditch identitarianism, swiftly and decisively.**
Rural areas are key. Losing them in elections is not the problem; losing them so badly that the losses cannot be made up elsewhere is. Democrats must compete in rural areas to make a respectable showing. They must show up, listen, and have something to offer rural voters. There has never been a better time than right now, given the torrent of anti-rural policies currently flowing from Republican office holders at every level.
Is the Democratic National Committee paying attention? Many of us are waiting to see. So far, there is not a lot of evidence of it.
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* Following philosophers from Aristotle through Locke, Kant, Mill, and Adorno, among many others.
** Bring back the thought, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
