By: James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D
The political trade winds today are more complicated than they have ever been. The germaneness of traditional political parties is changing each day. I believe many Americans will agree with this assertion.
Over the years, there have been different sub names to political parties. What seems like a long time ago, there were the Dixiecrats. They were Democrats who formed a faction and were from the southern part of the country.
The Dixiecrats, a group of White men, was formed in 1948. Their main goal was to fight against the Civil Rights agenda put forth by then President Harry S. Truman. They did not want the U.S. Armed Forces to include African Americans.
Throughout the ages, political parties have come up with different names to describe themselves. Philosophies of these groups have become more conservative and more liberal. That is my opinion.
The key to getting different political voices is to get a rallying cry and people to push a specific platform. Without these components, your ideas just fizzle away and go blowing in the wind.
One of the more interesting voices is that of Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont. He is a self-described Democratic Socialist. He is now the longest serving Independent in United States history. As you recall, he favored universal healthcare for all Americans.
Now on the horizon is a group called the Progressive Democrats. There are almost 100 members in the House and Senate. The chair is Representative Greg Casar (TX).
Within the Progressive Democrats is a group called The Squad. They are led by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY). She is rumored to be a candidate for president in the 2026 election. We’ll see what happens.
The Progressives want prescription drug prices lowered, want more consumer-friendly economic policies and to adjust corporate campaign contributions. According to reports, these ideas have caught on with the American people. Right now, the cost of living is increasing for everyday working-class citizens.
Opinion polling shows that voters want changes in America. The current system of using unbridled power to control people has run out of steam. Could it be that liberal, moderate and progressive Democrats might be elected to office. Reports show that Third Way\Global Strategy Group conducted a survey and found the above-mentioned Democratic groups stood out during recent polling.
Luke Bronin, a former mayor of Hartford, Connecticut defeated John Larson in that state’s first Congressional district. Recently after his victory, Bronin said, “Tonight, voters sent a message that if we are going to fix this mess we’re in, we need to build a Democratic Party that’s bringing a whole new energy to this fight. It’s time to be courageous, bold, and clear about who we’re fighting for and what we’re fighting for.”
The stage is set for the midterm elections in November. It’s clear that non-traditional Democrats will play a major role as candidates. The ballots will have the names of men and women who have different values and visions of what this country will look like in the future.
There will be newcomers to these political races. Will they be able to galvanize voters in order for the Democrats to win? The prevailing question is whether they can mount a united front and win when it counts?
Our America, the one that we call home, is experiencing some rough times now. Economic indicators at all levels show we are wading through uncharted waters. We are a ship at sea with no port in sight. There is a window of opportunity now open for the Democratic Party. The opposing party has opened it themselves by the laws and policies that most Americans oppose. Trouble is brewing for them. There is an old expression that is relevant to this upcoming election. Will the Democrats strike while the iron is hot? The answer will come in less than ninety days.
James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D is a long-time educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
