The Democratic Challenge

The end of the Russia probe — and its conclusions, mostly favorable to Donald Trump — is forces the U.S. Democratic Party to redirect its efforts and to draw a new map for its way back to the White House. Even when prominent liberal leaders such as Elizabeth Warren or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demand impeachment, the reality is that the matters which are urgent point in a different direction. The community needs to define the strategy with which it will confront the billionaire next November.

American liberals placed their bets on the Mueller report and on the idea that Trump could be prosecuted and ousted for criminal conspiracy. But the investigation ended very differently and Trump celebrated its results even though the investigation demonstrated his contempt for the law. Now, while the White House accelerates its fiery fight on the way to reelection, the other side is barely recovering from the blow.

The Democrats at this very moment are a badly shuffled deck of cards. An old campaigner, Bernie Sanders, shows up supported by enthusiastic young people who see him as the icon of a new liberal era despite the fact he is 77. Next to him are the previously named Warren, who is far to the left of the spectrum, and then the popular Beto O’Rourke, who is shaping up as the anti-Trump flag bearer. However, for the general public and an empire that prides itself on its conservatism, the trio is too alternative, daring and progressive.

Even the undecided Joe Biden – Barack Obama’s former vice president - shows up still regretting not having tried a run in the 2016 primaries out of respect for Hillary Clinton’s candidacy.* At 76 years of age, he is also a risky bet for a campaign that hopes to stick to the idea of renewal.

The starting line is disorganized. It is true that it does not differ too much from the primaries every four years when the two or three challengers that will go the distance have not yet been chosen. However, what is most challenging for Democrats is that they are living in a time of urgency and that discursive unity appears more necessary than ever. They must choose a course of action and not look back at a definitive moment that does not allow for hesitancy. Any slip could be fatal, and could leave the platinum-haired racist celebrating four more years in the Oval Office.

*Editor’s note: Joe Biden announced his candidacy for president on April 25.