Emerging Democratic Party united on liberal policies but divided on how to win

[FarCenter]

A new Democratic Party is emerging in congressional primaries across the country, united over the most liberal policies in decades but sharply divided over which candidates to run against President Trump and Republicans in the midterms.

The party taking shape will challenge the GOP with a distinct populist tilt, marking a departure from the centrist views that had dominated during the era of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. This year’s candidates have largely endorsed universal health care, a $15 minimum wage, easing the financial burden for college students and tougher gun control.

But there is sharp disagreement as more than 1,100 candidates have filed, with disputes over tactics — how to criticize Trump or how best to talk about issues — and sparring over who should be the standard-bearers, either first-time hopefuls or experienced politicians.

In Kentucky, for example, a female fighter pilot is lashing out at Democratic leaders after they recruited a wealthy mayor for the race against a Republican congressman who has staunchly supported Trump’s agenda.

In Indiana, a liberal attorney talking about censuring the president has stoked a fierce fight over how strident the Democratic resistance should be.

In interviews with dozens of candidates and voters in six districts — urban, suburban, predominantly rural, college town — there was one unifying factor: an intense desire to win in November. But there was real fear that party fissures could prevent Democrats from netting the 23 seats for a majority in the House.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/emerging-democratic-party-united-on-liberal-policies-but-divided-on-how-to-win/2018/03/31/757fdd0c-3386-11e8-8bdd-cdb33a5eef83_story.html

[loyalsister]

1. Primaries done right can be very productive

Mature candidates and friendly campaigns about policy can be a healthy way to evaluate a range of ideas and possibilities. There are different opinions about who is most electable that the voters will express. I say sort it out naturally and support the eventual candidate. Better to use the extended campaign season and coverage to promote the Democratic platform. AND!!!! success requires candidates and supporters who refuse to trash each other.

[DFW]

2. Especially that last

Democrats trashing each other in the primary campaigns are just doing the Republicans' work for them.

Civil thrashing out differences of opinion are one thing. Smug attacks filled with egotism, arrogance and disdain are freebies for the RNC. Our candidates need to renounce either those tactics or their candidacy, and sooner rather than later.

[loyalsister]

3. Doing their work and missing an opportunity

The extended campaign season invites free press coverage. It's possible to use it well and promote Democratic philosophy and solutions.