For far too long, Democrats have been neglecting their duty to serve the best interests of their electoral base. They have claimed to desire a better future for all Americans, but have consistently failed to fight for it when given the opportunity. This behavior can be seen as either complicity or cowardice, and neither is acceptable in our current historical moment. We can no longer accept being the lesser of two evils; it is imperative to strive for genuine goodness. Now is a time for intentional narrative building and action plans.
In the political discourse as of late, Project 2025 has been a major topic of conversation from stakeholders on either side of the political spectrum. On the conservative side that discussion makes more sense. It is the expression of a political agenda that they hope to put in place if empowered. On the liberal side, it makes less sense. Instead of charting a clear vision for the future, a lot of Democratic messaging has been fearmongering. Instead of advancing their own Project 2025-like agenda for social progress, Democrats have spent an unhealthy amount of time fearmongering around the idea of what will happen to people if Republicans win in November. Why not run on the idea of what you plan to do for the people instead?
The tragic death of Sonya Massey, who was brutally slain in her own home after calling the police for help, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for goodness and action. Thoughts and prayers are not enough in today’s climate. The consequence of inaction from those empowered to act is that deeply entrenched injustices worsen for those who they were mandated to advocate for. There are concrete steps we can take right now to improve the quality of life for Americans. For instance, we can use this moment — when the nation is collectively questioning how a 20-year-old managed to shoot at a former president — as an opportunity to push for real bipartisan action on restricting access to assault rifles like the one used in the attempt on the former president’s life.
Furthermore, it is imperative that Democrats recognize the gravity of the genocide in Palestine and the moral imperative to act. Israel’s indiscriminate bombings, blockades, and disproportionate use of force against civilian populations have resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocents, including women and children. It is no secret that thousands of voters across this country went to the polls “uncommitted” as an acknowledgment that this administration’s failure to take decisive action or speak out strongly against these atrocities, is effectively sanctioning these acts of violence. Democrats must exhibit the same bravery and perceptiveness they displayed when they asked President Biden to step down by uniting as a party to support the International Court of Justice in condemning Israel’s actions and calling for a cease-fire. Anything less would be a slap in the face to voters who have very clearly articulated a position.
In addition to foreign policy, it’s crucial for Democrats to engage in strategic communications and messaging here at home. They need to highlight how the GOP’s national attempts to control women’s bodies represent state interference in individual liberties. These decisions should be left to the family unit, not dictated by the state. It’s time to address these issues head-on with intentional targeted messaging.
Lastly, there has been a flood of social media posts that attempt to place the burden of the upcoming election on Black voters. While Black voters are indeed a vital part of the Democratic base, it is intellectually dishonest to blame them for the election’s outcome. Instead, the focus should be on white women with pussyhats who have historically betrayed progressive political agendas. It is essential to create compelling campaigns that remind these voters to prioritize humanity over racial identity. The overwhelming majority of Black voters are already aware of their responsibilities and will fulfill them.
In the wake of the 2020 election, hope swirled amidst promises of change, particularly for marginalized communities who anticipated a presidency attuned to their needs. Yet, as we stand on the precipice of another electoral cycle, it’s vital to scrutinize the commitments made by the Biden administration and examine the stark disparity between rhetoric and action, especially concerning the Black community. During the campaign trail, Joe Biden’s remarks regarding Black voters stirred controversy, a mere precursor to the subsequent letdowns. His team engaged Black activists, establishing a Black Youth Council that served as a think tank, contributing ideas pivotal to the campaign’s minority outreach. Astonishingly, these contributions were unpaid — a glaring disregard for the value and expertise of these individuals. I was one of those folks sidelined. How that situation has played out exemplifies the disillusionment that permeates the Black community’s relationship with the Democratic Party.
Despite promises of meaningful engagement, the cries for attention and action on social justice issues have fallen on deaf ears. Correspondences from organizers seeking dialogue and progress have been systematically ignored, rendering hollow the commitments to serve the Black populace. The administration’s failure to support D.C.’s statehood further underscores these broken pledges. Endorsements from Biden and Vice President Harris during the campaign evaporated when the crunch came. Their silence when Republicans blocked D.C.’s attempts at self-governance contradicted their initial fervor, exposing a lack of genuine commitment to empowering disenfranchised communities.
Moreover, the Democratic Party’s tepid response to the ongoing slaughter in Palestine has disillusioned many Black folks. Despite widespread outcry for a cease-fire and condemnation of the IDF’s strategies, the administration has maintained a disheartening silence, funneling billions into Middle Eastern conflicts while domestic concerns — college debt, inflation, and soaring living costs — remain unaddressed. For the Democratic Party to secure support, particularly within the Black community, tangible actions, not just hollow words, are imperative.
The current political landscape is marked by an energized base for Donald Trump, while the Democrats’ foundation appears precarious in this period of transition, especially among Black voters who once held hope for substantive change. The time for rhetoric alone has passed. Dems must now prioritize action, rectifying its broken promises through tangible deliverables to earn the trust and support it seeks in the forthcoming electoral battle. Failure to do so risks alienating a crucial base, leaving an administration marred by unfulfilled pledges and dashed hopes. The Black community, like all Americans, deserves leadership that not only promises change but delivers it. The 2024 election looms large, presenting an opportunity for the Harris campaign to pivot from rhetoric to meaningful action — a chance that cannot afford to be squandered. Bigger than that, now is the time for Democrats to take decisive, courageous action. They must fight for the values they claim to uphold and lead the nation toward a better, more just future.