Honestly with Bari Weiss

Resistance or Opposition: Which Route Should the Democrats Take?

54 snips
Nov 12, 2024
In this discussion, journalist Eli Lake analyzes the Democratic Party's strategic crossroads in the wake of Trump's rise. He critiques the shift from opposition to resistance, noting its failure to resonate with voters. Lake emphasizes the need for introspection, drawing parallels to the 1984 election where centrist approaches revived the party. The conversation also delves into the influence of identity politics and the repercussions of movements like 'defund the police,' advocating for a more grounded and unified strategy to regain support ahead of future elections.
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ANECDOTE

1984 Reagan Landslide

  • In 1984, Ronald Reagan won a landslide victory against Walter Mondale, leaving Democrats in disarray.
  • Mondale's focus on interest groups alienated voters, foreshadowing future Democratic struggles.
INSIGHT

Mondale's Missteps

  • Mondale's campaign prioritized interest groups like unions and activists over appealing to broader voter concerns.
  • His stance on issues like nuclear disarmament and Star Wars missile defense proved unpopular.
ANECDOTE

Formation of the DLC

  • After the 1984 defeat, Al Fromm and Will Marshall formed the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) to push for centrism.
  • The DLC strategically adopted its name to project influence, despite opposition from the Democratic establishment.
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