the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Progressives in Washington find themselves at a crossroads as they navigate the shifting political landscape shaped by the incoming Trump administration. The challenges are multifaceted: internal divisions within the Democratic Party, waning influence on Capitol Hill, and growing fears of GOP retaliation against their “WOKE” antics.
Internal Tensions and Leadership Challenges
The tensions within the Democratic Party have been brewing since the November election losses, with some moderates blaming progressives for the setbacks. A recent blow came when Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), a leading progressive figure, was passed over for a key leadership role on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. The position went to Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), a more centrist candidate, signaling a preference for establishment figures over progressive voices.
Even President-elect Trump joined in mocking Ocasio-Cortez’s failed bid, posting on Truth Social:
“Really too bad that AOC lost the Battle for the Leadership Seat in the Democrat Party. She should keep trying. Someday, she will be successful!”
The setback reflects broader concerns about the progressive movement’s dwindling momentum. The wave of enthusiasm that propelled figures like Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to prominence appears to have ebbed, leaving progressives to reassess their strategy.
Grassroots Organizing: A Path Forward?
With legislative influence waning, many progressives are turning to grassroots organizing as a means to regain relevance. Joseph Geevarghese, who leads the grassroots group Our Revolution, emphasizes the importance of building a robust network beyond Capitol Hill:
“The tangible things that can be done are not just about legislation. It’s about building a grassroots network that can affect things at every level.”
Small-dollar donations, a hallmark of progressive campaigns, remain a critical tool. However, there are concerns that Republicans may target platforms like ActBlue, which powers much of the left’s fundraising efforts.
Economic Populism: A Bridge to Broader Appeal?
Some progressives are exploring new strategies to align with populist sentiments that resonate across party lines. Lawmakers like Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have sought common ground on issues like government inefficiency and Pentagon spending, areas where progressive goals could intersect with conservative priorities.
“We’ve got to engage on inefficiencies like fossil fuel subsidies and Pentagon spending,” Geevarghese said, referencing Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative.
A Reckoning for the Democratic Party
The challenges facing progressives reflect deeper issues within the Democratic Party. Many argue that the party has drifted away from its populist roots, focusing instead on courting affluent, college-educated voters at the expense of working-class appeal.
Corryn Freeman, executive director of Future Coalition, believes the party must undergo significant change:
“The party needs a reckoning with itself. Democrats are dying for people who are willing to stand up, take assertive action, and call things out as they see them.”
Another strategist pointed to the Obama era as the moment when Democrats lost their connection to populism:
“Trump picked up populism because Democrats gave it up, chasing Silicon Valley money and alienating working-class voters.”
The Road Ahead
The progressive movement faces an uncertain future. With internal divisions, external threats, and a changing political landscape, the left must adapt to remain relevant. By focusing on grassroots organizing, embracing economic populism, and reconnecting with working-class voters, progressives may find a path forward.
As Freeman puts it:
“This is a moment for progressives to reassess, regroup, and reclaim their place in the fight for America’s future.”
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It’s amazing how some of these people are brainwashed, well we don’t like it they can leave they can move to China
perfect picture for the article
Example of grassroots campaigning: DEI agendas continue in local public schools impacting policy, curriculum, budgets, and disciplinary decisions.
Interesting that Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying cases are up 500% in NJ state schools over the past three years. Ridgewood Schools have a large rise as well. Does Ridgewood Schools have parent DEI representatives?
Having white and white-ish people as DEI reps aren’t a good look.
If you build it, they will come.
I’ve yet to see any signs of the Left understanding why they lost and what changes they plan to make. Every single State moved Right.