Gutless and clueless, the Democrats are paralysed by Trump ...Middle East

The Democrats are clueless and gutless, with no idea about how to resist Donald Trump or challenge him at the ballot box.

Should they lie doggo and wait for Trump to self-destruct? It’s tempting, given the level of Trumpian chaos, but this would leave the party at the mercy of events. Should they yell and protest? Screeching is not much of a policy and they lack the numbers to come out in force.

It is not a good look for the opposition to be rooting for economic collapse, such as gloating as the stock market tanks – or to hope Trump stops messing about with tariffs and starts introducing them big time so that inflation lets rip. A Fox News report that the cost of a pick-up truck would rise from $80,000 to $100,000 if the 25 per cent tariff increases take effect went viral. “Haha,” it was tempting to laugh. “That’ll teach those Maga patriots a lesson.”

What about the reports that US employers are slashing nearly 200,000 jobs, aided by Elon Musk’s scything of the federal workforce by 63,500? Some of those facing the chop are Trump-supporting military veterans, which adds piquancy. Nothing pleases Democrats more than seeing someone tearfully posting on social media, “I’m sorry I voted Maga…”.

Defeat has led to paralysis. The gesture politics of wearing pink and waving paddles with slogans during Trump’s address to Congress was derided as amateur-hour by their own supporters. In The New York Times, columnist David Brooks argued that their disarray doesn’t matter yet. “I would advise Democrats to take some time off,” he counseled. “They’re not in control. They don’t have power.” But he added an interesting caveat.

“I don’t think Democrats have coped with the fact that they’re more the party of the elites now than the party of the working class. I don’t think they expected so many Black and brown voters to go for Donald Trump, and it just takes an intellectual revolution to adjust.”

Who is going to lead this revolt? The last time an opposition was in this bad shape was after George W Bush won two elections in a row for the Republicans in 2004. But at the Democratic convention that year, a young, unknown politician called Barack Obama delivered a barnstorming speech about uniting America. There was hope.

Where is the Obama of today? More to the point, where is Obama? Leaving aside the tittle-tattle about his relationship status with Michelle, the Barack Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago, designed to celebrate his achievements and house his foundation, sums up so much of what’s gone wrong with the Democrats. His vanity project is a hot mess of squabbling, delays, spiralling costs and lawsuits.

Musk’s Doge (department of government efficiency) abruptly terminated the government lease on the centre’s temporary home last week. If all goes well, the near $900m white elephant will finally be ready for visitors in 2026. Perhaps, by then, the Democrats will have discovered their spine, though there is no sign of it yet.

Kamala Harris still harbours ambitions but it is not clear whether she wants a second tilt at the presidency or to be governor of California. Either way, she is in hiding, although she did hold an Oscars watch-party at home with a bag of Doritos, according to husband Doug Emhoff.

Pete Buttigieg is popping up on the late night television circuit, but he is more interested in running for senator in Michigan in 2026 than running for president. The only politician showing any proof of life is Gavin Newsom, Governor of California. He knows he has to do some fancy footwork given his state’s reputation for high taxes, urban decay and “wokeness”.

Newsom invited Trump’s youth organiser, Charlie Kirk, on his newly launched podcast this week. Grilled by the anti-trans Kirk about whether he would “say no to men in female sports”, Newsom responded: “I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness. It is deeply unfair.”

square YASMIN ALIBHAI-BROWN

There is a new, deadly threat to democracy - and it's bigger than Trump

The return of Andrew Cuomo is also sparking attention. Over three years after he was forced to stand down as an alleged groper while New York governor, he is now leading the field to regain his old job. Who cares that he was handsy, given the commander-in-chief’s record? At least Cuomo took on Trump during the pandemic!

Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York, had been charged with corruption but after sucking up to Trump on immigration, the Department of Justice insisted the charges were suspended last month. He wants to run again but has 11 per cent support.

So here’s a thought. The Democrats don’t need an “intellectual revolution”, as advised by Brooks. They need to demonstrate that they can run their cities, states and even their presidential foundations with a modicum of success. If they can prove that they are competent, the votes will follow.

Harris has told friends she will make up her mind this summer about running for California governor. Though she ran valiantly at short notice against Trump, if she wants to stay in politics her home state is her best shot.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has a strong left-wing fanbase but will not be able to break out of it from her perch in the House of Representatives. Like Newsom she is a better talker than doer – and neither of them can compete with Trump for drama.

Wanted: a gutsy achiever. Is there anybody out there?

Sarah Baxter is director of the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Gutless and clueless, the Democrats are paralysed by Trump )

Also on site :

• Country Legend Dolly Parton Sees Her 'Little Girl Dreams Come True'
• WIN SOURCE Earns Industry Recognition Again, Demonstrates Strength in Global Supply Chain Services
• NYT ‘Connections’ Hints and Answers Today, Tuesday, May 20