Despite Vice-President Kamala Harris’s lofty proclamation, ‘We Will Not Go Back’, it appears to be nothing more than an empty political catchphrase. The Democrats continue to show an unyielding penchant for sticking to their well-worn methods, even after experiencing a bruising election defeat.
In a recent instance, the Congressional centrist Rep. Gerry Connolly from Virginia overpowered New York’s Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the ranking member position on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. This choice further cements the perception that Democrats would rather protect the status quo than advance the party’s agenda.
A unique opportunity to bring forth a fresh face, a dynamic leader, a visionary who could shape the party’s future was missed. Instead, the Democrats have yet again decided to turn the pages back and stick to the same old script.
Connolly’s victory is presented as the reward for his patience and unwavering service. After 15 years of service on the committee, two unsuccessful attempts at the ranking member position, Connolly, now at 74, is deemed ready for leadership.
Regardless of this narrative, Connolly’s win was far from certain. It was noted earlier that the majority of Democrats backed Ocasio-Cortez, 35, on the Oversight panel. Connolly however managed to garner support from former House Speaker who lobbied aggressively for him.
The Democrats’ decision to disregard Ocasio-Cortez for the premier position on the Oversight Committee signals their preference for continuing to embrace centrist ideals, rather than passing leadership onto a more youthful, progressively inclined party representative.
The Democrats’ tendency to dismiss progressive views appears quite evident. It didn’t exactly come as a shock when Ocasio-Cortez was not selected to lead the committee following recent instances of Democratic leaders criticizing progressive stances after elections.
Instead of accepting their inability to gain voter interest or secure the economic message, several Democrats conveniently resort to blaming progressive principles. This approach clearly indicates their retreat towards antiquated politics, instead of revitalizing their party with refreshing ideas.
One Democratic Representative voiced his criticism after Harris’ loss, blaming pandering to far left as the reason. In reality, Harris ran an unremarkable campaign. She hardly addressed sensitive topics like transgender issues, and her policy stances mirrored those of President. A shift towards traditional politics, rather than overly liberal views, marked her campaign.
Such a strategy is in essence a return to the status quo – it’s just business as usual. As we march towards another Trump presidency, it’s unimaginable that the Democratic party wants to distance itself from its progressive members and their values.
Instead of sidelining Ocasio-Cortez and other energetic, younger members of Congress, the Democratic party should be promoting them, encouraging the party to venture bravely in a novel, audacious direction.
When Republicans fall short on their promises, Democrats should stand prepared with a unique and vibrant alternative. Just simply being different isn’t enough anymore. Regrettably, the Democratic party doesn’t seem to grasp that Ocasio-Cortez has the potential to rally working-class voters and young people who have become disenchanted.
Ocasio-Cortez owns a platform that the party is underutilizing. Nonetheless, Democrats persist in their traditional approach, essentially ignoring what could be a game-changing opportunity.
With all their verbose commitments about not going back, it appears Democrats are actually unwilling to move ahead either. Trapped in their conservative mindset, the party risks falling out of touch with the rapidly evolving political tastes of the younger generation.
As the old saying goes, those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. The Democratic party, in its refusal to adapt and innovate, may find itself stuck in an endless loop, continually making the same mistakes while expecting different results.