More Than A Label
We tend to like things simple in an ever-more-complicated world. With apologies to independents, libertarians, etc., we tend to think of this as black and white…or more accurately, blue or red.
Two parties, two choices. Republican or Democrat. Right or Left.
But the reality is that both major political parties in this country are in the midst of internal turmoil.
Democrats are torn between the so-called progressive far left and those who are more centrist. Same with Republicans, although the divide is more personified—MAGA Trump backer, or Never Trumper.
So simply going into the voting booth in less than 10 weeks and voting R or D is going to leave many folks disappointed…because the very definition of what it means to be an R or a D is not consistent.
Let’s say you’re voting for a Democrat…is it an AOC-Democrat, or someone perceived as more moderate? If you’re voting for a Republican…is that person a confirmed MAGA warrior, or someone who would just as soon return to the pre-Trump days?
The difficulty for Democrats in governing the past year and a half stems in part from this; many got together in an anti-Trump bloc—but that was about the only thing they agreed on, making it difficult for a President Biden to govern. The lukewarm reception from many establishment Republicans made it difficult for a President Trump to accomplish as much in the first half of his term as he might have…and ultimately, loss of the Congress.
So while it’s tempting to simplify things, informed voters will know which variety of R or D they’re voting for…it may not change your decision, depending on how strong a party identification you have…but at least you’re proceeding with eyes wide open.
