Get Your S*#t Together, Democrats: We’re Losing Because We Refuse to Fight Like We Mean It
Let’s stop sugarcoating it: Democrats are losing because we’re too damn scared to fight like we actually give a fuck. Meanwhile, MAGA Republicans are burning democracy to the ground with a flamethrower and daring us to do something about it.
Since 2016, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans have systematically attacked the pillars of our democracy. They’ve eroded norms, undermined the rule of law, and sought to delegitimize elections through baseless fraud claims and blatant attempts to overturn results. At the same time, they stacked the judiciary with conservative judges, including three Supreme Court justices, fundamentally reshaping reproductive rights, healthcare access, and civil liberties for decades.
Their actions don’t stop there. Donald Trump pardoned insurrectionists who attacked our nation’s capitol and attacked law enforcement officers, amplified conspiracy theories, and banned books to rewrite history, erasing the voices of marginalized communities and silencing hard truths. They don’t care about fairness — they care about consolidating power, no matter how extreme or authoritarian their tactics become. They thrive on cruelty, double down on lies, and dare anyone to stand in their way.
We can see this same cruelty in their immigration policies. As a nation built by immigrants, it’s appalling to see these same people pushing anti-immigration rhetoric while conveniently ignoring their own histories. The loudest voices demanding inhumane border policies aren’t native to the land they occupy. Their ancestors came here fleeing poverty, violence, and despair — just like the immigrants they now vilify. The hypocrisy is glaring, and Democrats must call it out with conviction. Republicans have weaponized fear and false narratives, painting every immigrant as a potential criminal to justify their draconian policies.
There is no defense for violent crime, whether committed by citizens or immigrants. But conflating criminality with immigration is a dangerous, racist lie. The majority of those crossing the border are not criminals — they are families, single mothers, and individuals fleeing cartel violence, human trafficking, and economic devastation. These people come seeking the same opportunity every immigrant has historically sought: a chance to build a better life. To send them back to nations riddled with instability is not just cruel — it’s fundamentally un-American. Democrats must reject the false choice between open borders and inhumane enforcement. Instead, we must champion immigration policies that protect asylum seekers, reunite families, and provide pathways to citizenship.
While Republicans are fighting ruthlessly, Democrats are stuck hosting press conferences about civility, as if playing nice will somehow stop a political movement hellbent on dismantling democracy. Civility is meaningless when your opponent is fighting a no-holds-barred battle to win at any cost. While Republicans are throwing punches, we’re wasting time with polite debates and moral posturing. Let’s be real — this isn’t a game of chess; it’s a street fight. And trying to win over extremists with measured dialogue isn’t just naïve — it’s pathetic and dangerous.
The Democratic Party’s failure to stand strong is especially insulting to Black voters, who consistently deliver victories that the party cannot win without. Every four years, the Democratic Party shows up in Black communities, smiling for the cameras, preaching about how much they value our voices, and promising the world if we just “show out” one more time. And we do — we mobilize, we organize, and we deliver victories that would be impossible without us. But once the ballots are counted, we’re pushed to the sidelines, our needs buried under empty gestures and symbolic victories. Meanwhile, other groups with less consistent turnout see targeted policies and resources because the party fears losing their votes. Let me be clear: Black voters are done being taken for granted. We’re not here to save a party that won’t fight for us. If Democrats want our loyalty, they need to earn it — not with slogans, but with action.
We also need to stop demanding perfection from our candidates. The constant push for spotless records and universal likability is not just unrealistic — it’s self-sabotaging. Sometimes, our candidates will come with bruises, scars, and the weight of difficult decisions from their past. That’s okay. Politics isn’t a fairytale; it’s a fight, and fights leave marks. What matters is their vision, their conviction, and their willingness to stand up for the people. If we keep rejecting imperfect allies, we’ll hand victory to our enemies on a silver platter. It’s time to embrace humanity, not perfection.
If They Want a Fight, Let’s Fucking Go
We’ve got to stop playing by rules no one else is following. Republicans have shown us time and time again that they’ll rig the system, suppress voters, and exploit every loophole to stay in power. Fine. Two can play that game.
Redistrict Strategically and Push the Supreme Court: Republicans have weaponized gerrymandering to secure power. Democrats must redraw maps in key states like California and New York to maximize representation and maintain a House majority. We must also force the Supreme Court to decide whether gerrymandering is legal — if it’s illegal, it stops for everyone; if it’s legal, we use it to level the playing field.
Invest in State and Local Races: The fight for power begins at the grassroots. Democrats must prioritize state legislatures, city halls, and school boards, creating a pipeline of leaders and shaping policies at the local level. Without control at the state level, redistricting, and broader reforms will remain out of reach.
Run Everywhere with Real Leaders: Stop conceding districts as “unwinnable.” Democrats must field candidates in every race, focusing on authentic leaders who reflect the communities they serve. Connection and representation matter more than money or polished campaigns.
Engage Voters Year-Round: Republicans energize their base with clear messaging and constant organizing. Democrats must meet voters where they are — addressing their struggles and hopes — not just during elections but all year long, especially in marginalized communities.
Protect Voting Rights: Fight voter suppression with aggressive advocacy for automatic voter registration, expanded early voting, mail-in ballot protections, and making Election Day a national holiday. Use legal and legislative tools to secure fair elections.
Offer a Bold Vision: Criticizing MAGA Republicans & Donald Trump isn’t enough. Democrats must present a clear, inspiring vision for the future — focused on healthcare, education, voting rights, and safety — to rebuild trust and win back voters.
This isn’t about stooping to their level. It’s about surviving. We’re up against a movement that has no respect for democracy, human rights, or basic decency. They don’t care if they burn the whole damn country down as long as they’re the ones holding the matches.
Democrats, roll up your sleeves. If MAGA Republicans want a fight, then let’s knock them the fuck out. Enough is enough.
The Honorable Auon’tai M. Anderson
