Thread by @brianbeutler

To be a bit less coy, it’s been common in recent years for progressive ballot initiatives associated with Dem candidates to pass in states that simultaneously crush those Democrats. I think it cuts against the idea that some magic policy formula will save the party from itself.

https://twitter.com/brianbeutler/status/1328675577524592640

Part of the reason is that candidates associated with a national party can’t replicate the depersonalized nature of a ballot initiative simply by campaigning on the policy.

Part of it is that the Republicans in those races just lie and say they also support Popular Policy X.

Maybe if Dems could impose a gag rule on electeds, aides, wonks, activists prohibiting them from advocating anything other than these initiatives, it’d work out great. But 1) that’s impossible and 2) it‘d alienate millions whose needs can’t be addressed by those policies alone.

Ultimately you can’t stop people from advocating their interests, and can’t stop Republicans from campaigning in bad faith (dishonestly branding the Dem party, while also dishonestly pretending to support popular Dem agenda items).

BUT! You can signal populist instincts by running (correctly!) against the GOP as a party overrun with crooks and liars.