Thread by @SamanthaCorbin

Representation matters.

I fear when people hear this, they think it *only* means people who look like them, and that IS an important part of representation.

But it's not just genetics. It's about values. 1/

There is a VERY FLAWED assumption that Black and people of color are not viable candidates in certain regions.

Worse, there is a purity test for these candidates.

They are expected by DemSocialist & Progressives nationally to embody ALL the politics of the most blue regions.

Let me be clear: this is a racist and classist assumption.

How dare those with privilege call for Black and POC candidates in swing districts to lead the charge on issues so contentious that they can not pass as federal legislation.

How dare white progressives and democratic socialists assume they know the sum total of issues that Black and PoC folks across the nation need to be remedied at the federal level

Years ago, before I had a paid job in politics, I volunteered for two election cycles to work to elect a PoC in a Republican stronghold. Did the DCCC step in to help? No, they didn't think he was viable. He was. We only lost the first time due to their inaction.

But he did win, and he continues to hold his seat. And he offers representation for a community that had NONE.

Every election alone doesn't change the federal dynamic, but every election combined DOES.

To me, this is one of the most offensive pieces of calls to elect and appoint individuals who meet "certain" criteria. Such qualifications are faux - they are given to the individuals who had the privilege to obtain them upfront.

Elections are our opportunity to identity and support representatives who are not pre-ordained, but who instead represent the communities in our regions - not just OUR communities, but ALL of them in our region, not matter the voter turn out.

Sometimes, yes, this means they must take positions that are more tempered than we would prefer. I agree, it's so frustrating.

But - in some districts - incremental change is necessary to ensure real, long term change.

From California, it feels easy to some to opine on what a Democratic candidate should look like, and what values they should posses.

I remind my fellow Californians that Minority Leader @kevinomccarthy is one of our own.

I didn't intend to make a whole thread, but what I did mean to say is LISTEN TO BLACK and People of COLOR when they tell you what they need in their communities, and which candidates they can support.

Some of the most virulent white Democratic socialists argue that these candidates are not progressive enough & do not care about the environment enough.

I welcome those that pursue a fully vegan diet, give up gas vehicles & support whole heartedly YIMBY developments to debate.

Not saying y'all have to do all those things to have a conversation, but if you're not willing to make those sacrifices, maybe you should take several seats before you opine on how Black and PoC candidates can best serve their communities.

A reminder: Shutting up is free.