The Plight of the Limousine Democrat

Insulated by affluence and righteous indignation, we Democrats go through the motions as standard bearers for social welfare merely to win elections. Lacking any perceptible sincerity, we fail to connect on a variety of levels while remaining aloof and superior even among each other.

Unfortunately, our leadership is more concerned about fulfilling some ego-driven, super-hero fantasy rather than the selfless soul-searching it takes to be effective. I have my doubts that we can get out of our gas-guzzling limousines to listen--really listen.

A few years ago, I attended a presentation about garnering the Hispanic vote, for example. I expected a little more discussion of conservative cultural nuances, appealing to many of the Hispanic community. Instead, the presenter seemed completely clueless, more interested in recruiting us to make phone calls, pimping liberal candidates by reading prepared scripts.

At another meeting, an elderly attendee seemed to ask too many questions of a candidate up for reelection. Visibly annoyed, the candidate showed her displeasure and boredom with condescending and placating responses, even rolling her eyes as if the older woman were beneath her. Suffice it to say, this candidate was not re-elected in spite of lofty credentials due to her failure to connect with constituents. Sound familiar?

Until we liberals step out of our comfort zones, I don't see anything changing. If success were all about stoking the flames of Trump hate, then Hillary would be POTUS. Perhaps we should be talking with not at people, even the ones seemingly voting against their own best interests.

If transplanted "wannabes" covet leading Texans to the promised land of Blue, for example, it might be wise to recognize underlying social reasons the state historically votes bloody Red. Any less perpetuates the political and social divide with few opportunities for connection, communication, and compromise:

"Did Democrats count too much on the intensity of their own base — all those liberals who have taken to the streets and packed town hall meetings because Trump has turned into their worst nightmare? Did they not notice that there is an equal intensity on the right among those who believe Trump is the victim of a witch hunt perpetrated by “deep state” elites and a mainstream media that purveys fake news?" After Four Special Election Losses, Democrats Need More Than "Moral Victories"