As results rolled in on Election Night, we entered a sobering reality. Many questions begin to surface: Where did we go wrong? What lessons can we learn? Who is to blame?
The last few days have offered few answers to these questions. We may never know.
America cannot shake its dark identity rooted in racism and misogyny. Yet, that reality has not been addressed by the Democratic party in the aftermath of the election.
Instead, white men have emerged with countless op-eds and takes on where the Democratic Party went wrong. Some argue we’ve shifted too far to the left. Others argued we didn’t focus on the economy enough. Some even blame Joe Biden’s reluctance to “pass the torch.”
Many offer their opinions on how the party can move forward. Unsurprisingly, that path does not focus on Black people or people of color. It appears to focus mainly on white voters.
As the DNC contemplates that path, several names have been tossed in the race to usher the party into a new era. All of them are white men.
The shift towards the center and white voters begs the question: What place will Black voters have in this new era of the party?
Many have bemoaned the Democratic Party’s loss of touch with everyday people. Their policy language seems to be written for an elite and sophisticated audience rather than the people who stand to gain the most from it.
They rely on political talking heads who have their groceries delivered instead of folks who go to the grocery store every week. The party depends on highly educated consultants to articulate our message to people who can barely afford tuition.
Two things can be true. The economy was a top issue for voters this year. Also, racism and sexism shaped the perspective of many voters heading to the polls this fall. It’s a cop-out to believe the economy was the only issue.
Democrats have to change, but the party cannot do this at the expense of Black voters. In many key states, Black people have valuable lived experiences, relationships in communities that matter, and a pulse for the people who can be part of our coalition.
The Democratic Party needs Black voters if it wants to be successful in the future. The party must listen to and value them as they shape the path forward. Our stories and skillsets can also shape the party’s new frontier.