Matt K. Lewis, a senior columnist and author for the Daily Beast, criticized the Democratic Party for its attempts to rebrand in an opinion piece for the Los Angeles Times titled “Democrats, please stop trying to be cool.” Lewis emphasized the importance of authenticity in winning back the American people following the party’s defeat to President Donald Trump in November.
In his article, Lewis cautioned against the use of manufactured coolness and gimmicks to revive a party that he believes has lost touch with being genuine. He highlighted conflicting advice within the party, with some suggesting a hands-off approach to let Trump self-destruct while others, like David Hogg, the new vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, proposed purging older party members as a bold strategy.
Lewis acknowledged Hogg’s efforts to bring change but criticized them as superficial, comparing it to a desperate attempt akin to divorced dads buying convertibles. He also expressed skepticism towards what he called “dark woke,” a term he used to describe progressive politics presented in an edgy and confrontational manner.
The columnist lamented the current state of the Democratic brand, describing it as lame and cooked. He contrasted this with the party’s past cultural influence, recalling the era of former President Barack Obama and George Clooney as symbols of Democratic appeal. Lewis noted the GOP’s transformation from a conservative establishment to a disruptive force, labeling them as the new chaos agents and punk rockers in American politics.
Despite his criticisms, Lewis pointed out positive examples within the Democratic Party, such as politicians like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who demonstrate authenticity by speaking sincerely about their beliefs. He also highlighted actions that matter, citing Senator Chris Van Hollen’s visit to El Salvador to meet with a wrongful deportee as an example of meaningful engagement.
In conclusion, Lewis urged the Democratic Party to prioritize genuineness over attempts to appear cool, emphasizing the importance of real actions and authentic communication in winning back public trust.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) took part in an event on the ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour in Bakersfield, California. The importance of authenticity, passion, and substance in revitalizing the Democratic Party’s image was emphasized. It was noted that striving for coolness should not overshadow the values of due process and the rule of law. Check out more coverage on media and culture by clicking the link below.
