By being avidly observant and interested in the last few presidential elections, it has become clear to me that America’s bipartisan political system is not the solid institution of democracy we learned about in public school. The two party system isn’t inclusive, and the general trend of government under bipartisanship seems to be political gridlock or concessions – sacrificing any true success on either side. In playing these tenuous games of push and pull, the party establishments suffice with the notion that they are working for the people. It’s time to forgo party establishments that do not have our interests in mind and instead throw our support and money where it truly can make the difference: progressive grassroots movements and local political organizations.
If Sen. Bernie Sanders’ rise in popularity has taught us anything, it is that progressivism is the only solution to counteract the moderate and conservative stances to which the Democratic and Republican parties subscribe. Without drastic changes that benefit the overall public, we end up with lukewarm concessions like Obamacare, which is great in theory but only the bare bones of a health insurance system that can sustain the massive costs of American health care. U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib were all reelected after their historic 2018 victories against centrist and conservative challengers, proving that the people want progressives. Recently-elected Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri is also a prime example of progressivism, having been an active voice in local politics since her activism during the Ferguson protests. All these women were put into office by the people of their communities, rather than by party endorsements or super PAC money. It goes to show how politicians who are invested and aware of local issues are much more valuable in the seats of office than disingenuous, party-endorsed officials.
Voter disenfranchisement was at a serious high this election cycle, with doubt being cast on mail-in ballots. Nevertheless, in spite of all the efforts to suppress blue voters in contentious southern and midwestern states, the Democrats won. While they somewhat earned their victory, the saving graces were the local organizations and grassroots movements that shored up voters in states like Georgia and Arizona. Georgia flipping blue was mostly due to local politician Stacey Abrams, who was integral in registering over 800,000 democratic voters. Black women are the backbone of American democracy, as the oppression they face is indicative of how much progress America still needs to make. Arizona also swung blue, but this flip is credited to a different marginalized community: the Navajo people. Indigenous people face some of the most restrictive voter suppression tactics of any demographic group in America, and it only got worse this election season. Despite the roadblocks, voter turnout in the Apache, Navajo and Coconino counties were also fundamental in swinging the state to Biden.
The Democratic establishment has taken credit for the efforts of these progressive movements. Although they may be left-leaning, they are not the ones who enact change. And while progressives like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have influenced members of the Democratic Party to adopt progressive policies such as the Green New Deal or Medicare for All, they are still at the mercy of the establishment. These last two election seasons have left the American public dissatisfied but complacent. Whether it’s the Democrats or the Republicans who hold office, there seems to be an increasingly minimal difference to the overall population. Progressivism is the key to actual, productive change, and it can only be achieved if we invest our time and money into progressive candidates. Democracy is and always has been for the people. Now it’s our job to choose who we want those people to be.
