I can. They’re deathly afraid of another 2024. In 2024, they were reminded that you can’t take your base for granted. Kamala tried to appeal to moderate Republicans and through a lot of progressives under the bus. They’re afraid of a repeat.
And a lot of progressives are at risk of severe demoralization if Democrats backpedal on trans rights. First, there’s trans people themselves, who are about 1% of the population. But then you have supportive family and allies. And crucially, trans people are vastly overrepresented among Democratic party volunteers and nonprofit groups. Trans people often can’t help but be involved in politics, as their existence is a political issue. If Democrats throw trans folks under the bus, they’re at real risk of losing some of their most passionate and dedicated volunteers and donors.
This action is meant to speak to the progressive base. It says, “we hear you. We see you. We are not abandoning you to the wolves.”
Does it have any hope of passing now? No. Is it a performance? Quite possibly. But then again, all of politics is a performance.
I can. They’re deathly afraid of another 2024. In 2024, they were reminded that you can’t take your base for granted. Kamala tried to appeal to moderate Republicans and through a lot of progressives under the bus. They’re afraid of a repeat.
And a lot of progressives are at risk of severe demoralization if Democrats backpedal on trans rights. First, there’s trans people themselves, who are about 1% of the population. But then you have supportive family and allies. And crucially, trans people are vastly overrepresented among Democratic party volunteers and nonprofit groups. Trans people often can’t help but be involved in politics, as their existence is a political issue. If Democrats throw trans folks under the bus, they’re at real risk of losing some of their most passionate and dedicated volunteers and donors.
This action is meant to speak to the progressive base. It says, “we hear you. We see you. We are not abandoning you to the wolves.”
Does it have any hope of passing now? No. Is it a performance? Quite possibly. But then again, all of politics is a performance.