On the topic of critical party-reflection.

[Garrett78]

I'm of the opinion that critical party-reflection, like critical self-reflection, is not only healthy but vital, and that DU should be welcoming of Democratic Party critiques (not to be confused with the bashing of individual candidates). The Republican Party (in spite of being a batshit crazy institution) has the White House, the US Senate, the US House, a clear majority of state legislatures and a clear majority of governorships.

Race-based gerrymandering and race-based voter suppression are two big reasons why. But has the Democratic Party been as vocal as it should be about those issues, or has it fallen victim to the bashing of identity politics (by Republicans and media personalities but also the likes of George Lakoff and Sam Harris)?

The media is also complicit (with its false equivalencies and habit of suggesting there are no facts or falsehoods, only opinions). But has the Democratic Party been vocal enough about that, or has it been continually on the defensive for the last several decades as the Republican Party successfully/strategically bashes the "liberal media?"

Has there been over the years too much emphasis placed on converting Reagan Democrats or Trump supporters, and not enough on inspiring the base (while taking persons of color for granted)?

Now, those are obviously leading questions that indicate where I stand, but I think those questions need to be asked...I would hope party leadership is pondering them.

But maybe such questions are off limits on this "underground" site.

[Gothmog]

1. I volunteer a great deal of time on voter protection issues

The Texas voter is law was largely gutted due to litigation by Chad Dunn (the outside counsel for the Texas state Democratic party) and others. There was a very recent ruling that refused to strike down the gutted law in it entirety. Chad Dunn was expecting this ruling

Link to tweet

The Texas gerrymandering case and two other gerrymandering cases are before the SCOTUS. The democratic parties have funded or helped in these lawsuits. The Democratic Party had taken this issue seriously.

President Obama and AG Eric Holder are running a super pac that helped in the Ohio redistricting ballot measure. I have donated to this PAC and will make further donations to this PAC. Again, Democrats are taking this issue very seriously.

In Harris County, I helped train 200+ poll watchers. We got GOP poll greeters to stop making false claims about the revised voter id law. Democratic candidates swept Harris County races in 2016. A lady who I trained as a poll watcher in 2012 is now in charge of voter registration issues. We used to have to sue the prior holder of this office to get voter registration forms in language other than English. Progress is being made

I wad in the county voter protection war room for the March 6 primary and I have the afternoon shifts for the May 22 run off

Democrats take voter protection seriously.

[Gothmog]

2. BTW, the Brennan Center is doing great work on gerrymandering

Link to tweet

As is Eric Holder and President Obama

Link to tweet

[lapucelle]

3. Apparently critical self reflection would be helpful for some.

[Garrett78]

5. Gerrymandering is starting to get more attention, thanks to Holder and others.

Gerrymandering is unconstitutional, really.

[Hortensis]

4. Thanks, excellent information, Gothmog.

Garrett78, posting questions, even hostile ones, is not off limits as long as they are worded so as to not violate the TOS.

Nor is thanking a fellow member for taking the time to shine a light on ignorance and stimulating that critical reflection.