# Now what should people on the left do? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 6, 2024, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778 "2024-11-06T12:13:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/241 "2024-11-08T22:20:48Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Thinking on the thread title question here, and remembering what I did do in 2016 and 2017, I’ve got a kernel of a plan. […] > > **Tomorrow:** I’m making a list of all the organizations that did good work in the first go-round of this shit and set up recurring donations. I’m also going to be looking for groups I should support that flew under my radar last time or are especially suited for what’s to come. I’ll start with: > > - ACLU > - Planned Parenthood > - SPLC > - _please add to my list_ Another couple of orgs I recommend: [Americans of Conscience Checklist.](https://americansofconscience.com/) Focuses on concrete actions being taken to achieve specific goals to foster democracy, equality and the environment. Highlights good news about positive outcomes. Sometimes they have to scrape pretty far down to find pretty minor positive outcomes, but it’s great for reminding oneself that it’s important as a concerned citizen to do something in response to the news of the day, beyond just passively scrolling through it. In a similar vein, [Mobilize](https://www.mobilize.us/) connects people with local and remote events, organizations and movements for progressive causes. ---
**Author:** ![Pavelb1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/439d5e/32.png) [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/242 "2024-11-08T22:29:37Z")
Back away from the cliff folks. Dems in 2008 had a super-majority and pissed it away by losing Kennedy’s seat (“What am I supposed to do…go down to Fenway and shake hands?”) and then said they’d put a turkey in everyones oven by making everyone buy a turkey. The GOP are politicians. They’ll eff up somehow. Actually become the party they used to be. The good guys. The ones who DONT embrace The Cheneys. (FFS) And run Newsom against Vance and you’ve got a good chance. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/243 "2024-11-08T22:36:36Z")
> [@Pavelb1](#): > > Actually become the party they used to be. The good guys. They haven’t been _that_ since the Democrats and Republicans switched ideological sides in the 1960s over civil rights. ---
**Author:** ![Pavelb1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/439d5e/32.png) [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/244 "2024-11-08T22:43:33Z")
“If you don’t vote for me you aint black” Obama lecturing voters like a dissapointed dad rather then empathize. The Trump assasination attempts The coup within the Democratic party The lawfare and weaponization of the DOJ The whole Hunter laptop thing and the lying and suppresion over that People are sick of celebrity endorsements The economy and the gaslighting of it “Its better then ever” The blatant propaganda on some networks “Russia Russia Russia” The Steele Dossier and the Dems part in that The Debates the constant lying (Trump said Liz Cheney should be shot in the face!) The embracing of the Cheneys The lying about Bidens mental health (Joe is sharp as a tack) The installation of a deeply unpopular figure in Kamala Funding TWO wars. Whats going on in Gaza and the govts role in that The border The appearance of favoring illegal immigrants over Americans in need Ditto with regards to hurricane victims Biden calling over half the country ‘garbage’ Calling over half the country nazis and racists and homophobes over and over and over… And finally what the GOP did Embrace former leftists like Rogan, Gabbard, RFK. IMHO…getting them was invaluable to fence-sitting classic liberals who don’t recognize their party anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Chad\_Sudan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chad_sudan/32/4509_2.png) [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/245 "2024-11-08T23:09:46Z")
In Germany, there’s a left-wing populist party called the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW). Founded just this year, it already has seats in the Bundestag and European Parliament. I can’t support its platform, but it is an intriguing experiment. From [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahra_Wagenknecht_Alliance): > “The political positions of the BSW include further restrictions on immigration, a plan for deglobalisation, opposition to green politics, [and] ending military aid to Ukraine… The BSW supports economic interventionism and greater welfare social benefits, which are to be financed by the wealthy…” > **[Anti-immigration leftists have potential to upend German political scene](https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/02/anti-immigration-leftists-have-potential-to-upend-german-political-scene-sahra-wagenknecht-allianz)** > > State election results for Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance mean Russia-leaning populists could play decisive role ---
**Author:** ![We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/We_re_wolves_not_werewolves)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/246 "2024-11-08T23:16:37Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > It’s a lot easier to look outward, to blame and demonize other people, instead of looking in the mirror and seeing what we can do. It is not fun to feel accountability. It requires a mental flexibility that’s painful. So who knows? so like what 90% of the posters on this board are doing. Absolutely no introspection, self-reflection, or awareness. Just blind demonization of anyone who voted for Trump. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/247 "2024-11-08T23:21:49Z")
> [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](#): > > Just blind demonization of anyone who voted for Trump. Anyone who voted for a parody of evil like Trump deserves to be “demonized”. And terrified people don’t have an obligation to fake approval of the people who want to oppress, persecute and kill them. ---
**Author:** ![We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/We_re_wolves_not_werewolves)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/248 "2024-11-08T23:24:36Z")
yes dude, we know how you feel. You’ve said approximately the same thing about 500 times now since Tuesday…anything else you have to add or do you want to go for 501? ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/249 "2024-11-08T23:26:40Z")
You’re one to talk. How many times have you posted your little scold about how we’re all being too terribly _mean_ to the fascists, and haven’t we considered that maybe they have valid reasons for wanting to strip us of our human rights? ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/250 "2024-11-08T23:27:56Z")
> [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](#): > > yes dude, we know how you feel. You’ve said approximately the same thing about 500 times now since Tuesday…anything else you have to add or do you want to go for 501? You throw out insults like that, people will criticize you back. ---
**Author:** ![We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/We_re_wolves_not_werewolves)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/251 "2024-11-08T23:34:10Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > You throw out insults like that, people will criticize you back. um, what insult? That you’ve repeated yourself numerous times or that you and most others on here have shown no real reflection or nuanced thought on the causes of this defeat? In either case, I’m sorry if you are offended. I’m just flabbergasted that no lessons are seemingly going to be learnt by this defeat. It’s disappointing. ---
**Author:** ![Pavelb1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/439d5e/32.png) [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/252 "2024-11-08T23:35:02Z")
I feel like this has gone off-topic. So I’ll just say once Demonizing OVER half the country is not a good way to get their vote. Regardless of whether you think they deserve it. Having said that, I get this is a forum and nothing said here is going affect anyones vote. I’m just saying if that message is going to be the Dems message going forward (and ive already seen it many times on national networks post-election) its going to further alienate the voter base the Dems have lost. Also I completely disagree that Trump and his circle and people that voted for him are either fascists or Nazis or stupid. Thats not a message thats going to win. Again. Newsom is pretty much your best chance. And I cant stand that guy, but I think he’s the Dems best chance. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/253 "2024-11-08T23:36:21Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > You’re one to talk. How many times have you posted your little scold about how we’re all being too terribly _mean_ to the fascists, and haven’t we considered that maybe they have valid reasons for wanting to strip us of our human rights? You can’t even conceive of the idea that maybe they voted for Trump for reasons other than a desire to strip you of your human rights? Unfortunately, you’re not alone, which is why I dread our odds next time around. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/254 "2024-11-08T23:38:20Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > You can’t even conceive of the idea that maybe they voted for Trump for reasons other than a desire to strip you of your human rights? “I’m okay with you losing your civil rights if I can get cheaper eggs,” isn’t much of an improvement. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/255 "2024-11-08T23:40:50Z")
> [@Pavelb1](#): > > Demonizing OVER half the country is not a good way to get their vote. It works great for the Republicans. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/256 "2024-11-08T23:41:17Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > You can’t even conceive of the idea that maybe they voted for Trump for reasons other than a desire to strip you of your human Considering how loud, direct, and heavily publicized his desire is, forgive us if it comes to mind first and foremost. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/257 "2024-11-08T23:41:55Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > You can’t even conceive of the idea that maybe they voted for Trump for reasons other than a desire to strip you of your human rights? Why should anyone _care_ why somebody wants to strip them of their civil rights? Should a woman try to psychoanalyze her rapist? ---
**Author:** ![Pavelb1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/439d5e/32.png) [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/258 "2024-11-08T23:49:10Z")
Thats not what happened. I gave a huge list above as to why the Dems lost. I even forgot some like Nuclear brinkmanship Schenanigans with the J6 committee How it looked like for a hot second we were going to war with Iran The appearance of the Dems to being pro-censorship And global stuff out of our control but does engender a feeling of “I dont want that to happen here” Now you can ignore all that and say “The Republicans won because they demonized over half the country”…but its not true. With all due respect sir. ---
**Author:** ![We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/We_re_wolves_not_werewolves)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/259 "2024-11-08T23:49:15Z")
I think I’m giving up on P&E forum for a while. Trying to have a rational postmortem on the election or even a cogent conversation on the reasons for the results we saw is impossible. Maybe it’s too soon and that will be possible once everyone calms down. Maybe not. Who knows. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2024, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778/260 "2024-11-09T00:07:15Z")
> [@Pavelb1](#): > > Now you can ignore all that and say “The Republicans won because they demonized over half the country”…but its not true. It is true, and your list proves it, because nearly everything on it is bullshit Republicans made up to smear Democrats. You’ve got Hunter Biden’s laptop on there, and you expect me to take it seriously? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-what-should-people-on-the-left-do/1009778.md?page=14)