Just want to mention, we did a very similar thread just over a month ago, though in P&E:
I’ll just cut and paste my response from there:
As I said on the various threads touching on the 4/9 protests, a big part of it is showing that they are not alone. There is a visceral impact of being part of a physical crowd (not always in a good sense, granted) that evokes a feeling of shared power.
In Trump 2.0 it’s very easy to feel isolated, alone, and powerless, and just give up. Being part of something bigger can counteract it to a degree. And even in purple, or red areas (like my own Colorado Springs) seeing that the smirking majority can be challenged is worthwhile.
It also can make local powers hesitate to a degree. Sure, local upset is unlikely to unseat Trump anytime in the near future, but others still have to run for election. They may well be more circumspect if they are worried about losing their own upcoming elections.
So, small, but possibly cumulative benefits, even if not on a grand stage. But may, by the accumulation of many such, make a difference after all.
Sadly, now and then, I also admitted that I don’t think it’ll be truly effective. We don’t (or don’t yet) have a leader that has the charisma and reach that captures the popular imagination, and far too many people will go along to get along. But if we do end up in a fascist government or Civil War, I want to be able to say I didn’t just sit on my couch and grouch.