2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Tens of thousands to leave Democratic party the day after their primaries in protest [View all]Lizzie Poppet
(10,164 posts)I began my political life as a Democrat, registering that way for the first election I was old enough to vote in. As so many before me have said, I didn't leave the party, it left me.
I get it. Parties change over time. Perfect example: the GOP, once the liberal party of Lincoln that ended slavery, is now a far-right cartoon, rife with racism.
As someone who values progressive principles infinitely higher than brand loyalty, what could I possibly owe the current center-right Democratic Party? If that party wants me back, particularly after this year's primary has vividly demonstrated that actual progressivism is viable, it needs to once again become a party that represents me.
I understand the thinking behind "First we vote and win," I really do. It's just that the current Democratic Party isn't a "we" I feel a part of.