Last night was a resounding victory for the Democrats: retention of the Presidency and the expansion of our majority in the Senate. But beyond that, it was a victory for the Progressive cause: we not only elected Democrats, but Progressive Democrats. The American people made it clear that they care about progressive causes: marriage equality, improving health care, fair taxation. The banner issues of this election have been wins in support of the vision we have for the country.
So what does this change?
It's hard to say.
We-- particularly my own generation-- have had it beat into our heads that this is a Center-Right nation. The mythology that we are Democrats until 30, and thenceforth Republicans, was part of the story of modern politics. The idea that we become more conservative as we get older was something we were told to understand would just happen.
And I wonder if this is now being thrown into doubt. The Center and the Right have sneered at the Left for generations. The Left hasn't been seen as a serious political force in the United States for generations. We have more leaders now who back this vision than we have in ages, and we are gradually changing the culture of the Democratic Party with a new generation of leaders who full-heatedly embrace that vision.
I want this vision to reach our town halls, our city governments, our county leadership. This is where conservatism is most entrenched. This is where young people like myself-- and it's strange because, increasingly, I'm less and less a youth voter every year-- but this is where we need to dig in. To be progressive on the County Commission, to make the popular appeal for better access to civic services in our communities. To stick up for the town library, the bookmobile, the civil rights of the neighborhood mosque or synagogue or temple.
This is where people like myself need to begin. To take ourselves down to the courthouse, to the county election office, and pick up paperwork for a petition to run for office.
I used to think this was a pipe dream. But more and more, I see people in this community, here on DK, run for office. Win or lose, they have the back of people here. It can be done. We can do this.
And that is, ultimately, the Progressive message. We can do this. We.