Sunday, November 20, 2016

The Change Democrats Could Need



Donald Trump’s win was an unexpected one. Political elite, media, and polls all suggested that Hillary Clinton would walk away with the Presidency. But despite any the shaky results the difference between the Electoral College and the popular vote might provide, Democrats cannot take a loss this big in stride. Major action and changes must be made in order to avoid such a devastating loss in the future, especially now that control of the Presidency, House, and Senate is in the Republicans hands.

Leadership in the House of Representatives might now seem like a big deal to most Americans. In fact, many of them can’t even name the Speaker of the House. But the leaders of each party in in our government help shape the party’s ideals, goals, and message. Currently, Congressman Nancy Pelosi serves as the House Minority Leader, and has been the leader of the House Democrats for 13 years. Despite that, she currently sits at an almost 50% disapproval rating. This should be a sign of the times for Democrats, that the politics of old, where those at the top stay in power until they decide to pass it on to a handpicked successor, are no longer going to fly.

Defying this status quo, Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan announced he will be aiming to take the leadership position from Pelosi. As Democrats watch Donald Trump to see if he will truly be a President “for all Americans”, they must also watch the leaders of their party to see if they make the changes necessary to prevent a future President Trump. As congressmen themselves are the ones who vote for their leaders, the age old tactic of calling your local congressman could be exactly what’s needed to make sure your representatives are doing their job to change with the times.

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