Classic Eclectic: The Aftermath of #ForceTheVote
I’m out of town this week, so I thought I’d post some “classic” blog posts (reruns) — one of the top posts from each month.
This was my most-viewed post in January, from January 5th about the #ForceTheVote debate. This was during the days of yore before a violent insurrection on our Capitol and even more destructive in-fighting (mostly from one side) on the left.
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Things have gotten nasty between some prominent progressives recently. There seems to be no disagreement who started it — Jimmy Dore attacked some prominent members on the left for coming to the Medicare For All debate later in the game than him (accusing them of stealing his ideas), and for being traitors or sellouts for not supporting #ForceTheVote.
A legitimate debate could have been had. I initially was leaning toward #ForceTheVote, and retweeted and replied on a few tweets.
This was the first time in decades progressives had leverage for the Speakership — without progressive votes, Pelosi likely wouldn’t have won the initial vote. If a M4A vote later came to the floor, corporate Dems would be on the record for opposing a policy supported by a majority of Americans that would help millions during a pandemic (and beyond).
On the other hand, getting M4A on the record as being defeated by large numbers could have long-term consequences (we already voted on it, why do it again?) and opposing Pelosi could burn bridges going forward, especially without coalescing behind another option — we don’t want Pelosi — we want Ro Khanna, Barbara Lee, etc.
I wanted to hear a debate on strategy, about the pros and cons. Instead, it became personal. Progressive leaders exchanging personal attacks, questioning motives, fracturing supporters into opposing groups who have a lot more in common than separating them.
For the first time in a while, I found myself avoiding commenting on an issue after I received several negative tweets. I generally am able to avoid angry debates on Twitter, and several times I’ve been able to avoid a tweet war and find common ground. But I and others were accused of being corporate shills just for not being 100% on board with #ForceTheVote or defending attacks on those who weren’t. And where did it get us? Absolutely nowhere, or I would argue even backwards since we’re now less unified, likely giving Pelosi and the establishment MORE power going forward.
I don’t see Jimmy burying the hatchet with anyone anytime soon (if at all). So my question is, how do we get supporters to stop the fighting? You can like Jimmy (I used to watch Aggressive Progressives and often listened to his podcast, until the past few weeks) but not want to attack every politician and progressive who disagrees with you as a sellout. That’s not how to win folks over to your position. Some counter attacks were launched, on Twitter and by progressive leaders and hosts. I don’t think that’s productive either, although understandable.
Progressives have the most institutional power in decades. How do we get past this, find common ground, agree to disagree when needed, and unify forces to actually discuss strategy instead of shouting at each other? I hope it happens soon.
