To the Editor:
Re “Instead of Resisting, Democrats Should Stay Quiet,” by James Carville (Opinion visitor essay, March 2):
Mr. Carville’s plan for a “daring political maneuver” for the Democrats — to “roll over and play useless” and “enable the Republicans to crumble beneath their very own weight” — is among the many worst concepts I’ve ever heard.
The first failure of the Democratic Get together was the absence of fast and forceful every day pushback to the opposition. Democrats now should be loud, aggressive and relentless in combating the lies, distortions, false claims and misinformation which have characterised the Republican Get together because the rise of Trumpism.
This isn’t about merely criticizing President Trump in all of the acquainted methods. It’s about frequently and clearly offering Individuals with the details in addition to the opposing viewpoint. The Biden administration totally failed on this essential division.
Mr. Carville’s suggestion that Democrats ought to take part in a “strategic political retreat” sounds, tragically, precisely like what they’ve been doing. It’s the actual reverse of what this era of American historical past calls for.
Lisa Langhammer
West Roxbury, Mass.
To the Editor:
Democrats who argue for adopting the political model of Muhammad Ali’s rope-a-dope technique actually don’t perceive the depth of the political nihilism we face.
This administration is just not involved with shedding energy so long as it could possibly dismantle the forms of the federal authorities earlier than it occurs. Within the face of such a relentless foe, Democrats must cease counting on intelligent political methods and present the folks they’re prepared to combat.
To win, they have to do what all oppressed folks have finished when trying to find the technique of liberation: Develop a brand new philosophy of resistance that gives a imaginative and prescient and plan for organizing folks and motivating them to make the sacrifices essential to mount a full and dedicated protection of our democracy.
To do something much less could be the political equal of rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Michael Scott
San Francisco
To the Editor:
I think about that the Democrats would not have a lot selection however to play rope-a-dope, as James Carville proposes. They don’t seem to be in cost anyplace within the federal authorities, and nobody has but emerged as a frontrunner within the social gathering who has the charisma to seize the creativeness of sufficient Individuals to alter course proper now.
Individuals, like most individuals, reply to the leaders they like: Barack Obama, Invoice Clinton, Ronald Reagan and, sure, even Donald Trump. Nice management strikes the nation ahead; poor management could be devastating.
We’re not a simple folks to control. Those that can afford some luxurious yearn for extra. All of us too typically make dangerous selections. We succumb to cons of all kinds. In the long run we’re a conservative folks with liberal aspirations. Too typically that oil and water don’t combine. The result’s what we now see.
Maybe Mr. Carville is correct: We must always simply let MAGA have its approach. Most Individuals is not going to just like the outcomes. Leaders like Donald Trump most frequently fail in dramatic methods. The query is simply how devastating that failure will develop into for the remainder of us.
Bruce Neuman
Water Mill, N.Y.
To the Editor:
Whereas I discover myself often agreeing with James Carville’s political diagnoses and prescriptions, this text is devastatingly amoral. To “play useless” whereas Republicans rampage is to disregard the thousands and thousands of lives and livelihoods at stake. Politics is concerning the American folks.
Democrats misplaced in 2024 as a result of we didn’t current something compelling to the American public aside from “We’re not Donald Trump.” However we shouldn’t win as a result of the opposite man failed. We must always win as a result of we’re worthy of profitable. And proper now, we aren’t. The answer is to not cease speaking completely however to start out speaking concerning the issues that matter and by no means cease.
Abhinay Lingareddy
Memphis
To the Editor:
Whereas James Carville’s “wait it out” take is meals for thought, it’s pure to really feel the urge to behave within the face of the Trumpian onslaught that reveals no indicators of abating. However what can we do to climate the bluster of boastfulness, blame and bigotry coming from the president’s administration?
It appears smart to me to show our focus to issues we will management. Allow us to attempt in our personal lives to be variety, to steer by optimistic instance, to hunt fact. Assist candidates who construct bridges, not partitions. When touring overseas, deal with different folks and nations with respect.
Most essential, right here at dwelling — beginning proper now — every one among us must bravely converse up for our neighbors who discover themselves within the cross hairs of this administration’s witch hunt, one which (no matter how we voted) is opposite to each single American worth we all know.
Dave Hoerlein
Seattle
To the Editor:
James Carville’s recommendation to the Democratic Get together to “play useless” would possibly sound good to individuals who can afford to attend. However many people can’t.
These of us on mounted incomes, older individuals who can’t discover jobs even when they’ve the {qualifications}, don’t typically have that type of cushion. We’ve received to be on the telephone with our elected officers about every element of this nightmare.
Individuals with long-term sicknesses, Stage 4 cancers, and bodily, financial or emotional obstacles can’t wait out this debacle. Individuals who want meals banks and hire assist don’t have time to attend.
So, Mr. Carville, what would you do should you couldn’t wait?
Dianne Olsen
North Adams, Mass.
