Chimmuanya Eze’s Post

(Re-post with better link to article) This Politico.com piece has several interesting opinions about short term changes in Democratic Party strategy, messaging, intra-party reforms, election law reforms (like open primaries).  Digging deeper into the meaning of the 2024 elections results, I put forward for your consideration, and your comments, my opinion: The underlying basis for the Trump/MAGA’s victory in the presidential election is the MAGA movement’s repudiation of the neo-liberalism of the Democratic Party since 1992, and the neo-conservatism of the Republican Party that peaked during the Bush presidency 2001-2008. This development did not make Trump’s victory inevitable. The Democratic Party might have won the 2024 election if the party and Biden had done a lot of things differently. But even if the Democrats had held off Trump, neither the DP or the traditional RP can undo the transformation of American politics. The election results are not a swing of the pendulum that will peak and naturally swing back to the Democrats. American politics and government are a train that has gone off the historical tracks and is forging ahead in unpredictable directions without a familiar ideological compass. #MAGA #Trump #2024election #neoliberalism #neoconservatism #democraticparty #republicanparty https://lnkd.in/ezzRVHeg

A political mandate is generally interpreted not by a strict percentage but by the margin of victory and the broader context of the election. Historically, a “mandate” implies a decisive win, such as an overwhelming popular vote majority (over 55% is often cited) or a landslide in the Electoral College, coupled with clear voter turnout. For example, Ronald Reagan’s 1984 re-election with 58.8% of the popular vote and 525 Electoral College votes is widely regarded as the last true mandate. In contrast, recent elections have been more divided. Barack Obama won the popular vote by a 7.2-point margin in 2008 (52.9% to John McCain’s 45.7%)—a strong showing but not universally considered a mandate due to partisan polarization. Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, though historic with over 81 million votes, came with only 51.3% of the popular vote and a narrower Electoral College margin, making claims of a mandate debatable. Donald Trump, meanwhile, failed to secure even a popular vote plurality in 2016, winning only 46.1% of the vote. Additionally, voter turnout is critical: an estimated 11 million fewer people voted in 2024 compared to 2020. This underscores that no recent president can claim a robust “mandate” in the sense of overwhelming national unity or participation. Reagan’s so-called mandate, while electorally significant, also led to significant economic and social upheaval, complicating the narrative of his “success.” #Trump #MAGA #politics #2024 #election #mandate #dem #GOP #fascism #dictator #elonmusk #oligarch #fraud #propaganda #lies #facts #love #hope #lol #Democracy

Only 14% watched the debate, and #Biden raised $27MM the next day. So what's behind a few editorial boards banging on replacement? Socialists have also not been able to win primaries since #Jan6 and rightfully so. #Elections are about building a majority, but you have few allies if you're on the fringe. Long fed the pill of a 50-50 electorate by a conflict-obsessed, statistically fringe #media and their political arms, #pollsters, almost nobody belongs to a political party and voting habits run more 20-60-20, as in all else, unaffiliateds running the day. And political opinion polls test the mood of politics in general, less what one will eventually do in the booth. Any ideological fringe will put their political expansion ahead of all else, the word "Liberal" actually meaning #Democracy and Free Markets; autonomy devolved down to the individual. In other words #prochoice is liberalism but so is the #SecondAmendment. The US can be described as structurally a Liberal Republic, meaning loosely the Law protects others from you not you from yourself in the European tradition. Socialism isn't just not Liberalism. It is anti-Liberal by literal definition, and has wrongly been misapplied to the fringe by an undereducated and wrongly indemnified #media. Perpetuated by a similarly indemnified #tech, a cultural shift toward social control happened when the left stopped talking about #equality, which is actual Liberalism in action. In its anti-liberalism the fringe have sought to disenfranchise voters for a long time. As in #Michigan where they want to take away people's right to be heard, against the very overt consent of the governed elections are meant to curry. And in their handwringing echo-chamber they scuttled Jimmy Carter in 1980 with T.Kennedy, Gore in 2000 with Nader, Clinton in 2016 with Sanders, etc. The Right are more resilient voters, but moderates are p*ssed at Trump as seen in especially primaries nationwide since the 2021 offseason. The Left is throwing away its chances for an anti-democratic moonshot at a fringe candidate that can't win a primary, or a general, to their own expense. And everyone else's. Only 14% even watched the debate. How do people think it was a debacle unless you say it was? The politically-motivated press on all sides remain the problem, racketeering our country by way of their personal impulses. Very dumb. #election2024 #replacebiden #Ukraine #Hollywood #NATO #fintech NY Times-Breaking News Michigan Democratic Party #journalism

That the fringe continue to complain about the #ElectoralCollege is more an indictment of lower-education than anything else. Could the college apply votes per district? Surely, but A) the especially-lower population states aren't likely to give up their force multiplying majority sweep system, and states run #elections. But B), most importantly, as this is rarely articulated shows the complaints about the college aren't about the majority sweep of districts, but rather the districting itself, in an attack for simple popular #vote, the coasts thinking they will therefore be able to win handily and disenfranchise the rest of the country. Nevermind, #California voted twice for #Reagan for governor, twice as president, and is also the home of #Nixon, Kevin McCarthy, etc. It will vote red again someday. But those self-siloed in their own political extremism fail to see the precariousness of current trends. The US Southwest is generally fiscally conservative with #neoliberal (known popularly as #neocon, because nobody knows what the word liberal means anymore, especially the #press) and libertarian impulses, the friction with the post-#SouthernStrategy southeast social conservatives coming to a head, and being what you are now seeing. But here's the thing: blue districts are more blue than red districts red, the left condensing themselves into urban centers nationally and then complaining about being marginalized to fewer district votes, many in CA or NY not even from those respective states, and those states only represent 18% of the US together. This attack on the electoral college, a bulwark from the #extremism of #populist movements, is closely related, for example the movement to disenfranchise voters by switching their votes to the national popular vote against their will, like in Michigan; literal ANTI-liberalism. https://lnkd.in/gzPk_etV These fail, as so many "activists", to understand elections are first and foremost mechanisms for the overt consent of the governed. Districting is designed for the public to see their votes counted nationally, or the elections will cease to be valid. Like how hysterics of the #JeffZucker era, the CNN ceo whom had no #news bkgd but was a #realityTV producer, have invalidated elections for a fringe to the point they Bastille'd #Congress. Per usual, most popular reform rhetoric would do more harm than good. If you want real reform, moderate the discussion with #RankedChoice #InstantRunOff, which has the benefit of being cheaper; an appeal for fiscals whom want their #gop back. #RepealTheCDA to return the right to recourse to the aggrieved and bring accountability to #tech who break the rules, or collude with foreign regimes (lookin' at you, TikTok, Twitter, if that IS your real name). Return to a #FairnessDoctrine for media. And so much more less-than-gratifying but more effective. Leave the College alone. #Hollywood

The Case Against Open Primaries: Safeguarding Party Integrity The debate over open primaries has intensified, with some advocating for broader voter participation. However, it's crucial to understand the potential drawbacks of such a system and its impact on political parties. 1. Erosion of Party Identity Open primaries can dilute distinct party identities. By allowing any voter to participate, the core values and principles that define a party may be compromised, leading to candidates who don't truly represent the party's base. 2. Undermining Party Cohesion Allowing non-members to influence candidate selection can create divisions within a party. This fragmentation weakens party unity and effectiveness in general elections. 3. Strategic Voting and Manipulation Open primaries are vulnerable to strategic voting, where opposing party members vote to influence outcomes. This can result in candidates who don't genuinely reflect the preferences of the party's faithful supporters. 4. Threat to Party Loyalty Open primaries may diminish party loyalty, as voters feel less connected to a party's long-term goals. This erosion weakens grassroots support and hinders voter mobilization. 5. Preservation of Democratic Choice Political parties should have the right to determine their own candidates. Closed primaries ensure candidates align with party values, preserving the integrity and effectiveness of political parties. In summary, while open primaries may seem inclusive, they pose significant risks to party integrity and democracy. By opposing them, we protect our political parties' core values and effectiveness. #OpposingOpenPrimaries #ProtectPartyIntegrity #NoToOpenPrimaries #PreservePartyValues #DefendOurParties #ClosedPrimariesMatter #SecureOurDemocracy #PartyUnityFirst #StopOpenPrimaries #StrengthenOurParties #KeepPrimariesClosed #PartyLoyaltyMatters #SayNoToOpenPrimaries #GuardOurPrinciples #UnifiedAgainstOpenPrimaries #Oklahoma

🗳️ **Democracy in Action!** Exercise Your Right to Vote: A Pillar of Democracy In the grand tapestry of democracy, each thread is woven with the voices and choices of its citizens. The right to vote is not just a privilege; it is the bedrock upon which the edifice of democratic governance stands firm. It is a powerful tool that empowers individuals to shape the future of their nation. As we stand at the cusp of another election, it is imperative to remember that every vote counts. Your vote is your voice—a declaration of your hopes, dreams, and aspirations for your community and country. It is a chance to stand up for the issues you care about and to choose leaders who reflect your values. Voting is a practice that strengthens the sinews of freedom and accountability. It is a responsibility that comes with being a member of a society that values each person’s opinion. When you cast your ballot, you participate in a historical process, contributing to the narrative of your nation’s journey. So, let us pledge to not let this right lay dormant. Engage in the electoral process, educate yourself on the candidates and issues, and turn up at the polls. Remember, when you practice your right to vote, you don’t just add a number to a tally; you reaffirm the principles of equality and justice that are the cornerstones of democracy. Let’s make our voices heard. Let’s vote! #RightToVote #Democracy #CivicDuty https://lnkd.in/gEWZACDr

Thoughts on 2024 Election: People are focused on the wrong election result. I am far more concerned re house of representatives. If there is a tie in electoral vote (w or w/o faithless electors), it is up to the representatives to elect the next president. And depending on whether the third candidate is Oliver, it could stop being a two party election. Reresentatives who assimilate in a two party system in the interest of progress, could actually end up voting for a third party cadidate that is more demonstrative of ideology and greatly impact outcome. For example, politicians like Ron Paul, Ralph Nader on the left, and Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders on the right could vote third party, depending on which third party candidate makes it onto the final ballot. Not to mention republicans who endorsed Harris over Trump, or republicans who endorsed Trump that could vote for Oliver instead of Trump . I think democrats and republicans that are centerists and/or moderate could realistically vote for third party candidate, if third candidate is socially progressive but fiscally conservative like Oliver. I don't think Stein stands a chance because of her position on israel. Yes, Oliver is against war, but it is rooted in principles of governance and political philosphy not principles of social justice making a value judgment regarding the Israel and Palestinian conflict. This election should make public rethink current two party bias in the poular vote- voting libertarian, green party is not a waste of a vote, or irresponsible. What are your thoughts? As Isaac newton said " I can predict the movement of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of crowds". That said, those who placed bets on this election will most likely feel/think this regarding the 2024 presidential election outcome. Anyway, anyone bet on Oliver? #2024Election #Decision2024 #2024Harris #2024Trump, #2024Oliver, #2024Stein #ThirdParty #Democracy, #Democrats, #Republicans, #Libertarian #Independent #GreenParty #Politics #USPolitics #US #Politics #UnitedStates #FaithlessElector #PopularVote #ElectoralVote #ElectoralCollege #Representitives #Liberal #Conservative #Centerist #Left #Right #Progressive #Moderate

The three-day biannual convention demonstrated that the evolution of the Republican Party into a fascist political organization is accelerating and, basing itself on extreme Christian nationalism, the Texas party is a driving force in this development. A core element of the document is the erasure of the separation of church and state, which is foundational to the US Constitution. Among the new planks in the 248-point platform is a call for a State Constitutional Amendment that would establish “concurrent majority” criteria for election to statewide office. This means that statewide candidates must carry a majority of Texas’ 254 counties to win an election, a model similar to the US electoral college.

Conversations with my sons… This election opened up time to talk about the voting process, including the complexities of the Electoral College. 🗳️📚 Caltech Professor Jonathan N. Katz offers a fascinating breakdown of its origins and how a system built on compromise centuries ago still shapes today's elections, often in unexpected ways. It's a powerful reminder of how historical decisions continue to affect our democratic process - and why understanding them matters. #ElectoralCollege #Election2024 #DemocracyInAction #CivicEducation #PoliticalScience #Caltech #VotingProcess #ElectionReflection 📚

The popular vote and the Electoral College aligned in this US presidential election. Yet, the unison seen this year is not always the case, sparking outrage and incomprehension among European spectators. As Europeans, we owe it to Americans to comprehend their political system, and why it exists. My most recent opinion article for Pi Media discusses why the Electoral College stands firm on the US's contextual foundations and contributes to the question of why it has resisted over a hundred years of politics. https://lnkd.in/d2p9tqm6