kat2107:

“The fact that America now has only one party committed to small-d democracy changes everything. It’s no longer acceptable for Democrats to look at politics as a way to win the next election so as to jam through a bunch of their preferred policies before the Republicans inevitably take back power. They must instead see the purpose of politics as building sustained power for Democrats, period—but, unlike the other side, they must do this in part by strengthening the democratic process, not by undermining it. If passing this or that liberal policy helps in that effort, fine, pass it. If not, don’t. The overriding aim has to be getting and holding power—not for its own sake, but to keep the flame of democratic self-government alive unless and until the Republican Party abandons its authoritarian ways or is replaced by a new, small-d democratic party. Indeed, such a transition, which many committed conservatives and lifelong Republicans are now desperate to see happen, is only likely to come about if the Republican Party is locked out of power for several cycles in a row.”

— Washington Monthly | Winning Is Not Enough (via wilwheaton)

Agree. I also think the flip side of this is recognizing the sheer perniciousness that comes with electing the GOP into your local government. A candidate for governor or state legislature might not be Trump but they’re still going to pass ALEC sponsored legislation, gut any public service in your state that is working, and try their hardest to rig elections. The number of people where I live who are turning a blind eye to this reality wants to make me tear my hair out.