Commentary: Is Resisting Trump Enough?

In his commentary Is "Resisting Trump Enough?", Chris Weigant describes the public perception that the democratic party has no base and is currently existing to oppose Trump. Weigant analyzes the benefits and downfalls of this situation and suggests the best course of action for the party. Chris Weigant is a political commentator for the left leaning Huffington Post, so while he may have some political bias, he is credible to analyze the circumstances regarding the democratic party. His intended audience is primarily intended to be concerned democratic voters as he references the upcoming 2018 midterms.

First, Weigant creates the basis for his argument: he claims that the democratic party is seen as a party sole opposing Trump - not one that stands for anything else. He provides evidence of this, referring to a poll question asking whether the democratic party has something to stand for. According to this poll, only 37% of people believe it does, while 52% believe it currently exists only to oppose Trump. While his claim may be true, this poll may not be the best way to solidify his claims. In modern politics, both sides commonly see the opposing party as a party that solely stands for opposition against their own. Therefore, a majority of the republicans that were polled most likely answered that the Democratic party stood as an opposition party. Instead of polling everyone in general, the questionnaire should have been sorted by party to be more representative of each groups opinion. Weigant does address this however, and takes into note the poll may not be the most accurate.

Weigant then explains how this base of opposition may not be a bad thing, referencing past patterns of Obama's presidency. He shows that republicans were able to do well at the ballot in 2010 midterms as Obama's approval rating was at 45%. He believes that 2018 midterms could mean success at the ballot box. I agree with this claim as well, but success at the ballot box does not mean a strong democratic party. In order to stand for something, a plan of action must be taken, which is what Weigant refers to next. Additionally, Weigant describes that the party may not be in the best place after the progressive Sanders vs the establishment Clinton feud. I believe this is true as well and it only calls for an even stronger plan of action. I think this announced plan of action will boost the number that is currently 32%; the bolder and more effectively communicated it is, the higher the number will be

Weigant details a plan to act according to the failures of the republican party, referencing the failing healthcare bill by Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan. He claims that "democrats have been happy to sit back and watch republicans fail," which is something that may not be true. Democrats just haven't been able to do anything because of their lack of a majority in congress. Past a successful 2018 midterms, the party may be able to act upon the failures of the republican party, given that the current healthcare legislation is the least popular bill ever polled.

In conclusion, I believe Chris Weigant has created a highly agreeable article, providing a foundation for his argument and a plan for action, using polls and logical analysis of the future to support his claims. I agree that the democratic party has to take action to make it look like it stands for something other than opposing Trump.

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