General Discussion

however, is what those who make it up decide it is. And there's the issue. The people who decide which candidates run under the banner of "The Democratic Party," are those who participate in that process. The people who write the state and national platforms for "The Democratic Party" are those who participate in that process, which starts with local party organizations.

As one of those participants, I've observed a broad range of opinions among Democrats throughout that process. It's very similar to the range seen here on Democratic Underground. Some of those participants trend far to the left, while others are more centrist in opinion. The one thing they have in common is participation. Those who do not participate do not have a voice. They are silent in the process.

"The Democratic Party" is a different thing than what you're talking about being "A Democratic Party." "The Democratic Party" I participate in is meticulous in always having participants vote on everything, from platform issues to delegates to the various levels of conventions where final decisions are made. The process is democratic, but only those who actively participate are part of the decisions made.

"The Democratic Party" varies from state to state and from region to region within each state. It all depends on who shows up and takes part. Then, once the conventions are over, it is left to the voters of the district, state, or nation to decide on the rest. The overwhelming majority doesn't participate in all that comes before the elections. They can't be bothered. Once all of that work, and the elections, are over, though, they often complain that things did not turn out the way they'd prefer.

Activism requires participation. Only through participation in the process followed by "The Democratic Party" will produce "A Democratic Party" you helped to create. It's very simple.