So that was interesting. One can say a whole lot about President Donald Trump’s speeches wherever they take place but when addressing the nation and Americans generally, we do know that it will not be “boring.” Insufferable? Yes. Boring? No. And so it was Tuesday night and into Wednesday as Democrats responded to what everyone knew was coming. Some took their grievances out during the speech (Including Trump). Some of us are not fans of the interruptions and hand-held bingo signs but only because such antics are more likely to distract than dissuade. Opposition? Yes. But pick your spots. Thankfully, there exists a “Next Generation” set of Democrats (One down from me, hopefully rising over), and these ones are a bit more media savvy, more enthusiastic, and more pointed – as much as we love Pelosi and Schumer… These are the people who should be leading the Democrats now. I picked out a small sample and need to mention, as I generally do, that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez belongs on this list. But in the interests of time let’s take a look at the future, one that can’t get here fast enough to contain what’s happening on the Right – turning now to Buttigieg, Crockett, and Swalwell. One could do much worse than to hand the reins of the Democratic party over to these leaders.
It is near impossible for someone, especially a writer, to hear Pete Buttigieg speak without always thinking, “That’s exactly what I would’ve said… ” because that’s what Pete does. He brings a common sense, no nonsense message that is powered by an understated approach. He is never over the top. No, just the opposite. It is his relentless “adulthood” that forces one to listen:
Starting this week, we’ll all pay more at the store because of the Trump tariffs, even while he’s finalizing a multi-trillion-dollar tax cut for the wealthy.
All the bluster is meant to get us talking about literally anything else. pic.twitter.com/Llr1yhA7uB
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) March 5, 2025
And that is how it is done. Less about pronouns, more about everyday life. inflation, taxes – that stuff. But it’s also a matter of people’s comfort zones and staying true to who they are. It has been wild watching Rep. Jasmine Crockett evolve into a tour de force on the national scene. As is typical of many young politicians, it took time. She was a bit “out there” in her positions and delivery but has clearly grown into the role. She cares about her constituents’ spot in this country, she cares about the country, wanting the best for every American. And she’s getting really good at telling people about it.
Crockett: This is not what we should be doing. I don’t even know why we’re fighting with Greenland. We’re fighting with Greenland, Canada, and Mexico—yet we’re in love with Putin?! pic.twitter.com/Zm9oHrdPBd
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 5, 2025
Eric Swalwell, another rising star, is rising precisely because he really doesn’t have time for mixed messages. There is little doubt as to his priorities here. No doubt, when a Congressman (Or president) drops the F-bomb, one better carefully pick their spot. Swalwell appears to know this quite well:
Swalwell: The stock market is crashing, and prices are rising. This guy has gone to the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, and a UFC fight. He should go to the fucking supermarket and see what people are spending to feed themselves pic.twitter.com/JOn9ktQ7Fo
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 4, 2025
That is how it is done. Little signs held up during a speech have no impact on the nation’s mood other than to maybe feed the hysteria in both directions – IMO. But pointed rebuttal, with a strong and confident message, properly restrained so as to be even more forceful, this is the direction – and people will follow. For better or worse, this is the media landscape, the age of the meme. Instead of fighting the “snapshot” view of the world, it’s best to embrace it for now. Few do it better than the next generation Democrats. But they do it with a “less is more” approach, almost understated, yet powerful. There is little to lose at this point. Why not hand things over and see what they can do?
After all, it is really really hard to envision a future without Pete Buttigieg as a serious contender for president.
God Bless: I can be reached at [email protected] and on twitter-X at @JasonMiciak, and follow now on Bluesky.Â
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Meanwhile Jakim Jeffries is on his book tour, trying to sell his book to enrich himself. He should take a lesson from Bernie Sanders who is on a speaking tour to inform American’s what Trump and GOP are really doing. Do better Jakim and Schumer. Be more like Bernie.
Agreed: steady and calm, competent, fluent and to the point, wide ranging and much more