Who is our leader?

[mr715]

In the media, among the parties, the caucuses, whoever -- Who is the singular face of the Democratic party in the minority?

We have alternative policies and we have alternative ideologies. I was, at the start of the year. sensing the Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Sanders were taking the mantle of de facto leadership, but that seems to have petered out.

The establishment, those invested with leadership are Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, but I personally do not see them as a particularly active force leading the party. They appear to me to be very reactive and defensive. And, objectionably, risk averse.

I think Joe Biden no longer can be reasonably considered a unifying agent for the Democratic party, and I honestly do not see Kamala Harris either at the center of national politics.

Both Barack and Michelle Obama are making gestures, but seem to be disengaged because why the hell would they want to be engaged in this mess?

Hillary Clinton remains in her role as Greek chorus or Shakespearean jester. She, with a smirk and a laugh, notes the absurdity but is, likewise, not taking the reins of leadership.

And for those of you that know me, I'd kill for a resurgence of Hillary Clinton on the main stage. Not necessarily to run for President, but as an ideological and leadership pole to communicate how it is. She has gained her voice in her loss, and she can still rise up to coral the cats of the caucus.

Ditto Nancy Pelosi, although she seems quite ill and diminished.

Thoughts, fellow Democrats? Am I completely off base?

[Frasier Balzov]

1. I'll put Conor Lamb's name forward again.

If I could assemble the attractive qualities for a male candidate and suggest that his positions be sought and cultivated for a presidential run, it would be him.

I say don't wait for leaders to emerge. Draft them.

[mr715]

3. Thank you for the reply

I don't think Conor Lamb is stepping up nor does he have the national gravitas to bring the moment to its crisis (such as it is).

Do you feel that, if pushed, he'd be able to take up that mantle? He struck me as a functionary more than a leader.

And I agree - we need to draft our leaders. But our leaders must also be charismatic, have a built in platform, and adhere to some Democratic core principles.

Like... draft Tom Hanks or some other non-pol to dominate the narrative for a while. S/he doesn't need to be the nominee, but we need an opposition leader that raises heads

[tritsofme]

2. When Jeffries becomes speaker after next year's elections, his profile will rise considerably.

But then the presidential campaign will truly begin to pick up steam and suck up a lot of air.

In short, we won’t truly have one until that process is complete, and that is ok.

[mr715]

4. Speaker Jeffries will be the Leader of the Opposition

Empowered, invested, and titled.

But we need someone before in my opinion, because Speaker Jeffries is not a done deal.

However, I hope that Speaker Jeffries uses his gavel to break down some proverbial and some literal walls.

[tritsofme]

9. Well it's not going to happen. Such a figure doesn't exist and isn't going to be emerge.

That’s ok, that is normal.

Trump’s hold on the Republican Party while out of power is what was abnormal.

Jeffries will gain prominence, but not long after that, we will have a presidential nominee. That person is the only one who could make a credible claim to be the leader of the party.

[mr715]

10. Great Reply

I really appreciate "that's ok, that is normal".

[peggysue2]

5. Pete Buttigieg is doing a pretty good job as a Democratic spokesman

He's scary smart and keeps things clear, simple and on the mark. He even impresses Republicans.

[mr715]

6. Yes

But I suspect he is behind some of the stuff in the Tapper book. Unnamed cabinet official etc. etc.

Not necessarily disqualifying, but full disclosure Sec. Buttigieg may be an excellent communicator, but I am not sure how adroit his management is.

[stillcool]

7. I want a ground-up someone

who will grow into a leader, and I want it in my state. I want it to be all hands on deck, and I want the people who will be most impacted by unknown future events to do the leading. June 14th is my next day of participation, and I just want to be there with people who are there. There are so many talented people who work in state government, and I think local people are much better versed in common courtesy and what it means to be human. The spinning wheels going nowhere got to stop.

[GJGCA]

8. New brooms needed...?

Let everyone sweep in front of his own door,
and the whole world will be clean.

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/johann_wolfgang_von_goeth_133629

Bonus: Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.