My Favorite Moment From 2023
I’m sure you can’t wait for 2023 to be over. I know I am looking forward to 2024. But looking back, we can all be proud of what the pro-democracy movement accomplished in 2023.
My favorite moment? I think it was when I realized all those reasons we had for optimism going into 2022 are all still completely true going into next year. Some even more so.
Here are the reasons again, and why I think we should be even more optimistic in 2024:
1. Redistricting was a draw
Well – not only is it not a draw now – it is a huge advantage for Democrats. New maps in places like Alabama, North Carolina, and Louisiana will net us seats. The pending maps in New York will too. Not to mention Santos is already out and that’s a Biden district.
2. Republicans Will Nominate a Crop of Loons Not Seen Since 2010
I am not sure they can top the 2022 loons. But they are going to try. Just ask who they put in as Speaker – MAGA Mike Johnson. And the Kari Lakes of the world just won’t go away.
3. Externalities Will Provide Opportunities
They did in 2022. And it is already starting again. The Colorado case is going to damage Trump either way. Even if the Supreme Court does not rule he’s an insurrectionist, remember the 31% of Republicans who won’t support Trump if he’s convicted of a crime. The Colorado Supreme Court basically just declared he was guilty. Oh – and that recession everyone was worried about? Look at the December economic numbers. They’re good and keep getting better. Consumer confidence is up and voters are starting to realize the economy is turning around. Look for that to have an impact on polls in the spring. And who knows what other externalities we will see in 2024…
4. Democrats Still Have Time to Coalesce
Oh yeah. And it will happen. Joe Biden will be the nominee and Democrats will support him. Yes we have to fight the third party spoilers. But we will coalesce.
5. There Are More of Us Than Them
And lastly. Even more so now. Young people are gaining in the electorate and no matter what the BS polls tell you, they are impacted by mass shooting drills, MAGA’s assault on abortion and LGBTQ rights, and book bans.
All of these come with a big caveat. Yes, we still have to do the work. It will be hard. But I know this movement can get it done. If you are wondering just how effective we have been, remember that red wave in 2022? Neither do I.
-Joe Trippi