It’s Put Up or Shut Up Time for Democrats
Democrats risk alienating the women that make up their base if they don’t hold their own accountable.
For over a month and a half, women (and some men) from all industries have come forward with stories of sexual harassment, assault and rape. Undoubtedly it was only a matter of time before those in politics would come forward themselves. Accusations are piling up against an indignant and monstrous Roy Moore, who has taken the Trump path of denying and defaming those brave enough to bring their accusations and stories into the public light. None of this is exclusive to one political party, as the accusations against Bill Clinton, Joe Biden’s pattern of conduct with women, and the recent allegations against Al Franken show us.
Democrats are the party that does proclaim to stand with women though, and they must have a stronger response to these allegations than kicking it to the Ethics Committee. Al Franken himself has confirmed his own conduct, making an investigation pointless. It’s long overdue that the Democrats catch up with the times and walk the talk. Some don’t like the idea of Democrats playing by a different set of rules, that Franken should step down while Roy Moore refuses to exit the Senate race in Alabama and Trump remains in the White House. What is missed here is that this creates a culture both within the party and in society that women’s wellbeing in certain spaces is expendable for a broad and abstract “Greater Good.”
This cannot be treated like an on and off switch, that once Democrats are in a better electoral position or once Republicans are held accountable that the same will happen to Democrats. They have already spent decades brushing off the conduct of their previous leaders. They don’t simply become exceptions to the rule, they become the rule. And in a party that has long said abortion is up for compromise, they should not be allowed to use their relatively pro-choice platform as something to excuse sexual harassment. Whether it’s Senator Kirsten Gillibrand or Senator Bernie Sanders, any left of center politician must take a firm stand, no kicking it to the Ethics Committee or the people of Minnesota.
It is never considered that women could be alienated by the party, whether that be prospective voters or the surge of activists we’ve seen since Trump’s election. The concern for the “Greater Good” never seems to include the safety and autonomy of women in these political spaces. Already, women are incredibly hesitant to report harassment out of fear of damaging the careers of those that assaulted them and the general movement itself. It’s time that this burden be taken off women and that their wellbeing and the culture we create be a part of the “greater good” that is discussed.
That starts with Al Franken resigning from his Senate seat and sending the clear signal this conduct is unacceptable. It means Bill Clinton no longer being a featured part of Democratic fundraisers, campaigns, or any other Dem-affiliated groups. And it means sinking Joe Biden’s 2020 aspirations before they even make it out of harbor. This would be just the start of what is likely a very needed comprehensive clean up. There are stories that range from multiple presidential campaigns to all over Capitol Hill that demonstrate how much of a shift is needed. The actions mentioned earlier would go towards building a culture and society that truly values women, and affords them the equality that those on the left desire.
Democrats have spent decades thinking in the short term. “What gets us elected in this current moment?” “We have to keep this seat now.” “What happens if a Senator in a red state is accused?” This cynical short-term thinking, where principles can be sacrificed in the moment in promise of a long term pay off, has never included that pay off. They will never truly build any sort of sustaining power when they continually betray the most integral part of their base over and over. These betrayals culminated in Democratic destruction down ballot in 2010 and their humiliation in the 2016 general election. Moments like these are undoubtedly connected. This is a time where they can demonstrate that they’ve learned something from their losses. That they are taking steps towards changing the core of what the Democratic Party is. There’s no doubt they can ride an anti-Trump wave back into power, but if they continue to operate as a “just slightly better version of Republicans” by excusing this conduct, they will get embarrassed again, talking about the greater good as they are ushered out of office once more.
