Both and...

Democrats are doing it again. It's the days after a highly anticipated, already over-interpreted election, and we're already getting pushed into a messy misinterpretation of outcomes by media systems that profit from conflict. Just because it is their default does not mean it must be ours.

The resounding (and most useful) conclusion from Tuesday's Democratic victories across the country is not a pitched battle on the best or correct or valid way to be a Democrat. To me, it is an unmistakable demonstration that if we strongly hold and share our core big "D" Democratic commitments to kindness, thriving communities for all, an abiding sense of our deep need for community and genuine, joyous duty to others along with our commitment to small "d" democratic principles, there are many ways to be a Democrat – and many ways to take care of each other.

We don't have to agree on every policy to be one party – in fact that chaotic diversity is exactly the source, the energy we need to be more creative and more adaptable. We have to share our duty to care for each other and the country and a willingness to accept responsibility to care for everyone while holding gently to our prescriptions and strongly to the conviction that we must keep learning what works best for the communities where we lead. We put ourselves on a path to becoming a majority party in this country when we embrace that Governor-elect Spanberger and Mayor-elect Mamdani are both strong, Democratic leaders shaping our party and pulling our country forward rather than accept a limiting, false either-or choice between them.

Last updated: 06 Nov 2025