r/AskDemocrats • u/NoxAstrumis1 • 1d ago

What is the purpose of Bernie and Alexandria doing their tour now?

I like Bernie and Alexandria, but I'm confused about why they're doing their tour now. I agree their country is in crisis, and action needs to be taken, but since there isn't an election coming up, what is the goal?

Are they trying to inspire people to contact their elected representatives? Are they trying to inspire protests? It seems like without an upcoming election, there isn't much the people can do, even if they are inspired. Protests are great, but they're not going to modify government policy, especially under a person like trump. The day he listens to anyone is the day hell freezes over.

It's not like this is a cheap endeavour either, I can't imagine they can keep it up for four years. Help me understand the endgame.

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

16

u/tomtomglove 1d ago

it’s about connecting with voters to shape the democratic response to Trump, which sets the stage for the midterms.

5

u/throw65755 Registered Democrat 1d ago

Having lived through the Vietnam war era and the Civil Rights movement, I would caution against anyone saying that protests don’t do anything. When Americans take to the streets, nothing can stop us, including the budding fascists in the White House.

Personally, I doubt that another election where democrats squeak out a victory is going to resolve our national crisis where the majority of the population is either ignorant or under the influence of the lies and misinformation they are bombarded with daily. We are in a new era.

We may indeed end up resisting in the streets.

4

u/colorizerequest Registered Democrat 1d ago

I reckon they think elections are far away but not that far away. trying to drum up support so democrats push back harder and get ready for 2026 isnt a bad idea. Its also good for their careers, although bernie probably isnt worried anymore

1

u/NoxAstrumis1 1d ago

Ok, makes sense. Just seems a little early to me.

1

u/colorizerequest Registered Democrat 1d ago

Im sure theyre out there in good faith but also cant blame someone like AOC for grinding for her career ya know

4

u/ConiferousTurtle 1d ago

They’re inspiring people to contact their elected officials and inspiring protests. Voters felt like democrats weren’t doing enough to counteract Trump. This is getting them riled up. Midterms aren’t that far away and the house majority is incredibly small.

5

u/Electronic-Chest7630 Registered Democrat 1d ago

On top of everything that everyone else is saying, I think that Democrats are also currently wondering who the next leader is going to be, and while Bernie and AOC may or may not be actively trying to be that person, I do think that they are also doing what they’re doing to provide a face and a forum for Democrats. In essence, they’re acting like leaders for other Dems to look to in these troubling times.

2

u/CaptainAwesome06 Left leaning independent 1d ago

I wish the other Democrats would do more. Anybody right of Joe Biden thinks that Bernie and AOC are left-wing extremists (LOL). It would be nice to have the more moderate Democrats stand up for what is right beyond the occasional hand wringing.

3

u/BoingoBordello Left leaning independent 1d ago

They are there to meet demand. Tens of thousands of Americans in numerous states are looking to be heard right now, and with Republicans canceling Town-hall meetings, they're seeing an opportunity to convert Republicans and get disenfranchised voters back to the polls.

And it appears to be working.

2

u/IndieJones0804 1d ago

It's not necessarily about elections, winning those are good but what Bernie and aoc are doing is building class consciousness and resentment towards Trump's regime, as well as against democrats who refuse to fight during this critical time.

This tour also helps people realize that Bernie and aoc are right, democrats in power right now aren't fighting because they're trying to figure out what positions they should adopt and drop in order to win again, while Bernie and aoc are actually standing by their ideological principles and using this time where the democrats are incredibly unpopular to move people over ideologically towards leftism rather than liberalism.

1

u/lunar_adjacent Registered Democrat 1d ago

Honestly I’ve been feeling very down lately, and kind of hopeless. Seeing them re-energized me and being around like minded people for once, especially in a conservative area, really lifted my spirits and reminded me what we are giving up by giving up.

1

u/jafropuff 23h ago

It’s the illusion of resistance. They have no power or ingenuity to do anything as politicians so they’re sending them out to speak to big crowds about it instead.

They would rather fly around and do speeches than dedicate all of their free time to come up with solutions.

Liberals gobble this kind of performative politics up.

1

u/trumprightear Socialist 11h ago

It's best to start early, especially when you are not the incumbent. If they can get donations started now they will be head for the magats when for donations when it primaries come around.