The End of Resistance Politics: A Cautionary Tale for Both Sides

The recent spate of primary losses among Democrats who led the resistance against Donald Trump’s presidency has been hailed as a signal that “resistance politics” are no longer relevant. But is this really the end of an era, or just a symptom of a deeper problem?

The resistance was never a monolithic movement. It encompassed a range of tactics and perspectives, from the institutional procedures of the Mueller investigation to the more grassroots efforts of progressive activists like Bernie Sanders’ supporters. Despite its diversity, however, the resistance was often caricatured as a top-down, elite-driven effort that failed to resonate with ordinary voters.

This characterization is not entirely fair. The resistance did inspire a powerful political message that helped Democrats retake the House in 2018 and ultimately defeat Trump’s reelection effort. Nevertheless, critics on both sides of the aisle were right to point out that relying too heavily on institutional procedures can be ineffective, especially when faced with an adversary as brazen as Trump.

The real issue here is what this means for the future of American democracy. As we watch the likes of Alex Vindman and Diana DeGette fall by the wayside in primaries, it’s clear that something has shifted – not just within the Democratic Party but also in the broader landscape of American politics.

The Trump era has been marked by a profound erosion of democratic norms and institutions. The president’s actions have been characterized by corruption, abuse of power, and a willingness to undermine the rule of law. And yet, despite this, his fealty among Republicans remains unwavering. The absence of effective checks on Trump’s power – or even any real attempt to rein him in – has created a toxic environment that is now taking its toll on both sides of the aisle.

Resistance politics were never about substituting legal tactics for electoral victories; they were about using every tool available to restrain an out-of-control presidency. These efforts did help shape the Democratic Party’s message and inspire a more progressive agenda, despite their limitations.

As we move forward, it’s essential to remember that the resistance was not just about Trump – it was about preserving the integrity of American democracy itself. The lessons of this era should be clear: without effective checks on power, without a commitment to democratic norms and institutions, and without a willingness to take bold action in defense of these values, we risk losing everything.

The “end” of resistance politics may signal a new era of conformity and complacency, where partisans prioritize loyalty over principle and compromise is seen as a dirty word. But it’s also possible that this moment represents an opportunity for a more fundamental reckoning – one that recognizes the deep-seated flaws in our system and seeks to create a more just and democratic society.

The choice is ours. Will we learn from the mistakes of the past, or will we succumb to the same forces that have destroyed so many other democracies around the world? The answer lies not in some abstract notion of “resistance politics,” but in the simple, hard work of building a more just and equitable society – one where power is distributed fairly, institutions are accountable, and the voices of all citizens are heard.