Progressives in Washington are facing an existential crisis like never before as they brace for the incoming Trump administration.
Not only are they at odds with their own party, with many Democrats seeking to pin the blame for their November losses on them, but some on the left are also openly fearful that an emboldened GOP will use its influence against their flank.
“What is it that we can do that’s effective when they control everything?” said Joseph Geevarghese, who runs the grassroots organizing group Our Revolution. “They’re going to use their state power against us. I think they’re going to target progressives,” he said. “It’s a very challenging moment.”
Progressives faced their first postelection rebuke last week, when Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) missed out on a key leadership post on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, a sign to many of their diminished influence. Not only did fellow Democrats reject her policies, but they preferred an older male candidate — Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), whose profile resembles that of the congressman, former Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), she ousted six years ago.
Republicans, including President-elect Trump, publicly mocked her efforts.
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