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Yes, we exist in a deeply polarized political climate. But unity, not conformity, among Democrats is more important than ever.
As we all know, the Democratic Party is a coalition of diverse ideologies, backgrounds and priorities. However, we must learn to overcome internal divisions to effectively challenge the Republican authoritarian, anti-voter, Handmaid’s Tale, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-immigrant, anti-Black and anti-woman agenda. We must stand together to protect civil rights earned and deliver progressive policies that reflect the will of the American people. Without cooperation and cohesion, the party risks disappointing our base and risks low
voter engagement in 2026 and beyond.
I know some of my fellow Democrats just rolled their eyes at that statement, because they have a problem with this person or that person in the party, this process or that process, or the results of our reorganization election. But if we continue to focus on the issues that cause internal division, we will find ourselves having to conform with the authoritarian, white, nationalist culture the Republicans are offering up.
One thing as Democrats we can count on is that Republicans, no matter how awful a policy or presidential appointment is, will fall in line even to the detriment of their own constituents. We need not look any further than the lifetime Senate confirmation of Emil Bove as a federal appeals court judge.
Bove has three whistleblower allegations against him. One whistleblower, former Justice Department lawyer Erez Reuveni, alleged Bove suggested that the Trump administration might need to ignore court orders related to immigration policies and potentially deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Reuveni publicly accused Bove of stating that Justice Department attorneys might have to “tell judges ‘f— you’ and ignore court orders” to achieve Trump’s immigration goals.
A second whistleblower supported Reuveni’s claims and provided internal Justice Department documents to the inspector general to corroborate the allegations that Bove was actively undermining the rule of law. This second whistleblower’s identity remains undisclosed.
A third whistleblower alleged that Bove misled senators during his confirmation hearing about his role in dismissing a federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The complaint suggested a quid pro quo between Bove and Adams, where the case was dropped after Adams agreed to cooperate with Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. Bove and Justice Department officials denied these claims.
While Republicans claim to be the law-and-order party, Sens. Todd Young and Jim Banks of Indiana voted to confirm Bove, who obviously isn’t interested in following our laws. His willingness to ignore judicial norms puts all of us at risk of having our civil liberties violated at any time.
This is not to say we shouldn’t hold all our elected officials accountable for abhorrent behavior. But take some of that energy used to criticize those Democrats who are doing the work of the people and go after Republicans who wish to dismantle the systems that allow us to live, move and speak freely in this nation.
While passionate debate is a natural part of any political movement, the focus must remain on shared goals and the collective good. For the Democratic Party to achieve success in the 2026 elections, we must consciously and consistently prioritize unity over internal discord. The political environment demands a cohesive front to effectively communicate our vision for the future of our country, forcefully stand up against Republican attacks on our civil rights and inspire voter engagement. If all we do is fight each other, then we all lose.•
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Black is former deputy chairwoman for engagement for the Indiana Democratic Party
and a former candidate for the Indiana House. Send comments to [email protected].
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As we have lived through and continue to in places like California, Illinois, New York, socialist, left wing totalitarianism is alive and well. It’s also on the opposite side of constructive, safety and prosperity. It serves only one idiom, its political power structure, lacking true compassion and common sense. It ‘thrives’ in a pretend ideology, not day to day living. 21,000,000 people just showing up and being paid, coddled, housed and welcomed from 2020-2024 is likely the biggest act of Executive treason in our history. ‘Compassionate’ for those entering, endangering those already here.