Democrats need to learn that. The last several years have seen the national party really emphasize the need to fight white supremacy (which lurks in nearly every system and institution) and to dismantle the patriarchy (ditto).

We can do that within reason. "You cannot legislate morality," is a truism. Passing a law won't change anyone's morality. We can blunt the effects of racism, but we aren't going to be able to eliminate it. Xenophobia isn't necessarily racism, but it can be. So we have to be able to adjust and move around so that no one remedy for racism becomes a wedge issue creating resentments (justified or not) that threaten to derail what progress we have made. We're headed backwards now - is it worth it?

If the progressives want to abandon us because we're not progressive enough, tell em that attitude elected Trump - so how's that working out for them? Perhaps they should be more practical - otherwise it's all headed to the shredder. I hate seeing all the progress torn apart because... resentments?

As for being represented, I've never felt represented - even under Obama. I'm used to not getting what I want, and it doesn't bother me. (But the whole world would be 100% better if I got what I wanted, because I share.)

The last election Dems lost due to 1. perceptions on inflation, and 2. immigration.