Both parties stand at a crossroads
- Maryland Forward
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
By Colin Pascal
“This year begins with the familiar sound of politicians belittling each other and seeking attention by any means. President Donald Trump has admitted that he hates his opponents and Democrats continue to treat his voters as damaged people who need to be saved. The loss of a young woman in Minnesota during a confrontation with ICE agents, and the vastly different responses offered by Democrats and the administration, is a tragic reminder of our deeply divided politics. Yet even in this dangerous and dysfunctional environment, hopeful signs remain.
Erika Kirk’s endorsement of Vice President JD Vance for president in 2028 and the early jockeying by prospective Democratic candidates foreshadow the post-Trump future ahead. Democrats and Republicans will need to collaborate to stitch the country back together. That won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. Exiting this unhappy political era with our national cohesion and character intact is akin to landing a plane that’s on fire. Our elected leaders are the pilots, and all of us have a responsibility to help and support the ones who are committed to dousing the flames.
There are three storylines to watch this year for clues about what kind of country we’ll become. The first is the debate among Democrats between the center and the far left. The second is the dispute among Republicans about what it means to be conservative. The third is the continued increase in unaffiliated voters and the chance that a viable third-party will emerge.”
“… If Democrats and Republicans offer Americans more of the same, the centrist Forward Party is well-positioned to gain momentum. Forward secured an important victory last year when it won the mayor’s race in Georgetown, South Carolina. This was the first time a third-party candidate had won an election in the state since 1894. A hopeful sign. The party has ballot access in six states and is working to achieve access in at least 10 more. Maryland makes it hard for third-party candidates to appear on ballots, but the years-long effort by Republican State Del. Christopher Eric Bouchat to reform our elections is a reminder that we’re only one piece of legislation away from significant change.
At the start of 2026, it’s not clear whether the forces of positive reform or partisanship will prevail in Maryland and across the nation. Succumbing to cynicism often feels like the easiest option. There are dangers ahead, but there are also opportunities, and the first step toward creating something better is believing that something different is possible. Happily, there are signs of change.”
See here for full article:
