So much useful inside information in this one! Thanks Michelle. Your analysis all rings true for me. I have watched Democratic politics from the outside my whole life and had some opinions about what I saw, but you bring some support for my impressions.
I have watched Wendy Davis for a long time too. I never thought she had the kind of fire in the belly we need for change. I don't think she has good strategic judgment either. And I thought that before I got your information. Not that there is anything wrong with political performances, but these performances need to connect to a strategy which is more likely than not to result in electoral wins. Too many times I have felt the performance was really more about donations from non-Texas Democratic donors.
The Hays County (my ancestral home) information was fascinating. This looks like another "theory of the case" test like we had with Talarico and Crockett. This race is a good example of how Democrats haven't quite wrapped their heads around the fact that you can't use demographics as a short-cut to electoral victory. Democrats definitely need to activate Hispanics in Hays County because unless things have really changed, they are the majority there.
But, the thing Democrats need to go deeper on is that Hispanics have their differences with each other too. So, your conclusion about identity being necessary but not sufficient is spot on.
Well said, Cynthia! I agree with everything you wrote & have felt the same about Wendy for a long time too. I don't know Hays County as well as you two do, but I've been reading about it since '93 & my favorite college professor lived down there & used to talk & write about it a lot. We talked a lot about Texas politics on fb before he passed away a year ago. I wish he was still here to see these things being exposed.
I am really unhappy about TMP or even Talarico getting invoked in Dem runoffs. Don’t get me started on the County Clerk race in Dallas, when we have candidates in Tarrant County who need help. I have known Vikki Goodwin was running for Lt, Gov since I met her at the 2024 convention in El Paso. Oh I want this to be done.
So much useful inside information in this one! Thanks Michelle. Your analysis all rings true for me. I have watched Democratic politics from the outside my whole life and had some opinions about what I saw, but you bring some support for my impressions.
I have watched Wendy Davis for a long time too. I never thought she had the kind of fire in the belly we need for change. I don't think she has good strategic judgment either. And I thought that before I got your information. Not that there is anything wrong with political performances, but these performances need to connect to a strategy which is more likely than not to result in electoral wins. Too many times I have felt the performance was really more about donations from non-Texas Democratic donors.
The Hays County (my ancestral home) information was fascinating. This looks like another "theory of the case" test like we had with Talarico and Crockett. This race is a good example of how Democrats haven't quite wrapped their heads around the fact that you can't use demographics as a short-cut to electoral victory. Democrats definitely need to activate Hispanics in Hays County because unless things have really changed, they are the majority there.
But, the thing Democrats need to go deeper on is that Hispanics have their differences with each other too. So, your conclusion about identity being necessary but not sufficient is spot on.
Well said, Cynthia! I agree with everything you wrote & have felt the same about Wendy for a long time too. I don't know Hays County as well as you two do, but I've been reading about it since '93 & my favorite college professor lived down there & used to talk & write about it a lot. We talked a lot about Texas politics on fb before he passed away a year ago. I wish he was still here to see these things being exposed.
Omg, Michelle!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Just shared on bsky! Wowza!!!
I am really unhappy about TMP or even Talarico getting invoked in Dem runoffs. Don’t get me started on the County Clerk race in Dallas, when we have candidates in Tarrant County who need help. I have known Vikki Goodwin was running for Lt, Gov since I met her at the 2024 convention in El Paso. Oh I want this to be done.
Worst primary season ever. Would not recommend.