New Slate of DNC Officers: Ken Martin as Chair; Artie Blanco, Malcolm Kenyatta, and David Hogg as Vice Chairs,

[lapucelle]

and Reyna Walters-Morgan as Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation.

DNC Members Elect New Slate of DNC Officers

On Saturday, February 1, DNC members voted to elect a new slate of DNC Officers including positions for Chair, Vice Chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Participation, three Vice Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, and National Finance Chair.

The new elected DNC Officers include:

Chair: Ken Martin
Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation (CEVP): Reyna Walters-Morgan
Vice Chair (three positions): Artie Blanco, Malcolm Kenyatta, and David Hogg
Secretary: Jason Rae
Treasurer: Virginia McGregor
National Finance Chair: Chris Korge

https://democrats.org/news/dnc-members-elect-new-slate-of-dnc-officers/

[Think. Again.]

1. Are any of these new officers...

...holdovers of the pro-right "third way" fiasco?

[lapucelle]

2. You're asking if any of the brand new DNC officers is a pro-right wing holdover?

[Think. Again.]

3. Correct.

A while ago, some Dems tried (and succeeded) to push the Democratic Party to the right under a "third way" scheme.

Moving the Democratic Party toward the right by claiming a "centrist" position resulted in, well, moving the party to the right, and weakening our Left position, and here we are now.

[lapucelle]

12. Yeah, that never happened,

and locally we flipped two Republican congressional seats blue in 2024. My advice to everyone is to work as hard we did in NY-03 and NY-04 to elect Democrats.

[Think. Again.]

13. Perhaps you didn't notice the centrist Democrat movement.

[lapucelle]

15. What are you talking about?

The argument that anyone who is not far left is by default right wing is patently ridiculous. It's like arguing that
Las Vegas is a city in the eastern US because it's east of LA.

Which of the officers of the DNC do you suspect of being pro-right holdovers?

[Think. Again.]

16. You're being silly...

Obviously, moving the party from the Left to the center is a rightward movement.

[lapucelle]

21. You asked if any "pro-right" officers were elected.

Who do you suspect might be a pro-right holdover?

[Think. Again.]

22. Correct, I asked if any of the Dems ...

...who tried and succeeded to move the Dem Party toward the right were in the new group.

[lapucelle]

25. No. You asked if any members were holdovers from an apocryphal "pro-right Third Way fiasco".

[Think. Again.]

27. Correct...

...Dems who were "holdovers of pro-right third way fiasco" would also be those "who tried and succeeded to move the Dem Party toward the right".

[lapucelle]

28. Why don't you check back in once you've identified the "pro-right" DNC officers

who you are concerned about.

In the meantime, sea below.

[Think. Again.]

30. That's why I posed the question that asked if any of them were....

...to see if they could be identified as such.

[lapucelle]

33. Get back to us when you're done researching your question. N/T

[Think. Again.]

34. It was I who raised the question, I'm hoping someone will get back to ME with an answer.

[JohnSJ]

50. I wonder if there are any holdovers from the far left way fiasco against Democrats that have successfully given rethugs

one victory after another in the most critical elections that helped lose the SC, and helped usher in trump, not only once, but twice.

in 2000, 2016, and 2024, by either voting third party or refusing to vote for the Democratic candidate.

Do you remember David SIrota, Nina Turner, Brihana Joy Gray, Cornell West, etc. who not only refused to vote for the Democratic candidate in the general election, but encouraged others to do likewise in 2016. I can't recall what campaign they were part of again.

In 2016 it didn't take much either. In every critical swing state the Democratic nominee lost by less than 1%, while Jill Stein received 1% of the vote in those critical swing state. A similar fiasco occurred in 2000 and 2024.

It was very clear in all those elections, but especially in 2025 who was the superior person verses Harris and the sociopath.

I blame those who didn't vote as much as those who voted for the sociopath for the disaster we all will be facing.

We did NOT lose because of some imaginary hard right shift of the Democratic party. We lost for the same reason we lost in 2000, 2016, and 2024, because of the all or nothing attitude of some people, "unless I get everything I want, I am not voting"

In addition, labor split the vote between Harris and the sociopath. This is the second time they voted against their own interests. The first time was when they voted for reagan over Carter. This time it will be much worse for them with union busting musk in charge.

Latinos split the vote between Harris and the sociopath. They are already feeling the impact of the stupidity of voting for the sociopath.

The good ole joe rogan fan boys who were so concerned about high prices, and overwhelmingly voted for the sociopath, let's see how they deal with the prices under the sociopath.

The protesters who refused to vote for Harris over the sociopath, by not voting for Harris, everything they were protesting from Climate Change to the middle east, they are going to have a grand time under the sociopath.

Women who didn't come out in the numbers expected in 2025, are going to experience a living hell under the sociopath and his 2025 agenda.

and of course everyone else will suffer because of the foolishness of those who refused to vote for Harris, since the extreme right wing SC now will be in place for decades to come.

[Think. Again.]

56. Yes, those years you mention since 2000...

...were the height of the "centrist" Democrats movement, and the damage you mention from those years is why I fear any of them might have been elected to the current DNC.

That rightward shift turned off a LOT of steadily Left people.

[JohnSJ]

61. No, starting with 2000, the green party and other so-called progressives gave us two terms of bush, the beginning of the

demise of the SC, 9/11, the Iraq War based on a lie, a huge deficit and financial implosion, which helped President Obama win.

2016 with the contribution of those self-identified progressives set the path for the SC, citizens united, and the whittling down of civil rights, workers rights, etc.

It wasn't the "centrist" movement, it was the STUPIDITY of those "steadily left people", who refused to vote for the Democratic nominee.

Well they are going to eat it, along with the rest of us because of their stupidity.

Even Noam Chomsky called them out in 2016, prophetically saying not voting for the Democratic candidate was the same mistakes made in the 30's by ignoring the dangers of hitler.

https://www.rawstory.com/2016/11/noam-chomsky-progressives-who-refused-to-vote-for-hillary-clinton-made-a-bad-mistake/

Well those "turned off steadily left people" have helped seal their fate for the foreseeable future along with everyone else, and a SC that will be far right for decades to come.

The real possibility of a black swan event, like what happened in bush's second term with an economic implosion, might put the brakes on the disaster that seems inevitable.

[Think. Again.]

70. Yes, as I mentioned...

...the Democratic Party started to become less appealing to a lot of voters starting with the slow shift to the right during that period.

Hopefully the choice of younger officials such as Hogg, and the demise of the "third way" centrist pull to the right, will now allow us to appeal to the voters we need to start winning some races.

[mucholderthandirt]

75. You can blame the DNC who put up shitty canidates for all of that.

Vote blue no matter who left us with people who voted with Repubs more than against, people who ended up switching parties, and generally didn't support liberal platforms in lieu of "reaching across the aisle" nonsense. How do those nubs Obama drew back work for us, hm?

I know there are a lot of people here who adore Hillary Clinton, but be honest, now. She was the worse candidate to send up against Trump. And the DNC knew it. When your own party lectures you about not expecting ponies (i.e., the fucking things they promised us, FFS), tells you to sit down and eat your peas, why would we be glad to see any more of that?

Frankly, I've never heard of any of these people newly elected to whatever. They seem younger, somewhat diverse. We can only hope they decide to fight, to beg, borrow or steal a spine and stop exposing the party's belly to the idiocy that is the Republican party. I won't hold my breath. The people running in the mid terms better be fighters, or I'll stay home. Fuck this shit.

[Cha]

73. She's Not the one who's being "silly"

lapucele is Very Serious about Electing Dems in New York. I've seen her results in action.

[Think. Again.]

74. Moving the Party from the Left to the center is a rightward movement.

[lapucelle]

85. We flipped two red seats blue in November and are already working on the 2025 County Executive election.

Meanwhile, *other folks* are checking around to see if anyone has antifa's phone number so they can arrange a meet up to talk about starting a third party.

[Cha]

86. You're Awesome, Patriot! Mahalo So Much!

& yeah... some aren't even trying.

[Oopsie Daisy]

87. OMG, yes! I've seen it! The idea of wanting to start a third party is batshit crazy!

It's a good thing that support of third parties and third party candidates (ie: spoilers) is not allowed.

[Lovie777]

29. Looking forward ....................

nice picture.

RWers gave us the name of Antfia ............

RWers made up the asinine meaning of woke and DEI.

[betsuni]

57. When was that? What are some examples of the party moving right?

[Think. Again.]

58. I believe the "third way" movement gained momentum in the early 2000's...

A clear example of moving to the right (toward the center) would be the loud noise that is made by some in the Democratic Party against those on the Left.

That noise has obviously alienated a lot of people from the Democratic Party, and we are feeling the results of that now.

[Nixie]

69. It looks like the usual suspects are still mad that Bill Clinton

won 2 terms, Obama won 2 terms, and Bernie could not even win 2 primaries. It’s a shame we cannot learn from these facts and instead blame normal people for not being extreme.

Looks like they also miss election results — minorities and young people voted more RW this time around, so the whole war on centrists is completely ungrounded —again.

[AZProgressive]

88. Obama was the first President I could vote for since turning 18

I voted for him in 2008 and felt hope and that Obama would change things in a way that would make him the most unique President in American history. I was a strong supporter at first but he continued some of Bush's policies particularly when it came to foreign policy and civil liberties but I still voted for him again in 2012 but Obama's biggest problem was starting a negotiation giving Republicans what they already want and this was an issue with Biden during his term.

When Bernie Sanders ran I felt hope like I did with Obama but even more so because Sanders isn't full of shit like 95%+ of politicians. He didn't win, you're right I didn't get Bernie but I got Trump instead.

Here is some data when it comes to the Youth vote -- sharing for informational purposes only.

https://circle.tufts.edu/2024-election#unlike-white-rural-youth,-rural-youth-of-color-preferred-harris

[Oopsie Daisy]

10. Indeed, I see consistent pattern of seizing every opportunity to deliver disparaging remarks aimed at Democrats.

The 'Third Way' represents a centrist philosophy embraced by certain members of the Democratic Party. These individuals advocate for policies that integrate aspects of free-market capitalism alongside social welfare programs. By doing so, they strive to strike a balance between the more extreme liberal and conservative positions.

Ultimately, incremental progress proves more advantageous than stagnation. Regrettably, the all-or-nothing approach endorsed by the most obstinate and narrow-minded hardliners often leads to progressive goals achieving exactly naught. This perpetual stalemate serves no one's interests and fails to yield any benefits.

Naturally, Lapucelle, it is a common occurrence to witness individuals succumb to the short-sighted allure of self-promotion and virtue signaling, particularly when the opportunity arises to maliciously denigrate Democrats and engage in toxic and derogatory rhetoric.

The "facepalm" image you chose speaks volumes, and it echoes my feelings as well.

[Think. Again.]

17. Yes, moving the party from the Left to the center is a rightward movement.

[lapucelle]

23. Someone floated the idea this week of disaffected Democrats joining up with antifa

to form a new third party called the "Democracy Party".

[Think. Again.]

32. I believe you're referring to me asking if that was what could or should happen...

...in the face of inaction on the part of elected Democrats.

The obvious need right now is for anti-fascist action, no matter where it comes from.

[Oopsie Daisy]

36. Oh good grief. You are free to "believe" what you want. However anyone who wants to continue that discussion *

* is free to return to the original thread. I should go ahead and clearly state that I do not think it's a good idea for anyone to follow me around from thread to thread trying to rehash old conversations and disagreements. Capisce?

[Think. Again.]

39. I believe it was you that brought up my old post?

Oh, wait, you commented on a reply I made to someone else as though I had made the reply to you.

[lapucelle]

47. Can you imagine feeling so entitled as to pose a ridiculous question

and then to expect other people to research the answer?

"I came here to find the answer to an irrelevant silly question that no one but me is asking."

[Oopsie Daisy]

49. No, I cannot imagine personally having those feelings. But I've observed it in others frequently.

[Oopsie Daisy]

35. Gee. No surprises there.

It's always been a philosophy of "tear it down" and "burn it to the ground" with some naive idealistic dream of rebuilding something better from the ashes. A candyland fantasy of gumdrop trees, rainbows and unicorns will arise (or something) after the Democrats have been sufficiently "punished" and see the "error of our ways". And of course, they never stop to realize that during this time, the GOP and Russia are free to enact whatever horrors they want. Honestly, it's just pure insanity for anyone to try and undermine and denigrate the Democratic party in these ways.

[Think. Again.]

77. I disagree.

[Think. Again.]

79. There's a reason Gore never tried to run again.

[TnDem]

4. Hogg

David Hogg's "message" to the DNC's strategy will win us exactly zero states, especially battleground states.

[Think. Again.]

6. I thought we were recently complaining that we lost battleground states with our old strategy?

[TnDem]

42. Hogg

David Hogg is viewed by most in the US that knows who he is, as a Greta Thunberg with five-o'clock shadow.

He is abrasive, unlikeable and he seems to think his anti-gun strategy is going to win swing states...It won't.

[Think. Again.]

43. I believe the hope is that he brings some fight to the Democratic party.

I doubt any vice chair of the national commitee ever directly brings in voters.

[TnDem]

51. re: voters

Well maybe they should be looking at bringing in voters instead of holding cocktail parties and rearranging deck chairs?

[intheflow]

44. This is not true at all.

He is not at all abrasive, and his anti gun views are from firsthand experience of a school massacre. He is an excellent choice for youth leadership, and honestly, trashing him always sounds ageist to me, implicitly suggesting his youth and optimism will be detrimental to us.

I had a DUer ask me not long ago how anyone in the red states that might lean Dem could relate to him. I responded that by that logic, I, a cis white 61 year old woman, have nothing in common with Jeffries, a 40-something Black southerner who posts shit like “God is on the throne,” but I assume we hold many of the same Democratic, pro-democracy views about what the government is for. As a Democrat and a rational being, I don’t expect leaders to be all things for all people. They are people and so some will like them and some won’t, but bashing someone who works to keep Americans safe with sane gun laws, who is well-educated and articulate, who has an impressive track record of coalition building for someone so young just isn’t a good look.

[Think. Again.]

54. Well said.

[TnDem]

55. re: Hogg

Except that Hogg is abrasive and arrogant with no means to back it up...It's not ageism whatsoever...He acts like Beto O'Rourke with a bigger scowl and less attractive agenda.

Appointing someone like him to the DNC at this time who is basically a one-issue cuckoo clock, is not what this country needs now. The gun control issue isn't even remotely part of the rapid fire Trump agenda that is overwhelming the entire structure.

[Think. Again.]

59. I suspect he was chosen for his work in founding the "Leaders We Deserve" PAC...

About Leaders We Deserve:

"Founded by David Hogg and Kevin Lata, Leaders We Deserve is a grassroots organization dedicated to electing young progressives to Congress and State Legislatures across the country to help defeat the far-right agenda and advance a progressive vision for the future." -from their website at https://leaderswedeserve.com/

[Self Esteem]

81. Didn't he say good riddance when Peltola lost her seat in Alaska?

Imagine thinking it's not abrasive to have a DNC Vice Chair openly celebrate a Democrat losing to a Republican in a swing district as an incumbent.

[intheflow]

82. She was a moderate who didn't support gun reform.

Good riddance wasn't the most diplomatic thing to say, but FFS, can Democrats stop being the moderate, milquetoast party? I think that's what he meant. Being moderate is not an option at this current juncture. The moderates have brought us the weakened party we have today, trying to work with Republicans, which helped bring about where we are today. So while I'm not crazy about how he said, I embrace his rejection of moderates in the party that want us to move to the center. Things fall apart. The center does not hold. Moving center is moving rightward.

[Self Esteem]

84. She represents Alaska lmao

But good news: she's out so you don't have to worry about her being too moderate anymore. I'm sure the person who replaced her is much more progressive, right? 😎

[Oopsie Daisy]

48. Excellent analogy.

>> Greta Thunberg with five-o'clock shadow.
Perfect! (And very amusing, too!)

[Oopsie Daisy]

11. You are correct. His selection was a mistake.

He needs a strong handler who has a short leash. I fear that his potty mouth and his contempt for Democrats will cause more harm than good. I've observed that he finds it impossible to strike the right balance and will end up alienating more voters, donors, volunteers than he attracts. He's abrasive and lacks the demeanor that's needed for this role.

[Alliepoo]

14. I don't know.

I think he might be a breath of fresh air and will appeal to younger voters. I don’t know if you are around young people or not but it seems to me in seeing the YouTube channels, podcasts, shows etc that young people watch that a measure of abrasiveness is something they like. They also don’t tolerate and will call out what they perceive as BS. Mr Hogg being a vice chair can be learning while he’s gaining experience but I think he will be a valuable liaison between older and younger voters.

[Oopsie Daisy]

37. Where's the balance? Does anyone want to "attract" a dozen voter at the expense of alienating hundreds?

[lapucelle]

20. In the end, David Hogg got the fewest votes of any vice chair who was elected yesterday.

Artie Blanco won the first ballot in a crowded field.

After several vice chair candidates dropped out (including the 80 year old James Zogby), Malcolm Kenyatta was elected with 298 votes and David Hogg was elected with 214.5 votes.

On a side note, Faiz "The Democratic Party is suffering from a lack of integrity" Fakir only got two votes in his bid to be Chair of the DNC.

[Oopsie Daisy]

38. Silver linings, I guess.

[Cha]

72. Appreciate he only got 2 votes. TY.

All he had were insults.

[madville]

26. I kind of agree

He used to come across very abrasive and arrogant, his Twitter/X account has been more subdued lately though, obviously looking to portray some maturity and make a career out of this.

[intheflow]

45. Oh, Lordy! Not a potty mouth!

Wait, let me get you some fucking smelling salts.

[Oopsie Daisy]

46. Some of us have higher standards and higher expectations in that regard. Others don't, obviously.

The language used by our elected representatives and party leaders should reflect the dignity and professionalism that their positions demand. While I understand that emotions can run high in political discourse, resorting to swear words or vulgar language can detract from the substantive issues at hand and can hinder constructive dialogue or cooperation.

Also, when our leaders choose to communicate using profanity or vulgarity, it can alienate certain segments of the population (as well as potential allies or partners). It also detracts from the credibility and respect that their positions inherently carry.

As representatives of the people, they should strive to communicate in a manner that is inclusive, respectful, and conducive to productive debate. They should raise standards, not lower them. Leave the f-bombs and other vulgarities to the folks on political discussion forums and social media.

[intheflow]

60. Oh, you have higher standards than... me?

Do you have any idea how privileged, how egotistical that sounds? Are you aware of the racist and classist basis of “professional standards” and policing and limiting discussion based on vocabulary? “Keep a civil tongue in your head” has been used to censor and silence people with legitimate concerns, mostly women, children, POC, poor folks, immigrants, and lgbtq+. This comes off sounding more concerned with language than with the fact that he will bring a badly needed youthful perspective to the otherwise aging Democratic leadership.

[Oopsie Daisy]

62. I think that our elected representatives should uphold high standards of decorum *

* and professionalism. It serves no good purpose to LOWER those standards.

>> Oh, you have higher standards than... me? Do you have any idea how privileged, how egotistical that sounds?
I looked carefully at my previous post (the one you're responding to) and I cannot see anything that comes close to that. I never said anything about you, I spoke only of my standards and acknowledged that others do not share my standards. There were no insults... I'm just stating a fact that there are, indeed, others who do not share my standards.

>> “Keep a civil tongue in your head” has been used to censor and silence people with legitimate concerns, mostly women, children, POC, poor folks, immigrants, and lgbtq+.
Oh good grief! Obviously I never said such a thing. It's been my experience that whenever someone tries to quote words I never wrote (or even when trying to draw preposterous parallels with ridiculous comparisons like that) it's a clear sign of grasping at straws. It reveals the weakness of their arguments and overall position.

But, just for fun... let's take this a step further. I'll go way out on a limb and state that I'm also in favor of proper business attire and bathing. (Or does that make me sound snooty because it looks like I'm supporting big-fashion and the big-soap industry.) You know, I can almost hear the wails of complaints at how unfair I'm being to nudists, and how having a dress code "censors and silences" them and suppresses their participation. --- I mean, as long as we're exploring absurdities, let's go all the way, eh?

>> This comes off sounding more concerned with language than with the fact that he will bring a badly needed youthful perspective to the otherwise aging Democratic leadership.
No it doesn't. It's possible to have both at the same time without lowering standards or expectations.

I think it's a mistake to use one's desire for a "youthful perspective" as an excuse for permitting vulgar language and f-bombs in what is otherwise a professional and deliberative setting. Something like that could be interpreted as making a (flawed) argument that we should encourage vulgarity because... why? Because that's what people expect as the default setting for the "youthful perspective" voices? --- I'm sure you didn't mean it that way, but I'm also sure you can see how it can easily be interpreted that way.

What I'm hearing is a mistaken and flawed argument that it must be one-or-the-other. It's a mistake for anyone to think that in order to have a "youthful perspective" we must (supposedly) lower the standards for what passes as civilized and businesslike and professional discussion.

Haven't the standards been lowered enough already? Leave the abrasive, insulting, sexual and vulgar language in the chat rooms, discussion forums and social media. We should expect and demand more from our leaders, and it's a mistake to do otherwise.

[intheflow]

66. Well, my offer to get you smelling salts stands. n/t

[Oopsie Daisy]

71. Of course it does.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

68. If you don't like potty mouths and contempt, wait until you meet Ken Martin!

[Sanity Claws]

5. David Hogg is the only name I recognize

Kudos for bringing in a younger person.

[Think. Again.]

7. I agree.

[lapucelle]

8. David Hogg is 24 and Malcolm Kenyatta is 34.

[Think. Again.]

18. Excellent!

[lapucelle]

9. 80 year old James Zogby noted that he got more applause for dropping out

of the vice chair race than he got when he announced that he was running.

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

[Think. Again.]

19. A good sign.

[rlexx]

24. Not Sure Hogg Has the Appeal to the Average Gen Z'er

…That is hoped for. Will he influence the average independent middle of the road youth vote?

[Renew Deal]

31. His appeal may be on influencing the direction of the party

[Wiz Imp]

40. People won't be voting for him.

Can anyone name a former Vice Chair of the DNC or RNC? Their job is to put in polices, procedures & processes to grow the party. Not to be personally appealing to voters.

[vanessa_ca]

65. As a Gen Z, I welcome him

Most people in this old guard, DU bubble seem more interested in relying on platitudes and fantasies than dealing with the real reasons the party has been hemorrhaging support. Frankly, I despair at times when reading comments here. Will Hogg's appointment influence the average independent middle of the road youth vote? I sure hope so, but I don't know, especially since he's only Vice Chair and will probably be kept in check by plenty of the Old Guard that won't or can't come to grips with the real problems. "Yes, we Ken". Seriously? Barf. It's going to take more than platitudes from the Old Guard to win my generation back.

“This election was much more an indictment, frankly, of our party than it was of our country,” Hogg says.

In his view, there is not one reason why so many young people defected from the Democratic Party — there are many. Members of Gen Z “do not have the privilege of being single-issue voters,” Hogg says. “We had to grow up worrying about dying in a school shooting today, or dying of climate change tomorrow, and then being crushed by student debt and the housing crisis in between… and I think on the issue of Gaza in particular, it was emblematic of the fact that people felt like we were not listening to them — that we didn’t care.”

-snip-

For months leading up to the election, Hogg says he was raising alarms about young voters opting away from the Democrats. “I was trying to say, like, ‘Hey, guys, this is a problem.’ And this was repeatedly written off by different sycophants and consultants throughout the party that told me that it wasn’t a problem. It sucks, because here we are, and we’re seeing the disastrous effects of that — and the disaster effects of our party surrounding itself with people who only tell it what it wants to hear.”

-snip-

In poll after poll, people were saying Joe Biden is too old, the cost of living is too high, the war in Gaza needs to end, but the party was not responding to those signals — any of them. “Rents skyrocketed for the past four years, and our party has done such a good job of making our consultants so fabulously wealthy that they’ve become detached from that reality. If you own a house and you have a fixed-rate mortgage, your cost of living, in terms of how much it costs for you to have your home, it’s actually going down over time,” he says.

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/david-hogg-democrats-dnc-1235251469/

[NoMoreRepugs]

52. Bring in nothing but ass kickers and fighters - baking fucking cookies for decades has gotten us to this point.

[Nanjeanne]

53. Very happy with the 3 Vice Chairs. Hope they have some real input accepted. Also hoping

Reyna Walter’s Morgan can really implement far reaching engagement.

[JustAnotherGen]

64. You just joined today?

Long time reader or returnee?

[JohnSJ]

67. or worse.

[librechik]

83. HOGG! NT