Trump will get his SCOTUS nominee confirmed. What will the Dems do in response?

[Bradshaw3]

39. In some ways they were blindsided

That goes back to the 80s and 90s when Friedmanomics and so-called patriotism that was a reaction to the 60s and 70s were used to start dismantling some of the big changes the Democrats accomplished under FDR and LBJ, and to reward wealthy elites through defense spending and tax breaks. They used tools such as somewhat disguised racism, ALEC and the dubious underpinning of academics like Friedman to grab power. I don't think Democratic leaders were prepared for that onslaught. Of course it got supercharged with Tea Baggers and now the overt racism and naked, fascistic power grab of the current repugnant party and it. I don't think you can blame Obama for the total betrayal of American values that the repugs fought him with from the start.

Now, Democratic leaders can no longer claim to be blindsided. Yes, voting rights and many other things should have been worked on, but will they try for the systemic changes that are needed if they get the Senate and WH? They are all institutionalists and, unfortunately, many if not most of the institutions are not working now. The answer seems to be to vote, and I agree, but Democrats have been winning the cumulative vote in the overwhelming majority of national Congressional and Presidential elections for two decades and yet, here we are.