I love Al but,,,,,,

[VOX]

59. Republicans play dirty and for keeps. Democrats HAVE to push back.

Republicans control all three branches of the federal government; they now also control both legislative chambers in 32 states, where their absurd gerrymandering merely ensures their permanence; they have a 24-7 “news” network; they’ve got BIG money on their side — like the billionaire Mercers who shell out for Steve Bannon and Breitbart. They even have the Machiavellian support of a hostile foreign power, whose underhanded, large-scale efforts turned Democrats and progressives against one another, and very likely changed the course of history by tipping the 2016 election.

It’s clear that Democrats have their backs pressed to the wall. Despite some recent (and welcome) victories, there remains a significant numerical disadvantage for Democrats in just about every arena.

The only way forward is to FIGHT. It doesn’t come naturally to those on the left, who remain rational, and who are geared to negotiate and compromise. It’s a noble effort, but Republicans obviously aren’t interested in decent, positive change. They want all or nothing, no regulations, and they merely shout down or walk away from anything resembling the “greater good.” They are masters at dirty politics, and with some input from their ex-KGB Russian allies, they can raise the noise level over any developing narrative.

“When they go low, we go high” is an extraordinary sentiment, but it won’t win elections— not with today’s Republicans. They’ve completely dropped their previous long-standing self-representation as the party of fiscal responsibility and “family values.” Their collusion with Russia to sway an election is altogether unprecedented, and there are no signs of this hybrid and totalitarian-enabling relationship breaking up.

All of which underscores, again, why this entire undertaking is a 15-round fight. Democrats have to slug it out, keep the pressure on, not lose heart, remain steadfast and keep plugging.

Centrists, Yellow Dogs, liberals and progressives must stand together in a common battle for survival, not only for party and ideals, but for the country itself. The U.S. is badly wounded and in a desperate spot. The stakes could not be higher.