Given the enthusiasm that demonstrators displayed at the “no kings” rallies, you would think that Democratic leaders were encouraged by the turnout. But this is not the case. As usual, the party at the national level largely ignored the grassroots parties’ efforts, only giving them the usual weak pat on the back.

They should be careful; the rallies prove there is a restless tiger within the Democratic party who is eager to get out. Instead, the DNC, led by Ken Martin, seems to have as its slogan “when in doubt murmur”. Generally, the DNC blithely ignores the rank and file as well as their local committees. They seem determined to replay the National Convention with its football bonier appeals to “unity”, sort of a political version of “school spirit”. Puerile does not begin to describe the elites’ approach as opposed to the fiery spirit of those at the grassroots levels.

Martin particularly has no sympathy for change. He won because of his devotion to the “donor class,” not to those humble soldiers who bravely advance the cause on the street. Indeed, the DNC chairman has declared his hostility to those brought to politics by Bernie Sanders. He harassed and removed Vice Chairman, David Hogg, simply because of his efforts to encourage others to “primary” politically ineffective incumbents. Randi Weingarten resigned from the committee because she was ignored. No wonder Donald Trump does not fear Democrats, whom he correctly sees as hampered by their national leadership.

But Martin and his cohort should gingerly approach their most spirited wing. For one thing, it includes a younger group that does not even consider issues that do not immediately concern them. Health insurance, Social Security, and Medicare are decades away. Many work for companies that provide or are too young to worry. Martin seems to believe that the affluent wing of the party is enough to win, provided that they don’t defect. Young voters worry more about the environment, childcare, and democracy, abortion rights, not to mention LGBTQ issues, and less about the remnants of the New Deal and the Great Society.

Despite the clumsy machinations of the national party, activists will have their say. But Democrats must be warned, like the Whigs, they are blind to the signs of the times. A John Brown type might emerge to push back against the newest incarnation of the “slave power conspiracy,” which signals a rising tide of discontent. As recent events have proven, James Carville’s formula in 1992 of “it’s the economy, stupid” is inadequate.

They can learn much from MAGA, which displaced the Republican elites who ignored the GOP’s rank and file. The “RINOS” were replaced by one that said what it meant and meant what it said. Democrats should join the battle in the spirit of Ronald Reagan. Addressing the Conservative Political Action Committee in 1975, he asked, “Is it a third party, or is it a new and revitalized second party raising a banner of no pale pastels but bold colors which make it unmistakably clear where we stand? Good Advice, the Democratic grassroots understand even if the national committee does not.