Activists within the Democratic party have shown energy, staging demonstrations such as “no kings” to “workers over billionaires.” Moreover, California Governor Gavin Newsom has pushed back against the Texas redistricting scheme and President Donald Trump’s attempt to take over American municipalities.

Also, Democrats won a special election in Iowa for the state senate. You could say they have enjoyed a good summer.

As Lee Corso says, “Not so fast, my friend.” Despite the activist energy and successes, the Democratic National Committee has managed to impede any sense of joy. Led by the dull Ken Martin, they seem to want to halt this energy. They dismissed Vice-Chairman David Hogg for advocating actions that have energized the base in recent months. Moreover, he nullified the nomination of a mayoral candidate. Additionally, he has been silent on Zohran Mamdani’s nomination for mayor in New York.

Simply put, it isn’t easy to ascertain whose side Mr. Martin is on. On the surface, he seems to want to resurrect the Democratic Leadership Council, which pushed for Bill Clinton’s nomination in 1992.

Clinton, if one remembers, criticized Jesse Jackson to prove his bona fides to Southern Conservatives. He also managed, in 1996, to side with Newt Gingrich in ending the Family Assistance programs. Proud record brought forth by Dick Morris, a Republican who loved Clinton’s fidelity toward the very rich.

At least Stephen Bannon condemns selected RINOs for being part of the “uniparty.” No such luck with DINOs, who talk a good game but serve the interests of the “donor class” that Martin protects. As Governor Newsom states, the days of lying in the weeds and selling out the party are over. With Martin as well as the DLC, the days of collaboration are over. The era of consulting is over, and listening to the base is here.

Trump’s threats are not idle, although Martin adheres to a model that suggests when in doubt, mumble, while the rank and file are loud and purposeful.

Martin reflects the philosophy that there is nothing money cannot cure, a notion that recent trends support. But the Democratic Party is in an existential situation, being confronted by a President who calls for its destruction. Not since 1860 has the unity of the Republic been so challenged. Neither side is likely to compromise.

You sure cannot constrain it with bromides and happy talk; the situation is grim and serious. Martin is in no way up to that task. He is like the old Whigs of the cotton era who had no answer for the events that sparked the Civil War in 1861. The time for vigorously addressing these problems is long overdue. Purposeful resistance, not a return to mealy-mouthed talking points, is required by Democrats.